By Cara Smith

What do Hull and Cohasset have in common? Within the local arts scene, natural beauty and friendship. In southern Hull and northern Cohasset, a cluster of artists and artisans has found community and inspiration in the shared coastal landscape around them.

Since Rita Walsh moved to Hull, she's been “astounded to see nature and all four seasons go around with the ocean, seagulls, the waves, the sunsets and sunrises.” From her studio overlooking the Weir River, she makes striking collages, filled with shells, sea glass, and other beach treasures.

Walsh began making the collages during the snowy winter of 2015, when she found herself snowed in with little to do. She opened a closet, discovered a box of scavenged beach finds and began arranging them for fun. A friend soon encouraged her to join Hull Artists and share her work. More than 10 years later, she has made lasting friendships, shared studios, and exhibited her collages throughout the area.

Karym Murphy, a photographer, lives in Cohasset on Straits Pond. She frequently photographs the changing skies, light, and reflections on water. She also takes pictures of wildlife, particularly birds and swans, around the pond. Murphy views the creation of each photograph as a journey. “I like to be flexible and see where the lens leads me. I capture what my eye is drawn to and take it from there,” she said.

Murphy took up photography about eight years ago and joined Hull Artists. “The community here was very welcoming and helpful,” she said.

Among the most welcoming of area artists is Nanci Jaye. She has been active in the area for decades from her studio in the Rockaway neighborhood of Hull.

Jaye creates colorful glass mosaics on tables, mirrors, windows and wall art. “I love meeting new people and answering questions about the mosaic process,” she said. Living close to the ocean and Nantasket Beach has shaped her art. She loves to make pieces “influenced by my love of this beautiful place where I grew up,” she said.

Meanwhile, many of Peter Mallen’s paintings focus on the rocky coastline or sparkling light reflecting on water and waves. This is no surprise for an artist whose studio overlooks Little Harbor in Cohasset. “The natural beauty surrounds and inspires me,” Mallen said. A professional scientific illustrator, Mallen also appreciates the local arts community. When he joined Hull Artists several years ago, he quickly made friends and found opportunities to show his art locally.

For these artists, and many more, inspiration and friendship easily crosses town lines. Each will welcome visitors on August 29-30 during the Hull Artists Open Studios tour.

Jaye counts the event as a highlight of every summer. “I have been participating in Open Studios since its inception. I love welcoming people into my studio,” she said.

Hull Artists Open Studios welcomes visitors on August 29-30. Full schedule and map are available at hullartists.com/openstudios.

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