“Word Art” is a biennial Gallery tradition since 2003.  Writers and artists collaborate to explore the synergy between the visual and written arts. Visual artists create a work of art that is inspired by prose or poetry, while writers create new work in response to visual art. Text appears next to the art or is directly incorporated as words or letters into prints, paintings, fiber, drawings, photographs or sculpture.  On Saturday, March 22nd there will be a reception with refreshments from 6-8pm. On Saturday, April 5 from 7 to 10 pm authors will read aloud their writing as viewers contemplate art that it reflected or inspired.

In the Upstairs Gallery are two shows. In “Artifact of Process” Renée and Patrick Hughes offer a duet of abstraction. Renée’s work captures a spirit of exploration and spontaneity, with swirling lines and organic forms that suggest movement and energy. The use of color is engaging, creating a sense of depth and layering that gives the works a lively, three-dimensional feeling.  Subtle textures and patterns draw attention to the details and nuances, allowing each observer to engage with the work on a personal level.

Patrick’s work is characterized by fluid shapes and a vibrant palette. Colored shapes meld into one another, creating a visual rhythm that is both dynamic and soothing. The color and shape have an organic quality, a sense of natural growth and transformation interwoven with the abstract.

Renée has participated in national and international exhibitions. In Connecticut her work has been at the Slater Museum, The Mystic Museum, The Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts, Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, The New Britain Museum of American Art, The Mattatuck Museum, Silvermine Guild of Artists, Five Points Gallery, The West Hartford Art League, The Art League of New Britain.  Patrick has also been painting and showing his work at various juried shows and galleries in the area for many years.  Both Renée and Patrick were invited to exhibit their work at The Gallery of 20th Century Art, a part of the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow.

In the Spotlight Gallery is an exhibit by Peggy Stosz entitled, “Nature, Three Ways.” Her oil and watercolor paintings express the power of nature upon the soul to both calm and invigorate. She conveys powerful sensory experiences through the use of light, shadow and color . Her work has been in several Connecticut juried shows including the West Hartford Art League, Ridgefield Guild of Artists, Farmington Valley Art Association, as well as the South County Art Association and Wilford Art Association in Rhode Island. 

The public is warmly invited to attend both this reception and the author reading on April 5. There is no charge for either event.