Author Archives: Jane Seymour

A new show by exhibiting members at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “Community Sponsored Awards” is now on view in the gallery July 5 through August 2, 2020. The exhibition with almost 100 submissions has an open theme in all media, representing the artists’ best work of the year. RAC would like to thank this year’s sponsors: House of Needlepoint, Steve and Ana Mernick, Gil and Kim Kernan, William Raveis Real Estate, The Bait Shop, Rowayton Fuel, The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood and Barbara Murphy.

Winners were announced by the judge, Robbin Zella, Director and Curator at the Housatonic Museum of Art in Bridgeport, Connecticut: Best in Show: Kathy Draper of Norwalk for “Lacy” (Painting), 1st Place: Judith Orseck Katz of Westport for “Summer Rain” (Gouache and Ink), 2nd Place: Kirsti Holtan of Stamford for “The Shed Door” (Photography), 3rd Place:  Gregg Welz of Norwalk for “Darwin Deconstructed” (Mixed Media), and Honorable Mention: Bevi Bullwinkel of Fairfield for “Dawning 2” (Painting), Marcy Juran of Westport for “Sarah and the Apple” (Photography), Rick Pank of Rowayton for “Signs of the Time” (Photography), Susan Fehlinger of Bridgeport for “Bridgeport, Close Up” (Painting).

RAC will resume normal summer gallery hours on Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm, then Tuesday through Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm.   The exhibition is also available to view via RAC’s online gallery at this link racgallery.carbonmade.com.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton, CT. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

A new show by exhibiting members at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “Community Sponsored Awards” will be on view July 5 through August 2, 2020. The exhibition has an open theme in all media representing the artists’ best work of the year.

RAC will resume normal summer gallery hours on Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm, then Tuesday through Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. The judge, Robbin Zella, is Director and Curator at the Housatonic Museum of Art in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

According to Andrea Letters, RAC Executive Director, “The response we got from our members for this show was overwhelming – it’s the first in the gallery since the shutdown in March. We are excited to have 96 submissions to share with the community.”

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton, CT. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

Image: The drop off process looked very different for the upcoming Community Sponsored Show which opens up the gallery July 5 – here’s RAC Exhibiting Member Dana Laird (right) bringing her photo collage “Manhole Covers” to the gallery with RAC Summer Intern Emily Neuner (left) and RAC Executive Director Andrea Letters (middle)

A new online show by the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “Focus Under Forty,” is now on view via RAC’s online gallery at this link racgallery.carbonmade.com.  The show is open to all artists between the ages of 16 and 39 years old interested in exhibiting their artwork. Categories include oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolor, mixed media, color photography, black and white photography, sculpture, printmaking, pastels or drawing.

Winners were announced by the judge Terri C. Smith, Creative Director at Franklin Street Works in Stamford: Best in Show, Mathew Anderson of East Lansing, MI for “Politics” (Acrylic), 1st Place, Grace Long of Norwalk for “Farmhouse” (Mixed Media), 2nd Place, Bailey Cardinal of Stamford for “Sea Nymph” (Mixed Media), and 3rd Place, Samuel Massey of Los Angeles for “Two Trees” (Color Photography).

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton, CT. The gallery and art school overlooking the scenic Five Mile River at 145 Rowayton Avenue are currently closed. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

Online submissions are now being accepted in an open call to artists for the “Focus Under Forty” at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) from June 14, 2020 to July 5, 2020.  The show is open to all artists between the ages of 16 and 39 years old interested in exhibiting their artwork. Categories include oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolor, mixed media, color photography, black and white photography, sculpture, printmaking, pastels or drawing.

“Focus Under Forty” is currently planned as an online show. If RAC is allowed to reopen by June 1, the staff will make every attempt to hold this exhibition in the gallery.  Submit pieces for consideration at https://rowaytonarts.org/entries. Deadline is May 22, 2020 and accepted artists will be notified by May 29, 2020.

Visit the RAC website rowaytonarts.org for the prospectus and other information. Co-Chairs for the show are Peter Ostasewicz and Lucy Armstrong. The judge for the exhibition is Terri C. Smith, who has curated more than 80 contemporary art exhibitions. She has received three, multi-year grants from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, among other awards. After 13 years as a contemporary art curator at Cheekwood Museum in Nashville, TN, Smith earned her MA from Bard College’s Center for Curatorial Studies (2008). Since moving to Connecticut in 2009, she curated shows at the Westport Arts Center and the Housatonic Museum before becoming founding Creative Director at Franklin Street Works, an award-winning, not-for-profit contemporary space in Stamford, CT, where she has curated or co-curated 18 original shows, worked with 22 guest curators and exhibited more than 350 internationally exhibiting artists.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton, CT. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

A new online show by the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “SHUTDOWN THROWDOWN,” is now on view via RAC’s online gallery at this link racgallery.carbonmade.com. It was created in response to the pandemic crisis, with over 200 pieces submitted by artists from near and far in all media categories.

