Sparta artist is guest curator at Van Kirk Museum

Sparta — Sparta Historical Society presents “Sussex County Views: The Art of Toni Chaplin” opening July 8.
Chaplin, a well known Sussex County artist, will be exhibiting her watercolor paintings of nature at the Van Kirk Homestead Museum as part of the ongoing community educational displays sponsored by the Sparta Historical Society. This painting exhibit will be open for viewing at the Van Kirk Homestead Museum on Sundays; July 8, 22, August 12 and 26 from 1 to 4 PM. The artist will attend each of these dates (except Aug.28 closing date) at 2 PM to give an informal talk about her paintings.
A long time Sparta resident, Chaplin began painting very young. She received her first art award during high school and had her first sale at age 14. She has become proficient in watercolor and acrylic and paints in a rich and realistic style.
“The beauty of nature and our surroundings is what mostly influences me and I express myself through painting each piece exactly as I see it," she said. "This is what is most important to me. My paintings are mostly of landscapes, seascapes, wildlife, floral, still life and architecture, including farms and houses.”
Among the paintings on display at the Van Kirk house are scenes from areas and wildlife around Sussex County including Waterloo Village, Klemm’s Farm, Heaters Pond in Ogdensburg, a Stockholm old farmhouse, Vernon’s Boardwalk Trail, and Lake Mohawk in Sparta. Various county wildlife will also be highlighted such as eagles.
A few of these paintings are from the artist’s private collection, but most will be offered for sale with a commission going to the Sparta Historical Society. In addition, matted prints of several of these paintings will also be available for purchase.
The Sparta Historical Society is located at The Van Kirk Homestead Museum at 336 Main Street (Rte. 517, use Middle School Driveway), Sparta. Our Summer Arts Exhibition, “Sussex County Views” will open on Sunday, July 8. For further details or group reservations, call 973-726-0883 or Email: spartahistoricalsocnj@gmail.com.