The Kindness of Strangers

The Kindness of Strangers

November 22, 2014 – January 11, 2015

Spectrum Gallery and Store’s Holiday Show (November 22– January 11) displays the work of local and regional artists who illustrate the “kindness of strangers” among people and between people and our animal friends.  The Gallery exhibit includes work by a number of figurative painters, photographers, sculptors, and crafters new to Spectrum Gallery.  The Spectrum store is filled with new and unique pottery, jewelry, art glass and just in time for the holiday shimmery knitwear.  The seven-week show, located at 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, Connecticut includes an Open Reception, Friday, November 21 from 6:30-9 pm.

“The work in Kindness of Strangers is much more figurative in nature compared to earlier shows we’ve presented at Spectrum,” noted Barbara Nair, Director of Spectrum Gallery.  “The show was inspired by the immense sense of giving shown throughout the holiday season towards not just family members and friends but also through donations and volunteering to help those in need – mostly strangers to us all.  We wanted to celebrate this value and attitude all year long and not just at the holidays.  And many of the pieces in this show do just that.  Some are very moving and may even be a bit difficult to view but nonetheless need to be seen and celebrated.”

Artists participating in Kindness of Strangers include several returning Spectrum favorites as well as new artists to the Gallery such as painters Rachel Carson, Layne, Benjamin Casiano, Cindy Longhini, Sharon Rowley Morgio and Dianne Coyle; painter and illustrator Sue Healy; sculptor Ruth Emers; clay artist Sikiu Perez who specializes in terracotta wall sculptures; photographers Wayne Dollemore, Sarah Perreten and Hiroko Shikashio;  glass installation artist Mundy Hepburn; and felting artist Laura Lyons.  Fine artisans showing in the Store also include Spectrum favorites as well as new pottery, art and painted glass, innovative jewelry pieces by designers new to the Store, holiday pressed flower art, original fabric work, and seasonal knitwear for adults, children and babies.

In addition to being a great holiday gift destination, Spectrum Gallery and Store includes festive decorations and events to celebrate the season.  The gallery will be adorned with two large felted wall hangings, a seven-foot holiday tree embellished with ornaments created by local artists and a selection of handcrafted holiday greeting cards available as well.

Activities to ring in the holidays included the Gallery’s Free Holiday Family Day (Sunday, December 14, 1-4pm) for children ages 4-12.  Enjoy art projects, an artwork scavenger hunt, storytelling, music and snacks for the season.  A special Stories and Songs event is scheduled on Family Day from 2-3pm. Walk-ins are welcome!

On Saturday, December 6, a Holiday Wreath Design Workshop (2:30-4:30pm, $40) is offered to those who wish to create a 30” live wreath for display.  On Sunday, December 6, join the Festive Origami Tree Folding Workshop with Spectrum artisan Kristin Coombs (1:30-4:30pm. $28) and learn to fold holiday ornaments in various sizes. All colored and patterned paper included.   On Saturday, December 13, be part of the Felted Ornament Workshop with artisan Kristen Walsh (11:30-3pm. $58) to make an angel, Santa, or face of someone you know with felted wool as you learn to layer, roll and twist.  Beginners are welcome to these events and materials are included in the price.  To register for these workshops online, visit www.spectrumartgallery.org or call (860) 767-0742 to reserve your spot.

Spectrum Gallery and Store holiday hours are Wednesday-Friday (11am-7pm); Saturday (11-6pm) and Sunday (11am-5pm).  Beginning December 15 until Christmas Eve, Spectrum will be open Monday-Friday (11-7pm); Christmas Eve the Gallery closes at 6pm and reopens Saturday, December 27 at 11am.
The Gallery is the newest expansion of the non-profit arts organization Arts Center Killingworth.  In addition to offering classes, workshops, camps and presenting performing arts events, the Arts Center provides opportunities for emerging and established artists to display and sell their work.  For more about the Kindness of Strangers exhibit call Spectrum Gallery (860) 767-0742 and visit www.spectrumartgallery.org. To learn more about the Arts Center call (860) 663-5593 and visit www.artscenterkillingworth.org.