The Canton Artists’ Guild began in 1960 and has been continuously operating ever since, making it the longest running of any artist guild in Connecticut. The membership, which today draws on artists from 30 surrounding towns, is presenting work in celebration of this 64th Anniversary. Paintings, drawings, graphic arts, sculpture, ceramics, fiber/beadwork and photography are displayed in two large galleries of the circa 1872 former school house that is now Gallery on the Green.

Also on display is a solo show entitled “Winged Things” by Cynthia Cooper. There is a wondrous combination of whimsy and and beauty in her semi-abstract shaped paintings that were inspired by dragonflies, moths and beetles. Cooper uses pattern, repetition and mathematics to create evocative and rhythmic works of art. Always embracing contradictions, Cooper mixes straight lines that drop into curves, ordered systems with additions of randomness, and solidity with motion to form kaleidoscopic compositions that vibrate with tension.

Cooper has a B.F.A. in printmaking from The Pennsylvania State University and had additional training at University of Hartford Art School. Her work has been widely exhibited and has won numerous awards including Best in Show at recent exhibits at both the West Hartford Art League and at the Bendheim Gallery in Greenwich. Her work is held in many private collections as well as in the permanent collections of Penn State University and The New Britain Museum of American Art in New Britain. She lives in Farmington with one other human, two plump cats and two 36 year old cockatoos.

The reception for both shows is Saturday, July 6th from 6:00-8:00 pm and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free, and the public is warmly invited.