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.

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.

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.

Mike Metsak – soap and lotions

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.

Chris Pavliscsak

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.

Holiday Artist Market – Nov. 15th-16th, 2025

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

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.