Author: Anna Harding

Call To Artists

A SUMMERS’ PALETTE is the Ashford Area Arts Council’s annual art and craft show on the grounds of the Westford Hill Distillers in Ashford CT. Until now it has served as a show and sales opportunity for our membership. It is a well attended event, and has become a yearly destination for guests, many travelling in excess of 50 miles to enjoy it.  This year we are increasing the number of vendors and greatly expanding our advertising and marketing.

We are seeking applications from serious artists and fine craftspeople who create professional quality work.

The venue itself is a beautiful New England family farm, basically unchanged in its 200+ year history. The grounds are gently rolling, graced by unusual trees and gardens that date back more than 100 years. Westford Hill Distillers is a family owned and run producer of eau-de-vie as well as various niche brandies and other distilled liquors, one of the first of its kind on the east coast. In addition to the pleasantly rambling layout, visitors can dine from a couple of food trucks and, more importantly, enjoy the distillery’s products by outright purchase or enjoy their proprietary cocktails in their sampling room or outdoor café area. More info about the venue: westfordhill

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

CLOSE DATE: May 16, 2026, 11:59PM

  • We are accepting people on a rolling basis – until all the slots are full.
  • You will hear if you are accepted within 2 weeks of your submitted application.
  • Final Notice of acceptance/non-acceptance via email by May 23, 2026

JURYING: -Anonymous, to be done by a committee appointed by the organization.

NEEDED FOR JURYING: 3 to 6 JPGs of your work, plus images or description of your booth. (see attached application link)

FEE:  $95 is Due within 7 days upon acceptance

  • Fee includes: AAAC membership through 2026, website and marketing exposure and vending insurance for AAAC events provided through the Windham Arts Council policy.

ALL WORK MUST BE THE PRODUCT OF THE APPLICANT THEMSELF!

-No kits, no copies, no pre-made assemblages from other parties, no projects from classes or under the  tutelage from other instructors.

     -Additionally, references, photos etc. must be of the artist’s own creation.

Handwriting Workshop

Develop a hand noted for it’s legibility, style and speed. Michael Hughey will guide you as you explore hand writing styles. Class meets Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 4:30-7:30pm. From March 31- May 28.

Fee: $50 for all instruction materials; due at 1st meeting.

Class size limited to 8 people. Contact the Willington Library at 860-429-3854 for registration.

Woodturning Workshop Feb 7, 2025

The Central Connecticut Woodturners Club and the Ashford Area Arts Council will have another pen turning event on Saturday Feb. 7 from 10 to 2 at Knowlton Hall, downstairs from the Babcock Library. No woodturning experience necessary…and the event is FREE! Open to all ages: kids must be at least 10 years old to participate. Skilled woodturners will guide you in creating a beautiful pen! No reservations needed, just come between 10am – 2pm.

Wayne Pekarovic
Ambers Pettibone
Sandy Roche
John Webber helping ? ?
Rob Robinson helping ??
Dan Merlo
Joanne Merlo
Kayla and Bailey

Linda Davidson of Quilibet Jewelry

“I create pieces that are unique, fun and made with only the best components. I am inspired by color and texture. I often use others artisans’ handiwork (lamp work, enamel, metalwork and ceramic) in my designs. Finding unique treasures to incorporate into my designs, from all over the world is such an adventure. A journey that brings many new friends and personalities into my designs. I have been in business for over 20 years. I still get as much joy now as I did when I first started. Changing things up as I go along. Making jewelry is my way of expressing myself and making new friends. If I can create something that speaks to someone, I look upon that as the highest compliment”. Find Linda on Facebook or Instagram.

Thomas Barker

Thomas is a master craftsman of impeccable Shaker style woodworking – Shaker style wood pieces. Oval boxes, hinged or sliding boxes (in several sizes), clocks, trays, and much more.

Celebrating New England heritage through timeless Shaker Boxes and utilitarian woodworks. Tradition meets craftsmanship in every piece
Working with wood is something I have always enjoyed throughout my life, from carving to furniture making. But what I am really passionate about is shaker style woodworking, that has been my focus throughout my woodworking career.
Working peacefully in my woodshop is a way to be creative and relieve stress while producing old world craftmanship. Cherry, black walnut, and birds eye maple are the most used types of wood that are used for oval shaker boxes, chocks, serving trays and many other hand made items.
My family has enjoyed my woodworking for many years and now I want to share my shaker style woodworking with others. Contact Thomas.

Rich Longmore

Rich Longmore, who lives in Stafford has been drawing monsters since he could hold a pencil, and used to cut classes in high school so he and his nerdy friends in the “Hyborean Legion” could chuck spears at each other in the woods. He managed to pass enough classes to graduate and go on to get an illustration degree at Parsons School of Design, and now gets paid for doing the same kind of nonsense he used to get in trouble for. You can find him via his website or Facebook.

Kathleen Mittan

Kathy Mittan is a self-taught artist who paints in acrylic, oil, pastels, graphite and colored pencil. Her love of animals has inspired her to paint wildlife and cherished pets. Her style is both abstract in the pouring technique and realistic in fine arts. Her style is vivid and realistic, capturing the heart and soul of each one of her subjects.

Mike Metsak – soap and lotions

Mike Metsack and his partner Keith Dagnall started raising goats as pets in 2014. After much trial and error Keith discovered the perfect recipe for their goats milk soap and in August 2016 Hy-Hope Soap was born! Since then their product line has grown to not only include soap but also “Whole Milk Whole body Lotions” and Lip Balms with more products on the way.
Hy-Hope is a true small batch producer. They even make all of their soap molds so each bar is soap is truly unique.