Introducing Pam Blasko
Pamela Blasko has been teaching fiber arts for over 16 years. The love of fiber arts brought her to Spain on behalf of the Spanish Government. She was able to spread her knowledge of felting and fiber arts to the Village of Benaulauria.

She lives on a small farm with her husband Mike. The farm raises wool producing animals so that Pam may create fun and whimsical handspun yarns and felted items. When she spins her yarns, only the finest quality materials are used. Her favorite yarns to spin are art yarns with bold colors, usually big and bulky and full of character. She always creates from raw fiber from the farm that she processes by hand. Both wet felting techniques and needle felting techniques are used to create one of kind clothing items, boxes, rugs, and framed wall art. 

Her fiber arts are sold on www.pamsfiber.Etsy.com, and in local stores; The Valley General Store Seymour, Alpaca Hill Farm Shop Seymour, The Barn on Flanders Rd Woodbury. You can also call 203-218-0508 to schedule a visit to their farm, Dream Come True Farm. 

 

 Introducing Angelo Perrone
 Angelo has been painting in mixed media for the last 50 years. His recent studies called “Impressions of Nature” celebrate his love of natural beauty. He is especially involved with the changes of seasons in our New England area. Some of Angelo’s paintings are done using leaves, grass and natural elements instead of the usual brush in the Plein Aire manner. Painting in this manner rather than from photographs gives the artwork a quality of being truthful to nature and conveys an atmosphere and feeling of a place that is not achievable by any other means. When viewing a Plein Aire painting, you can almost imagine yourself if the scene. His brush strokes are also oriental in flavor stemming from his much acclaimed ability as a calligraphist. Angelo’s paintings serve as a visual vehicle to transport you to another time and place, striking a pleasant memory, or to spark an imaginary experience. Mr. Perrone was educated at the High School of Music and Art (LaGuardia H.S) then at prestigious Cooper Union Art School in New York City, where he received a BFA in Fine Arts. He also won a scholarship to study painting at Oxford University, Oxford England. Angelo pursued a career as a book designer and Art Director for Selected Editions at the Reader’s Digest for many years. He had two one man exhibits for the Wilton Arts Council, one in 2001 and one in 2004. He also had a combined show with his son at the White Silo Barn Gallery in Sherman CT in spring of 2007. Summer of 2007 Angelo exhibited in a combined show at the Mahopac library NY. He also exhibited at the Haight-Brown Gallery and Winery in Litchfield CT, winter of 2008. Summer of 2008 he had a one man show at the Matterhorn in West Dover Vermont, followed by a joint show in the fall of 2008 at the White Silo Winery in Sherman CT. His nature and landscape paintings are in private collections in London, Milan, Rome, and the US. More than 50 of his paintings are currently on exhibit in the new Professional building (100 Oxford Road) Oxford, CT. Angelo says “My landscapes have been compared to Edward Weston’s photography because the always convey a mood and a story, not just an image. Contact Angelo at: phone 203 888-8659

 Introducing Dan Kowalski

As a child I had always been drawn to art. I learned perspective and how shadows hug the ground by religiously copying the exercises in the John Gnagy - Learn To Draw books of the 1960's. At 12 years of age during a week long stay with my grandmother (an amateur artist), I was introduced to the medium of oil paints. I had recently returned from a tour of the western national parks so I chose to paint some of my favorite souvenir postcard scenes. These paintings have traveled with me through life and are included in my exhibit. I entered some school art shows and took first place with surrealistic paintings, then sold several commissioned paintings during my high school years at Masuk in Monroe including one to my art teacher. By this time music had become my passion and the call of the rock star had taken over. Though I did manage to enjoy 2 years as a professional in touring bands, most of my musical career was part-time amidst the mundane realities of "real jobs"and bill-paying.

It wasn't until the late 1990's that I resumed painting - sporadically at first - then slowly increasing in frequency until 2009. My stone-masonry business of 22 years was no longer lucrative with the onslaught of the recession/depression. At this point with the loving support of my wonderful wife -Ruthann - the decision to go full time into art was made! I began to paint in earnest last winter, numerous subjects and studies in order to bring my work to a new level. I am excited about the rapidity of development of color, movement, and emotion with each painting as my style and direction progresses. It is an honor to be chosen as one of the artists in this event. I am looking forward to everyone's input at this launching of my new career.

