Newsletter – July 2026

RAC Artists Talk

Wednesday, July 8 at 6 pm

Join us for an evening of conversation with artists in the current Photography & Sculpture Show – an open theme exhibition that features artwork chosen from almost 300 online submissions. Juror Elizabeth Avedon will discuss the artwork she selected during this casual walk and talk event. RAC Executive Director Andrea Letters will act as moderator during the program. The event is free and open to the public – refreshments will be served.

Enjoy the July 4th holiday weekend everyone and hope to see you there!

RAC Happenings

Photography & Sculpture Show 2026 Opening

RAC’s Photography & Sculpture Show on view now until July 19! This new exhibition features artwork by area artists chosen from almost 300 submissions by Elizabeth Avedon – a photography book and exhibition designer, independent curator and writer. Thanks to all who joined us on the sunny summer solstice on Sunday, June 21.

Winners in attendance (left to right): Andrea Letters, Brian O’Neill, Butch Quick, Melissa McCann Santangelo, Karina Vinbor, Robert Lansden and Jay Wilson. More info and list of award recipients at this link here.

1st Place (Sculpture): Robert Lansden, “Silent Witness XVII”

1st Place (Photography): Butch Quick, “King I”

Honorable Mention (Photography): Andrea Letters, “Empty Nest”

2nd Place (Sculpture): Brian O’Neill, “Venus Rising”

2nd Place (Photography): Jay Wilson, “The Passenger”

3rd Place (Photography): Melissa McCann Santangelo, “Glamour First, Dinner Second”

Honorable Mention (Photography): Karina Vinbor “Serenity”

Happy crowd in the gallery!

RAC Classes and Workshops

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS

The Summer Session begins the week of July 6th. There are numerous short and long term classes to choose from and something for everyone.

Artwork by Nina Suggs, who will be teaching Watercolor for Beginners and Beyond on Tuesday afternoons via Zoom. Take the class from wherever your summer travels take you!

Link to Adult Weekly Classes

Link to Adult Short Term Workshops

SEATS STILL AVAILABLE IN OUR 3-DAY WORKSHOPS FOR YOUTH

3-Day Summer Workshops for Youth age 7-12

Offered weekly throughout July and August

Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday (2:30-4:30pm)

Current Exhibition

Through July 19, 2026 ONLY

Juried Show, Open to All Artists (Photography and Sculpture only!)

This exhibition features artwork by area artists chosen from almost 300 online submissions. More info here.

Artists Talk: Wednesday, July 8 at 6 pm with Juror Elizabeth Avedon

Artwork Pick Up: Monday, July 20 (5–7pm) and Tuesday, July 21
(12-2pm)

Upcoming Exhibitions

July 26 through August 23, 2026

Exhibiting Member Show

Theme: This all-media exhibition features artwork by RAC Exhibiting Members with a marine and coastal theme. More info here.

Cash Award: $100 for First Place

Submissions form – Deadline is Friday, July 17 at midnight

Reminder! Due to limited gallery space, submissions will be limited to 80 pieces. The entry form will no longer accept entries once the cap is met, even if it is before the deadline. Apply early to maximize your chances of inclusion in the show.

Judge: Zufar Bikbov is a painter and educator based in Watertown, CT. 

Receiving Dates: Monday, July 20 (5–7pm) and Tuesday, July 21
(12-2pm)

September 11 through October 10, 2026

This exhibition is a members only group show that is intended to appeal to artists who have a body of work of approximately 3 to 15 pieces – the juror will select 9 to 12 artists to participate. Interested members are required to submit an artist statement and jpg images of their artwork for consideration.

Prospectus

Cash awards for First, Second and Third Prize.

Categories: Oil Painting, Acrylic Painting, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Photography, Sculpture, Printmaking Pastels or Drawings, Various Media

All submissions must be done online via Entrythingy – link will be live July 6

Deadline is Friday, July 24 at midnight

Judge: Jared Quinton is a curator and writer based in Connecticut.

Receiving of accepted work: Wednesday, August 26 (3–7pm) and Thursday, August 27 (10am-2pm)

Opening Reception: Friday, September 11 (5-7pm)

Other News

THE RAC 5 – Zili Zang

Zili Zhang is an internationally awarded photographer based in Greenwich, CT. He was named Conceptual Photographer of the Year by Exposure One, won Gold from ND Magazine, 1839 Awards and Budapest International Foto Awards. Zili’s work has also been recognized by Smithsonian, IPA, PX3, TIFA and many more. He explores quiet visual dialogues and seeks serenity through simplicity. His photographs aim to transform the ordinary into timeless, poetic expressions. Photo of Zili here in the RAC gallery last summer with his photograph “Light House and the Moon” (1st Place, Photography).

What started you on your creative path?

Feedback. When I first showed at Art in the Park in Old Greenwich, I was encouraged by the first collectors who genuinely loved my work. The fulfillment of sharing and getting recognition is the force that keeps me going.

Who are a few of your favorite artists?

Pentti Sammallahti, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Steve McCurry, Mark Rothko, Vincent Van Gogh.

Describe your artwork in 5 words.

Simple. Beautiful. Conceptual. Different. Loneliness.

What is the most challenging part of your creative process?

Ideas. The most difficult part is not seeing, it is to know what you are looking for.

Tell me about your techniques for overcoming creative blocks.

Look at the others’ work. Compare mine against them and find what’s missing there. 

Learn more about Zili on Instagram @windinsilence or his website windinsilence.com

Welcome to RAC! New Exhibiting Member

Shelley Lowenstein