May 2009: “The Artwork of Francis and Shirley Hersey”

An exhibition of water color, acrylic paintings and original prints by Falmouth residents Francis and Shirley Hersey was on display at the Maser Gallery at FCTV Community Television, 310 Dillingham Avenue, from May 3-28. RECEPTION: Sunday, May 3 to 5 p.m.

“The Artwork of Francis and Shirley Hersey,” incorporates both new and old works. Inspired by nature, Mr. Hersey’s print subjects include birds, fish, and butterflies, whereas beaches landscapes are predominant in his watercolor renderings. Ms. Hersey’s subject matter, in both acrylic or watercolor, includes trees, barns, flowers and beachscapes. Art and medicine are their common threads.

Though both retired from their respective professions, psychotherapy and nursing, the Herseys remain active community members. They have never studied art formally. Married for 62 years, they celebrate this milestone with four children, ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Through these years, they have produced art that reflects their love of nature and their talent for drawing and painting which has been passed on to their family members. Ms. Hersey met Francis on a blind date in 1945. He was an Army medical student at the University of Louisville, KY, visiting a friend in Philadelphia, where the then Shirley Schroy was a nursing student at Jefferson Hospital.

“On that first meeting, we discovered that not only was the medical field a common interest, but also drawing and painting ran a close second,” said Ms. Hersey. After a long distance courtship, with many drawing and cartoon-decorated letters, we married in 1947,” she said. The Herseys retired to Cape Cod after having raised their children in Needham. Mr. Hersey served as president of the Needham Art Association where both were active members. Mr. Hersey, at first was a potter, until the kiln burned out, at which point he began making prints. Now he is a member of the Printmakers of Cape Cod and Bourne-Wareham Art Association. Both are members of the Falmouth Artists Guild where Ms. Hersey serves as a Board member.

Exhibit Hours:
Sunday & Monday, 2-10 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 – 10 p.m.
Friday, 10 – 6 p.m.