An Enchanted Evening in Easton

The change of season has given us a reason to celebrate this beautiful springtime. Here in Easton, we had a special reason to celebrate a reawakening of our community. Just one year ago, the Easton Arts Council’s Art in the Country exhibition was cancelled due to the pandemic interruption that left us in a year of lockdown and isolation. 

Although in-person gatherings were put on indefinite hold, we quickly learned the virtual world of artistic exhibition and continued with our Photo Contest, Youth Art Show and Members Art Show, all of which can be viewed at our Virtual Art Portal Page.  http://www.eastonartscouncil.org/Exhibit_Galleries_Portal.htm

The Easton Arts Council truly opened the spring season on May 22 when we welcomed the community and local artists to join us in at the Easton Public Library for our first in-person art show and reception. Displayed in the community room were 51 pieces of art created by artists from more than 15 surrounding towns. We had a reason to celebrate!

First Prize was awarded to John Forgione for Twin Oaks, Easton.  John works both in his studio and, en plein air on location. He brings his equipment into the field and typically spends one or two days to complete a painting. You may just see John on any given day painting by the roadside in Easton or view his artwork at johnforgione.com.

Second Prize was awarded to Leyli Ghavami for The Inverted Dive.’  Leyli is a member of 2021 class at Joel Barlow High School and will attend Arizona State University as part of its honors program.

Honorable Mention was awarded to Kris Lynch for Shaggy Coos At Sunset. A Board Member of the Easton Arts Council for many years, Lynch is an associate member of the American Watercolor Society and has exhibited her watercolor and pen & ink art in numerous juried shows throughout Connecticut. 

Honorable Mention was also awarded to Dr. Margaret Brooks for African Mother. Brooks has been an artist and sculpture for over 25 years. You can view her work at The Rabbit Hole Gallery in Weston Conn. and www.ArtPal.com/Imasculptor.

The cobblestone patio on the back side of the library was converted into an enchanted evening under the stars. The evening was perfect with large bouquets of fresh lilacs that sweetened the air with pianist Michael King providing music for the evening. 

Although juror Robert Brennan was not able to join us for the evening for the presentations, he was there in spirit. Brennan wrote a wonderful personal letter to the artists and critiques that were read by Kit Briner.

Be sure to stop by the library to view the Art In The Country exhibition that will be on display until June 26.