Author: Anna Harding

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.

Chris Pavliscsak

I’m Christopher Pavliscsak, an artist from the quiet corner of Connecticut with a lifelong passion for creativity. I studied illustration at CCSU, which led me to explore painting, graphic design, caricature art, and animation. I work with various mediums—watercolor, acrylics, and digital art—allowing me to express my ever-evolving perspective. Through plein air painting adventures, art material experiments, and creative challenges, I share my artistic journey as I refine my voice and vision. Lately, I’ve been drawn to exploring nature’s relationship with humanity, a theme that continues to shape my work. I don’t believe in creative restrictions—my art shifts with my emotions and experiences, offering a raw and honest reflection of the world as I see it.
See Chris’ website.

Chris Pavliscasak

Kathy Dean

Kathy has been mastering the art of quilling since 2018. As an acrylic painter for most of her life, she found a new passion the multidimensional art of quilling, and has even started combining the acrylic painting and quilling together to create some fun multimedia art.  Stop by and see at A Summer’s Palette, she’ll be working on a piece, or join her group on Facebook.

ashford area arts council member kathy dean

A Summer’s Palette June 28th, 2025

Art Sale
Plein Air
Painting
Food
Beverages

Held at Westford Hill Distillers

Browse through the gardens of this historic property, and talk to more than 30 local artists about their work.

You will find fiber art, basketry, authors, jewelry, pottery, photography, soaps and skin care, paintings, pointillism, wood working, weaving, quilling felting and more!

Enjoy a craft cocktail from Westford Hill Distillers, enjoy a snack or lunch
and even paint en plein air, if you’d like. Children’s activities are available, so bring the whole family. However, while we love pets, please leave them home.

June 28th, 10am-4pm, Rain date is June 29th.

Westford Hill Distillers is located at 196 Chatey Rd, Ashford, CT 06278-1007
Click for map.

Below is a list of attending artists and local venues:

1. Kathleen Mittan
2. Marilyn MaKuch
3. Suzy Staubach
4. Joan Archand
5. Joan Blade Johnson
6. Tom Barker
7. Mike Metsak
8. Kathy Dean
9. Alison Ciarlante
10. Pollinator Pathways
11. John Boiano
12. Jason Hilley
13. Mark Drobney
14. Linda Davidson
15. Jay Bartholomew
16. Xiaohong Song
17. Ashford Historical Society
18. Sharon Punty
19. Jen Stone
20. Charles McCaughtry
21. Lauren Merlo
22. Gretchen Geromin		23. Dan Rackliffe
24. Kathy Weigold
25. Elizabeth Budington
26. Anna Harding
27. Steve Gerling
28. Dan Merlo
29. Joe Burger
30-31. Ashford Area Arts Council
32. Plein Air Painting
33. Artists for Asheville
Gallery Artists:
Christine Acebo
Debra Aldo
Nancy Bunnell
Dot Drobney
Deb Gag
Frank Krasicki
Bonnie Massey
Stacey Palmer
Chris Pavliscsak
Venue:
Westford Hill Distillers

Our 2024 Scholarship Recipients

Every year the AAAC awards scholarships to graduating art students at EO Smith High School – one for the performing arts, one for the visual arts and one for literary arts. In 2024, the Board of the AAAC decided to present an art scholarship to a student at Windham Technical High School as well. 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.

Hannah Losee – Visual Arts

Hannah is a graduating senior of E.O.’s Ag-Ed Animal Science program. Outside the classroom, she nurtures her passion for animal care, riding horses and working as a Veterinary Technician. Art holds a special place in Hannah’s heart. Known in the classroom for her pursuit of new artistic techniques, Hannah’s persistence and ambition are hallmarks of her character. As she anticipates the future, Hannah is enthusiastic about continuing her journey in the arts.

Jaylyn-Rose Rodriguez – Literary Arts

During her time in high school, Jaylyn has demonstrated a passion for poetry, fiction, and nonfiction writing. She has published some of her work in the school’s literary magazine
and, most recently, in the Young Writer’s book of 100-word stories, SOS Sagas: Hunted. After completing her initial studies at a Connecticut
State Community College, Jaylyn hopes to continue cultivating her craft by pursuing English and Creative Writing at Eastern Connecticut State University.

Lael Ali Atti – IT/Visual Arts

Lael is in the Information Technologies shop at Windham Tech. Along with his interest in computers, Lael is very interested in animation and digital media art. He has been independently studying drawing, anatomy, and
figure drawing by practicing both tradition methods and digital media.
Lael is a self-motivated learner who has learned several languages on his own. Lael won
the Connecticut Association of Schools Arts Award. Next year, he will continue his study of computers and art as he pursues a degree at the
University of Connecticut. Lael’s efforts and amazing work ethic have earned him a full academic tuition scholarship at UConn.

Ella Johnston – Performing Arts

Ella Johnston is a senior, bass player, and theater director at E.O. Smith High School.
After learning to read music during years of piano lessons, Ella was recruited to play double bass in the fifth grade by the orchestra teacher. Ella also participates in the EOS Drama Club. Ella became enthralled by the
performances of theater and became active in the Drama Club as a techie, working behind the scenes on props and set design. This year, Ella directed the play CLUE, and worked diligently to bring the iconic play to life. Next year, Ella is going to the University of Glasgow to study sociology, philosophy, and music.