To contact Dan: phone: 203-414-4217

 Introducing James J. Pelley

The art of James J. Pelley is unique and exciting and takes you to a phantasy realm. His paintings and drawings are a blend of magic that reaches the emotions as well as the intellect. Through these enchanting and mysterious images the viewer’s mind can soar in space, explore mythology or examine the content of dreams. Jim’s wonderful paintings are done in a style so realistic the viewer will want to test the wetness of a tear on a monsterish face. The colors and styles of the works, primarily oil paintings, are as exciting as the imagery itself. Jim is proficient in oil, watercolor, pencil and ink. Many of us can picture images in our minds; but Jim’s creativity and talent as an artist can bring these unreal images into such clear focus.

Born and brought up in Bridgeport, Connecticut, James J. Pelley began drawing and experimenting with his images as a child under the guidance of his Uncle Bill Kondakor. Jim is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Fairfield University where he won the Award in Arts in 1964. In the 70’s Jim studied painting with the late Michael Insinna and design with Dorothy W. Peebles, both instructors with Famous Artists Schools. He took jewelry making at Silvermine School in CT. Jim suffers from severe allergies and hypothyroidism that prevent him from working with the vigor of other artists but his art keeps him from being discouraged. He has used his difficulties to explore the world of phantasy on a far more personal level. The images are more intense and meaningful. He expresses his pain, fears, hopes and dreams in his images. It may well be that this artist’s misfortune has helped him to create the powerful impact that his work has on others when they experience these mystical and symbolic images.

Jim was a member of the Third Stream Art Group In Bridgeport, CT. As a charter Fairfield County Art Association member Jim exhibited his work in their annual Burr Mansion Shows. He received an award for his paintings from the Society of National Art Patrons. He has exhibited his art in juried shows at The Polka Dot Playhouse theater, MASI (now called the Discovery Museum), the Oak Room Exhibit held by the Fairfield CT Festival of Art—where he was invited to perform painting demonstrations. Jim has been invited to lecture for art groups and at colleges such as Paier College of Art in Hamden, CT. He has been a judge for many juried art exhibits. James J. Pelley’s published commercial art has been in ads in Time and PRINT magazines. His art has been reproduced as note cards, Tee shirts, calendars, and prints/posters. Original oil paintings, watercolors, drawings in ink and pencil are available each sold with a signed certificate of authenticity.

For more information: email phantasy_graphics@yahoo.com
Jim’s images are also available for purchase at phantasy.etsy.com.  

 Introducing Jan Mclellan

Jan has always been interested in drawings. She took some drawing classes and a pastel class at SUNY at Albany College of general studies, as a young adult. Then Jan became busy with her family and career. She was a single parent of two sons; and the Audit Director for National Savings Bank in Albany, N.Y. Jan started taking oil painting classes from Mary Jane Ives when she retired and moved to Conn with her present husband. She studied with Mary Jane for four years. For the last three years Jan has been taking pastel and watercolor classes with Eileen Smith. She also took a five session oil painting class with Lorraine Skelsy Chapin. Jan won a First prize ribbon for a pastel and a third prize for an oil painting at the 2009 Bethlehem Fair. She also won an honorable mention for a pastel and a third prize for an oil painting at the 2008 Bethlehem Fair. Recently some of Jan’s pastels have been on exhibit at the Kellogg Environmental Center.

For more information email: janmclellan@sbcglobal.net

 Introducing Mary Jane Ives

I am a Naugatuck native who has been painting in oils since a very young age. I am primarily a self-taught artist whose interest in painting was nurtured by four brothers and an uncle who had a strong artistic influence on my work. My paintings have been displayed throughout Connecticut in various galleries, libraries, outdoor and indoor art shows, etc. during the past 50 years. I prefer working with oils because of their brilliance and durability. Since the paint remains wet for an undetermined time, it allows for any desired changes that I might want to make. My choice of subject matters include seascapes, landscapes and varied still life subjects. I have lived in Oxford for over 30 years with my husband, Robert. After teaching oil painting classes for adult beginners in my home for the past six years, I now devote full time to my paintings. I hope you enjoy my paintings as much as I enjoy creating them.

