60 Main Street, Stafford Springs, Connecticut 06076 Dot Drobney, owner of Artisans at Middle River has awesome craftsman’s work in her Gallery! PrimeChime windchimes creates amazing chimes/mobiles out of upcycled metal and glass parts…real works of art! She also has jewelry made from many different media, paintings, textiles, ceramics and other unique handcrafts.
Dot does all types of photograpy portrait sessions – family, children, pets, senior high school, corporate, fashion – as well as product shoots, nature, travel, landscapes, macros, and small events. Stop by to see the canvas mounted portraits on display to see what Dot does.
Her mini-studio is located within Artisans at Middle River, a new fine art gallery and gift destination at 60 Main Street, in Stafford Springs. Artisans at Middle River offers gift cards, both traditional and e-cards, curb-side pickups, local deliveries or mailing small items when feasible…so people are able to shop. Contact business owner Dot Drobney via email.
Find her on Facebook TBG Accessories aka Midge Marilyn makes her joyful jewelry in her little barn studio in Willington. Her wire wrapped bracelets, earrings and pendants are extremely affordable!!
Animals are a big part of my life and focus on my prints, because they are all around me. Whether it’s my dogs, cats, horsies, birds, my friends are now asking for pet portraits of their pets. I have also translated those pets into personal pins, pendants, and earrings. Also, since my teens, when I lived in Mexico and was mesmerized by their art, the retablos, the carvings, the colors, and the joy. I am bringing that influence into my work now, creating a combination of my prints incorporated into the Mexican retablos (originally devotional paintings of saints, and made thanking a sacred person for their protection). These are cut out panels I make, pasting my prints onto them, and then embellished with acrylics. My prices vary from framed prints between $20 for mini prints, to $60 and up for commissions.
Purchase Pat’s work on Etsy Around Connecticut and on Cape Breton Island Pat Morris is known for her spectacular wildlife paintings especially on unconventional surfaces. In particular her wildlife paintings on feathers. She has painted on slate, birch bark and other natural materials. Owning her art or her book, Lessons From The Geese, will be a treasure for anyone!
Ashford native Debra Gag is inspired by nature to be a painter. She has exhibited watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings for three decades and her paintings are in private collections all across the country. Debra retired from a public school art teacher career (33 years), followed by 3 years teaching painting to children-adults at Arts Center East. In addition, Debra has led critiques for art guilds, has juried art shows, and offered paint events and workshops with a local gallery. Debra has been a part of the Northeast CT Open Studios Tour since 2014, showing at the Old Warrenville Post Office with 4 other artists.
Sharon is offering art classes remotely using Zoom! She is a certified art teacher (retired) with 30+ years experience working with children from preschool through high school. She also enjoys working with adults. Her specialties are painting and ceramics, although she enjoys creating in a variety of media. Her proposals are flexible and could be tweaked in a variety of ways (hours, number of classes, age groups, etc.) depending on community needs. She can be reached by email. Paintings by Sharon shown here are 9×12 acrylics
Award winning watercolorist Charles McCaughtry is from Ashford, CT. His paintings show incredible skill and sensitivity. Charles often hosts open studio visits for the public but will schedule private showings as well.
CharleS’ next open studio will be saturday April 27th; Sunday April 28th; Saturday May 4th and Sunday May 5th of 2024. Hours for all days are 10am to 6pm. The studio is located at 44 Portland Drive in Ashford. Phone: 860-429-1016.
Salt Creek Low Tide, 9.5×13.5, watercolor $600, October Yellow , 9.5×13.5, watercolor $600
Charles McCaughtry, At the Falls , 13.5×9.5 , watercolor $ 600.
New work for Charles’ Open Studio – April 28, May 1st, 7 and 8, 2022
Mayfly Hatch 9×13” ( 16×20 framed) $ 600. Charles is responsible for helping in the reintroduction of trout to our Connecticut rivers and. streams. An avid fisherman and environmentalist, Charles has a masterful way of capturing these magnificent creatures in his watercolor paintings as well as his hook! Charles is a self employed artist. Let’s support our local artists!
Evening Beach 21×29” ( 28×36 framed) $ 2200. This large peaceful scene painted was painted with soft colors and great skill using watercolors by Charles McCaughtry, this week’s featured artist, and it is available.
