Echoes of the Harbor: by Joe Flaherty
The Art Center presents Echoes of the Harbor, a solo exhibition by resident artist Joe Flaherty, opening on March 10 and running through the end of April.
The harbor deeply influences Joe Flaherty’s artistic vision—the soul of every port city. A place of refuge and adventure, the harbor embodies a unique duality: a haven with guiding lighthouses, safe coves, and wharf structures, as well as a launching point for industrial and pleasure vessels. As a resident of Portsmouth, NH, Flaherty finds endless inspiration in the grit and enchantment of his surroundings.
“I make paintings that aim at being curious, mysterious, and peculiar before they aim at being representational,” says Flaherty. “I try to paint in a way that exhibits the quality of the materials, especially the paint, which I fill with textural elements like sand and marble dust and apply with unusual and sometimes crude tools.”
Flaherty’s bold use of color, texture, and composition invites viewers to engage with his paintings on multiple levels. At a distance, his works intrigue with their vibrant hues and dynamic forms. Upon closer inspection, they reveal intricate layers, inviting exploration and discovery. His approach encourages an immersive experience where textures, patterns, and underpaintings unveil hidden depths.
“I hope my paintings gladden the eye, stimulate the mind, and ultimately lift the spirit,” Flaherty explains. “By conveying different ways of looking at the world—through illumination and the interplay of concealment and revelation—I want to inspire moments of discovery and reflection.”
The Art Center invites art enthusiasts, collectors, and the general public to experience Echoes of the Harbor. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Joe Flaherty and explore his remarkable work at the artist reception on April 5 from 6-9 pm.
The Art Center, 1 Washington Street, Suite 1117, Dover, NH.