Walking into the Deerfield Teachers’ Center one could get lost in the sea of Tom Mershon’s work, reflecting 70 years of life with 70 works from throughout his life in “70 @ 70: It’s all About Me.”
There are, however, more than 70 pieces on exhibition, as Mershon has displayed lithographs, paintings, photography and more.
“But who’s counting?” Mershon said with a smile. “I’ve gotten into so many things … if I can do something in a medium, I do it.”
Through October, including during the Old Deerfield Fall Arts and Crafts Festival on Sept. 17 and 18, folks are invited to stop into the Deerfield Teachers’ Center, 10 Memorial St., from noon to 5 p.m. to view Mershon’s collection, which stems all the way from some of his high school work to his most recent productions. Admission is free and people are encouraged to sign the guest book.
The current museum manager — and self-described “director of happiness” — of the Pocumtuk Valley Memorial Association (PVMA), Mershon has turned the Deerfield Teachers’ Center into his personal gallery as he explores his lifetime of arts.
“It was interesting opening portfolios and reacquainting with old friends,” Mershon said. “I haven’t had a show in a long time.”
A painting major at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where he graduated in 1985, Mershon said his creative juices have flowed throughout his life, and joked they may have even started before then.
“When (my mom) was pregnant with me, she was taking art classes,” he said. “Inspiring me as a soon-to-be child to be creative.”
Since graduating from MassArt, Mershon has spent time working in various institutions across the state, including shows at Artspace Community Arts Center in Greenfield. Now, as the gardener for the Old Deerfield Post Office and as museum manager, Mershon takes inspirations from his travels, particularly trips to the beach, and brings them all together in his work. The affinity for the ocean is clear, with a variety of beach and boat themes presented across a wide range of mediums.
“I take things from all over,” Mershon said, adding that those beach vacations are a time to “unwind and be creative.”
Getting back into showing his work, Mershon said, has been a “great” experience and he is hopeful he is able to do it again in the future. He added people should check out the space when they visit PVMA because it is “something new in Old Deerfield.”
“I have to go back and do more,” Mershon said. “Maybe 100 @ 100.”
Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.