The theme revolved around creativity to help us to heal, grow and have a little fun on the way. As humans, we have the ability to meet with great adversity and find a silver lining. Artists also have the ability to transform adversity into a source of motivation and inspiration for their work. Whether they are spending this “shutdown” reflecting, introspecting, or appreciating simple things that suddenly seem sweeter, RAC wanted to know how it is informing art.

Winners were announced by the judges Frank Bruckmann, Ben Larrabee and Wendy Pieper: Best in Show, Wendy Moore of Pound Ridge for “Change of Plans” (Oil), 1st Place, Carol Young of Fairfield for “Nana’s House” (Acrylic), 2nd Place, Joyce Grasso of Stamford for “Awakening” (Acrylic), 3rd Place, Anda Styler of Sherman for “Dance of Light” (Acrylic), and Honorable Mention, Nicholas Thompson of Ottawa, Canada for “Crouching Boy” (Clay Sculpture).

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton, CT. The gallery and art school overlooking the scenic Five Mile River at 145 Rowayton Avenue are currently closed. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

The Rowayton Art Center (RAC) is extending an invitation to artists during this unprecedented time of separation with the COVID-19 virus. Online submissions for RAC’s Shutdown Throwdown are accepted now until Friday, May 8, 2020. The show will run through June 30 and is open to all artists interested in exhibiting their artwork online.

The theme focuses how as humans, we have the ability to meet with great adversity and find a silver lining. As artists, we have the ability to transform adversity into a source of motivation and inspiration for our work. Whether you are spending this “shutdown” reflecting, introspecting, or appreciating simple things that suddenly seem sweeter, we want to know how it is informing your art. Creativity helps us all to heal, grow and have a little fun on the way.

Categories include oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolor, mixed media, color photography, black and white photography, sculpture, printmaking, pastels or drawing.  All art entered is accepted to the show and will be uploaded to our online gallery every few days as received. Submit pieces at https://rowaytonarts.org/entries. 

Visit the RAC website rowaytonarts.org for the prospectus and other information. There is a $100 cash prize for Best in Show.  Let’s see what you’ve got!

A new show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “Spring Juried Show,” is now online at racgallery.carbonmade.com.  This all media exhibition features artwork by over one hundred artists chosen from almost 350 submissions. Winners were announced on April 8: Best in Show, Melissa Orme of Ridgefield for “Celebration,” (Acrylic on Linen), 1st Place, Nancy Woodward of Wilton for “Sisters,” (Digital Photography), 2nd Place, Katharine Draper of Norwalk for “Environmental Spiral” (Ink on Paper), 3rd Place, Gregg Welz of Norwalk for “Spiral Vortex” (Paper Cuts) and Honorable Mention, Joanie Landau, “Roses for Sara Diptych” (Prints on Plexiglass).

 The Chair for the exhibition is Joanna Bridges and the Co-chair is Pamela Davis. The judge, Lisa Cooper grew up surrounded by artists including her mother, a painter and jewelry designer, and father a successful businessman with a passion for creating Nevelson-like wood sculptures.  Professionally, prior to opening Elisa Contemporary Art, Lisa spent over 20 years in marketing roles for top brands, including IBM, Chase and Mercedes-Benz. She launched the Riverdale Gallery in 2008 and the CT Art Salon in 2017.  The gallery has participated in Art Fairs in New York, the Hamptons and Miami and curated over 40 exhibits. Lisa is currently a member of the Arts & Architecture Review Committee at Saint Peter’s Church in Manhattan; Art Table, POWarts, and the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton, CT. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

Online submissions are now being accepted in an Open Call to Artists for the “Spring Juried Show” at Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) from April 19, 2020 to May 16, 2020. The show is open to all artists interested in exhibiting their artwork. Categories include: oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolor, mixed media, color photography, black and white photography, sculpture, printmaking, pastels or drawing. Submit pieces for consideration at https://rowaytonarts.org/entries. Deadline is March 20, 2020 and accepted artists will be notified by March 27, 2020.

