A new show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC), “Community Sponsored Awards,” will be on view May 19 through June 16, 2024. This year, artwork in the exhibition will feature local scenes by RAC Exhibiting Members with cash awards thanks to individuals and merchants in the area. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 5 pm plus Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm.
Winners were announced by the judge Anna Greco, Director of Education at Grace Farms Foundation in New Canaan: Best in Show: Kris Toohey of Westport, “Hum of Summer” (Oil Painting), Best Locally-themed Piece: Terry Atkin of Rowayton, “Brendan’s 101” (Watercolor). Acrylics and Oils – 1st Place: Kris Toohey of Westport, “Hum of Summer” (Oil Painting), 2nd Place: Kathy Draper of Norwalk, “Norwalk River from East Norwalk” (Oil Painting), 3rd Place: Gretchen Bruno of Darien, “Lily’s Song” (Oil Painting) and Honorable Mention: Joel Flora of Rowayton, “Marsh Sky” (Oil Painting).
Photography – 1st Place: Dana Laird of Rowayton, “White Barn” (Color Photograph on Aluminum), 2nd Place: Jeanne McDonagh of New Canaan, “A Night at the Glass House” (Photo Transfer on Wood), 3rd Place: Edward Hortick of Greenwich, “Bringing in the Catch, Peaks Ledge, Norwalk” (Black and White Photography), and Honorable Mention: Marcy Juran of Westport, “Clouds and Reeds/Farm Neck” (Archival Pigment Print). Mixed Media, Watercolor, Pastels, Prints and Collage – 1st Place: Stephanie Hilton of Fairfield, “Fairfield Beach” (Watercolor, Mixed Media, Sandpaper), 2nd Place: Richard Koelszar of Norwalk, “Five Mile River” (Watercolor), 3rd Place: Amy Schott of Wilton, “Ogden’s Birds” (Mixed Media) and Honorable Mention: Judith Orseck Katz of Westport, “Wisteria in Southport” (Gouache and Ink).
A special thank you to our friends in the community who contributed to the Community Sponsored Awards 2024: All Seasons Marine, Arden’s Rowayton, The Bait Shop, Brendan’s 101, Darien Rowayton Bank, E.R. Salvatore Associates, Fairfield County Bank, Images of Old Greenwich, The Kent Collection, Kim and Gil Kernan, The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood, Rowayton Market, SAILS American Grill, UCBC Darien/New Canaan, Whitebridge Wine & Spirits and Tammy Langalis at William Raveis Real Estate Darien/Rowayton.
RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For over 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.