I love to make and sell beautiful bags. This will be my fourth year selling my wares at festivals, but I have been sewing for over 30 years. One of my favorite textiles to work with is cork. It’s sustainable and comes in many beautiful patterns and colors.
Stylish, durable, handbags, wallets, totes, pouches, and more. Made from high-quality materials, such as cork, waxed canvas, vinyl, canvas, and cotton. Custom orders available on her website or through her Facebook page.
Heather is a coastal bespoke jewelry artist from Norwich, CT. She is a lifelong beachcomber and in 2021 decided to learn silversmithing to be able to create a ring using a piece of sea glass. Her hobby quickly turned into a business. Heather creates one of a kind pieces using found treasures from the beach. She enjoys using materials such as beach stones, seaglass and wampum that have been shaped by the tides and years of constant movement of the sea. Each piece is inspired by the New England coast and thoughtfully made using quality materials and a passion for the art of silversmithing.
Elizabeth Budington is a dedicated curator and digital archivist specializing in glass plate negatives from the 1870s to the 1920s. With a passion for preserving history, she has meticulously digitized and archived her extensive collection, ensuring that these precious artifacts are accessible for future generations. Elizabeth’s discerning eye selects the most captivating images to print, bringing to life moments from the past with remarkable clarity and detail. Her work not only safeguards these historical treasures but also offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era, blending artistry with historical preservation. Learn more about her process.
I make mixed-media and metal leaf paintings and handcrafted metalwork jewelry. My work is about connection: between objects and the people who wear them, and between paintings and the viewers who bring them to life. The jewelry draws on symbols shared across ancient cultures and centuries. My paintings explore the hidden meanings and unnoticed details in the world around us, using reflective materials to capture the movement of light and to connect the viewer. Find Rachel at Mountain Tree Studios.
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
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
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.
The Ashford Area Arts Council and Westford Hill Distillers are proud to present the 5th annual: “A Summer’s Palette” – featuring 40+ local artists, great food and specialty drinks.
Fun for the whole family with Art based adult and kids activities!
Please join us at the idyllic setting of Westford Hill Distillers where it’s rich in wonder with gardens to stroll, interesting colors and views along with deep rooted local history. All providing for a picture-perfect day!
With the Quiet Corner of CT being home to many talented, and nationally recognized artisans and authors. It’s a day to relax and breathe in the natural and beautiful grounds while supporting 40+ local artists and our hosts, Westford Hill Distillers. Hours: 10am-4pm
In addition, the day will offer:
– Plein air painting – bring your own chair & easel & capture this
beautiful setting on canvas.
– A Summer’s Palette signature cocktail created by Westford Hill
Distillers, plus other craft spirit beverages.
– Meet the distiller, Louis Chatey, and learn about 26+ years of
Westford Hill Distillers and this historic property.
– Twin Beaks Food truck – Grilled chicken goodies, Hamburgers, Veggie Burgers, Vegan Charred Romaine with chick peas and more.
– Taco’s Rosa – yummy Mexican food
– Dessert table by Keiths Kreations incl. yummy GF offerings
– Kids activities (incl. hands-on plein air art – supplies provided)
– Poetry readings by local poets
– Pollinator Pathways and Garden Club table
– Door prizes & games
Below is a list of attending artists and local venues:
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.
Every year the AAAC awards scholarships to three graduating art students at EO Smith High School – one for the performing arts, one for the visual arts and one for literary arts as well as an art scholarship to a student at Windham Technical High School. 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.
Aram pulls inspiration from punk, alternative culture, and socially engaged imagery, where his work displays recurring themes of equity and a striving political awareness. He will study Industrial Design, Graphic Design, or Architecture and hopes to build his artistic and topical passions into a career of impactful creative expression. He thanks the E.O. Smith art faculty for the profound impact they have had on him.
Joxel Gonzalez Garcia is one of those people for whom art is a constant in his life. Wherever he goes, Joxel is making art; little masterpieces on scraps of paper are left behind wherever he goes. His raw talent is extraordinary. Joxel was recognized this spring at the CT Association of School Arts Award Banquet. He plans to pursue his trade as an electrician and continue making art in his free time.
Ollie Henchir began writing poetry in seventh grade as a result of an English class assignment.For quite some time, their poetry was an art they kept to themselves, but now they share it with the world at large. Ollie has published their own poetry in various mediums, and assisted in the publication of two literary magazines, performed in Open Mics, and has perfected the art of sharing in front of people who they don’t really know!
Grace will attend UCONN in the fall of 2025, to major in Music (Vocal Performance) and Music Education. Gracelyn is a member of the 2025 All-National Honor Choir – a rare and special accomplishment. She has performed leading roles in productions at E.O. Smith, as well as in Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Treble Choir and regional and state level honor choirs, all four years of high school.
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.
“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.