 Introducing Oxford Greens Photography Group

The Club is excited to be participating as a group. This unique entry to the Showcase exhibit is an opportunity to highlight Photography as an art form and gives our group members a way to share their art with the rest of the Oxford Community. Prints from the membership that best represent our collective works have been selected for display. We had a professional photographer Fred Ortolli select the photos to be displayed at the OCAC Gallery of Art Showcase Exhibit. Our annual Exhibition had a display of over 120 prints on Sept. 11th at the Ridge Club. Almost every member submitted 5 of their best shots from the year to display. Fred then chose the photographs to be shown at this Exhibition at Oxford Town Hall. Until the Sept 11th date we did not know exactly what photos would be displayed. The photographs represent the best work of membership of the Club and it is hoped that the viewers of the OCAC Gallery of Art enjoy our presentation. Information about each photo will be attached to that work.

Although the club is less than three years old we currently have 32 active members. They are all residents of Oxford Greens an active over 55 Community. We organize monthly competitions, invite outside professionals to talk on various subjects and hold field trips to stimulate growth in our skills and appreciation of the art of photography. Our members enjoy taking landscapes, portraits, animals, birds, macro, night/slow shutter and creative subjects. We think that you will find the pieces that we display will be varied and quite “professional” for a group of amateurs.

The contact for this Group is James Warner: cell phone 203-521-1947 Email james.warner@lpl.com

 Introducing Anthony Stachelczyk

Anthony lives in the Town of Oxford on top of a lovely wooded hill that has been the inspiration for many of the scenes he has painted and drawn. He is always creating ART.

Since Grammar school he has been doing art for other’s enjoyment. The Sisters at St. Michaels in Derby had him do the art on all of the school blackboards for any of the Holidays. From there he went to Shelton High and at graduation on to Whitney School of Art in New Haven (now Paier College of Art in Hamden). Anthony studied Commercial, Illustration and Fine art with some famous artist who taught art. Next stop was Cape Cod where he met and spent time just painting with a group of young artists. He then attended the School at Worchester Museum a small school similar to the Boston Museum School.

Anthony was taught art lessons and given encouragement by some excellent instructors in a 3 year course designed to develop his talent. He won various prizes for his paintings. His studies also included sculpture, photography and print making. He became proficient in all of the Graphic related media. He spent time doing sculpture and furniture making and even before graduating he was employed to reconstruct a ceiling made of inlayed wood panels at Worchester. Anthony received a fellowship to Yale for their Summer School Program and then went to Clark University for his BFA. Then came the US Army where after basic training he was assigned to the Special Services Dept. as an artist and worked on the Camp Newspaper and other creative projects. He designed the stage set for the All Army Theater Awards a program similar to the Oscars. Anthony also did portraits of the Officers. When he completed his time in the Army his first civilian job was in the art department of a large printing company where he learned about commercial printing. Then to a position as a Promotions Manager for a large international manufacturing company. He then worked in Advertising for many years.

During all of his travels and work commitments Anthony continued to do his own styles of Art. One of his favorite techniques was Egg Tempera. His style is realism. He has devoted a great deal of time doing portraits, particularly of young children. His subjects range from sensitive delicate portraits of babies and young children, landscapes and graphics to surrealist images with dry humor. Anthony works in a variety of media including pencil, markers, etchings, litho pints, oil paint, wood cuts, and his love – Egg Tempera which is fast becoming a lost art form.


 Introducing Terry Waldron-Tottenham

Terry Waldron-Tottenham a Connecticut native, began her career as a portrait artist of animals and pets. During her early artistic years, pastels dominated the hundreds of animal portraits commissioned by her clients. Among her influences are Rosa Bonheur, and Sir Edwin Landsleer. Her art evolved to include people in her subjects after investing several years apprenticing under Cuban artist Vigues, in intensive portraiture and live drawing study. Her portraiture now would embrace both people and animal.

Her first serious compilation of dog and man was realized in a number of pastel paintings titled “The Art of War Dogs”. Here her skill and ability to bond the dog and soldier in her work is its greatest appeal. Lithographs from these paintings have been collected through out North America and Europe as well as being displayed in the Pentagon and the Museum of the Dog in St. Louis, Missouri. Her great passion for animals, especially dogs, continues to be her artistic motivation, Her respect for the past masters in this field have stimulated from her a life-long commitment of classical dog paintings complimented by lavish and beautiful surroundings. Her inspirations have also led her to capture these images with traditional oil paintings on wood panel.

