Tag: ashford area arts council

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.

Handwriting Workshop

Develop a hand noted for it’s legibility, style and speed. Michael Hughey will guide you as you explore hand writing styles. Class meets Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 4:30-7:30pm. From March 31- May 28.

Fee: $50 for all instruction materials; due at 1st meeting.

Class size limited to 8 people. Contact the Willington Library at 860-429-3854 for registration.

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.

Woodturning Workshop Feb 7, 2025

The Central Connecticut Woodturners Club and the Ashford Area Arts Council will have another pen turning event on Saturday Feb. 7 from 10 to 2 at Knowlton Hall, downstairs from the Babcock Library. No woodturning experience necessary…and the event is FREE! Open to all ages: kids must be at least 10 years old to participate. Skilled woodturners will guide you in creating a beautiful pen! No reservations needed, just come between 10am – 2pm.

Wayne Pekarovic
Ambers Pettibone
Sandy Roche
John Webber helping ? ?
Rob Robinson helping ??
Dan Merlo
Joanne Merlo
Kayla and Bailey

Linda Davidson of Quilibet Jewelry

“I create pieces that are unique, fun and made with only the best components. I am inspired by color and texture. I often use others artisans’ handiwork (lamp work, enamel, metalwork and ceramic) in my designs. Finding unique treasures to incorporate into my designs, from all over the world is such an adventure. A journey that brings many new friends and personalities into my designs. I have been in business for over 20 years. I still get as much joy now as I did when I first started. Changing things up as I go along. Making jewelry is my way of expressing myself and making new friends. If I can create something that speaks to someone, I look upon that as the highest compliment”. Find Linda on Facebook or Instagram.

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.

Kathleen Mittan

Kathy Mittan is a self-taught artist who paints in acrylic, oil, pastels, graphite and colored pencil. Her love of animals has inspired her to paint wildlife and cherished pets. Her style is both abstract in the pouring technique and realistic in fine arts. Her style is vivid and realistic, capturing the heart and soul of each one of her subjects.