Connecticut has been celebrated for its cultural heritage for generations, yet in some ways, nonetheless, it has remained in the shadow of big cities along the I-95 corridor. Even today, people who dip into its august museums and historical societies are astonished by the depth and breadth of their holdings. But perhaps it took like-minded visionaries to propose ways to build support for these special places under the banner of cultural tourism. Early efforts ultimately led to the creation of The Connecticut Arts Trail, a constellation of 22 museums and historic sites. A $25 annual Passport has further encouraged people to travel throughout the state and dip into its vast cultural well. … [Read more...] about MADE IN CONNECTICUT: 22 MEMBER ART TRAIL CELEBRATED AT THE WADSWORTH
November/December 2020
CURATING IN THE COVID AGE: DIGITAL PRESENTATIONS COMPLEMENT GALLERY SETTINGS
During this pandemic, curating art exhibitions has become an exercise in uncertainty, with curators’ heads spinning as restrictions change from day to day. Since London’s National Gallery reopening on July 8, followed by the Tate Museum galleries on July 27 and Victoria and Albert Museum on August 6, tickets have remained unclaimed by people reluctant to visit. Curators have become more creative, changing communication and modes of gallery exhibition. To make visitors feel safe, reservations for timed tickets, required masks, social distancing and temperature checks have become the norm... … [Read more...] about CURATING IN THE COVID AGE: DIGITAL PRESENTATIONS COMPLEMENT GALLERY SETTINGS
A DISCREET EFFERVESCENCE: AMY ARBUS RETURNS WITH NEW YORK STYLE
New York City speaks to personal style like nowhere else. During the 1980s, the New York ethos was particularly defined by individuality, and by expressing that individuality through overt statements in attitude and appearance. Photographer Amy Arbus seized the day — the decade in fact — to document the brazen, courageous and often visionary personas of New Yorkers as they chose to be seen. Over 500 of Arbus’ portraits were published by the “Village Voice” between 1980 and 1990, as the monthly fashion series, “On The Street.” Of these, 41 have found their way to Mitchell • Giddings Fine Arts in Brattleboro, on view through November 22... … [Read more...] about A DISCREET EFFERVESCENCE: AMY ARBUS RETURNS WITH NEW YORK STYLE
A FULLER SHOWCASE: SNOW FARM CRAFTS PROGRAM SPEAKS TO OUR TIMES
For many artists, the creative process is a solitary pursuit. Looking within, inspiration turns to outward implementation, which in turn becomes a formed expression of the artist’s vision — perhaps influenced by others, but decidedly individual in nature. Yet the power of shared creativity; of artistry practiced in community with others is widely recognized, and so badly needed, in these fractured times. Although its effects cannot be quantified in measurable ways, making art in the company of others initiates positivity and dynamism greater than the sum of its individual parts... … [Read more...] about A FULLER SHOWCASE: SNOW FARM CRAFTS PROGRAM SPEAKS TO OUR TIMES
A VIGOROUS VITALITY: CCP NORWALK LEAVES AN INTERNATIONAL FOOTPRINT
The Center for Contemporary Printmaking (CCP) has used much of what we’ll all probably think back on as our “pandemic year” to brainstorm, adjust programming and make changes to its existing infrastructure. A one-time $50,000 NEA grant through the CARES Act has helped keep staff fully employed and involved in developing online courses. Changes inside the Center’s historic building at Mathews Park in Norwalk, Connecticut, reflect not only the infusion of money, but months of elbow grease. Executive Director Kimberly Henrikson said the arrival of Liz Bannish, who came with great expertise in OSHA requirements and regulations, proved a serendipitous stroke of luck, as she helped CCP establish new health and safety protocols. … [Read more...] about A VIGOROUS VITALITY: CCP NORWALK LEAVES AN INTERNATIONAL FOOTPRINT
OUR NUMINOUS PLACES: THE MYSTICAL & SPIRITUAL TRANSFORM THREE STONES
At the time of this writing, the predicted fall season resurgence of COVID-19 infections was affecting over 30 states in the United States, threatening the possible reinstatement of lockdowns and quarantines. With the first wave, the cultural sector, like every other part of the economy, suffered the consequences of the pandemic and had to respond to stay afloat. The day I visited Three Stones Gallery in Concord, Massachusetts, Jennifer M. Johnston, the owner, was overseeing the finishing touches on the installation of her current exhibit. With both this gallery and a second gallery of the same name in Rockport, Massachusetts, Johnston has had plenty to consider since the early days of the pandemic over seven months ago... … [Read more...] about OUR NUMINOUS PLACES: THE MYSTICAL & SPIRITUAL TRANSFORM THREE STONES