Terry’s commission work and animal paintings collectively hang in hundreds of private national and international collections.

Website: www.terry.jamesart.com For more information email: james@terryjamesart.com

 Introducing John Munno

From a very young age, John was very connected with nature. As a child and during his formative years, John witness the destruction of nature and the environment all around him as the fishing holes of his youth were bull dozed and the forest he had come to love were turned into office complexes and stores.John has always been drawn to nature for healing, solace, and comfort. Nature became a great teacher for John. John’s love for nature drew him to the outdoor field and at a young he started working in nature, first for the Boy Scouts of America as a rock climbing instructor, wilderness backpacking and canoeing guide in the Adirondack Mountains.

He received his degree in Forestry and Recreational Management from Paul Smiths College in upstate New York before moving out West to work as a white water rafting guide on the Colorado River in Utah and as a ski instructor in Colorado. John spent many years of his life camping, living outside and leading treks into some of the remotest areas of the Adirondack Mountains and backcountry of Colorado and Utah.John’s love for the outdoors and wilderness took him to many parts of the world to experience the wonders of Nature--from glaciers and the high mountains of Nepal to the beaches and tropics of Australia and the South Pacific to the rainforests of Borneo, Sumatra and South East Asia. During these times in Nature without the pressures of time, and civilization, John developed a deep connection with nature and came to many profound and spiritual experiences. He later moved into the holistic healing field as a homeopath, herbalist and touch healing practitioner. During his training in holistic healing and helping thousands of people with their healing, he became aware of harmful effects of the chemicals and pollutants of our industrial societies. He became keenly aware of the cause and effect relationship that existed regarding our actions on the planet toward Nature and the environment and thus the health of our species. It is clear to John that we are not separate, but interconnected to the natural world around us. “What we do to the Earth, we do to ourselves.” You can’t pollute the ocean, air and land without it polluting our bodies in the process and affecting our health. Through John’s own health struggles, he returned to nature for his healing. He realized the importance of healthy food, healthy living and the physical, emotional and spiritual healing effects of Nature in her forests, mountains, lakes, streams and open spaces.

John hopes we as a species can realize this and take better care of the planet we share and thus will take better care of our health, have happier lives and pave a better future for generations to come. Though his photographs, he helps to share this message; to help people heal through the beauty of Nature and his photographs. He helps to restore this lost connection, and appreciation for Nature and the sanctity of life that exists in all plants, animals that we share this planet with.

More of John’s work can be found at www.johnmunnophoto.com

 Introducing Susan Goldstein- Monahan

Susan was born and raised in New York City where she began her formal art training as a teen at the Art Students League. She received her B.A. in Art History from Boston University. Later she studied at the National Academy of Design in New York with Harvey Dinnerstein, Ronald Sherr, Serge Hollerbach and, more recently, in Connecticut Susan studied with Peter Seltzer. After years of being a career mother Susan has returned to painting full time. Susan lives in Seymour with her husband and in December of 2009 she had her first solo exhibit of pastel paintings at the Seymour Public Library.      

 Introducing Peter Petrochko

My work in wood crafts is an outgrowth of studying both architecture at the University of Cincinnati, and Fine Arts at Silvermine College of Art. While studying design, I became enthusiastic about making objects of wood, and chose wood as my crafts medium. About twenty-five years ago, wood crafts appealed to me as a practical and creative way to make a living. However, it took working several years at another job before this goal was realized. Although I have created furniture in wood, the current focus of my work is on both wood vessels and wood sculpture. I am challenged by the many possibilities of what a vessel might be.

Currently, I am creating pieces which range from geometrically patterned bandsaw vessels, to more natural vessels which are hand carved from a single log. The use of bandsaw, laminating, hand carving and disc sanding techniques allow me to project three dimensional forms, namely wood vessels, directly from flat lumber. From an ecological perspective, this conservative use of a natural resource is very satisfying, as it is the essence of economy. Many of these vessels are one of a kind pieces in which I explore various relationships in form, pattern, color, texture, and light. My sculptural work in wood ranges from abstract carvings, to organic sculptural constructions. One of these styles of architectural construction draws inspiration from ancient cultures such as the Incans and from nature itself. These works range in style from elegant simplicity, to more complex statements which display an intriguing relationship between Light, Space, & Mass.

