The Mark Twain Library is excited to present the 49th annual Art Show from Dec. 5 to 12. The art show is presented both as a hanging exhibition in the library founded by Mark Twain himself, and also as an online gallery for those unable to attend in person.
Continuing a tradition so near and dear to the Redding community during the holiday season, the exhibit will kick-off with a Preview Reception on Saturday evening, Dec. 4 with health and social distancing guidelines observed.
“The Art Show is such a festive tradition in our community, not only for the library, but for contributing artists and art collectors alike,” remarked Art Show Exhibition Chair Angie Kane. “We are always proud and amazed to see the artwork presented by our own local artists, and we continue to be excited by work from new contributors and artists from further afield.”
The Mark Twain Library Art Show is a juried show that draws talent from well over 100 local and regional artists and displays their amazing works at the library. This year’s juror of selection is acclaimed painter Jennifer Gennari who specializes in bringing animals to life through her paintings.
Juror of awards is painter Charles Yoder who is known for his large-scale landscapes. Given the success of last year’s online gallery, the works will also be presented in a Virtual Gallery, where they will be available for online viewing and buying. The Virtual Gallery will open to the public on Sunday, Dec. 5 and can be viewed from anywhere in the country.
For those visiting in-person, the library gallery will stand amid the shelves of books that began with Mark Twain’s own personal donation, as has been done for the last 49 years.
“For the Saturday night preview reception we are creating a safe indoor environment for the gallery and silent auction, while at the same time offering a festive and fun party atmosphere outside under heated tents,” said Betsy Higgins, art show administrative co-chair.
“We are so excited to have the opportunity to celebrate the art and artists together this year while complying with State and Town Covid guidelines,” she added. “Once again we are transforming the library into a stunning gallery for art lovers to see up close, meet the artists and enjoy the evening.”
The Art Show serves as a vitally important fundraiser, directly supporting the operating budget of the library, which has been a vibrant community hub in Redding for more than a century. All artwork is for sale, and the library retains a 35% commission on the sales. The kick-off event also includes the beloved and dynamic silent auction, which features electronic bidding on artwork donated by many of the artists. Access to the silent auction is for ticket holders and sponsors of the preview reception.
Manhattan Beer Distributors/New York Wine & Spirits, a long-time art show supporter is this year’s Art Show Lead Sponsor. For additional sponsorship opportunities, please visit: https://marktwainlibrary.org/fundraising/art/
The Mark Twain Library Art Show runs from Sunday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Dec. 12. It is open to the public during library hours and is free of charge. Masks are required in the library.
The Library Gallery is open to the public:
Sunday, Dec. 5: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 6: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 7: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 8: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 9: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 10: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 11: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 12: 1- 5p.m.
Credit cards accepted.
The Mark Twain Library is owned by the Mark Twain Library Association and is partially funded by the town of Redding. It was founded in 1908 by Samuel Clemens – Mark Twain himself – one of Redding’s most celebrated residents. It is located at 439 Redding Road, Redding CT 06896.
For more information about the 49th Annual Mark Twain Library Art Show and/or to purchase general admission tickets to the Dec. 4 Art Show Preview Reception visit www.marktwainlibrary.org/fundraising/art/ or call 203-938-2545.
