The Franklin Gallery will host an exhibit in February featuring the work of local artists Renée Hardy and Mandy McDonald. An opening reception is scheduled for Friday, February 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served, and the public is invited to attend and meet the artists.
Renée Hardy
Renée Hardy is a self-taught visual artist from the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. The surrounding lakes and mountains provide constant inspiration for her artwork. She earned a Digital Media Degree from the University of Maine in 2004 and currently works as a full-time Publishing Production Designer at Becker Professional Education, where she creates exam review courses for CPA students.
“My highly technical job leaves little room for artistic freedom,” says Hardy. “I find enjoyment connecting with people through my art.”
Renée is well-known for her commissioned pet portraits and landscapes. Her preferred mediums include oils, watercolors, gouache, and acrylics. She enjoys working in multiple mediums, as it allows her greater flexibility and creativity.
Mandy McDonald
Mandy McDonald is a self-taught watercolor artist based in Lebanon, Maine. Her artistic journey began in the winter of 2020 following the sudden onset of chronic autoimmune diseases, Lupus and Myasthenia Gravis. Unable to walk or stand for extended periods, Mandy embraced these challenges as an opportunity to fulfill her lifelong dream of learning to paint.
“Drawing inspiration from artists such as Sarah Stokes, Polina Bright, and Emma Jane Lefebvre,” says Mandy, “I specialize in watercolor, often incorporating elements of gouache and gel pen into my work. My artistic focus is on capturing the beauty and spirit of both wildlife and domestic animals. This reflects my lifelong passion for animals and my background in veterinary medicine. Through my art, I aim to connect viewers with the natural world and the animals that inspire me.”
The Franklin Gallery is located within RiverStones Custom Framing, located at 33 North Main Street, in downtown Rochester.