Email:ppetrochko@earthlink.net

 Remembering Caryl Antonowicz Soucy

Born in 1942 a native of Springfield Mass. Caryl Antonowicz Soucy said that even in first grade
her teachers recognized her as an artist. She was asked to decorate all the black boards in the
school. She loved doing it. “Actually”, she said, “it is all my Uncle Victor’s fault because he
introduced me to art”.

She started doing pastels at the age of 14 and continued to take art courses including design
and anatomy but she was mostly self taught.

She was a remarkable artist and her work has the power of her spirit of creativity. Her works
have been shown in Museums, galleries and exhibits in North Haven and Trumbull. Art and
creative activities were a major part of Caryl’s whole life. She worked on theater stages for 13
years painting and creating for the stage productions.

Caryl was a resident of Oxford’s Crestview Ridge Senior Housing Complex where she pursued
her passion for creating art. She had suffered numerous strokes with one in 1999 being the most severe leaving her left side paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair for her last eleven years. After her strokes, this accomplished artist could only use her right hand to paint and yet continuing to paint is what she did.

Caryl painted from photos she took and interjected her creativity and imagination into everything
she created. She painted in oil paint. She painted the beauty of flowers and still lifes, she
painted the power of train engines, she painted to show her sense of humor and she painted to
express her pain.

Some of the art work is almost classical in style and another side of her style is darker and
these works are she said the result of her losses. She painted to cope with the losses caused
by her stroke. She painted to cope with the loss – the death of her 17 year old son. She painted
to let her emotions out and fill some of the emptiness in her heart. Caryl painted because she
loved to paint.

Caryl in her determination to show her work asked repeatedly for the Oxford Cultural Arts
Commission to put on an exhibit and when that was about to happen Caryl was one of the first
to apply and be invited to showcase her work. She was an important inspiration for this Gallery
of Art Event.

Sadly on August 25th only a few weeks prior to the event she was so instrumental in creating,
Caryl passed away. To honor Caryl and her wonderful art talent, her family has agreed to
continue with participation in the OCAC Gallery of Art Showcase and will as she had wished to
do, exhibit her art for her.

  Introducing Mary King
Mary has loved photography since she was given a brownie box camera by her Grandparents at the age of 5 or 6.  Her early love of taking pictures became a passion that will last all her life.
Mary’s landscape photography and wonderful views of  flowers and nature show how much she enjoys shooting Mother Nature in her full glory, no matter what the weather or season.

Mary also  enjoys going "hunting" for the perfect shot.  Her photography captures a moment rather than creating a moment.
With her camera always ready she will snap pictures where ever she goes. Mary sees her unique view of the world through her camera’s lens.  She shows us waterfall in the park or a field of daffodils and brings a sensitive and spiritual connection with her subject.
Her art is beautifully framed and matted in silk double mats in soft colors to make a really pleasing presentation.  These photos have a quiet beauty that makes you want spend time just enjoying the peaceful feeling they can give you.

 Introducing John Miller
The human anatomy is the main focus of my work.  My work explores the organs, tendons, tissues and muscles in their varied internal environments.  Even though the forms are interpretive, my paintings attempt to create a tangible sense of realism and familiarity.  The line is blurred between the real and surreal.

The focus for several years now has been the heart’s interior.  The series, Interiors, attempts to explore the blood flow and constriction of flow.  More specifically it is inspired by my open-heart surgery at age five, images of Echo Cardiograms and interpretive vein and valve structures, Color was used as an influence to examine and recreate certain memories of the surgery.  Heat, atrophy, certain smells and anxiety are all represented through different color relationships. My most recent series, Fruit, explores the interaction between human veins and fruit.  Vitality, evolution, and a state of flux are examined at a biological level. The traditional still-life or use of general fruit is used to offer the viewer a more immediate reaction to the impact blood flow has on an object.. The dichotomy here is the fruit in return develops a sense of humanism.

