Good Tern Co-op hosts gallery reception for acclaimed local artist Jody Solow

ROCKLAND — The Good Tern Co-op has announced a special gallery reception showcasing the evocative works of local artist Jody Solow. The event will take place on Sunday, July 7 from 2-4 p.m. at Hole in the Wall Bagel, 754 Main Street in Rockland. Attendees will enjoy light refreshments as well as the chance to purchase Solow’s original pieces. This event is free and open to the public. The show will remain open for viewing from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily at Hole in the Wall through the month of September.

The reception offers an intimate opportunity to meet Solow and experience her journey from marine biologist to celebrated painter — a journey as unusual as her compelling pieces. Educated in marine biology and environmental history, Solow took an unexpected turn when a brain virus, followed by a brain tumor, left her unable to use words at the time. While struggling to write her doctoral dissertation, a neurologist suggested she rest her brain and “play with colors.” This pivotal moment led Solow to discover painting as a new form of expression.

“Lines, shapes, and especially colors replaced words and sentences, allowing me to once again express myself,” Solow explains. Her vibrant artwork draws from memories of studying whales and dolphins underwater and her work in tropical forests and the Sahara Desert. Sea blues, forest greens, and warm desert hues dominate her palette, reflecting her deep connection with nature.

Solow’s work captures the rainbow of light that fractures the world into constantly changing tones and shapes. Her art provides a healing space, freeing her from the constraints of verbal thought and allowing her to “speak in words of color.”

The Good Tern Co-op is a community-focused, member-owned cooperative committed to providing wholesome, organic, and locally sourced foods and products. The Co-op supports local artists and craftspeople, offering a platform for their work to be appreciated by the wider community. Jody Solow’s exhibition is part of the Co-op’s ongoing effort to foster local talent and enrich the cultural landscape of Rockland.

“We are honored to host Jody Solow and to share her inspiring art with our community,” said Fern Axelson, gallery coordinator at The Good Tern Co-op. “Her story and her art resonate deeply with our values of resilience, creativity, and a profound connection to the natural world.”

For more information about the reception or to learn more about The Good Tern Co-op, please visit www.goodtern.coop . Solow’s works can be seen at www.jodysolowart.com .