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.
Frank has long explored expressionism in painting. His acrylic works on paper and canvas are vibrant and playful. View a gallery of his work.
Mike Metsack and his partner Keith Dagnall started raising goats as pets in 2014. After much trial and error Keith discovered the perfect recipe for their goats milk soap and in August 2016 Hy-Hope Soap was born! Since then their product line has grown to not only include soap but also “Whole Milk Whole body Lotions” and Lip Balms with more products on the way.
Hy-Hope is a true small batch producer. They even make all of their soap molds so each bar is soap is truly unique.
I’m Christopher Pavliscsak, an artist from the quiet corner of Connecticut with a lifelong passion for creativity. I studied illustration at CCSU, which led me to explore painting, graphic design, caricature art, and animation. I work with various mediums—watercolor, acrylics, and digital art—allowing me to express my ever-evolving perspective. Through plein air painting adventures, art material experiments, and creative challenges, I share my artistic journey as I refine my voice and vision. Lately, I’ve been drawn to exploring nature’s relationship with humanity, a theme that continues to shape my work. I don’t believe in creative restrictions—my art shifts with my emotions and experiences, offering a raw and honest reflection of the world as I see it.
See Chris’ website.
Dorothy (Dot) Drobney is a retired educator, from Willington, who has a passion for nature and travel photography. Having closed her photo studio and a small gallery/gift shop, she is now free to travel both locally and internationally, and is very excited to see what comes next!
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”
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.
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.
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.
Valerie Oliver will be giving a talk about her publication The Historical Society of Early American Decoration,
its historical record at the Babcock Library at 10:00 a.m. on May 11th, a Saturday. There will also be a tea, and she will display a few objects decorated using the
historical techniques. She will speak about how she came to write the history and what it revealed about a mostly female led group since its founding in 1946, etc. Valerie was a Society Trustee from 2002-2012 and Pres. 2011 and 2012 and is currently their Historian and asst. editor of their journal The Decorator.
