Current Exhibition

Reaching for the Sky – Spectrum Art Gallery Exhibit Opens March 22

Discover new and original art that explores the wonder and vastness of “the sky” at Spectrum Gallery’s newest exhibit, Reaching for the Sky. Enjoy an Open Reception on Friday, March 22 (6:30-9pm) with fine art, crafts, wine, and refreshments. Also visit the Open House Weekend on Saturday, March 23 (1-6pm) and Sunday, March 24 (1-5pm). The exhibit runs from March 22 through May 11 at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, Connecticut.

For many cultures, the sky offers important meaning as it assists in telling time, showing changes in the seasons, and offering clues to predict and navigate the uncertain and at times dangerous weather. It has spawned myths, legends, and spiritual beliefs. In the seven-week show, established and emerging artists from throughout the region present new paintings, mixed media, and photography exploring this theme.

Returning favorites as well as new ones to Spectrum include Ann Kraus, an abstract landscape artist whose acrylic paintings depict her interpretation of natural settings and the eternally changing environment. The subject matter of skyscapes represents a perfect metaphor for the evolving and changing environment while evoking a sense of peace and calm in the world. Printmaker Jan Vanderburg, who for many years was a fiber artist but returned to printmaking when she discovered solar-plate etching, focuses on reduction linocuts with all the color possibilities that technique offers.

Also new to Spectrum are artists Donna Spencer who works in acrylic, graphite, charcoal, and photography and Kathryn Bartholomew, an artist and arts educator; she has exhibited throughout New England, and paints with emotion and inspiration from the natural world in all its wildness. 

Returning artist, Amy Valiante, a painter and illustrator creates landscapes, cityscapes, seascapes, animal depictions, and still-life. Painting with acrylic on a smooth canvas, she emphasizes brush strokes and uses delicate glazes to create depth and luminosity in her work. Kim Coughlin has painted throughout most of her career primarily in acrylics, and works in mixed media experimenting with abstraction, expressionism, and bold use of color. Linda Reid produces landscapes, and for this exhibit, a vibrant wetland and skyscape scene. Mitchell Rodbell is stimulated by color, shape, texture, and movement found in nature. His inspiration comes from seascapes, landscapes, and the terrain of the Northeast with work created in acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, ink, and crayon pastels. Others returning to Spectrum include many favorite painters and mixed media artists such as  Catherine Satsuk, Linda McCarthy, Ceal Swift, Daniel Dahlstrom, Diane Rubacha, Maria Johnson, Marjorie Sopkin, Michelle Gore, Ned Farrell, Rosemary Gates, Tatiana Ferraro, Robert Dietz, Vince Palladino and Aziz Konda.  

New to Spectrum for this show is painter Susan Leggitt who has been active in many regional arts and community organizations, including serving as the president of the Rowayton Arts Center. She has been juried into the Silvermine Guild of Artists as well as the Westport Artist Collective and the Mystic Art Museum. During her journey as a fine artist, she has accumulated many awards for her artwork.  Also new to Spectrum Is painter Sharon Mullen-Reynolds who believes “art can heal your soul.”  She works in mixed-media, crafts, collage, and watercolor landscape en plein air. Her artwork has been exhibited at City-Wide Open Studios, The ARTS Council, and the Calligraphers Guild.

Representing sculpture in Reaching for the Sky is internationally exhibited sculptor and installation artist, Dana Filibert, whose work invokes humor, creating sculptures that incorporate animal forms with references to the decorative arts in stylized cloud formations, creating a display of playful mischief!

Fiber art is represented in the gallery show by Catherine Stebinger and Cathy Lovell who create large wall pieces using merino wool and fine silk. 

New and returning photographers presenting in Reaching for the Sky include award-winning Carol Lowbeer who specializes in photography of animals, flowers, and seascapes which she enhances digitally. John Murray presents several new dramatic photographic skyscapes, as does Spectrum favorites Robert Thomas and Paul Ramsey. Award-winning photographer Dianne Roberts is back and new to Spectrum, Sarah Anderson presenting a unique view of the moon rising over the Utah Desert while Heather Mahoney and Gloria Nilsson show us storm clouds and rainbows as we peer above the ever-present telephone poles and wires.  

Many Spectrum fine artisans are exhibiting new pieces including knitter Christine Rook who creates whimsical mitten and hat sets for newborns and beautiful Spring sweaters for children; clothing and fabric artisan Dale Gardner-Fox displays new popular glitter acrylic shawls; fabric artist Anna Mastropolo who specializes in embellishing upcycled clothing shows several dramatic spring pieces and designer Kristen Owens charms us with her baby accessories. Knitter and crocheter Holly Walker creates stuffed rabbit toys for children to snuggle and fabric artisan, Elaine Sych, will show new seasonal home décor items including her ever popular gnomes. Janet McCready presents new bowls and cairns made of beach stones, which she individually handpicks from the ocean’s edge; Jean Gresham uses fused glass to create stunning functional serving ware and jewelry. Other artisans include polymer clay artists Sharyn Farrell, Beth Terhaar and Kristie Foss; watercolorist and jewelry designer Lisa Fatone; Lynn Webber who repurposes glass to design garden art in the form of birdbaths and totems; quilter Mitzie Kalolo and new to Spectrum botanical artist Lynelle Abel. New home décor items will be on display from Barbara Hernandez-Froehlich, Maureen Maalouf with seasonal painted stemware and stained-glass panels and home décor items from artisan Maryann Flick.  Fiber artist Cathy Lovell displays stunning spring silk scarves, Linda Reid brings back her decorative barrettes; Elayne Stratz shows colorful seasonal baskets. The paper arts are represented by the unique seasonal card collection collages of Marianne Dietz and the folded art books of Diana Eastwood. 

Also new to Spectrum is potter Megan McNivens displaying her highly decorative vases and Sharon Lee Mullen-Reynolds who creates inspired floral headpieces for ages 3-9. 

As always, a wide mix of unique and daring fine jewelry can be had in multiple styles created in semi-precious stones, fused glass, beads, polymer clay, and fine metals by designers such as Jessica Dickens whose eye for bold and unique designs, draws inspiration from abstract and organic elements. There are charming new jewelry designs by Gloria Nilsson, lampwork pieces by Sandra Huber and sterling silver pieces by Sharon Smith-Alling. Samantha Barlow-Beamer, a jewelry designer and crafter of fantastic, tiny fairy houses returns as does the designs of Linda Saucier and new wall pieces by fine woodworker Sam Carlson.  

Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisans Store is open Wednesday through Saturday (12-6pm) and Sunday (12-5pm). For more information call (860) 767-0742 and visit Spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at spectrumanytime.com with shipping available throughout the US – a perfect choice for convenient gift giving all year long, gift cards are also available in the Store and online. To join the community conversation, follow on social media at facebook.com/spectrumartgallery, instagram.com/spectrumartgallery, twitter.com/spectrum_ct, and youtube.com/@spectrumgallery6211

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