Evening Reflections 13×21” ( 20×28 framed) $1100. Charles loves to go out rowing and fishing. So paintings like this come from a deep and centered place.
Swamp Brook 9×13” ( 16×20 framed ) $ 600. His paintings show incredible skill and sensitivity. Charles often hosts open studio visits for the public but will schedule private showings as well.
Anna Harding’s work transcends ordinary stained glass to become treasured keepsakes. She originates from Cape Cod, and the sea is occasionally still a theme in her artwork; incorporating shells with crystals and charms into her glass boxes, wall hangings, sun catchers and wedding invitation boxes. Over the years she has enjoyed working in a variety of media such as painting and painting restoration, ceramics, glass, jewelry design, graphic design and website design. She has a BFA in art education and has held certifications in picture framing, IT and teaching. All items include free shipping. People can either contact her through Facebook or order on Etsy. She will also do custom colors and custom designs.
Pressed Flower Suncatcher $10 A pretty suncatcher with real pressed flowers! These make a great little gift for Mom, a friend or anyone needed a little pick me up during these times!
Little Box for MOM $32 This pretty ring box features real pressed flowers on top. It’s the perfect keepsake for your mother to use as a ring box on her desk, bureau, nightstand or near the bathroom or kitchen sink.
Wedding/Bat Mitzvah/Special Occasion boxes Custom made with your invitation between glass. A keepsake that will last forever. More info on her blog.
Steampunk small wall hanging $18 ea. Handmade with gorgeous stained glass and charms, it will add a magical touch to your window, wall or wherever you’d like.
Dragonfly Box, $32 This small 3″across x2″deep x2″high features a pretty dragonfly with AB crystal eyes. Can be made in any color you choose!
Victorian Wall Hanging Based on a vintage design, this wall hanging will look lovely in a window.
Waterhouse NK $38 This very romantic pendant was created using an image by John Waterhouse called Flora and the Zephyrs. The metal is a lead free pewter, done in the Tiffany stained glass method with the addition of stamping into molten solder. It’s a fun technique to do and makes a great conversation piece! The bail is stamped metal copper. The solder is then finished with a coppery/brass patina. Pendant is 1″wide x 2″ high.
By appointment. Social distancing. Can deliver locally or ship.
Suzy Staubach is a potter and writer living in Ashford. Her most recent book, published by Timber Press, is A Garden Miscellany: An Illustrated Guide to the Elements of the Garden, available at all bookstores and from bookshop.org. Email Suzy to arrange for an autographed copy.
Suzy makes pots for the table and kitchen inspired by the pottery of ancient Korea, French and English country pottery, and early American pottery. She works in her quiet Ashford studio making platters, oven to table baking dishes, mugs, pitchers, serving pieces, bowls, dinner sets and more. Meant for use, her pots can withstand the rigors of cooking yet they look elegant on the table. Her primary tools are her kick wheel and her downdraft kiln. Her earthy glazes – deep red, willow green, oatmeal tan, white – are food safe and made from clays and feldspars in her studio.
Depending upon the Governor’s guidelines, Suzy may welcome visitors to her gardens and pottery for CT Open House Day in June. Check her website and Facebook page for details. Phone and email orders are always welcome.
Ever thought about trying to knit? Come and begin the adventure!
“To Knit” means to interlock loops of wool or yarns with needles or machine. In this workshop, you will learn the basics of knitting; including needle selection, yarn selection, and the two most basic stitches. The challenge in knitting lies in the development of consistency throughout your stitches. By mastering these two stitches, the knit stitch and purl stitch, the world of knitting opens.
Cathey began knitting over four decades ago. While making her way through all types of knitting, today she is most known for her knitted socks and fingerless gloves. She calls her work ‘practical art’ as everything she makes is intended for use. Using yarns from bamboo and super wools, all her creations are machine wash and dry, “why have a pair of socks you cannot put into the washer and dryer?” she says. As the years go by, her style evolves, and the patterns will change, but her love for hand knit socks will always remain.
Contact Cathey Gidman to Register (860) 450 – 9153 or GidmanCL@gmail.com
The workshop is FREE to members; $5 for non-members. $10 Materials Fee for all participants (will take home yarn and needles)
