Play as Practice, Exhibit at Cove Gallery

‘Play as Practice’ is a five-artist exhibition which explores the relationship between formal work and studio play. The show brings together works by Pratt, Marino, Isabel Bacon, Margaret Sweet, and Julia Von Metzsch, five painters whose studio practices each walk the line between abstraction and representation.

Sketches, collages, and experimental work are shown alongside finished pieces to open a conversation about how these parallel processes inform one another. Collectively, the artists bring significant exhibition histories, gallery representation, museum shows, and work held in private and corporate collections nationwide.

‘Play as Practice’ will be on view at Cove Gallery in Gloucester from May 21 through June 21, 2026. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday, 12-7pm and Sunday-Monday, 12-5pm.

An opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 21 from 5-7pm.