 Introducing Dorie Petrochko

I am now focusing my energies on a body of work comprised of bird drawings and paintings from my travels to

Costa Rica, Maine, Missouri, and my home state of CT. I am creating large graphite drawings in preparation for

equally large mixed media watercolor paintings. The style I am working on is a quick, high energy application

of intense watercolor, acrylic and gouache pigments which serve as a background for my detailed bird

renderings. The whole process is very labor intensive and charged with pure vibrant pigments. I let the

dynamics of the color dictate the direction that my painting will go and then decide what composition will fit best

in this format.

I was born in Staten Island, New York and began pursuing my art at the age of sixteen, where I studied drawing

and painting at the Art Students League in NYC and Madison, Connecticut. I completed my undergraduate

studies in Fine Arts at Wagner College in Staten Island, New York and completed my Masters in Art Education

from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT. I received my Certification in Botanical  and

Natural Science Illustration from the New York Botanical Garden.

I have exhibited widely throughout New England and have been the recipient of awards for my illustrations from

The Smithsonian Institution,The Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, The Courage Art Center, The

Institute of Children’s Literature, Fairfield Woman Magazine and Gordon Fraser Publications. I currently teach

drawing and painting workshops in nature centers, schools and museums. My studio is in Oxford, CT.

Recent Honors/Activities

Honorable Mention: For Watercolor painting: Osprey/Pandion Haliaetus at the Louisiana State University School Of Veterinary Medicine's Annual International Exhibition of Animals in Art, 4/08

Recipient of the Don Eckelberry Fellowship Award for Wildlife Painting from the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences 12/07

Speaker, Annual Conference for Guild of Natural Science Illustrators: An Artist in Costa Rica
Julia and David White Foundation, Costa Rica
Painting Fellowship: Researched and painted neotropical birds and flora 7/05

Participating artist: Art from Connecticut Forests: Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and the Kellogg Environmental Center. Fifty Connecticut artists created works of art from a Connecticut centennial red oak tree 7/05
Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY
Painting Fellowship: Explored new techniques in watercolor 7/042/04

WPKN Radio, Bridgeport, CT
Cover Design, Illustrations for Cookbook2/02
Celebration of Excellence Award, Connecticut Education Association: Established award winning program “Meet the Artists” for middle school students to research, meet, impersonate artists and exhibit their own work based on their experiencesRecent Solo and Group Exhibitions

Amphibians of the Eastern US- Yale Peabody Museum- New Haven , CT: Feb 27- May 30

Southbury Public Library: Southbury, CT - Solo Show- Bird Paintings- March 31- May 1  

Louisiana State University- School of Veterinary Medicine, International Exhibition of Animals in Art, 2008

 Introducing Linda Stubbs

Linda’s art talent developed because of her life long love for the arts both visual and musical. Linda is married and has four children and two grandchildren she is a native of Connecticut and currently resides in Bridgeport with her family.

In 1996 Linda turned off cable TV for a couple of years and sought something to take its place. She had an interest in drawing, so she bought a sketch pad and charcoal pencils and started drawing portraits, discovering that she had some developing artistic talent which was shared by her then six-year old son Marcus.

In December of 2006 she lost her oldest son Jovon to a drug overdose. In the process of journeying through her grief and loss, she fond solace through painting. In the summer of 2007, she purchased a set of acrylic paints, brushes and canvas and began her painting career with a huge lovely lotus flower which represented new beginnings.

She began to use her God given talent to create art work that expressed her passion and spiritual inspiration. That passion is expressed through her use of vibrant bold colors in her large canvases. She creates art that relays a sense of joy and happiness to the viewer. Linda’s creations are done in oil or acrylic. She is also proficient in pencil.

Her work has been shown at her home church, Bethany Church in Stamford, CT and at the Spectrum of Colors Art Exhibit in Bridgeport CT.

 Introducing Elaine DeLuca

If you have ever wondered what “MIND CHATTER” might look like on paper you may want to view a piece in this show called “HAPPY TALK” and see my interpretation of the thoughts of a compulsive thinker. I have always been drawn to and intrigued by patterns and design. In them I see beauty and much of my work demonstrates this love.

A piece may begin with a “flash” of an idea or a small amount of ink or color on paper. I then slowly see where my imagination takes me. I call it the “Dance”. I work mainly with rapidograph pens my medium of choice is watercolor – gouache- and/or acrylics.

