2021 Art and Garden Tour of Northeastern Connecticut

This free self-guided tour features 11 artists’ gardens displaying the works of 17 area artists. Enjoy paintings, sculpture, ceramics, woodwork, photography and other works of art in gardens in Ashford, Coventry, Mansfield and Willington. The gardens, which vary in style, include a handmade greenhouse, a hydroponic greenhouse, ponds and pools, a stone arch, paths, terraces and an abundance of flowers, shrubs, vegetables, trees and herbs. Artwork will be available for purchase. All current Covid-19 protocols will be followed, including masks.

More information can be found on their Facebook Page or go to their website for a virtual tour.

2021 Scholarship Recipients

Every year the AAC awards two scholarships to graduating art students at EO Smith High School – one for the performing arts and one for the visual arts. These students are chosen because they have taken two or more courses in their area; exhibited enthusiasm, interest, honesty, and integrity; and produced quality work viewed or open to the public. The recipients plan on pursuing their interest vocationally or as an avocation.

Alissa Recchia – Visual Arts

I create art to cheer people up and brighten the space around me. I still remember when I was a kindergartener sitting at the kitchen counter scribbling dogs for hours on end, and it’s been exciting to see how far my skills have developed. I would describe my style as cartoonish, andI hope to create a few animations of my own in the years to come. The subjects of my work are usually the same few characters I draw over and over, placed in all manner of fantastical settings. My inspiration comes from nature, my fellow artists, and a good amount of the thousands of books I’ve read. I want to thank my high school art teachers who helped me learn and grow my skills: Ms. Elizabeth Andrews, Ms. Tammy Glaeser, and Ms. Heather Bunnell.  I’m currently taking AP Studio Art, and I’ve taken a variety of art courses in the past, such as Drawing, Painting, Jewelry, and Ceramics.  I’m honored to receive a scholarship for one of my lifelong passions and favorite hobbies, especially since I didn’t expect this at all!

Rebecca Drake – Performing Arts

I have spent my last four years following my true love for music and the performing arts. While at E.O. Smith, I have been a member of the E.O. Smith Chamber Singers, the Concert Choir, and the Women’s Treble Choir. I was honored to participate in the Eastern Regional Music Festival for four years, the All-State Music Festival for three years, and last fall I was privileged to perform in the All-National High School Honors Choir. Outside of school, I have studied Classical Voice with UConn faculty through Jorgensen Auditorium’s JOY! Conservatory Program. I have thoroughly enjoyed singing with the Windham Theatre Guild’s Broadway Chorus and performing in the TYSCT (Tolland Youth Services Community Theater) summer musicals. Recently, I auditioned and placed second in the 2021 CT NATS competition in the category “Upper High School Classical”. This fall, I will be attending Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee and will be majoring in commercial music performance and will be minoring in music business. I can’t wait to further my music education and grow as a musician at Belmont!