Unless you're in an area served by the Chelsea District Library (CDL), you might not be aware that the institution's quarterly newsletter features cover art by local creators, from students to professionals.

Lori Coryell, the library's director, wrote about CDL's support for local artists in the spring 2025 newsletter. She said one of the reasons she applied for the job 10 years ago was because she was "so taken with and impressed by this community’s embrace of the arts. To work in a place where creativity is valued, celebrated, and encouraged is a dream come true! I am so pleased to be at the helm of an organization that shares these values and encourages, collects, and showcases artistic expression in our community."

You can see some of the artists' work on the CDL website, but thumbnails and PDFs aren't the best way to appreciate these paintings, photos, wood carvings, yarn creations, and more.

A new exhibit at Chelsea's Gallery 100 at Silver Maples will give art lovers a chance to see some of these CDL newsletter creations in person, along with extra works by the creators.

Beyond the Cover: Celebrating Local Art features up to five pieces from each artist, along with their framed newsletter covers. The mediums span sketches, metal sculpture, fiber arts, jewelry, oil pastels, and more. The artists include Janet Alford, Lindsey Dahl, Sue Craig, John Pappas, Kyle Burnett, Laura Scriven, Eli Zemper, Stephen Kolokithas, Angie Wellbaum, Jerry Chatfield, and Spike Hains.

Gallery 100 is a unique exhibition space located inside the Silver Maples of Chelsea retirement home. In November 2025, we spoke with Winn Nichols, the retirement community's director of life enrichment, about the Gallery 100's excellent exhibitions.

Beyond the Cover: Celebrating Local Art is at Gallery 100, 100 Silver Maples Drive, Chelsea, through February 27. Gallery hours are Monday–Friday 10 am–5 pm and Saturday–Sunday 10 am–3 pm. There's an opening reception on Thursday, January 15, from 6:30-8 pm. The gallery and reception are free, and art will be available to purchase.