November 7 – Fraktur Basics w. Valerie Oliver 9-29-19

Fraktur Basics Workshop
Early PA German Decorated Documents
Thursday, November 7th
with Valerie Oliver

 Valerie B. Oliver was born in Nashua, NH; she graduated from Classical H.S., Springfield, MA, received her BS in Mathematics from St. Lawrence Univ. in 1960 and MLS from McGill Univ. in 1961. Her professional career as a librarian began at the Research Labs Library at United Aircraft. Her many  years as a Reference Ln. at UCONN’s Homer Babbidge Library, culminated with the publication of her book,Fashion and Costume in American Popular Culture, a reference guideby Greenwood Press in 1996.  

  Her interests in early American decoration began in the early 1970s with teacher Florence Rainville of Uncasville, CT. She became an Historical Society of Early American Decoration (HSEAD) member in 1997, eventually serving as Connecticut Charter Oak Chapter Chairman, then as an HSEAD Trustee and finally as HSEAD President 2011-2012.  She currently serves as their Historian and as assistant editor of their journal The Decorator.  Her decorative painting work consists of country painting on metal and wood, stenciling, freehand bronze work, gold leaf work and reverse glass painting (all using historically documented patterns).  Reproducing old designs such as those seen on the 18th-19th c. Pennsylvania German decorated documents called frakturs  involves  work with a pen and with watercolor paints, a process  both easily and enjoyably performed.  The designs have many uses  i.e. cards, bookplates, letter heads or simply framed for display.

FREE for AAC members
$5.00 for Non-members
Contact Valerie for Materials List
To register, please email or call burnhamvaleriehunter@gmail.com
860-429-1125

Fractur Painting – January 15

Valerie Oliver will teach the traditional Fractur Painting method.

  • Location: Ashford Senior Center
  • January 15, 2022 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Fractur art by Valerie Oliver

Are you an AAC Member who would like to present a workshop?
Contact Darcie Boiano today, send an email with a subject line of “AAC Workshop” to boiano.darcie@gmail.com

business tips for artists! digital art! drama! drawing! fiber art! mixed media painting! photography! dance! sculpture! writing! woodwork
IF YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR IT, OTHERS MAY TOO!

Click Here for Printable Presenter Form
Click Here for Printable Presenter Requirements

If you have any questions, please text, e-mail Darcie Boiano with a subject line of “AAC Workshop” to boiano.darcie@gmail.com

“PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE AAC TO BE A WORKSHOP PRESENTER”

2019 AAC Scholarship Recipients

Meet our 2019 AAC Scholarship Recipients

Ashford Arts Council Scholarship
AAC awards two scholarships per year 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 reciepts plan on pursuing their interest vocationally or as an avocation.

Andrea Arel – Performing Arts

Andrea Arel

Andrea is a senior member the wind ensemble, string orchestra, and choir.  She has also performed in the pit band for musicals and sung with the Women’s Choir.  Outside of E.O. Smith, she has auditioned for and performed with the Connecticut Music Educator’s Eastern Region Band and the New England Music Festival Band.  Andrea has a strong character and impeccable work ethic that is unmatched by most. She is a natural leader who has been an integral part of the EO Smith Music Department for the past 4 years.  Next year she will continue her studies as Music Education major at the University of Connecticut.

Eco Manso-Rich – Visual Arts

Eco has been an outstanding member of the visual arts community since her sophomore year at E.O. Smith. She is a kind and creative young woman who has revealed a life-long appreciation for the arts. From digital imagery, music videos, set design. painting and illustration, she has demonstrated the characteristics of a stellar student artist. Eco’s work has been showcased in winter and spring art shows for the past 3 years. Her interactive projects engage the viewer and lead them to their interpretations. Art will continue to be an avenue of exploration in her college studies next year.

Eco Manso-Rich

April 11 – Charles McCaughtry – PAINTING

An artists’ workshop for all levels of experience. Introducing a limited palette with a wide range of creative options, color and hue balance, saturation compatibility, neutral grays, and pigment density.

For your convenience we will use water media, watercolor or acrylic but the theory is applicable to all media.

Phone (860) 429-1016 for the material list and to sign up.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

June 1 – Writing Stroll

ASHFORD ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS!

A WRITING STROLL with Marian Matthews


June 1, 2019 10am to 2pm

Rain date: June 2, 10 am to 2 pm

To register please call Marian Matthews (860) 477-0318

Explore your inner creativity by participating in this low-stress but invigorating writing activity. No previous writing experience or drafts required–just bring something to write with and something to write on. We will meet at Storrs Center to start. Then with a small group, we will move around to various places in the area, Storrs and/or the University, taking the opportunity to write in each place.

The area provides inspiration in a variety of ways–through its rich history and architecture, its museums, activities in the various retail establishments, its beautiful natural setting and more.

Your writing also will be inspired by the mutual sharing of the work of your colleagues.

This fun activity will be led by Marian Matthews, Ashford resident, previous professor of education and Director of the High Plains Writing Project in New Mexico and the Central Connecticut Writing Project, now retired. She has over 20 years of experience in helping novice and experienced writers find their voices. Come find yours.

3rd Annual Delightful Dinner Dance 3-8-19

3rd Annual Delightful Dinner Dance

May 11, 2019, 6-10pm
Knowlton Memorial Hall – Ashford, CT


– Featuring Patti Tuite and The Allstars –


  • Full Catered Italian Dinner complete with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Followed by Anna Harding’s famously decorated and delicious cupcakes. BYOB beer and wine.
  • Musicians Patty Tuite and The Allstarswill grace the stage and entertain us as Knowlton Memorial Hall transforms once again into a decorated ballroom complete with twinkling lights.
  • The Silent Auction will offer beautiful works created by many local artists such as Charles McCaughtry, Suzy Staubach, Christine Acebo, Lance Arnold, Debra Gag, John Rettenmeir to name a few.

The proceeds from this fundraiser will go to…

  • Award Arts and Music Scholarships to EOSmith High School Students
  • Funding towards Community Arts Programmings and Initiatives
  • as well as, compensation to the poets and musicians who perform at our events throughout the year.

Tickets $30

For more information or to buy tickets…

  • Contact us on Facebook, by clicking here
  • Call our Chair, Deb Gag at 860-933-2987
  • or contact us directly through this site, by clicking here
  • Tickets will also be available at the Ashford Town Hall

The AAC is an offshoot of Ashford’s Our Town Our Future and will be four years old in October. We are affiliated with Windham Arts Org. and the Connecticut Office of the Arts. Our mission is to support all of the arts, local artists, and to bring the arts to our communities.Our mission is to support all of the arts, local artists, and to bring the arts to our communities.

2018 AAC Scholarship Recipients

Ashford Arts Council Scholarship
AAC awards two scholarships per year 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 reciepts plan on pursuing their interest vocationally or as an avocation.

2018 Performing Art Recipient 

Smiriti Hamal
Smriti has been a member of the orchestra and choir for all four years at EO Smith High School. Smriti plans to continue playing and singing as a community member locally and in college.

2018 Fine Art Recipient

Rayann Knowlton
Rayann is heavily involved in floral design and floral art. She also specializes in jewelry and ceramics and has done an independent study in the arts. Ray Ann is planning to major in art education.

AAC Writing Crawl 2018

AAC Writing Crawl 2018

During our AAC Writing Crawl, on June 9th, 2018, participants read their journal entries to the Puppetry Museum curator . Participants went to 5 inspiring locations in Mansfield Downtown to write for 15 minutes, then share with their individual members groups. We all met at the end to share the entire group of 9.