Visit the RAC website rowaytonarts.org for the prospectus and other information. The Chair for the show is Joanna Bridges and the Co-chair is Pamela Davis. The judge for the exhibition is Lisa Cooper. A born and bred New Yorker, art has always been an essential part of Lisa’s life as a collector, patron, supporter – and daughter of two accomplished artists. Her mother is a painter and jewelry designer, her father a businessman with a passion for creating sculptures. Professionally, Lisa has spent over 20 years in key strategic roles directing marketing communications campaigns for some of the world’s leading consumer brands, including IBM, JP Morgan Chase, Credit Suisse First Boston, and most recently, Mercedes-Benz. Lisa has curated exhibits in public and private spaces throughout the tri-state area. She is also a member of the Saint Peter’s Church Art and Architecture Review committee, the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County and Art Table.

The opening reception on Sunday, April 19, 2020 from 4 pm to 6 pm is free and open to the public. RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton, CT. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

A new show by exhibiting members at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “HOME,” will be on view April 4 through April 11, 2020. The theme of home is where we physically dwell, but home is also an idea; a state of mind. This all media exhibition features almost 100 pieces of artwork by over 65 RAC exhibiting artists. Please note: due to health concerns there will be no gallery hours or classes through Friday, April 3.

Winners were announced by the judge Danielle Ogden last week: Best in Show, Elena McCoy of Rowayton for “Ritual” (Acrylic), 1st Place, Meg Tweedy of Darien for “Letter Home” (Mixed Media), 2nd Place, Anna Badini of Stamford for “At Home” (Oil), 3rd Place, Robert Sachs of Stamford for “Cam Thanh, Vietnam” (Photography), Honorable Mention, Jennifer Williams of Rowayton for “Transition” (Oil) and Diane Weeks of Darien for “Barrett Bookstore” (Watercolor and Pen).

RAC gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. The Chair for the exhibition is Carol Fay. The judge, Danielle Ogden, holds an MA in Art History and Certification in Museum Studies from Boston University and an E.dM in Education from Harvard University. Danielle is currently on faculty in the department of Visual and Performing Arts at Fairfield University, teaching Modern and Contemporary Art and the History, Theory and Practice of Museums.  She also serves as Museum Specialist in Adult Learning at the Aldrich Museum Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, CT. Prior to this she supported the launch of the National Gallery Singapore, as Senior Manager of Adult Learning and Access Programs. Danielle has over fifteen years of museum and academic experience. She has designed cross-disciplinary programs, lead tours and lectures at a range of national and international organizations including: Museum of Modern Art, NYC; Harvard University Art Museums, Cambridge, MA; Museum of Contemporary Art Westport; The Flinn Gallery, Greenwich, CT; Salve Regina University and Newport Restoration Foundation, Newport, RI, and The British National Trust.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton, CT. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops

A new show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “Abstraction,” is now on view through March 7, 2020. This all media exhibition features 85 pieces of artwork by over 60 RAC exhibiting artists.

Winners were announced at the opening on February 9: Hu Lindsay Memorial Award for Mixed Media, Joseph Dermody of Greenwich for “Imminent,” 1^st Place (tie), Amy Schott of Wilton for “Close Cover Before Striking” (Mixed Media) and Heidi Follin of Norwalk for “Instar” (Acrylic), 2^nd Place, Heidi Lewis Coleman of Stamford for “Threshold,” (Mixed Media), 3^rd Place, Laure Dunne of Norwalk for “Gull Gone” (Photography).

RAC gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. The Chair for the exhibition is Michael Brennecke and the Co-chair is Heidi Follin. The judge, Joseph Fucigna, is a multi-media artist whose work is rooted in process, play and the innate qualities of the materials used. Through experimentation, play and innovation he creates sculptures that are known for their power to transform materials, inventiveness and odd but suggestive subject matter. Presently, Fucigna is a full time Professor of Art at Norwalk Community College and is the Chair of the Studio Arts Program. He resides and works in Weston, CT.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton, CT. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

A new show by exhibiting members at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “Abstraction,” will be on view February 9 through March 7, 2020. The opening reception is free and open to the public on Sunday, February 9 from 4 pm to 6 pm.

RAC gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. The Chair for the exhibition is Michael Brennecke and the Co-chair is Heidi Follin. The judge, Joseph Fucigna, is a multi-media artist whose work is rooted in process, play and the innate qualities of the materials used. Through experimentation, play and innovation he creates sculptures that are known for their power to transform materials, inventiveness and odd but suggestive subject matter. Presently, Fucigna is a full time Professor of Art at Norwalk Community College and is the Chair of the Studio Arts Program. He resides and works in Weston, CT.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton, CT. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

A new exhibition at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “From the RAC Studio/ Instructors and Students Show” is on view now through February 1, 2020.  This display features artwork by over 125 students and instructors at the center.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton, CT. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

The Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) gallery will be transformed into a shopping wonderland with original, handcrafted works for the annual Holiday Gift Show from November 29 to December 24, 2019. Shop one-of-a-kind gifts by local artists: small ornaments and holiday-related items as well as jewelry, ceramics and knitted items plus original cards, prints and paintings. Proceeds from the Holiday Gift Show are used to support RAC and its educational outreach.

There will be a special preview night on Tuesday, November 26 from 5 to 7 pm, with a $5 suggested donation that will be waived in exchange for canned goods going to the Open Doors Shelter in Norwalk. Opening day is Friday, November 29 from 10 am to 5 pm with extended opening weekend hours (Saturday, November 30 from 10 am to 5pm and Sunday, December 1 from 10 am to 7 pm. Regular hours for the show are Tuesday through Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Monday).

Other events include a Coffee and Bagels breakfast on Saturday, November 30 from 10 am to noon and during Light Up Rowayton on Sunday, December 1 from 4:30 pm to 7 pm, RAC Junior Members will offer an opportunity for children to write letters to Santa. Santa himself will visit RAC on Saturday, December 7 from 12 pm to 4 pm with photo ops and treats for all. The same day there will be a Kids Holiday Workshop with a full day of artistic fun from 10 am to 3 pm (preregistration required).

Sip and Shop on Saturday, December 14 from 3 pm to 5 pm with holiday wines and tasty apps and on Saturday, December 21 from 12 pm to 5 pm, RAC Junior Members will wrap your gifts for a cash donation – bring along a new toy for a child at the Open Doors Shelter to spread the holiday cheer.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton, CT. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River at 145 Rowayton Avenue with

A new show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “Autumn Juried Show,” is now on view until November 9, 2019.  This all media exhibition features artwork by 83 artists from the area chosen from over 350 submissions. Winners were announced at the opening October 13: Best in Show, Nancy Woodward of Wilton for “Wishes,” (Digital Photography), 1st Place, Photography: David Kaplan of Greenwich for “Respect” (Black & White Photography), 2nd Place, Photography: Richard Ventre of Norwalk for “Carrara” (Painted Nude Photography), 3rd Place, Photography: Paul Berger of Newtown for “Waiting For A Ride” (Black & White Photography), 1st Place, Traditional Medium: Darrell Lorentzen of Greenwich for “Urban Poppies” (Mixed Media Collage), 2nd Place, Traditional Medium: Linda Lowry of Boulder, Colorado for “Greens Ledge Lighthouse IV” (Mixed Media), 3rd Place, Traditional Medium: Marcy Juran of Westport for “Thistle, Rhododendron, Eucalyptus” (Digital Print) and Honorable Mention, Traditional Medium:  Katherine Draper of Norwalk for “Circuit” (Ink on Paper), Gretchen Bruno of Darien for “Mike” (Drawing) and Dawn Dahl of Wilton for “Monarch” (Oil Painting).

RAC gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. The Chair for the exhibition is Joel Flora and the Co-chair is Emily Kelting. The judge, Katerina Lanfranco, earned her BA in Art (Painting) and in Visual Theory and Museum Studies from UC Santa Cruz, and her MFA in Studio Art (Painting) from Hunter College, City University of New York. Katerina currently teaches studio art at Parsons, The New School and at Hunter College, CUNY.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton, CT. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

A new show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “Autumn Juried Show,” will be on view October 13, 2019 through November 9, 2019. This all media exhibition features artwork by 83 artists from the area chosen from over 350 submissions. The opening reception is free and open to the public on Sunday, October 13, 2019 from 4 pm to 6 pm.

RAC gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. The Chair for the exhibition is Joel Flora and the Co-chair is Emily Kelting. The judge, Katerina Lanfranco, earned her BA in Art (Painting) and in Visual Theory and Museum Studies from UC Santa Cruz, and her MFA in Studio Art (Painting) from Hunter College, City University of New York. Her work has been represented by the Nancy Hoffman Gallery since 2006. Her work is in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Kupferstichkabinett (Museum of Prints and Drawings) in Berlin, and the Corning Museum of Glass. Katerina currently teaches studio art at Parsons, The New School and at Hunter College, CUNY.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton, CT. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

A new show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “Marine & Coastal Art,” is now on view until October 5, 2019.  This all media exhibition features artwork by over 90 Exhibiting Members with a marine and coastal theme. Winners were announced at the opening on September 8: Best in Show, Ann Marie Tetelman of South Salem for “Hot Spots” (Pastel), 1^st Place, Photography: Janine Brown of Fairfield for “Italian Seaside” (Color Photography), 2^nd Place, Photography: Lisa Berger of Newtown for “Hi and Dri” (Color Photography), 3^rd Place, Photography: Robert Sachs of Norwalk for “Bell Island Memories” (Black & White Photography), Honorable Mention, Photography: Jay Wilson of Cos Cob for “Newport Classic” (Black & White Photography), 1^st Place, All Media: Karen Kent of Fairfield for “Bakkie” (Acrylic), 2^nd Place, All Media: Jane Wright Wolf of Weston for “Twilight Hempstead Harbor” (Pastel), 3^rd Place, All Media: Bela Szabo of Norwalk for “Sail Boat” (Watercolor), Honorable Mention, All Media: Ronnie Gold of Stamford for “Upstream” (Pastel).

RAC gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 5 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm. The Chair for the exhibition is Rick Bannerot and the Co-chair is Jess Huse. The judge, Jon deMartin, is among the leading figurative artists working today and has taught life drawing and painting for more than twenty-years at the most prestigious academies and ateliers in the country. He currently lives in White Plains and teaches in his studio in Port Chester, New York.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton, CT. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

A new show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “Marine & Coastal Art,” will be on view September 8, 2019 through October 5, 2019.  This all media exhibition features artwork by RAC Exhibiting Members with a marine and coastal theme. The opening reception is free and open to the public on Sunday, September 8, 2019 from 4 pm to 6 pm.

RAC gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 5 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm. The Chair for the exhibition is Rick Bannerot and the Co-chair is Jess Huse. The judge, Jon deMartin, is among the leading figurative artists working today and has taught life drawing and painting for more than twenty-years at the most prestigious academies and ateliers in the country. He currently lives in White Plains and teaches in his studio in Port Chester, New York.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton, CT. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

A new show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “Focus Under Forty” is now on view through August 25, 2019. This all media exhibition features artwork by local artists aged 16 to 39 years old. Winners were announced at the opening on July 28: Best in Show/1st Place: Peter Ostasiewicz, “Architectural Composition” (Painting), 2nd Place: Margaret Kraus, “Sophie” (Photography), 3rd Place: Julia Byrne, “Portrait 1” (Mixed Media), Honorable Mention: Jessica Szuchyt, “Mass” (Photography), Stacey Schneider, “Tiger in a Blue Forest” (Cut Paper) and Ashley Cordes, “Bebe!” (Painting). Longtime members of RAC are also being celebrated in the portside gallery with an exhibition called “The Art of Aging Gracefully.”

RAC gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 5 pm as well as Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm. The Chair for the exhibition is Lucy Armstrong and the Co-chair is Bruce Horan. The judge, Paul DeRuvo, is the Associate Printer and Studio Manager at the Center for Contemporary Printmaking (CCP). Paul began his printmaking studies at CCP at the age of 14. He has since graduated from Massachusetts College of Art where he was awarded a full presidential scholarship to study printmaking. He then took classes at the Academy of Realist Art Boston continuing his dedication to representational work. He has exhibited in New York City, Boston and Connecticut, and recently had a solo exhibition in Berlin.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton, CT. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

A new show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “Focus Under Forty” will be on view July 28, 2019 through August 25, 2019. This all media exhibition features artwork by local artists aged 16 to 39 years old. The opening reception is free and open to the public on Sunday, July 28, 2019 from 4 pm to 6 pm.

RAC gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 5 pm as well as Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm. The Chair for the exhibition is Lucy Armstrong and the Co-chair is Bruce Horan. The judge, Paul DeRuvo, is the Associate Printer and Studio Manager at the Center for Contemporary Printmaking (CCP). Paul began his printmaking studies at CCP at the age of 14. He has since graduated from Massachusetts College of Art where he was awarded a full presidential scholarship to study printmaking. He then took classes at the Academy of Realist Art Boston continuing his dedication to representational work. He has exhibited in New York City, Boston and Connecticut, and recently had a solo exhibition in Berlin.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton, CT. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

The Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) hosted a “FARM to GALLERY” fundraising event on Wednesday, July 17. The evening celebrated all things culinary with the current show “At the Table” on display and the recent “Food for Thought” creative writing contest. Winners of “Food for Thought” were on hand to read their food-inspired short poetry and prose as well as to receive their prizes – gift certificates from The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood, SAILS American Grill and the Rowayton Market.  Curated cocktails featuring Tuck Gin and summer wines chosen by the Rowayton Wine Store complemented a lovely spread of summery light fare thanks to Palmers Market, TOASTS Catering, Absolutely Fabulous and Rowayton Market. Proceeds benefit RAC and the food pantry at The Open Door Shelter in Norwalk.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in the Norwalk community. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

A new show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “At the Table” is on view through July 21, 2019.  This all media exhibition features work by more than 50 artists from the area. Winners for the following categories were announced at the opening on June 23: Paul R. Berger of Newtown for “Abandoned Counter” Photograph (Best in Show), Tom Kretsch of Westport for “Good Food” Photograph (1st Place), Amy Schott of Wilton for “Jiggle” Mixed Media (2nd Place),  Andrea Letters of Rowayton, “The Apple of My Eye” Photograph (3^rd Place), as well as Ronnie Gold of Stamford “Late for Dinner” Pastel (Honorable Mention), Ann Marie Tetelman of South Salem “Gathering” Etching (Honorable Mention) and Bela Szabo of Norwalk “Apples!” Watercolor (Honorable Mention).

RAC would like to thank the following community sponsors for sponsoring awards for the show: Pat Atkin, Jerry’s Artarama, Fairfield County Bank, Katherine Draper, Rowayton Fuel, Geary Gallery, Gway Print Solutions, Edward and Linda Hortick, Jessica Huse, Andrea and Cameron Letters, Steve and Ana Mernick, Jeanne and Ted.

RAC gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 5 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm. The Chair for the exhibition is Amy Schott and the Co-chair is Milan Chilla. The judge, Westport artist Heidi Palmer, focuses on three elements in her work: light, air and the meaning of time. Heidi attended L’École des Beaux Arts de Montréal, Canada, and earned a BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. She has exhibited in numerous group and solo shows around New England and has paintings included in public collections such as the New York Presbyterian Medical Center and the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City, as well as Hunter Museum of Art in Chattanooga, TN. Heidi is represented by the Jessie Edwards Studio on Block Island, RI; Somerville Manning Gallery in Greenville, DE; and Cooper and Smith Gallery in Essex, CT.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, RAC has been a cultural gem in the Norwalk community. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

A new show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “At the Table” will be on view June 23, 2019 through July 21, 2019.  This all media exhibition features artwork by more than 50 RAC Exhibiting Artists members from the area. The opening reception is free and open to the public on Sunday, June 23, 2019 from 4 pm to 6 pm.

RAC gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 5 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm. The Chair for the exhibition is Amy Schott and the Co-chair is Milan Chilla. The judge, Westport artist Heidi Palmer, focuses on three elements in her work: light, air and the meaning of time. Light governs her compositions, defines form and serves as the catalyst for delving into the ephemeral effects of air and atmosphere, which clarify the painting’s sense of place. Heidi attended L’École des Beaux Arts de Montréal, Canada, and earned a BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. She has exhibited in numerous group and solo shows around New England and has paintings included in public collections such as the New York Presbyterian Medical Center and the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City, as well as Hunter Museum of Art in Chattanooga, TN. Heidi is represented by the Jessie Edwards Studio on Block Island, RI; Somerville Manning Gallery in Greenville, DE; and Cooper and Smith Gallery in Essex, CT.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, RAC has been a cultural gem in the Norwalk community. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

A new show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “Spring Juried Show” is on view through June 16, 2019.  This all media exhibition features work by almost 70 artists from the area. Winners for the following categories were announced at the opening on May 19: Janine Brown of Fairfield for “The Wallflower Project: Marissa” Black & White Photograph (Best in Show), Katherine Draper of Norwalk for “Creek” Oil Painting (1st Place), Joyce Grasso of Stamford for “Distant Shore” Acrylic Painting (2nd Place), Erin Nazzaro of Georgetown for “The High Note” Acrylic Painting (3rd Place),  Margaret Esme Simon of Greenwich, “Neal” Pastel (Honorable Mention) and Rick Bannerot of Norwalk for “Bread for the Proletariat” Color Photograph (Honorable Mention).

RAC gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 1pm. The Chair for the exhibition is Carol Young and the Co-chair is Yuko Ike. The judge, Greg Shea, was born in 1971 in Schenectady, New York, but has lived in Connecticut since 1994. He is an award-winning artist and craftsman with diverse creative interests including drawing and painting, portraiture, illustration, photography, relief printmaking, sculpture, calligraphy and illumination, woodworking plus more.  For over twenty years, Greg has worked at the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven, CT, where he is the Senior Museum Preparator. His work has been exhibited widely at museums and galleries throughout the U.S. including The Society of Illustrators New York, The Delaware Art Museum, The Norman Rockwell Museum, The Museum of Western Art, The Baseball Hall of Fame Museum, The Yale Center for British Art and many others.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, RAC has been a cultural gem in the Norwalk community. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

A new show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “Spring Juried Show” will be on view May 19, 2019 through June 16, 2019.  This all media exhibition features work by almost 70 artists from the area. The opening reception is free and open to the public on Sunday, May 19, 2019 from 4 pm to 6 pm.

RAC gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm. The Chair for the exhibition is Carol Young and the Co-chair is Yuko Ike. The judge, Greg Shea, was born in 1971 in Schenectady, New York, but has lived in Connecticut since 1994. He is an award-winning artist and craftsman with diverse creative interests including drawing and painting, portraiture, illustration, photography, relief printmaking, sculpture, calligraphy and illumination, woodworking plus more.  For over twenty years, Greg has worked at the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven, CT, where he is the Senior Museum Preparator. His work has been exhibited widely at museums and galleries throughout the U.S. including The Society of Illustrators New York, The Delaware Art Museum, The Norman Rockwell Museum, The Museum of Western Art, The Baseball Hall of Fame Museum, The Yale Center for British Art and many others.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, RAC has been a cultural gem in the Norwalk community. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

A new show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “BIG & small,” is on view through May 11, 2019.  This all media exhibition features artwork by RAC Exhibiting Members that are BIG (between 40” and 60”) or as small as 12” and under. Winners for the following categories were announced at the opening on April 14: Katherine Draper for “Landscape Abstracted” (Best in Show), John Harris for “Will” (1^st Place, BIG), Lois Weingarten for “Woman in Negligee” (2^st Place, BIG), Lynn Stephens Massey for “Oyster ‘Hair’” (3^rd Place, BIG), Judy Katz for “Vessels To Put Your Dreams In” (1^st Place, small), Lisa Laible for “Abundance of Completeness” (2^nd Place, small) and Sandy Mills for “Bluegrass” (3^rd Place, small).

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm. The Chair for the exhibition is Pamela Riley-Abear. The judge, Steve diGiovanni, is a professional artist and instructor who lives in New Haven, Connecticut.  He has exhibited throughout the region and is included in numerous private collections as well as the New Britain Museum of American Art. Steve currently teaches locally at the Creative Arts Workshop in New Haven, where he is the head of the Drawing and Painting Department, at Norwalk Community College and the Rowayton Arts Center.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, RAC has been a cultural gem in the Norwalk community. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

***Winners by town:
Norwalk, CT
Katherine Draper for “Landscape Abstracted” (Best in Show)
John Harris for “Will” (1^st Place, BIG)
Lynn Stephens Massey for “Oyster ‘Hair’” (3^rd Place, BIG)
Lisa Laible for “Abundance of Completeness” (2^nd Place, small)
Sandy Mills for “Bluegrass” (3^rd Place, small)

Westport, CT
Judy Katz for “Vessels To Put Your Dreams In” (1^st Place, small)

Bronx, NY
Lois Weingarten for “Woman in Negligee” (2^st Place, BIG)

A new show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “BIG & small,” will be on view April 14, 2019 through May 11, 2019.  This all media exhibition features artwork by RAC Exhibiting Members that are BIG (between 40” and 60”) or as small as 12” and under. These local artists were invited to think outside the box or into it! The opening reception is free and open to the public on Sunday, April 14, 2019 from 4 pm to 6 pm.

RAC gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm. The co-chair for the exhibition is Pamela Riley-Abear. The judge, Steve diGiovanni, is a professional artist and instructor who lives in New Haven, Connecticut.  He has exhibited throughout the region and is included in numerous private collections as well as the New Britain Museum of American Art. He has completed portraits for the Yale University department of political science, the Yale school of medicine and other private and professional clients. Steve currently teaches locally at the Creative Arts Workshop in New Haven, where he is the head of the Drawing and Painting Department, at Norwalk Community College and the Rowayton Arts Center.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, RAC has been a cultural gem in the Norwalk community. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

Rowayton Arts Center “Art as Inspiration” Creative Writing Workshop Offered Wednesday, February 27

The Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) is offering a creative writing workshop, “Art as Inspiration,” an inspired evening of art and writing on Wednesday, February 27 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm. Using the current Abstraction exhibition as a portal into creativity, the group will engage in individual and collaborative exercises under the guidance of Liz Matthews. Participants will also have an opportunity to share their writing. For those who wish to take this a step further, Liz will share tools for how to help transform these ideas and musings into polished stories and essays.

