February 2021 Newsletter
Due to the weather, the RAC gallery will be closed today. Drop off for In the Garden is still planned for tomorrow Tuesday, February 2 from 11 am to 2 pm but check your inbox and the website for any updates.
Upcoming Exhibitions
February 7 through March 6, 2021
Exhibiting Member Show with Floral Displays by Rowayton Gardeners
Receiving: Tuesday, February 2 (11am –2pm) **weather permitting
Opening Reception: Sunday, February 7 (4 – 6pm)
Theme: In the dark of winter, we dream about being In the Garden.
Warm sun on our face, the scent of earth in our nose, the blush of tender shoots popping up through barren ground; these memories give us hope and comfort on dreary days and cold nights. Life comes full circle again.
Valentine’s Day Weekend
Silent Auction FUNDRAISER
 Friday, February 12
Preview hours 12 to 5 pm,
Reception 5 to 7 pm
Silent Auction with BUY IT NOW options – auction closes 6:30 pm
Unique Floral Designs
by Rowayton Gardeners
March 14 – April 10, 2021
All Media Juried Show, open to all artists
Online submissions deadline:  Friday, February 12
Receiving: Monday, March 8 (4 – 7pm) and Tuesday, March 9 (11am – 2pm)
RAC Classes
Winter Classes Run Though February
The current session of online and in-studio classes is up and running and will go through the end of February.  Registration will open this week for the March/April session.
Check rowaytonarts.org/classes for the lineup which will include all the wonderful classes we’re currently running as well as some exciting new options. Shown here is Instructor Nancy McTague-Stock assisting a student during Intro to Watercolors in the RAC studio.
Also be on the lookout for some pop up online Paint and Sips and Art demonstrations that are in the works for this month. We’ll send more information your way as the plans come together.  RAC Education Director Suzy Aubrey, education@rowaytonarts.org
RAC is proud to partner with popular photography instructor Thom Williams (his photograph here) in a series of online photography classes targeted toward new and experienced photographers.
Starting this week, Thom Williams will teach a special four week session with three offerings – Beginner Photography 1 (beginning February 4 from 6-7:30 pm), Intro to Lightroom (beginning February 4 from 4-5:30 pm) and Black & White Photography (beginning February 5 from 6-7:30 pm). Open to all camera types. To review the entire schedule and register online, visit rowaytonarts.org/workshops.
RAC Happenings
FREE ONLINE Artscapades Talk “Impressionists in the Garden: From Vista to Vase”
Thursday, February 18
7 pm
ArtScapades will discuss how gardens and flowers played an important role in the periods of French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism as well as American Impressionism. Artists include Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Vincent van Gogh and Childe Hassam (the artist’s “Celia Thaxter’s Garden” seen here).
Robin Hoffman and Jodi Stiffelman began ArtScapades in 2009 after teaching art appreciation in the New Canaan public school system in order to share their knowledge with adults who wanted to learn more about art history. There is no charge for this event thanks to a grant from the Rowayton Civic Association!
Email info@rowaytonarts.org to sign up for the lecture. A Zoom invite will be sent out prior to the event.
From the RAC Studio: Instructors and Students
Sunday, January 10
The gallery held extended hours on opening day for the annual From the RAC Studio: Instructors and Students Show. SEVEN pieces from this show sold – a tribute to the talents of both our students and instructors! Seen here is RAC Education Director Suzy Aubrey, RAC Board Treasurer Ana Mernick, Board Member Kim Kernan and RAC Board President Steve Mernick (left to right)
Nancy Schlater with her oil painting “After Cezanne” (lower right)
Peri Pfenninger beside her “Portrait of Einstein” charcoal drawing (at top)
Student Ceal Swift with her acrylic painting “Strutting My Stuff” (top right)
Student Sandra Daignault (left) with pastel class teacher Becky Holden (right)
RAC Instructor Susan Fehlinger with her student’s work and her own oil painting “Approaching the Island” (top left)
Student and RAC Instructor Monica Sprei with her mixed media piece “Bird Nesting” (at left)
RAC Online Gallery – There are now TEN exhibitions online for browsing at home or wherever! Visit our website and click on the blue ONLINE GALLERY button in the upper left hand corner. Details of each piece (artist, price and dimensions) are listed as well as the judge’s statement, bio and award recipients for each show.
Opportunity for Artists
Open Call for Artists
The Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum is planning an exhibition in the Mansion’s Billiards Room, “Socially Distant Art: Creativity in Lockdown” from April 8 through August 29, 2021. Submissions deadline is February 15.
For more info about the exhibition and to enter online, click here.
Next artist selection for new exhibiting members is in late May – check the website for updates!