Repurposing Dilapidated Trains into Colorful Art

Sing Hanson never tires of trudging into places few others would want to go. She is an artist, and with her keen eye, picks out parts of old trains that are rusting into the countryside on forgotten tracks.

Her work is bold and colorful, showing a piece of America's past that is long gone. Hanson's exhibit is at the lower level Albright Art Gallery, 32 Main Street. Hanson has a studio at the Emerson Umbrella, and lives in Bedford.

She said her exhibit, called "Sidetracks," is the work of the past decade. "These images of decommissioned railroad cars rusting and peeling away on unused tracks become metaphors for the passage of time," she wrote on an artist's statement.

Gallery owner Bonnie Albright said Hanson uses a small camera because that's all that can fit through the fences and gates that she climbs through to take her photos.

"I love how she makes photography seem like abstract painting," said Albright at the start of the artist's reception in the gallery's large new space.

"It's comprehensive, strong and colorful work," said Albright. She said Hanson's work with railroad yards is ongoing. Albright said it is a "compromise" for Hanson to use a small camera but get the subject she wants.

Albright's gallery has doubled in size since she took over the space that was occupied by a hair salon. She moved her artists' supplies and materials into the former salon that adjoins the gallery, and last Sunday, hung the new show. It is her first show in the expanded gallery.