The very popular Ashford Area Arts Council’s “Holiday Artist Market” event will be in its 9th year, with more than 20 local artisans both days. With joyful with upbeat acoustic music on the stage, enjoy a holiday shopping experience and see what our ample community of artists and craftsmen has been creating. So much variety and all of it inspired, well-made, beautiful, and unique. Shop local & support our arts community. Continue reading “Holiday Artist Market – Nov. 15th-16th, 2025”
Tag: ashford area arts council
Vanilla Bean Art Show, September 2025
Our members will exhibit in September at the Vanilla Bean Café in Pomfret. The month-long show presents an opportunity to shop ahead for the holiday season. Plan on a treasure for yourself or a beautiful gift to give.
A Summer’s Palette – June 28th, 2025 rain date June 29th
Our annual Summer’ Palette will again be held at Westford Hill Distillers. Artists, Live Music, Food Trucks, Drinks and gorgeous flowers in bloom – this event has it all!
Browse through the gardens of this historic property, and talk to more than 20 local artists about their work.
Enjoy a craft cocktail from Westford Hill Distillers while you enjoy a snack or lunch while listening to local musicians.
Event is free; donations to the Ashford Area Arts Council are welcome.
Dan Merlo
Dan Merlo makes bowl, pepper mills and tables from “Rescued Wood.” He often accents his pieces with colored resin, enhancing the natural beauty of the wood. Contact Dan to visit his studio in Eastford, CT!
Gretchen Geromin and Lauren Merlo
Gretchen Geromin and Lauren Merlo work as a team, collaborating on unique, handmade boards and signs with original wood burned art. Working with local downed trees, Lauren makes the boards. Gretchen then wood burns them birds, mice, horses, flowers, cats, dragons and more. They welcome commissions and can be found at our shows.
Jay Bartholomew
Jay’s art captures the beauty of nature in bold colors and dynamic textures, created using acrylics on canvas or wood. He invites viewers to experience the joy and serenity of the great outdoors, transforming everyday scenes into lively expressions of color and emotion. If you’re looking to add a splash of inspiration to your space, come and see for yourself! JaNoBaStudios.com
Art has proven to be the most potent means for me to reconnect with my true self. Whether I’m immersed in painting, drawing, or any other creative pursuit, I lose myself in the process, and the external world fades away. In this state, I forge a connection with reality that defies easy explanation. It’s a profoundly soothing experience that enables me to rediscover myself and my surroundings.
While you will find that most of my work is in brightly colored landscapes, I do like to experiment with different styles and subjects as I make my artist journey. My subjects are a mix of being loosely based on actual places along with views straight out of my imagination.
Monthly Council Meeting – October 2024
Our monthly council meeting will be held at the Ashford Senior Center.
The public is always welcome to attend – as are any current or potential members who would like to help out!
This meeting will focus on our annual Holiday Artist Market.
Workshop – Wire Jewelry Wrapping
wire Jewelry Wrapping with Marylin Makuch
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.
Charles McCaughtry – Spring Open House 2024
Charles McCaughtry will have his Spring Open House on the following dates; Saturday April 27th; Sunday April 28th; Saturday May 4th and Sunday May 5th. Hours for all days are 10am to 6pm. The studio is located at 44 Portland Drive in Ashford. Phone: 860-429-1016. Studio Gallery is open at other times by appointment.
Charles McCaughtry – Spring Open House 2024
Charles McCaughtry will have his Spring Open House on the following dates; Saturday April 27th; Sunday April 28th; Saturday May 4th and Sunday May 5th. Hours for all days are 10am to 6pm. The studio is located at 44 Portland Drive in Ashford. Phone: 860-429-1016. Studio Gallery is open at other times by appointment.