Art is part of our soul. Beauty can be found in everything from old trucks to blooming flowers. I find many exciting subjects from my own backyard. I find many exciting subjects to paint when my husband and I travel to antique car shows. I paint Plein air, take photos and bring the references back to my studio. I start with a strong underpainting of dark earth tones. Doing this first helps me find a rhythm that moves you through the painting. Many times some underpainting will show through. My tools are good brushes, a smooth linen surface, and a limited pallet of buttery paint. I didn’t have formal training. I have taken workshops with great artists like David and Pam Lussier, Tim Horn, and Todd Bonita. My goals are a one-man show and to be accepted in more galleries.
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. The show 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 efforts with the expectation of becoming a 2-day show in 2027.
Browse through the gardens of this historic property, and talk to more than 30 local artists about their work. Try your hand at painting en plein air or talk with local gardeners about pollinators and plants. A kid’s activity table will be on hand, so bring the family (no pets, please).
Enjoy a craft cocktail from Westford Hill Distillers while you enjoy a snack or lunch while browsing the grounds.
February 7th 10am to 2 pm. 25 Pompey Hollow Road, Ashford CT. Learn about the art of woodturning. Members from Central Connecticut Woodturners will help guide you with turning your own beautiful wooden pen. This is a FREE event for ages 10 and up. Donations are welcome.
Come to Knowlton Hall February 7th to sign up on the list.
You will be given an approximate time when you will turn your pen.
This is first come/first serve.
Everything you need will be provided. This is a FREE event
With guidance, you will turn your own pen. Connecticut Woodcarvers Club will be joining us displaying many carved items and demonstrating wood carving.
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, 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.
Beautiful wire wrapped semi-precious stones.. Workshop is $20 plus materials fee of about $20 cash. space is limited to 10. Reservations contact us or visit our Facebook Page.
Landscape oil painter Debra Gag has been a lifelong art enthusiast, painting since her early youth and finding inspiration from viewing the work of the French Impressionists early on.
A potter in the 70’s, a watercolorist in the 80’s and discovering oil painting in the 90’s, Deb has been making art for a long time! Debra enjoyed her long career (33 years!) teaching art for Vernon Public Schools, followed by 3 years teaching the art of painting at Arts Center East.
It was after retirement that she was able to really develop ” and find her voice” as a painter.
Inspired by the beauty of New England farms and forests and coastlines, Debra enjoys painting in her home studio in Ashford, Windowhaven Studio.
Debra exhibits in galleries throughout Connecticut and has patrons who are located in several states across the US.
