Founded in Peterborough, N.H., in 1907, by the American composer Edward MacDowell and his wife, Marian MacDowell, The MacDowell Colony is one of the most revered artist retreats in the US, with more than 240 artists visiting each year from across the globe. The colony’s mission remarkably parallels that of The Aldrich in its commitment to supporting new work by visual artists.

Organized by Aldrich director of exhibitions Richard Klein, “Solitude and Focus” will represent a cross-section of visual arts disciplines — photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, video and installation —chosen to convey a sense of the individual achievement by MacDowell Fellows and their ongoing contribution to America’s cultural life.

In her most ambitious work to date, Alyson Shotz has created an undulating wall of light consisting of 18,000 plastic oval Fresnel lenses that will snake across the Leir Atrium, creating a shimmering wall. Visitors will be able to peer through the tiny magnifying glasses to view the museum’s Cornish Family Sculpture Garden beyond.

“Alyson Shotz: Light, Sound, Space” will also include an interactive sculpture, which makes gentle and melodic noises when visitors pass through it, and “Mirror Fence,” which will be installed in the museum’s sculpture garden. This outdoor work is a 130-foot-long picket fence faced in mirror, which will disappear as it reflects its surroundings.

Ms Shotz will offer an artist’s talk about her work at 3 pm on January 23 (immediately preceding the opening reception). Admission is $5.

With “Shannon Plumb: Behind the Curtain,” the artist has produced a series of Super-8 short films starring herself.

Her films have been described as witty self-portraits, reminiscent of Cindy Sherman’s chameleonic powers combined with Charlie Chaplin’s pantomime prowess. A series of Plumb’s film shorts, ranging from three to eight minutes, will be on view in the museum’s new Sound Gallery.

All three exhibitions will remain on view until June 22.

The Aldrich Museum, at 258 Main Street (Route 35), can be contacted at 203-438-4519. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday.