Newsletter – April 2025
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April 18, 2025
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Suzy Aubrey has served as the Education Director at RAC since 2010. She is also an Exhibiting Member in various mediums such as painting, collage and mixed media. Suzy is responsible for scheduling all RAC classes and workshops, with over 35 instructors teaching 1200+ students per year. She oversees information for the educational programs on the website, in emails and other promotional emails. Suzy is also the chair of the annual From the RAC Studio Student/Teacher art show, the Junior Member program and all outreach activities. Her background includes market research, fundraising and event management. She studied Business at the University of Vermont and Interior Design at the Parsons School of Design.
Jane Seymour joined RAC in 2018 as the Marketing Director, responsible for the overall branding of the arts center and any promotional copy. Jane is in charge of publicizing events and exhibitions, with an eye on metrics to measure effective engagement. She keeps the RAC community informed through monthly newsletters, social media posts/shares and website updates. Throughout her career in communications, Jane has managed successful promotions, social media marketing and website management plus she is a published writer and dancer. She is also the Communications Manager for the Rowayton Gardeners and a freelance consultant. Jane graduated from Smith College where she studied Art History and Economics.
Andrea Letters has been the Executive Director of RAC since 2018 and is an Exhibiting Member fine art photographer. Past awards include two Best in Show photographs at the Rowayton Arts Center (pre-Executive Director) and Grand Prize Winner of the Fairfield Museum’s Images Juried Photography Show. She also served on the RAC Board from 2009 through 2014. As part of her role as Executive Director, Andrea oversees nine exhibitions a year and is the creative force behind installation, new exhibition concepts as well as all of RAC’s visual elements. She spearheaded the online gallery plus recent renovations to the gallery, kitchen and bathroom, along with updating the exterior. Her professional career includes past positions as Associate Art Director for Gourmet Magazine (Condé Nast) and Metropolitan Home Magazine (Hachette-Filipacchi). She studied Art, Art History and English at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
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car·toon kärˈto͞on/
noun
a simple drawing showing the features of its subjects in a humorously exaggerated way, especially a satirical one in a newspaper or magazine. In this class, girls and boys will learn how to create illustrations and cartoons by using their keen observational skills and various “tricks of the trade.” The class will begin with a look at some of the great illustrators of all time — with time devoted to recreating illustrations from these artists. A large part of the class will focus on teaching students how to create their very own cartoons along with the essential character development. .
This class is designed to broaden the artistic skills of children age 8-10yrs. Each class will involve a bit of theory from the Instructor, with the majority of the class devoted to experimenting and doing. Students can expect to work with a variety of materials and techniques (including drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and 3-d construction).
Supply List: All materials will be provided by RAC unless otherwise instructed
Nancy McTague-Stock, MFA has imbued hundreds of creative children and teens with the education and passion to be successful in their fine art and related creative activities for over thirty years. A highly respected professional artist, teacher and mentor, she has worked with students of all ages at many institutions including, locally, Greens Farms Academy, where she ran the Upper School & AP Fine Art Program, Silvermine School of Art, where she teaches teens and adults, The Center for Contemporary Printmaking, where she has served as a Master Printer, The Westport Arts Center & The Aldrich Museum, having taught student and family related programs. She also serves as an independent college advisor. Her teen students have gone on to the finest of Ivy League and fine art universities in the world, and adult students have gone on to fine art careers of their own. Nancy’s own work is collected worldwide and she has been the recipient of many prestigious honors and awards.
A note about Covid compliance: You can be assured that RAC is doing everything possible to keep its customers and staff safe from the Corona Virus. Our studio is spacious and airy with excellent air circulation and plenty of room for people to stay safely distanced from one another. While our studio can easily accommodate up to 20 people, we are only allowing a maximum of seven students and one teacher at a time. Every student will have a table of their own on which to work and will have their own set of supplies.
Students and teachers will have their temperature taken before entry into the classroom. Everyone will be asked to wear masks and have their hands sanitized before and after every class. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance and exits to the studio and all shared spaces and equipment will be thoroughly disinfected before and after every class. As always, please do not come to the studio if you are feeling sick
THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED. WE’LL BE OFFERING ANOTHER CLASS WITH GEORGETTE STARTING IN JANUARY. CONTACT EDUCATION@ROWAYTONARTS.ORG IF YOU’D LIKE TO REGISTER EARLY.
This class is for students ages 6-10 who enjoy and are capable of working at an easel for one hour. I teach the basics of acrylic painting and color theory based on the color wheel. (Please wear a smock and painting clothes)
We’ll begin the class with 10-15 minutes of yoga postures and stretches to help the kids unwind from a busy day at school. We’ll then get to work in the relaxing art studio where students are welcome to work on projects of their own with personal guidance and instruction.
Students are encouraged to bring in photos of something that interests them or work from my photos of animals. Students will learn every part of the process of painting from how to set up, and break down on their own, including clean-up. I will be circling around giving individual attention to help with the creative process.
About the Instructor
Georgette Diamandis has an extensive education in the arts. She earned a Masters in Education from the University of Bridgeport and a BA from the University of Connecticut. She also has studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Art in New York City and at the Lee Strasberg Acting Academy at New York University. Georgette has been teaching art to children since 2002 — in lower Fairfield County during the warmer months and in Northern Vermont in the winter. Her ability to teach specific painting skills in a subtle and fun format makes her classes unique. Georgette is also a certified yoga instructor.
More About Georgette Diamandis
Georgette Diamandis has an extensive education in the arts. She earned a Masters in Education
Beginning with the project of copying an old master painting, Sam Morrow works one on one to explain the process of traditional oil painting techniques – under painting, body paint, glazing, scumbling, wet into wet, wet into dry, transparency, opacity and impasto handling (as well as others). This will lead to the student applying the same principles to their own ideas and work. Sam stresses not only sound technique but encourages individual experiment and the use of painting to communicate not only beauty but personal expression. Group discussion will be a feature in all classes.
All levels from absolute beginner to advanced are welcome.
Paints: Ivory Black, Flake White, Titanium White, Zinc White, Veridian Green, Terre Verte (Earth Green), Permanent Green, Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue, Prussian Blue, Light Red (actually a sepia brown), Alizarin Crimson (‘lake’ is best but ‘permanent’ will be ok), Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Yellow Ocre, Cadmium Red
Essential Materials: Linseed Oil (Artist’s Quality not Household!), Artist’s Thinners (Mona Lisa brand is good)., Flat, medium-sized palette., Paint rags (old T Shirts, sheets etc…), Empty food cans, jars etc…, Tacklebox or similar for storing paints.
Brushes: A good selection of small-to-medium sized oil painting brushes (these tend to be a courser bristle than watercolor). Buy long-handled brushes for better balance and handling.
Canvas: Initially you will need 2 or 3 canvas boards. These are fairly inexpensive. After a couple of weeks, feel free to purchase stretched canvas. If you have previous experience with painting use stretched canvas if you prefer.
Other Materials (optional): Damar varnish, Linseed Stand Oil, Liquin Paint Medium
For the First class: We will be starting off with a transcription project (if you’re a beginner..if not come prepared to paint whatever you like). By copying an old master painting you’ll get a good grasp of most of the major painting techniques. Please go to the library and find a painting that you find interesting.
Sam Morrow recently moved to Fairfield,CT after having taught art both privately and at University level for 15 years in Virginia. He was born in London, England where he received his BA (Hons) in Painting from St. Martin’s School of Art. Sam received his MFA Fine Art from the Royal college of Art in London and Ohio State University. His work has been shown in numerous galleries throughout London, NYC, Brooklyn, Columbus, Tennessee, and Virginia. His work
THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED. PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE AT 203-866-2744 X-2 IF INTERESTED IN TAKING THIS CLASS IN THE FUTURE.
Price includes live model fee.
Anda lives in Sherman, Connecticut and has been painting in oils and acrylics since she was 16. Acrylics, however, remain her favorite medium.
Frank Bruckmann began his studies at the DuCret School of Art in New Jersey and continued with classes at the Art Students League in New York City.
Christy Gallagher received her education at Cooper Union School of Art and the National Academy of Design School of Fine Arts, New York, NY.
FROM REALISM TO ABSTRACTION – AN ONLINE CLASS
The goal of this class is to use theories of composition, layout, design and perspective to allow for stronger REALISTIC or ABSTRACT paintings. Values, color mixing and different brushstroke and mark making will be emphasized in each class. The use of line, hard and soft edges, chiaroscuro, glazes and different mediums and substrates will be taught. There will be painting demos and lectures of both realistic and abstract painting. Modern and classic artists are referenced throughout the class. This class is a mixture of students whose work is either realistic or abstract or a mixture of both styles.
This class will be taught online using Zoom. Dana will be using the first 1/2 hour to teach students about the subject of the day. A combination of lectures and demonstrations will be used. Students will then have time to paint on their own while keeping contact with Dana through the Zoom platform. Individual instruction and encouragement will be given throughout the class to help each student reach their goals. This class has a “no stress” policy. So bring your joy of painting and join us for a lot of fun!
Supply List:
The teacher will send you an image for you to work from, but feel free to choose an image of your own.
The following is a list of what you could bring. All items listed below are available at Jerry’s Artarama in Norwalk.
I suggest bringing what you have to the first class and filling in after you see what I use. Anything that has a “star” (*) is not necessary.
CANVAS:
PAINTS:
OIL: (Charvin fine oil, Old Holland, Gamblin)
ACRYLIC: (Charvin, Golden, Liquitex)
BRUSHES:
One of the benefits of becoming an Exhibiting Member at RAC is that you qualify to be included in our online Exhibiting Artists Gallery. Please fill out the form below and submit it with your payment:
This class with an award-winning watercolor artist includes demonstrations, group lessons, critiques, personal evaluations and individual attention.
The freshness and immediacy of watercolor is perfect for achieving a personal expression. Understanding the fundamentals of design and composition, developing strategies for using light, space, form and color temperature and intensity will enable the student to paint with confidence. Historical and modern ideas of watercolor paintings will be discussed. This class will be working from a live model most weeks.
Materials List
Basic Winsor & Newton Palette
Cadmium Lemon Yellow
Cadmium Yellow,
Cadmium Orange
Cadmium Red
Alizarin Crimson or Permanent Rose
Cerulean Blue
Cobalt Blue
French Ultramarine Blue
Winsor Blue-green shade
Winsor Green-blue shade
Yellow Ochre
Burnt Sienna
Burnt Umber
Paper — D’Arches Block 140 lb. cold
press – 10 x 14 or 12 x 16, or 22 x 30 sheets 2 or 3 sheets of 140 lb. cold press Fabriano, Whatman or Winsor & Newton
• Brushes: Round #12 and Flat ¾ or 1” — Winsor & Newton Sceptre Gold Brushes are an excellent value.
• Palette –John Pike Palette or Holbein type folding palette
• Tissues and or paper towels
• Board with clips or white tape
• HB pencil
• Kneaded or pink eraser
• Natural sponge
Learn to paint in oils, pastels and acrylics from photographs (portraits, landscapes, or reproductions of the masters). Learn techniques for drawing, mixing colors, applying your particular medium, and creating your painting. Students are given personal instruction with emphasis on individual needs. Be prepared to paint in the first session (see materials list below)!
Materials List
The easiest thing to buy is a pre-made paint box with paints and brushes included. You usually can buy a box of either oils or acrylics with an assortment of brushes, mediums and palette for about $100 through either Utrech or Artist Supply Warehouse. The boxes are made of wood and usually are around 16 x 20 inches and have a space for canvass boards and a palette.
Paints
1. Large tube Titanium white
2. Alizarin crimson
3. Cadmium red
4. Cadmium yellow
5. Yellow ochre
6. Raw sienna
7. Raw umber
8. Ultramarine blue
9. Cerileun blue
10. Viridian green
Accessories
Sketch pad with 2b and 3b pencil
Vine charcoal
Canvasses 12 x 16 inch or 16 x 20 inch
Paper towels
For Oils
Odorless turpentine
Medium cups
For Acrylics
Plastic container for water
Paper palette
The best brushes I have found are Robert Simmons Signet filbert bristle brushes. They have beige handles with green tips. Buy a couple of each in varying sizes (#2, #4, #6).
The focus of this class will be in understanding the relationship between values and light and the effects they have on the palette of your painting. Much emphasis will be placed on fine tuning the student’s observational skills and their ability to decide what scenes/objects make for interesting painting compositions. Anda begins most classes with a demonstration teaching students about color mixing, values, composition and brush strokes. Students will have the choice to work from Anda’s images or to use one of their own. Anda uses acetate overlays as a tool to illustrate various possibilities in the student’s work. This class is open to acrylic and oil painters.
Supply List:
BRUSHES: Any of these in sizes from small to large. DICK BLICK brand angle brushes are great.
BASIC PAINT LIST: GOLDENS acrylic paints are best I have ever used and I recommend them. I have listed their colors below and they are available from ASW 1 800-995-6778 Art Supply Warehouse). Windsor Newton Finity colors are good and are available at ASW or select a STUDENT BRAND. If this is your FIRST time painting in acrylics you can buy a beginners set of acrylics for a reasonable price – this has 8-12 basic and you can add to that. If you are painting in oils, replicate the colors below and bring your own turpenoid in a resealable container.
Acrylic Paints – Golden Brand recommended
Oil Paints
CANVAS:
Interested in applying for Exhibiting Member status?
Next drop-off date for Artist Selection is May 29, 2025.
EXHIBITING ARTIST MEMBER PROSPECTUS
Artists may become full exhibiting members in one of two ways:
Multiple Juried Exhibition Acceptances: An artist who has been juried into three Open Juried Exhibitions held at the Rowayton Arts Center during a consecutive two year period is eligible to become an Exhibiting Artist Member. NOTE: For photographers, acceptance into two of the three juried exhibitions must include the Photography and Sculpture Show. Visit rowaytonarts.og/exhibition-calendar for the yearly exhibitions calendar.
By Exhibiting Artist Selection Committee:
The Exhibiting Artist Selection Committee meets three times a year (February, May and September), reviewing the work of up to 10 prospective RAC Exhibiting Artist Members each time. There is no application fee, however you must complete and submit our application form. If selected as an Exhibiting Artist Member, an annual fee of $65 will enable you to have an online gallery presence, guaranteed inclusion in four members only shows per year judged by local art professionals and curators and meet fellow artists at openings and volunteer events. We currently have over 200 exhibiting members.
Timing for Exhibiting Artist Selection Process
Please fill out a form before arriving at RAC – link will be live approximate three weeks ahead!
This is a two day process.
Drop off your work to the RAC gallery on Thursday, May 29 from 12-5pm.
Acceptance: Artist selection will take place on the following day Friday, May 30 in the morning with letter notifications sent to all artists by mail the following week.
Artists must pick up their artwork on that Friday, May 30 (12-5pm) or Saturday, May 31 (10am-1pm). If not accepted, we encourage you to reapply to another artist selection date or to enter one of our upcoming open juried shows.
Submission guidelines for Exhibiting Artist Selection Process:
No Submission Fee. If selected, annual dues: $65. All members automatically have a free online gallery link.
Important: New Policy as of September 2024
The Exhibiting Artists Selection committee respects the expense to matte, mount or frame art for consideration. Therefore, for the selection process only, the requirement to frame work is now optional. However, bear in mind that the manner in which you present your work for consideration matters, as it informs the committee of your commitment to the process and professionalism.
About the
Dona Menton says, “Ah, the anticipation when you’ve been out shooting all day and can’t wait to get home to see what you got!”
Dana Goodfellow is an award-winning, third-generation artist. Her keen sense of light is the unifying quality and primary focus in her paintings and prints. Describing herself as a “colorist”.
Landscape and light define both the work and focus of Jane Wright Wolf.
Julliette’s paintings seek to capture the light and color of beauty as seen through her eyes.
For over 25 years, Mindy has been making and teaching art. She works from observation while creating a commissioned portrait and from imagination when constructing from wood, collage or abstract painting.
As a classically-trained painter and printmaker, Dana’s abstract and representational works are based on strong compositions, values and color harmony.
Maria creates her landscape work as she understands it intellectually and her art is an expression of her concept of nature.
Color interaction and its ability to evoke an emotional response are important elements in Katherine’s work, pulling the imagination into moods, movement and natural forms.
Milan Chilla is a Rowayton CT resident specializing in land and seascapes.
Growing up in the Caribbean, award winning photographer Joanna Bridges has spent most of her life around salt water.
Britt Bair has been a professional artist for 25 yrs and works mostly in acrylic, collage and mixed media.
Pamela is happiest creating something. She especially loves Florida and Bermuda flora and fauna, with all its organic shapes and vibrant colors.
One of the Rowayton Arts Center’s most popular exhibits, “Marine and Coastal,” opens in July 3. Exhibiting Members of RAC will showcase their talents with a marine and coastal theme. The opening reception for this summer show is free and open to the public: Sunday, July 3, 4-6pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet artists and view (and perhaps purchase) their art. Refreshments will be served. The exhibit judge is Helen Kunzman; the chair is Amy Schott and the co-chair, Jeanette Young Pertz. The exhibit will be on display until July 31.
For almost 60 years, the Rowayton Arts Center has been a cultural gem in the 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 RAC Art School offers classes to children and adults at all levels. The RAC Gallery and Art School are located on the bank of the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday: 12pm-5pm, Sunday, 1pm-4pm.
“Wave Action,” an oil painting by Dana Goodfellow of Darien won Best in Show at the Rowayton Arts Center’s Marine and Coastal Exhibit. Over 90 artists entered the exhibit. The art, submitted by RAC Exhibiting Members, was done on a maritime theme without any limitations in media. This popular exhibit opens Sunday, July 3 and will be up until July 31. The gallery, located at 145 Rowayton Avenue in Rowayton, is open 12-5pm, Tuesday through Saturday, 1-4pm on Sunday. Admission is free.
Other prize winning artists selected by the judge, Helen Kunzman, include: Acrylics: 1st place: Lois Weingarten, (City Island, NY) “Too Damn Close,” 2nd: Virginia Jennewein (New Canaan) “The Sea,” 3rd: Peter Thoren (Darien) “Docked,” Honorable Mention: Pam Davis (Rowayton)“Shore Stories.” Mixed Media: 1st place: Gregg Welz (Norwalk) “White Caps” 2nd: Amy Schott (Wilton) “Maritime Flight.” Oils: 1st place: Mary Morant (Darien) “Copps Island Oyster Boats,” 2nd: Bruce Horan (Stamford) “Stamford Approach,” 3rd: Yuko Ike (Darien) “Maine,” Honorable Mention: Peter Kinseley (Rowayton) “Connecticut Sea.” Sculpture: 1st place: Pamela Riley-Abear (Stamford) “Octopus” 2nd: Pat Atkin (Darien) “Sea Flowers.” Watercolor: 1st place: Judith Katz (Westport) “Bridgeport Ferry,” 2nd: Marianne Rothballer (New Canaan) “Stamford Yacht Club,” 3rd N. Robert Cestone (Rowayton) “ Moses,” Honorable Mention: Lynn Stephen Massey (Rowayton) “Seaweed.” Photography: 1st place: Joanna Bridges (Darien) “Llewellyn: Eye on the Wind,” 2nd: Tom Kretsch (Westport) “Harbor Reflections 6,” 3rd: Rick Pank (Rowayton) “Honfleur, Normandy, Old Harbor,” Honorable Mention: Barbara Murphy (Rowayton) “Rust- St. Croix.” Prints, Pastels: 1st place: Cynthia Walen (Westport) “Squall Line,” 2nd: Joel Sobleson (Weston) “Me and Pop.”
Exhibit chairs were Amy Schott and Jeanette Young Pertz.
RAC has been a cultural hub for almost 60 years. The RAC Art School offers year-round classes and workshops for creative people of all ages and at all levels. RAC, a not-for-profit organization, underwrites art education programs throughout Norwalk.
Light defines what we see. Light’s purity and transcendent qualities are at the heart of Betty’s work.
Heide creates lyrical, imaginary worlds by coupling vibrant and neutral palettes.
RAC Exhibition Calendar for 2025
Exhibiting Member Artist Selection:
Next drop off date is May 29, 2025 – Prospectus
Community Sponsored Awards Exhibiting Members Show 2025 – Prospectus
Photography & Sculpture Show 2025 – Prospectus
William McCarthy is a nationally-known artist whose works are in numerous public and private collections.
Lenny Moskowitz is a Connecticut landscape painter who lives in New Haven with his wife.He graduated with his B.F.A from the Philadelphia College of Art and received his M.F.A. from Michigan’s Cranbrook Academy.
Lori Lohstoeter is an artist who merges a deep passion for the creative process with a commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists. With a rich educational background that includes a BFA from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a BA from the Art Center College of Design in Southern California,
Through a series of discussions and demonstrations, Anne will teach about technique, color, composition, perspective, and light & shadow. Captivating, but simple, still life arrangements will be set up in each class for inspiration. Students are also welcome to bring interesting objects and/or photos to class. A bit of Art History will be reviewed to show the masterpieces that have been created using collage and mixed media. This is a very relaxing class and perfect for anyone interested in playing with composition, color, texture and form. Drawing and painting skills are not required.
Supply List:
Artist pencil(s)
Eraser (kneaded, gum or vinyl plastic)
PAINT
Consider a Kit (for watercolor, gouache) containing:
White (plus an extra tube)
Yellow
Red
Blue
Green
Brown
Primary Blue
Black
PAPER FOR WATERCOLOR and/or GOUACHE
Cold press has texture (better for beginner)
Hot press is smooth ( more advanced)
(They both come in pads or sheets)
WHITE ARTIST TAPE (thin) to edge your paper
BRUSHES:
a SET of Watercolor brushes
PALETTES
Watercolor palette
SPRAY BOTTLE
An inexpensive spray bottle (optional)
PAPER TOWELS & Q-TIPS
For clean up & corrections
COLLAGE MATERIALS:
Materials will be provided by RAC , but if you
would like to bring extra supplies you might
consider: shirt, illustration or you might consider “acid-free board”,
magazines, fabric, ribbon, decorative paper,
stamps and/ or photos to enhance your work.
Anne E. McCormick is a fine artist, art educator and graphic designer. She has her B.F.A. from the Rhode Island School of Design. She has taught art at the following museums: Cloisters /Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC), and the Rhode Island School of Design (Providence). Over a decade ago, Anne founded an art program at Inpirica (Former St. Luke’s Lifeworks in Stamford, CT.) and continues to teach there. Anne finds much joy in the healing beauty and colors of nature which has inspired her line of notecards.
Artists in Rowayton spill into the streets in two ”plein air” events open to all painters who like to paint outdoors. “Paint Rowayton” is a competition over a two-week period (May 23- June 3). On Friday, June 3, they’ll submit their work for review. The judge is artist Elizabeth Agresta. The winning artwork will be hung in the Portside Gallery at the Rowayton Art Center – June 5-19. Prizes awarded: 1st- $150, 2nd- $75 and 3rd-$50- (Jerry’s Artarama Gift Certificate). Prizes awarded in 2 categories: (1) Oil/Acrylic and (2) Watercolor/Pastel.
“Paint Out” is a one-day event for speedy painters. At 9:30 am on Saturday, June 4, at the blare of the horn at the Firehouse, artists pick up their brushes and start painting. They have two hours to complete their paintings. At 11:30, artists will hear the second blast from the Firehouse to signal that time is up. Artists will then bring their paintings to sell that afternoon from 12-2pm at The Rowayton Arts Center in the village at 145 Rowayton Avenue. It’s a colorful day you don’t want to miss! Prizes also awarded: 1st- $150, 2nd- $75 and 3rd- $50 (Jerry’s Artarama Gift Certificate). There are 3 prizes awarded in the following mediums: Oil/Acrylic/Watercolor/Pastel. Children (Ages 6-11) from Rowayton Elementary School may participate at the Rowayton Community Center. The top four winners will be given ribbons and tokens for ice cream at Brendan’s 101.
Event sponsors are Fairfield County Bank, Jack Munson Burton Memorial, William Pitt/ Sotheby’s, Brendan’s 101, Jerry Artarama.
Check the website for more information and entry forms. The RAC Gallery and Art School are located on the bank of the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday: 12pm-5pm, Sunday, 1pm- 4pm. For more information call 203-866-2744.
Winners were announced at the Rowayton Arts Center for the “Focus Under Forty” Exhibition. “Work as Play,” a painting by Molly McAuley of Norwalk won the cash award of $250 for Best in Show. The exhibit was a juried show open to artists ages 18 to 39. Of the show, the exhibition judge, Mark Macrides said, “It was an exciting, eclectic mix.” Artists from Boston, Massachusetts to Fairfax, Virginia entered the exhibition.
First place winners were: (Oil) Ashley Cordes of Fairfax, VA, “Italian Riviera Beach Scene,” (Acrylic) Pilar Garra of New Canaan, “Earth,” (Drawing) Isadora Gacel of Norwalk, “Absolute Import,” (Mixed Media) Joe Dermody of Greenwich, “Untitled,” (Photography) Kerry Long of Trumbull, “Self-Portrait” (Ceramic/sculpture) Jon Puzzuoli of Norwalk.
The exhibit continues through June 26. Four of the artists will be invited to discuss their art and their inspiration at ATRAC, an evening of art talk at RAC. It’s free, open to the public and begins at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, June 22.
In the portside gallery, winners of the Paint Rowayton Plein Air competition were also announced. Winners were: (Acrylic) 1st place: Lori Lohstoeter, “The Boat Yard” (Watercolor) 1st place: Scott Kuykendall, “Pinkney House,” 2nd place: Bridget Cusak, “Scene at Pinkney Park” 3rdplace: Martha Lord, “Greens Ledge Light.” (Oil) 2nd place: Leslie Concannon, “Farm Creek,” 3rd place: Alan Sprules, “Antique Tool Barn.” The Paint Rowayton exhibit was judged by Elizabeth Agresta and will be in the Portside Gallery until June 19.
For almost 60 years, the Rowayton Arts Center has been a cultural gem in the 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 RAC Art School offers classes to children and adults at all levels. The RAC Gallery and Art School are located on the bank of the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday: 12pm-5pm, Sunday, 1pm-4pm.
Uncover the emerging artists in the region at the next exhibition at the Rowayton Arts Center, “Focus Under Forty.” Whether through paintings, sculptures, or installations, expect to see unique and bold talent. There is still time to enter as it’s an open call for artists ages 18-39. Two works may be submitted in any medium and on any theme. Best in Show wins a prize of $250. Students (18-20 years) are eligible for a reduced entry fee. Dates for receiving are: Tuesday, May 31 (4-7pm) and Wednesday, June 1 (11am-2pm). The exhibition dates are: June 5 – June 26. The opening reception, which is free and open to the public, is Sunday, June 5 (4-6pm).
The Exhibit Chairman is Dan Long, Co-chair is Michael Brennecke and the Judge is Mark Macrides.
For almost 60 years, the Rowayton Arts Center has been a cultural gem in the 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 RAC Art School offers classes to children and adults at all levels. The RAC Gallery and Art School are located on the bank of the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday: 12pm-5pm, Sunday, 1pm-4pm.
On Sunday at Rowayton’s Memorial Day Celebration, you’ll find the Rowayton Arts Center’s “Art in the Park,” featuring art and crafts for sale and activities and games for the children. The fun in Pinkney Park starts just after the parade which is set to kick-off at noon. Pinkney Park is located at 177 Rowayton Avenue.
For almost 60 years, the Rowayton Arts Center has been a cultural gem in the 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 RAC Art School offers classes to children and adults at all levels. The RAC Gallery and Art School are located on the bank of the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday: 12pm-5pm, Sunday, 1pm-4pm.
For more information: Call 203-866-2744.
Hope you join us on Sunday, May 1 (4-6pm) at RAC’s opening reception when exhibition winners will be announced and will be given $5000 in prizes! The “Community Sponsored Awards” exhibit is one of RAC’s most exciting because of generous community support. The judge of the show, Curator Clare Rogan said, “The observational skills, technical skills, and artistic intuition represented in the gallery are extremely impressive. While jurying this exhibition, I focused on the essence of each piece.”
You can expect to see beautiful work in the gallery. There were over a hundred entries. The opening reception is free and open to the public.
For almost 60 years, the Rowayton Arts Center has been a cultural gem in the 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 RAC Art School offers classes to children and adults at all levels. The RAC Gallery and Art School are located on the bank of the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday: 12pm-5pm, Sunday, 1pm-4pm.
Winners of the Rowayton Arts Center’s exhibit, “Community Sponsored Awards,” were announced at the opening reception on Sunday. This is one of RAC’s most exciting shows, as every category is awarded a cash prize. 33 winners selected, from 108 entries received prizes (nearly $5000) donated by friends and local businesses in the community. The art, submitted by exhibiting members, was done without limitations in media or theme.
The juror, Clare Rogan, Curator, Davison Art Center, Wesleyan University selected the work of the following artists: Best in Show: Gregg Welz (Norwalk), “Solar Winds” Oils: 1st place: Wendy Moore (Pound Ridge, NY), “Remembering Brothers,” 2nd: Peter Jerry (Ardsley, NY), “Work Boats- Bahamas,” 3rd: Linda Francis (Westport), “View to the Mountains” Honorable Mentions: Dawn Dahl (Wilton)“Basilica,” Veronica Cassella-Vaz, (Shelton) “Appaloosa Horse” Acrylics: 1st place: Lois Weingarten (City Island, NY), “Can Can Girl,” 2nd: Melissa Orme (North Salem, NY), “Syncopation,” 3rd: Suzanne Wright (New Canaan), “Tranquility” Honorable Mentions: James Ryan (Greenwich), “Dockside Quartet,” Pilar Garra (New Canaan), “Sky” Prints: 1st place: Susan Leggitt (Norwalk), “Taos Plain” Drawings: 1st place: Ilana Appleby (Norwalk), “Inspired by the American Ballet,” 2nd: Dan Long (Westport), “It’s All Falling Down” Mixed Media: 1st place: Amy Schott (Wilton), “Bird House #2,” 2nd: Mary Morant (Darien) “Oyster Love,” 3rd: Angela Liptack (Ridgefield), “Winter Afternoon I” Honorable Mention: Leslie Rottner (Darien), “Worn Pages” Photography: 1st place: Lisa Laible (Norwalk), “Alley Peering,” 2nd: Mary Harold (Ridgefield), “Railway Cars,” 3rd: Emily Kelting (Norwalk), “To the Lighthouse, Monhegan” Honorable Mentions: Laure Dunne (Norwalk), “Views From the Train Line #3,” Dana Laird (Norwalk), “Fulton” Watercolor: 1st place: Marianne Rothballer (New Canaan), “Reluctant Model,” 2nd: Lynn Stephens Massey (Norwalk), “Diamond Terrapin,” 3rd: Dick Rauh (Westport), “Witch Hazel Capsules” Honorable Mention: Wendy Demaiorebus Pieper (Westport), “Bugger Off” Pastels: 1st place: Joel Sobelson (Weston), “Two Minutes to Curtain,” 2nd : Maria Formoso (Riverdale, NY), “There was a Time and Place” Sculpture: 1st place: Debbie Smith (Westport), “Living Porcelain,” 2nd : Susan Acker, (Stamford) “Hybrid,” 3rd: Ginny Awn, (Norwalk), “Sunset Doves” Honorable Mention: Judith Orseck Katz (Westport), “Vessel”
Curator Clare Rogan (Davison Art Center, Wesleyan University) commented, “The observational skills, technical skills, and artistic intuition represented in the gallery are extremely impressive. While jurying this exhibition, I focused on the essence of each piece.” The show, chaired by Marcia Powell and co-chaired by Phyllis Padro will be open to the public until May 29.
The Rowayton Arts Center, on the
The winners, from “Abstraction”–RAC’s spring exhibition, were following artists:
Best in Show: Oil, Bruce Horan, “Departure,” Oil: 1st place: Michael Brennecke, “New Marlboro,” 2nd: Katharine Draper, “City Reflections,” 3rd: L. Richard Koleszar, “Revelation,” Honorable Mention: Julliette Tehrani, “Interlude.” Acrylic: 1st place: Heide Follin, “Blazing Leaves,” 2nd: Pamela Davis, “Soft Landing”,” 3rd: Yuko Ike, “Inflamed,” Honorable Mention: Melissa Orme, “Manifestation” Mixed Media/Drawing: 1st place: Amy Schott, “Downtown Detroit,” 2nd: Carolyn Lyngholm, “Graffiti Cosmos,” 3rd: Heidi Lewis Coleman, “Terra Assemblages II,” Honorable Mention: Amy Schott, “Twisted # 3,” Watercolor: 1st place: Barbara Seith, “Beach,” Photography: 1st place: Sandy Gennrich, “Architectural Abstracts” 2nd: Marilyn Parker, “Pipes of Color,” 3rd: Barbara Murphy, “Huyghe’s Folly,” Honorable Mention: Sandy Gennrich, “Angles and Lines,” Monoprint: 1st place: Mindy Green, “Babbling Chaos,” Sculpture: 1st place: Ginny Awn, untitled.
The show, chaired by Maria Friscia and co-chaired by Linda Admission is free.
RAC has been a cultural hub for almost 60 years. The RAC Art School offers year-round classes and workshops for creative people of all ages RAC, a not-for-profit organization, underwrites art education programs in Norwalk.
The spring show at the Rowayton Arts Center bursts forth bold colors and shapes with the “Abstraction exhibit opening April 3. You’re invited to join us at the reception on Sunday, April 3, 4-6 pm. Winners of the exhibit will be announced at the reception.
The “Abstraction” exhibition features art in any media, on any theme. Exhibiting artists were encouraged to work with a large degree of independence from realistic representation. Artwork is available for purchase. The “Abstraction” chairperson is Maria Friscia and co-chair is Linda Francis, the judge, Eleanor Flatow, former co – director of the Carriage Barn Arts Center in New Canaan. The exhibit will be up until April 24.
For almost 60 years, the Rowayton Arts Center has been a cultural gem in the 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 RAC Art School offers classes to children and adults at all levels. The RAC Gallery and Art School are located on the bank of the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday: 12pm-5pm, Sunday, 1pm-4pm.
Winners were announced from “Inspiration”–RAC’s first show of the year open to all artists, in any media, in any theme. The juror, Kenise Barnes, from Larchmont, NY, a curator with over 20 years experience selected the following artists: Best in Show: Yuko Ike, Oil, “Pink Steps,” Oil: 1st place: Dawn Dahl, “Forsythia,” 2nd: Katharine Draper, “Illuminated Field,” 3rd: Alan Sprules, “Greenhouse,” Acrylic: 1st place: Heide Follin, “Fleeting Moments,” 2nd: Melissa Orme, “Fantastia,” 3rd: Raffael Altmann, “Addis Ababa,” Print/drawing: 1st: Betty Ball, “Watch Hill Summer No. 7,” 2nd: Dan Long, “No Memory of Memories,” 3rd: Angela McNamee, “Persimmons,” Mixed Media: 1st place: Amy Schott, “Worldly Birds,” 2nd: Amy Schott, William’s Bouquet, 3rd: Kathy Draper, “Lineation,” Photography: 1st place: Laure Dunne, “Ecola Beach Fog,” 2nd: Dana Laird, “10th at 18th,” 3rd: Pierre Lahaussois, “Parisian Bubbles,” Honorable Mention: Mary Harold, “Railway Cars,” Watercolor: 1st place: Barbara Seith, “Swimming,” 2nd: Susan Spivack, “Still Life,” 3rd: Alan Sprules, “Greenhouse.”
The show, chaired by Laure Dunne and co-chaired by Pat Atkin, also had an award of $250 for Best In Show. The exhibit will be open to the public until March 27.
The Rowayton Arts Center, on the scenic Five Mile River, is located at 145 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton, CT. RAC’s gallery hours are 12-5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free.
RAC has been a cultural hub for almost 60 years. The RAC Art School offers year-round classes and workshops for creative people of all ages and at all levels. RAC, a not-for-profit organization, underwrites art education programs throughout Norwalk.
“Inspiration”–opening on Sunday, February 28–is RAC’s first show of the year open to all artists, in any media. It is also one of RAC’s largest exhibitions. Each submission will be judged by Kenise Barnes, from Larchmont, NY, a curator with over 20 years experience. The show is chaired by Laura Dunne and co-chaired by Pat Atkin, and this year the winner of Best In Show will be awarded $250.
The opening reception is Sunday, February 28, 4-6pm and is free and open to the public.
The Rowayton Arts Center, on the scenic Five Mile River, is located at 145 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton, CT. RAC’s gallery hours are 12-5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free.
RAC has been a cultural hub for almost 60 years. The RAC Art School offers year-round classes and workshops for creative people of all ages and at all levels. RAC, a not-for-profit organization, underwrites art education programs throughout Norwalk.
“ENOUGH!” a pen and ink drawing by Dan Long of Westport, won Best in Show at the opening reception for “Beyond Brushwork” at the Rowayton Arts Center. Anne Salthouse of Norwalk was awarded the Gail Parsons Memorial Award for Mixed Media for her 1st place winner with gold leaf, “Andalusian.” The exhibition runs through February 21. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday: 12-5pm, Sunday: 1-4 pm. (Closed Monday.)
Other award winners: 1st place: Pastels: “Old Friends” by Joel Sobelson (Westport), Monotype: “Beach Inlet” by Katherine Draper (Norwalk), Colored Pencil: “Clove Road Barn” by Adrienne Mierzwa (Rye, New York), iPad: “Party in Moonlight” by Tom Ranges (Norwalk), Acrylic on Varnished Paper: “Winter’s Dream” by Virginia Jennewein (New Canaan), Gold leaf/Graphite: “Andalusian” by Anne Salthouse (Norwalk). 2nd place: Monoprint: “Be Seated” by Lisa Thoren (Darien), Pastels: “Is this Still Life? II” by Maria Friscia (Greenwich), Manipulated Photography: “Farm Creek Wader” by Phyllis Padro (Norwalk), Silkscreen & Glass Glitter: “Tiger Shark” by Bruce Horan (Stamford), Oil on Panel: “Saranac” by Michael Brennecke (Westport), Pen & Ink: “ENOUGH” by Dan Long (Westport). 3rd place: Oil/Palette Knife: “Trail on Monhegan” by Kaz Oda (Bridgeport), Graphite: “Tree – Waveny Park” by Yuko Ike (Darien), Mixed Media: “Ciatolli” by Hu Lindsay (Norwalk), iPad: “5 Mile River” by Tom Ranges (Norwalk), Pastels on Cardboard: “Lilies” by Tetiana Chaboryk (Ridgefield), Digital Art: “Steinhardt’s’ Giverny” (Stamford). Honorable Mention: Digital on Archival Paper: “The Artist” by Katherine Evans (Fairfield), Pastels: “At Anchor” by James Ryan (Greenwich), Paper Cuts: “Winter Stars” by Gregg Welz (Norwalk).
The juror for the exhibition was Dr. Arianne Fabor Kolb, an art historian and curator of old master and contemporary art. She was formerly co-director of the Carriage Barn Arts Center in New Canaan and a curator at the J.Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles.
For over 50 years, the Rowayton Arts Center has been a cultural gem in the 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 are located on the bank of the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue.
New artists are preparing to storm the galleries at the Rowayton Arts Center. Junior Members, new Exhibiting Members, as well as youth artists from the Family & Children’s Agency finally get to turn heads with their work in the upcoming RAC exhibitions. Expect exuberance! It is the premiere exhibit of RAC’s Junior Members.
The Main Gallery will feature the Junior Member Exhibit with work by Leo Gonzalez, who spearheaded the formation of the Junior Membership program in 2014. (The Hour, Sunday, August 23, 2015). Now, finally, they put their talents on display in their very first show. The exhibit also showcases the art by young artists participating in RAC’s outreach program with Norwalk’s Family and Children’s agency.
In the Portside Gallery, artists who have recently achieved Exhibiting Member status will exhibit their work for the first time at RAC.
Exhibition Dates: October 29-November 8
Reception: Sunday, November 1, 4-6 pm
For over 50 years, the Rowayton Arts Center has been a cultural gem in the 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 are located on the bank of the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue.
“Treasure Seekers,” an oil painting by Peter Kinseley (Rowayton) won Best in Show at the opening reception for “Expressions” at the Rowayton Arts Center. Mr. Kinseley also received the Mavis Fenner Memorial Award of $250. Mayor Harry Rilling was there to present the “Mayor’s Choice Award” to Brian Kammerer (Rowayton) for his oil painting, “Winter Tide- Point of Rocks/ Wee Burn Beach Club.” The exhibition runs through October 25. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday: 12-5pm, Sunday: 1-4 pm. (Closed Monday.) For more information: www.rowaytonartscenter.org.
Other award winners: 1st place: Oils: “Morgan’s Bluff” by Jim Chillington (Newtown), Mixed Media: “Bay View 1” by Angela Liptack (Ridgefield), Photography: “Mrs. Webb at Home” by Robert Sachs (Norwalk), Drawings: “All that Remains” by Dan Long (Westport), Acrylics: “Cross Country” by Ann Kromer (Ridgefield), Watercolor: “Maine Barn” by JoAnn Davidson (Westport).
2nd place: Mixed Media: “Quartet 3” by Bevi Bullwinkel (Fairfield), Acrylics: “Morning” by Pam Davis (Rowayton), Watercolor: “Conch” by Lynn Stephens Massey (Norwalk).
Oils: “Fall’s Beauty” by Yasemin Tomaken (Greenwich) Photography: “Collapsed/Clasped” by Sawyer G. Hanlon (Greenwich).
3rd place: Mixed Media: “Window with a Bridge” by Pierre Lahaussois (Rowayton), Photography: “Happiness Unhinged” by Gennadiy Goldenshteyn (Manchester), Oils: “Pears” by Dawn Dahl (Wilton), Watercolor: “Barn at Weir Farm” by Marianne Rothballer (New Canaan).
Honorable Mention: Oils: “Old Town, Edinburgh, Scotland” by Gwen Meyerson (Bayside Queens), Mixed Media: “Empress” by Juliana Belcastro (Rowayton).
The juror for the exhibition was Rosemary Webber, an award-winning illustrator whose work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal and The New Yorker Magazine. Of the show, Ms. Webber said, “I looked for inventiveness and the unexpected.” Indeed, it was full of surprises. One surprise was our special guest, Mayor Harry Rilling. The Mayor presented, for the first time, the “Mayor’s Choice Award” to the artist of his personal favorite picture in the show.
For over 50 years, the Rowayton Arts Center has been a cultural gem in the 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 are located on the bank of the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue.
A new exhibition, aptly called “Expressions,” opens Oct. 4, at the Rowayton Arts Center. A show overflowing with intensity and bold energy, the exhibit features the work of both regional RAC members and non-members alike. Artists were free to express themselves, without restrictions of theme or medium. Expect surprises. One surprise is the guest appearance of Mayor Harry Rilling. The mayor will pick his personal favorite and award the “Mayor’s Choice Award.” This will be a first for RAC and a first for Norwalk. Another prize for “Best in Show” is the $250 Mavis Fenner Memorial Award. The juror for the show is Rosemary Webber, a painter and former illustrator for The New Yorker and the Wall Street Journal.
The public is invited to attend the opening reception free of charge, on Sunday, October 4 (4-6pm) 145 Rowayton Ave. The exhibit is chaired by Lisa Wilson Grant of Norwalk and co-chaired by Dana Laird, also of Norwalk.
The Arts Center, located on the bank of the scenic Five Mile River, is a cultural hub where local and regional artists of all ages and levels of expertise gather for education, exhibition and inspiration. Through its classes, gallery, outreach programs and events, the Arts Center endeavors to promote creativity in the arts and to expand its involvement within the community.
Two distinctive shows are running simultaneously at the Rowayton Arts Center. The main gallery is swirling with color and shapes with the “Abstraction” exhibition and the Portside Gallery presents artistic visions from printing plates in “Printmaking.”
You’re invited to enjoy our September exhibitions, “Abstraction” and “Printmaking,” opening on Sunday, September 6. Join us for the delayed reception on Sunday, September 13, 4-6pm. Winners will be announced at the reception.
The “Abstraction” exhibition features art in any media, on any theme. The “Printmaking” exhibition (Portside Gallery) highlights printmaking only, also on any theme. Both exhibitions run from September 6 through September 27. Artwork is available for purchase. “Abstraction” chairperson: Heidi Follin, co-chair: Linda Francis. Judge: Mary Louise Long. “Printmaking” chairpersons are Amy Schott and Bruce Horan. Judge: Chris Shore.
For over 50 years, the Rowayton Arts Center has been a cultural gem in the 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 are located on the bank of the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT at 145 Rowayton Avenue.
Winning Artwork Announced for Brushwork Exhibition 2015
“Beauty in White Dust” by Pilar Joanna Garra of New Canaan won Best in Show in the Brushwork exhibition currently on display at the Rowayton Arts Center. Still in her 20’s, Ms. Garra is one of RAC’s young rising stars. You’ll have until August 30 to view Ms. Garra’s work along 92 other entries from RAC’s talented exhibiting members. Eunice Roy of Norwalk was chairperson and Susan Leggit, also of Norwalk, was co-chair. The RAC gallery located at 145 Rowayton Avenue is open from 12-5pm, Tuesday – Saturday, 1-4pm on Sundays.
Other winners in the exhibit include (by category):
Oil:
1st Place: Ron Taylor, (Stratford) “Caribbean Sailor”
2nd Place: Milan Chilla, (Rowayton) “My Senorita”
3rd Place: Hu Lindsay, (Norwalk) “Urban Bridge” Honorable Mentions:
Katherine Draper, (Norwalk) “Marsh Inlet”
Antoinette Vardarmis, (New Canaan) “Up a Tree”
Watercolor:
1st Place: Susan Spivack, (Westport) “Sandra”
2nd Place: Stan Pastore, (Norwalk) “Saranac Lake”
3rd Place: James Ryan, (Greenwich) “Lily of the Valley”
Honorable Mention: Veronica Cassel-Vaz, (Shelton) “Peonies from My Garden”
Acrylic:
1st Place: Bevi Bullwinkel, (Fairfield) “Facing East II”
2nd Place: Peter Thoren, (Darien) “Out the Black Porch Door”
3rd Place: Jeannine Soper, (Rowayton) “Sheffield Island”
Honorable Mention: Pam Davis, (Norwalk) “Skye”
Associate Professor Roland Becerra, University of New Haven, selected the winning artwork from 92 entries. “I’d like to thank Eunice Roy, Debra Randall and the Rowayton Arts Center for inviting me to participate as judge for the Brushwork 2015 Exhibition. I’d also like to praise the many talented artists who submitted entries. I want to emphasize that every work had artistic strength; it was a challenge to choose the winners. There were so many excellent submissions, each and every submitting artist is due recognition. I was pleased to encounter a diverse range of works engaged in abstraction, patterns, landscape, still life and figurative themes. This exhibition is a wonderful example of the exciting oil/acrylic paintings and watercolors being made by RAC members. Thank you again for the privilege to participate this year. It was a wonderful experience, and congratulations to all of the participating artists,” Becerra said.
For more than 50 years, the Rowayton Arts Center has been serving the community as a cultural hub for regional artists to exhibit and sell their work, exchange ideas and participate in classes and workshops. The RAC Gallery and Art School are located on the bank of
“Sunset,” an oil painting by Lilly Langotsky, won Best in Show in the “Marine and Coastal” all-media exhibition that is at the Rowayton Arts Center through July 26. The RAC gallery at 145 Rowayton Avenue is open from 12:00-5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is free. For information, visit www.rowaytonartscenter.org or call 203-866-2744.
Other award winners (by category) are: Acrylic — 1st Carol Young, 2nd Pam Davis, 3rd Melissa Orme, honorable mention Virginia Jennewein, James Ryan, Leslie Ware; Mixed Media-Pastels-Prints — 1st Amy Schott, 2nd Bevi Bullwinkel, 3rd Jessica Huse, honorable mention Michael Boll, Kathy Draper, Susan Frey; Oil — 1st Kathleen Weinstock, 2nd Alan Sprules, 3rd Lisa Morrill Webb, honorable mention Pamela Riley-Abear, N. Robert Cestone, Linda Francis, Wendy Moore, Elaine Pagano; Photography — 1st Tom Kretsch, 2nd Ben Larrabee, 3rd Marcy Juran, honorable mention Sylvia Doyle, Julie Frank, David Siever, Richard Ventre; Sculpture – 1st Ginny Awn ; Watercolor — 1st Hanneke Goedkoop, 2nd JoAnn Davidson, 3rd Marianne Rothballer, honorable mention Scott Kuykendall, Stan Pastore.
The winning artwork was selected from 97 entries by William McCarthy, who stated “This area has such a strong history in the visual arts that it was no wonder that this exhibit would have a very diverse field of entries to choose from. I selected work that I felt best explored the medium as well as answering the overall question of Maritime and Coastal art. Congratulations to all the artists who entered. This is a very handsome group of work.”
For more than 50 years the Rowayton Arts Center has been a community cultural hub that provides a welcoming environment for regional artists to exhibit and sell their work, exchange arts-related ideas, and participate in classes and workshops for creative people of all ages and at all levels. The RAC Gallery and Art School are located on the banks of the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT.
“Who are you talking to,” an oil painting by Helen Robinson of Darien, won the $250 prize for Best in Show at the 2015 “Focus Under Forty” exhibition. She also was awarded first place in the paintings category. The juror was award-winning artist/teacher William Nelson, who said, “Who are you talking to?” is a beautifully precise painting , whose quiet and amused subject seemed to be tickled to life with gentle caresses of color. Ms. Robinson’s untitled portrait in the painting category was brought to life with aggressive slashes of pigment that commanded my attention.”
The exhibit continues through June 28 in the Main Gallery of the Rowayton Arts Center, 145 Rowayton Avenue. RAC Gallery hours are 12:00-5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday (closed Monday). For information, call 203-866-2744.
“Focus Under Forty” features 47 works in all media by 30 artists ages 18 through 39. The other winners by medium are: Drawings – 1st Spencer Brainard (Astoria, NY); Mixed Media – 1st Erin Jenkins (Norwalk), 2nd Katelyn Vickery (Norwalk), 3rd Joseph Dermody (New Haven), honorable mention Hilary Archer (Wilton); Paintings – 2nd Teeke Eaton-Koch (Riverside), 3rd Pilar Garra (New Canaan), honorable mention Erin Dolan (Norwalk); Photography – 1ST Burr Tweedy (Darien), 2nd Sam Massey (Norwalk), 3rd Kerry Long (Trumbull); Sculpture – 1st Mark Andreas (Stamford), honorable mention Tom Reilly (New Haven).
“My discipline for choosing art for the exhibit is primarily that the work is created at a very high level of technique, execution and display. The art that I am most excited about is that which describes why it exists. Is it here to reflect a personal view, comment on contemporary society, pay homage to the Masters, or bring humor, discomfort or unaffected beauty?”
Other artists juried into the exhibition are (by town): Darien – Morgan Benoist d’Etiveaud, Cara McCabe; Fairfield – Megan Garbe; Greenwich – Christopher Wisher; Milford – Christina Ciacci, New Haven – Emilia A. Baker; Norwalk – Amanda Atunes, Ian Appleby, Sierra Crial, Allison Lindsay, Viorica Gheto-Vuono; Seymour – Michael (Miggy) Migani; Stamford – Matthew Gallo, Erica Santarsiero; West Hartford – Joanna Schiff, Naomi Vevo Bentori.
Four of the artists in the exhibition will be invited to discuss their inspiration, process and art during ATRAC, a free evening of art talk that begins at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17. Following the discussion, attendees can view additional works by the artists and
During the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Rowayton Arts Center on June 22, the following people were elected for a two-year term on the RAC Board: Vice President – Kathy Leeds (Rowayton), Secretary – Lynn Julian (Norwalk), Pat Atkin (Darien), Yuko Ike (Darien) and Amy Schott (Wilton) .
Returning for the second year of their terms on the Board are President – Bruce Horan (Stamford), Treasurer – Ana Mernick (Darien), Joanna Bridges (Darien), and Eunice Roy (Rowayton).
The Rowayton Arts Center, which was founded in 1960, strives to create an environment where local and regional artists of all ages and levels of expertise can gather for the purpose of education, exhibition and inspiration. Through its classes, gallery, outreach programs and events, the Arts Center endeavors to promote creativity in the arts and to expand its involvement within the community.
The RAC Gallery is open from 12:00 noon-5:00 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday and from 1:00- 4:00 p.m. on Sunday and admission is free.
When artists paint outdoor scenes in natural light the technique is called plein air (from a French expression meaning “in the open air”). Plein air paintings of scenes in Rowayton are the focus of two special events organized by the Rowayton Arts Center.
“Paint Rowayton” artwork, which must be completed between June 5 and 12, will be featured from June 13-28 in a special show at RAC’s Portside Gallery, 145 Rowayton Avenue.
Paintings that are completed during a two-hour “Quick Draw” on Saturday, June 13, will be displayed and sold from 12:00-2:00 p.m. in Pinkney Park, 177 Rowayton Avenue. Art created by Rowayton Elementary School students also will be displayed.
Those who want to observe plein air artists at work can pick up a map of locations at RAC.
The winning adult artists for “Paint Rowayton” and “Quick Draw” will receive cash awards. Prizes for young artists will be provided by Brendan’s 101 and Jerry’s Artarama. The judge will be artist/instructor Shauna Shane from the Glastonbury Art Guild.
“Paint Rowayton” and “Quick Draw” are sponsored by Fairfield County Bank with additional support from William Pitt Sotheby’s Rowayton and a donation in memory of Jack Munson Burton.
“Plein air painting alters the way artists see things. I am fascinated by the patterns created by light am always seeking the perfect balance of light and color,” says instructor Carol Maguire.
Although the concept of painting outdoors is familiar today, in the mid-1800s, it was revolutionary when artists first left their studios to investigate and capture the effects of sunlight and different times of days on a subject.
Gallery hours at the Rowayton Arts Center are 12:00-5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday (closed Monday). For information, call 203-866-2744 or visit the web site at www.rowaytonartscenter.org.
For more than 50 years, RAC has sought to create an environment where local and regional artists of all ages and levels of expertise can gather for the purpose of education, exhibition and inspiration. Through its classes, gallery, outreach programs and events, the Arts Center endeavors to promote creativity in the arts and to expand its involvement within the community.
Two important inventions released artists from their studios and allowed them to paint outdoors.
Before paint in tubes became available, artists made their own paints by grinding pigment powders
and mixing them — a difficult task away from the studio. Box easels that included
Artists and anyone who wants to know more about how artists think and create are invited to join the conversation during a free evening of art discussion with Mark Andreas, Joseph Dermody, Miggy, and Helen Robinson, whose artwork was juried into “Focus Under Forty” at the Rowayton Arts Center. The exhibit features 47 works by 30 artists ages 18-39.
AT-RAC begins at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17 in the RAC Gallery, 145 Rowayton Avenue. AT-RAC co-chair Joel Flora will moderate as the participants answer questions about their artwork and describe their though processes and techniques. Following the discussion, attendees can view additional works by the artists and talk informally with them during a reception in RAC’s upstairs studio.
The “Focus Under Forty” exhibition continues through June 28. RAC Gallery hours are 12:00-5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (closed Monday). Admission is free.
For more than 50 years the Rowayton Arts Center has been a community cultural hub that provides a welcoming environment for regional artists to exhibit and sell their work, exchange arts-related ideas, and participate in classes and workshops for creative people of all ages and at all levels. The RAC Gallery and Art School are located on the banks of the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT.
“School Girls Waiting/JFK,” a color photography by Laure Dunne of Norwalk, was awarded Best in Show for the current “Photography & Sculpture” exhibition at the Rowayton Arts Center Gallery, 145 Rowayton Avenue. Other award winners, by category, are Photography – 1st Robert Sachs (Norwalk), 2nd Julie Frank (Norwalk), 3rd Marcy Juran (Westport), honorable mention Danielle Goldstein (Westport), Kirsti Holtan (Stamford) and Richard Ventre (Norwalk) ; Sculpture – 1st Pamela Riley Abear (Stamford), 2nd Michael Brennecke (Westport), 3rd Susan Acker (Stamford), honorable mention Pat Atkin (Darien).
The exhibition continues through May 31 and admission is free. Gallery hours are 12:00-5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Sundays. All the works in this exhibit are by Rowayton Arts Center members. For information visit www.rowaytonartscenter.org or call 203-866-2744.
The judge was Nancy McTague Stock, who selected the award winners from 41 photographs and 6 sculptures. She said, “It is always a pleasure to judge an exhibition at the Rowayton Arts Center. Although awards could not be given to all, there were many worthy candidates. I was pleased to see experimentation in media and substrates, indicative of the RAC membership’s willingness to experiment.”
Other photographers and sculptors in the exhibition are (by town) Branford – Gaile Ramey; Darien – Joanna Bridges, Ben Larrabee, Pam Lindbert; Greenwich – Maria Friscia; New Rochell, NY – Evelyn Aponte; Norwalk – Bill Jones, Jeanne Castellucci, Lisa Wilson Grant, Dona Menton; Rowayton – Michael Boll, Dana Laird, Barbara Murphy, Rick Pank, Marilyn Parker, Jack Robson, Alan Sprules; Stamford – Sandy Gennrich, Judy Peknik; Westport – Tom Kretsch; Wilton – Amy Schott.
Founded in 1960, the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) is located on the scenic banks of the Five Mile River. RAC is a non-profit organization that strives to create an environment where local and regional artists of all ages and levels of expertise can gather for the purpose of education, exhibition and inspiration. Through its classes, gallery, outreach programs and events, the Arts Center endeavors to promote creativity in the arts and to expand its involvement within the community.
“Michele – After Zorn’s Jewelry Box,” a photo montage by Richard Ventre of Norwalk, won Best in Show at the 36th annual Community-Sponsored Awards Exhibition at the Rowayton Arts Center. The exhibition of high-quality art in all media continues through April 26. The RAC Gallery at 145 Rowayton Avenue is open from 12:00-5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday (closed Monday). Admission is free. For information visit the web site at www.rowaytonartscenter.org or call 203-866-2744.
Category winners are: Acrylics – 1st Ann Kromer (Ridgefield), 2nd Jeannine Soper (Rowayton), 3rd Ishita Bandyo (Branford), honorable mention Lisa Thoren (Darien); Drawings, Pastels & Prints – 1st N. Robert Cestone (Rowayton),2nd Dan Long (Westport), 3rd Joel Sobelson (Weston), honorable mention Margaret Esme Simon (Greenwich); Mixed Media – 1st Pierre Lahoussois (Rowayton), 2nd Amy Schott (Wilton), 3rd Gregg Welz (Norwalk), honorable mention Nancy Gramps (Darien); Oils – 1st Yasemin Tomakan (Old Greenwich), 2nd Sean Murtha (Norwalk), 3rd Tetiana Chaboryk (Ridgefield), honorable mention Eunice Roy (Rowayton); Photography – 1st Laure Dunne (Norwalk), 2nd Ben Larrabee (Darien), 3rd Robert Sachs (Norwalk), honorable mention Tom Kretsch (Westport); Sculpture – 1st Ginny Awn (Norwalk), 2nd Susan Acker (Stamford), 3rd Ilana Appleby (Rowayton); Watercolors – 1st Lynn Stephens Massey (Norwalk), 2nd Maria Formoso (Riverdale, NY), 3rd Andrea Padula (Westport), honorable mention Susan Spivak (Westport).
Jeffrey Price, owner of Artists’ Market in Norwalk, selected the winners from entries submitted by 97 RAC exhibiting members. He says, “The excitement here is seeing artists going beyond the limits of their medium and using their technique to express something really interesting. In this exhibit one will find not only skillful and beautiful pictures, but also quiet revelations and astonishing excitement.”
For more than 50 years the Rowayton Arts Center has been a community cultural hub that provides a welcoming environment for regional artists to exhibit and sell their work, exchange arts-related ideas, and participate in classes and workshops for creative people of all ages and at all levels. The RAC Gallery and Art School are located on the banks of the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT.
More than $5,000 in cash prizes will be presented during an opening reception for the 36th annual Community-Sponsored Awards Exhibition at the Rowayton Arts Center. The reception from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, is free and open to the public.
The exhibition of high-quality art in all media will continue through April 26. The RAC Gallery at 145 Rowayton Avenue is open from 12:00-5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday (closed Monday). Admission is free. For information visit the web site at www.rowaytonartscenter.org or call 203-866-2744.
Jeffrey Price is owner of Artists’ Market in Norwalk will select the prize winners. Barbara Murphy, the exhibit chair, says, “We are honored that Jeffrey agreed to judge this year’s Community-Sponsored Awards Exhibit, which is one of RAC’s most important annual events. He is a well-known specialist in the art of Dutch printmaker M. C. Escher and has lectured on cultural history to audiences ranging from school children to scientists. He also has organized exhibits of photographs by Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, as well as Escher’s work.”
Founded in 1970, the Artists’ Market has been a respected part of the Connecticut art community for more than 40 years. Price’s own photographs have been honored with Kodak’s National Award for Experimental and Creative Photography and have been published and collected for more than 30 years. He currently is a member of the Norwalk Arts Commission. Price earned a degree in art history at the University of Connecticut.
For more than 50 years the Rowayton Arts Center has been a community cultural hub that provides a welcoming environment for regional artists to exhibit and sell their work, exchange arts-related ideas, and participate in classes and workshops for creative people of all ages and at all levels. The RAC Gallery and Art School are located on the banks of the scenic Five Mile River in Rowayton, CT.
The Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) announces the selection of two new exhibiting members, who were juried in on May 15 from 15 applicants. They are pastel artist John Lawson (Bridgeport) and clay artist Nicholas Lepore (Stamford).
To become an exhibiting member, artists submit three works to be reviewed by the Artist Selection Committee, which meets three times a year – January, May and September. Artists who are selected for three of the six RAC juried exhibits within a two-year period also are eligible for exhibiting member status.
For more than 50 years the Rowayton Arts Center has been a community cultural hub that provides a welcoming environment for regional artists to exhibit and sell their work, exchange arts-related ideas, exhibit and participate in classes and workshops for creative people of all ages and at all levels. Located at 145 Rowayton Avenue on the scenic banks of the Five Mile River, admission to the RAC Gallery is free. RAC Gallery is open from 12:00 noon-5:00 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday; 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
“Remembering Summer: Plein Air Paintings of Connecticut,” a solo show by award-winning artist Anda J. Styler, will be featured during March in the Portside Gallery at the Rowayton Arts Center, 145 Rowayton Avenue.
At 2:30 p.m. on March 1, Styler will demonstrate plein air painting techniques and discuss her process from start to finished artwork. “Plein air painting alters the way artists see things,” she says. “Shadow and light are constantly changing. Painting on location has influenced my work and the work of my students.”
The Portside Gallery show will run concurrently with RAC’s “Beyond Brushwork” exhibition in the Main Gallery from March 1-29. There will be a free reception for both events from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on the opening day.
Styler began painting in acrylics when she was 16 and that has remained her favorite medium for more than 35 years, but she also works in oil. She earned a BA degree from Parsons School of Design. For many years Styler painted on location and currently paints and teaches both in and out of her studio in Sherman, CT.
She continues to explore subject matter, but is especially drawn to the magic of the Litchfield Hills, and the New England landscape – the hidden places that are not often seen.
Styler’s paintings and techniques are published in two books by North Light Publications. Her works are currently represented by several galleries in and around New England. In July 2007, Styler created four large paintings that are part of a permanent
collection purchase by Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. She has been interviewed by national publications such as American Art Collector, Country Gardeners Magazine, Victoria Magazine.
Winners were announced from “Inspiration”–RAC’s first show of the year open to all artists, in any media, in any theme. The juror, Kenise Barnes, from Larchmont, NY, a curator with over 20 years experience selected the following artists: Best in Show: Yuko Ike, Oil, “Pink Steps,” Oil: 1st place: Dawn Dahl, “Forsythia,” 2nd: Katharine Draper, “Illuminated Field,” 3rd: Alan Sprules, “Greenhouse,” Acrylic: 1st place: Heide Follin, “Fleeting Moments,” 2nd: Melissa Orme, “Fantastia,” 3rd: Raffael Altmann, “Addis Ababa,” Print/drawing: 1st: Betty Ball, “Watch Hill Summer No. 7,” 2nd: Dan Long, “No Memory of Memories,” 3rd: Angela McNamee, “Persimmons,” Mixed Media: 1st place: Amy Schott, “Worldly Birds,” 2nd: Amy Schott, William’s Bouquet, 3rd: Kathy Draper, “Lineation,” Photography: 1st place: Laure Dunne, “Ecola Beach Fog,” 2nd: Dana Laird, “10th at 18th,” 3rd: Pierre Lahaussois, “Parisian Bubbles,” Honorable Mention: Mary Harold, “Railway Cars,” Watercolor: 1st place: Barbara Seith, “Swimming,” 2nd: Susan Spivack, “Still Life,” 3rd: Alan Sprules, “Greenhouse.”
The show, chaired by Laure Dunne and co-chaired by Pat Atkin, also had an award of $250 for Best In Show. The exhibit will be open to the public until March 27.
The Rowayton Arts Center, on the scenic Five Mile River, is located at 145 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton, CT. RAC’s gallery hours are 12-5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free.
RAC has been a cultural hub for almost 60 years. The RAC Art School offers year-round classes and workshops for creative people of all ages and at all levels. RAC, a not-for-profit organization, underwrites art education programs throughout Norwalk.
The winter season at the Rowayton Arts Center is off and running. Right out of the gate is the exhibition, “Beyond Brushwork,” featuring artwork created or enhanced with tools other than the tried and true paintbrush. The exhibit is juried by Dr. Arianne Kolb, and co-chaired by Dana Laird and Gregg Weiz.
Come back and see the work of Ron Taylor in his solo “Retrospective” in the Portside Gallery. The opening reception is Sunday, January 31, 4-6pm. It’s free and open to the public. Mr. Taylor, a former long-time resident of Norwalk, has a genius for realistic composition. He works in oils, pencils, pen and ink.
The Rowayton Arts Center, located at 145 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton, CT on the scenic Five Mile River. Both exhibitions continue until February 21. RAC’s gallery hours are 12-5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free.
RAC has been a cultural hub for more than 50 years. The RAC Art School offers year-round classes and workshops for creative people of all ages and at all levels. RAC, a not-for-profit organization, underwrites art education programs throughout Norwalk.
For more information, please visit www.rowaytonartscenter.org for more information about classes and workshops.
The Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) announces the selection of eight new exhibiting members, who were chosen by the RAC Selection Committee in January from 25 applicants. They are Veronica Cassell-Vaz (Shelton), Tetiana Chaboryk (Ridgefield), Alyssa Shapiro (Norwalk), Joel Sobelson (Weston), Ann Marie Tetelman (South Salem, NY), Kathryn Warren (Redding), Lisa Morrill Webb (Darien) and Kathleen Scully Weinstock (Darien). In addition, five artists have qualified for exhibiting membership by being juried into three of the six RAC juried exhibits within a two-year period. They are Ishita Bandyo (Branford), Milan Chilla (Rowayton), Jack Robson (Rowayton), Margaret Esme Simon (Greenwich) and Alan Sprules (Rowayton).
The RAC Artist Selection Committee meets three times a year – January, May and September. For exhibiting member information, call 203-866-2744.
For more than 50 years the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) has been a community cultural hub that provides a welcoming environment for regional artists to exhibit and sell their work, exchange arts-related ideas and participate in classes and workshops for creative people of all ages and at all levels. Located at 145 Rowayton Avenue on the scenic banks of the Five Mile River, admission to the RAC Gallery is free. Winter Gallery hours are 12:00 noon-5:00 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday.
“From the RAC Studio” opens on January 11 at the Rowayton Arts Center, 145 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton, CT. On that day, everyone is invited to enjoy a free painting demonstration by Sam Morrow from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and the opening reception for the exhibition from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
The exhibition features works in various media by RAC Art School instructors plus many of the adults and young artists who participated in 2014 classes at the Arts Center. It continues through January 25. RAC’s winter gallery hours are 12:00-5:00 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday). Admission is free.
Suzy Aubrey, RAC’s education director, says, “The demonstration spotlights the technique of one of our new instructors, and the reception provides an opportunity to meet all of our award-winning instructors and talented students.”
In addition to Morrow, instructors whose artwork is included in the exhibit are Joanne Roy Askildsen, Frank Bruckmann, Georgette Diamandis, Tracey Dinkin, Christy Gallagher, Mindy Green (new instructor), John Grieco, Dana Goodfellow, Mari Gyorgyey, Laurie Ferrante, Lori Lohstoeter, Anne McCormick, Eddie Nino, Kathryn Warren and Stuart Weismiller.
A second instructor demonstration, by Stuart Weismiller, will be presented on Sunday, January 25, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the RAC Art School upstairs studio.
For more than 50 years the RAC has been a community cultural hub that provides a welcoming environment for the exchange of arts-related ideas and for regional artists in all media to exhibit and sell their work. In its second-floor studio, The RAC Art School offers year-round classes and workshops for creative people of all ages and at all levels, RAC also underwrites arts education programs throughout Norwalk. The Arts Center is located on the banks of the scenic Five Mile River.
