SOMERVILLE — In July, Gallery on Main's Artist of the Month series features collage by New Jersey-based artist Jeff Hersch. His work will be on view, and available for purchase, from July 1 through 31, 2022. Meet the artist at a free opening reception on Saturday, July 2, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Jeff Hersch provides what he calls “analog collages for the modern being.” Like his thoughts, these pieces are often constructed in short, frantic spurts of energy, with bursts of self-doubt, though calm and subtle. These pieces represent Hersch’s “everyday observations and conclusions about the vast world that erratically suffocates us, with little time for a quick escape or chance to relax, as we are currently inhabiting an advanced state of infinite stimulus.” His works, says the artist, “lend themselves to your own interpretation of meaning—if any—but should also serve as inspiration and demonstrate the simple notion that you, too, can and should create something, anything, on a regular basis.” When he’s not hunched over his desk cutting and gluing clippings, Hersch finds the time to play in bands (Glazer, Civic Mimic, Postman Agitator) and volunteer as the executive director of Flemington DIY, a non-profit community arts space

The Young Fables (TYF) are the promising Modern Traditional Country™ duo comprised of SHURE Microphone endorsed vocalist Laurel Wright and Gretsch endorsed guitarist Wesley Lunsford. The team is maybe best known for having been selected by Shania Twain to appear on USA’s showcase television series Real Country. The act hails from Maryville, TN and has already collected impressive accolades including the Grand Prize at the Texaco Country Showdown which landed Laurel on the Ryman Auditorium stage at age 16. TYF first engaged and organically expanded their grassroots following while on the road supporting their first two studio albums Two in 2017 and Old Songs in 2019. They’ve appeared with such notable acts as Lauren Alaina, Rascal Flatts, Josh Turner, Sara Evans, Chris Janson, Randy Houser, Delta Rae, Liz Longley and Chris Lane. Capturing the ears of three of the industry’s most revered names, Keith Urban said they “had me immediately,” Big Machine CEO Scott Borchetta praised “a flawless vocal” and Sheryl Crow tweeted, “Just heard The Young Fables in the Nashville Airport. Laurel’s as good as any country singer out there!” The nationally syndicated Cumulus morning show The Ty Bentli Show embraced the duo featuring them regularly in the hot