"In Suspension" will premier over 20 new works - many of which were created specifically for this site - by artist Janet Shapero.

For almost two decades, Janet has been applying thin layers of pigment, both directly and indirectly to open-weave backings in order to create images of varying translucencies, held afloat in a diaphanous grid.  Rete-Chrome (pronounced rět-ě-krōm - derived from rete, Latin for net; and chrome, Greek for color) is the term she coined for the process and the resulting two-dimensional artwork.  Similarly, the term Rete-Form relates to a like use of pigments applied to metal screen which is then modulated into sculptural forms.  Ranging in size from miniature to monumental, Rete-Chromes and Rete-Forms have been widely exhibited; as individual pieces and as elements in larger installations.

The Circle has become a prominent element in Janet Shapero’s recent work.  The circle - symbol of wholeness – of the psyche - of the universe -  is both simple and complex. The circles in her work call to mind both microscopic worlds and planetary systems.  At the same time one senses the sheer joy of composing for, with, and within the circle, which seems to be the perfect counterpart to the grid-like structure of the supporting screen. 

Originally from Massachusetts, multi-media artist and art educator, Janet Shapero lived in Italy, Wisconsin and Utah, each for many years, before returning to the Boston area in 2001.  With a BFA in Sculpture from RISD and an MFA in Printmaking and Sculpture from the University of Wisconsin -Madison, she was tenured as Head of the Sculpture Department at Utah State University.  Each spring from 2005 – 2018 she served as Visiting Professor in the Fine Arts Doctorate Program at the University of Barcelona.  More locally she has taught at Maine College of Art, Mass College of Art, and Wellesley College.  Her work is in many public and private collections throughout the United States and Europe.