Tag: AAAC

Bus Trip – Normal Rockwell Museum June 18

norman rockwell boy and girl gazing at the moon 1926
The AAAC, with support from Windham Arts Org,  will have another fun bus trip – this time to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge Ma., Thursday June 18
-$75 covers bus and admission per person.
-Leave Knowlton Hall 8:30 am, return 4 pm
– Checks only, in advance, made out to Windham Arts, with AAAC BUS trip” in memo line.
-please mail checks to Steve Gerling, 240 Westford Hill Rd, Ashford, Ct. 06278
-all reservations must be RECEIVED BY FRIDAY JUNE 5!
Please note: you will get confirmation of receipt of reservation (INCLUDE EMAIL!) but checks will not be deposited until the bus is filled. If we cannot fill a minimum number of seats the trip will be cancelled and checks returned.

A Summer’s Palette Art Show June 27, 2026, Rain date 6/28

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.

Event is free; donations to the Ashford Area Arts Council are welcome. More info and see a slideshow of participating artists.

Pen Turning Workshop, Feb. 7, 2026

Woodturning with Central Connecticut Woodturners

Kayla and Bailey

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 Barker

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

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.