Liz Matthews recently completed her first novel about the photojournalist Margaret Bourke White, and teaches at the Westport Writers’ Workshop.  She has an M.F.A. in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and an M.A. in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her work has appeared in Quality Women’s Fiction, Town & Country, Brevity, Brain Child, and The Rumpus, among other places.

This workshop is free and open to all levels of writing experience.  Refreshments will be served. For more information call RAC at (203) 866-2744.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in the Norwalk community. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

Rowayton Arts Center “Abstraction” Winners Announced

A new show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “Abstraction,” is on view through March 2, 2019.  Winners for the following categories were announced at the opening on February 10: Amy Schott for “Twisted 44,” (Hu Lindsay Award), Michael Brennecke for “Hephaestus” (Oil), Beatrice Del Perugia for “Underwater City” (Watercolor), Heide Follin for “While I Was Thinking” (Acrylic), Tom Kretsch for “In Darkness, Color Lights the Way” (Photograph), and Katherine Draper for “Woven” (Drawing/Prints).

The co-chairs for the exhibition are Michael Brennecke and Dan Long. The judge Miggs Burroughs, a lifelong Westporter and graphic artist, has designed hundreds of logos, websites and print material. “Abstraction” features artwork by RAC Exhibiting Members with a larger degree of independence from visual references. The theme is abstract art which uses a visual language of form, color and line to create a composition that exists independent from visual references. This departure from representation can be partial or it can be complete.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, RAC has been a cultural gem in the Norwalk community. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

Rowayton Arts Center Invitation To Members – Submit Artwork for Abstraction Exhibition 2019

Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) invites its exhibiting members to submit work for the upcoming show “Abstraction” open from February 10 through March 2, 2019.  For this exhibition, RAC encourages artists to submit work with a larger degree of independence from visual references.

The theme is abstract art which uses a visual language of form, color and line to create a composition that exists independent from visual references. This departure from representation can be partial or it can be complete.

Receiving dates are scheduled on Monday, February 4 from 4 to 7 pm and Tuesday, February 5 from 11 am to 2 pm. Visit the RAC website for the prospectus at rowaytonarts.org/prospectuses and other information.  There is also a Hu Lindsay Memorial Award for Best in Mixed Media for $250. The exhibition opens with a reception on Sunday, February 10, 2019 from 4 pm to 6 pm.

The judge Miggs Burroughs, a lifelong Westporter and graphic artist, has designed hundreds of logos, websites and print material. In 1972, at age 26, he was the youngest person ever chosen to design a Commemorative U.S. Postage Stamp. Shortly thereafter he illustrated several covers for TIME Magazine, one of which resides in the Smithsonian Institution, along with a hand-painted Easter Egg he was asked to create for President Ronald Reagan. More recently, Miggs has won much acclaim for his work with lenticular imagery, which has been exhibited in numerous shows in the area and has won several Best in Show awards. With a Fine Arts degree from Carnegie-Mellon University, Miggs has taught graphic design at Fairfield University and UCONN.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, the RAC has been a cultural gem in the Norwalk community. It is an exceptional gallery where regional artists may exhibit and sell their art, as well as a wonderful venue for art workshops and classes. The Art School offers classes to children and adults at all levels. The RAC Gallery and Art School overlooks the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue. For more information, please visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

Rowayton Arts Center Accepts Four New Exhibiting Members

The Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) announces the selection of four new exhibiting members, who were juried in January. These artists are painters Anda Styler of New Milford, Ronnie Gold of Stamford, and Elena McCoy of Rowayton, plus photographer Josh Iguchi of Rowayton.

To become an exhibiting member, artists submit three works to be reviewed by the Artist Selection Committee, which meets three times a year in January, May and September. Artists who are selected for three of the six RAC juried exhibits within a two-year period are also eligible for exhibiting member status. There are currently almost 250 exhibiting members.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in the Norwalk community. The gallery and art school overlook the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue with space for regional artists to exhibit their art and a classroom for workshops and classes at all levels offered to children and adults. Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

From the RAC Studio: Student/Instructor Show January 6 – 19, with opening this Sunday January 6 from 4 to 6 pm

The annual exhibition of artwork by students and instructors at Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) will kick off with an opening reception this Sunday, January 6 from 4 to 6 pm. Artist’s eligibility includes all RAC students and instructors who participated in any weekly class during 2018. The reception is free and open to the public.

RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For almost 60 years, the RAC has been a cultural gem in the Norwalk community. It is an exceptional gallery where regional artists may exhibit and sell their art, as well as a wonderful venue for art workshops and classes. The Art School offers classes to children and adults at all levels. The RAC Gallery and Art School overlooks the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue. For more information, visit www.rowaytonarts.org

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