Artwork by David C. Etler will be on display at the Gallery at FCTV from August 4 through August 28. The public is invited to a reception on Sunday, August 4, from 3:00 – 5:00 pm.

As a child, David C. Etler was exposed to the arts in one way or another as his father was a composer and taught at universities and colleges all his life.  In the discipline of drawing and painting, David had the privilege of watching several prominent artists at work thanks to those college and university atmospheres.

His interest in the arts continued through his younger years but took a vacation when he enlisted in the US Army in the early 60s. He underwent parachute training and medical school in the Special Forces and was deployed to several areas in the world. The last deployment was as an “A” team medic in Vietnam. After army discharge, David continued in medicine with enrollment in the first Physician Assistant School at Dartmouth Medical School.  There, he did manage a few forays into the art world with some anatomical illustration for classroom instruction.

Upon graduation, David came to Falmouth and was employed by Dr. Burwell and Dr. Sweeny as the first PA in Massachusetts. His interest in art and photography gradually increased and became a serious hobby. His favorite subjects were (and still are) nature and birds. Retirement allowed David to travel to many parts of the world and the U.S., taking photographs he would later use as models and inspirations for painting and drawing.

“I have used my travel memories and the photos I have taken to pursue a serious exposure to art in all forms,” David explains.  “Pen and ink finally won out. It should be said that none of this would have come to pass without the encouragement of my wife Diane of 52 years and my two children David and Scott.  There are a few signs that they and their children have some budding interest in the arts with very much-appreciated criticism when it was sorely needed!”

The Gallery at FCTV is located within the new Falmouth Community Media Center, which is at 310 Dillingham Ave., easily accessible by Rose Morin Lane. The new entrance is located on the opposite side of the old FCTV and Maser Gallery building.

Gallery Exhibit Hours: Sunday 12-8 pm; Monday, 2-10 pm; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 -10 pm; Friday 10-6 pm; Saturday, Closed.