Art is part of our soul. Beauty can be found in everything from old trucks to blooming flowers. I find many exciting subjects from my own backyard. I find many exciting subjects to paint when my husband and I travel to antique car shows. I paint Plein air, take photos and bring the references back to my studio. I start with a strong underpainting of dark earth tones. Doing this first helps me find a rhythm that moves you through the painting. Many times some underpainting will show through. My tools are good brushes, a smooth linen surface, and a limited pallet of buttery paint. I didn’t have formal training. I have taken workshops with great artists like David and Pam Lussier, Tim Horn, and Todd Bonita. My goals are a one-man show and to be accepted in more galleries.
John has been a woodworker for over 40 years. In his early career he designed and sold contemporary furniture, worked as a carpenter and enjoyed carving. Now retired, John is back to his passion in woodworking. He combines his background in woodworking and love of nature to create unique wall hung functional mirrored sculptures using tree holes. John is inspired by what he finds outside and brings the beauty of the natural world into homes.
When he is not watching his grandchildren, you will find him in his woodworking studio /Gallery in Connecticut.
John likes to find weathered tree holes as the decay process provides character. freshly cut tree holes are placed in a trash bag and kept moist for several months. this speeds up the decay process which creates spalting and allows the bark to be removed without damaging the cambium layer of the wood. the wood is seasoned in the shop for several more months before work begins. all pieces are sealed in lacquer. all colors are the natural wood. no stain is used. the mirrored tree holes are intended to be hung indoors. all PIECES are signed and dated.
The work here is made of ceramics and vitreous enamel. It is handmade in my Connecticut Studio. Examples of my work can be seen in the categories- Enamel, and Ceramic. I sell thoughtfully handmade ceramic urns and often integrate fired glass enamel on copper into the lids. My current work for sale can be found in the work for sale page that will easily link you to the item on my Etsy site for more details and the ability to purchase.
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.
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 PekarovicAmbers PettiboneSandy RocheJohn Webber helping ? ?Rob Robinson helping ??Dan MerloJoanne MerloKayla and Bailey
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 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!