The myriad of ever-changing patterns sometimes creates movement which can be “whimsical” and for some have a spiritual quality. You may find recognizable figures, that are part of the adventure, and although each piece is titled, I hope the viewer will see or discover their own story within. Often another’s interpretation is as much fun and as exciting to me as my own, and is what continuously keeps me inspired.

 

 Introducing Bob Cargill
Bob is a Professional photographer covering Commercial, Industrial, Aerial and Advertising photography.
Assignments which have included: architecture, beverages, food, products, interiors, nature, events, public
relations. His specialty areas include: glass, bright metal, macro photography, plane-to-plane and aerial photography. He was employed at Perkin-Elmer Corporation as staff photographer for 11 years, and  at The Media Works Advertising Agency as manager of photographic services for 10 years.  He also has been owner and photographer for over 20 years in his own business Cargill Photography.

Bob attended Bridgeport Public schools, Sacred Heart University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications and attended numerous professional courses at Kodak Industrial Park, Rochester, NY, Rochester Institute of Tech (RIT), and the Professional Photographer Association seminars. He is also a Licensed Private Pilot. 

Bob  has been involved in Community Service: Monroe Chamber of Commerce - Director, past Monroe Board of Health Chairman, Boy Scout Troop 62 committee member, Fairfield County Scouting Photography Merit Badge counselor and Aviation Merit Badge counselor, past member of the Monroe Board of Health, teach Continuing Education photo courses at Masuk High School, Monroe and Housatonic Community College, Bridgeport. Charter member of the Rotary Club of Monroe. President of the Monroe Arts Council, Member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Professional Aerial Photographers Association (PAPA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), President of EAA Chapter 1443 – Oxford, CT, Past President of EAA Chapter 1208, Bridgeport, CT., past member CT Professional Photographers (CPPA).

He is married with  2 children and 6 grand children. Bob and his wife Toni moved to Monroe 25+ years ago from Bridgeport.  He enjoys hiking, model railroading, photography, music, flying, and handyman projects (carpentry, electrical and plumbing).

 Introducing Amanda Fredericks

Best know for her equestrian and wildlife photos, Amanda has been interested in photography since she was a little girl.  She started with disposable and "point-and-shoot" cameras and upgraded to her first DSLR camera 3 years ago.  She began her training under her mentor, Tony DeCosta of Horses in Motion Equine Photography and attends many of his clinics.

Amanda’s photographic style takes advantage of natural shading of light and shadow and she has stated that, “I tend to like a lot of dark contrast”. Her favorite photographic subject are horses, and she is renowned for her patience and ability to wait for “just the right shot”.  Of all the photograph she has taken Amanda’s favorite to date is titled “Ice Droplets” which has an almost abstract quality.

Amanda lives in Monroe, Connecticut with her 5 miniature horses, 4 Nigerian Dwarf goats, 5 rabbits, 3 cats, and her beloved Miniature Pinscher, Dionne.

She has recently begun to expand into wedding and special event photography. For more information and to view her portfolio, visit her website at www.Fredericks-Photography.com

Introducing Kathleen Mifflin 

My name is Kathleen Mifflin; I am a senior at Oxford High School.  I began this school this year knowing that I had to complete the mandatory senior project, also known to Oxford High School students as Capstone. 

I remember thinking to myself, "what a waste of time."  I would already be dealing with work from four AP classes and piling up my usual extracurricular activities.  Where was I going to find the time for this massive production?  First, I really had to find my inspiration before time became a problem.  To my surprise, the idea for a project came easily. I pondered my strong appreciation for the visual arts and quickly identified it as the path to take. 

I had always found art class to be fairly therapeutic and I wasn't half bad at it anyways.  I just really never had the time to pursue this interest.  And now Capstone was giving me the second chance to bring out my artistic side.  I thought that I would like to learn how to paint a landscape of some sort.  And I also knew that I wanted to somehow generate a profit out of my project. Then I could donate the proceeds to the community in order for my project to assume social value.  Of course I knew that painting would not be a fruitful solution since I would not have enough time to generate countless paintings to sell.  So, the decision was made to try to use photography to produce art. 

I needed help and advice. A friend of mine suggested that I begin by contacting Dorothy Peebles-Pelley the Oxford Cultural Arts Commission Gallery Director who would be a good resource to use. Dorothy introduced me to the Oxford Cultural Arts Commission’s mentoring program; she helped made a connection for me with Oxford Green's Camera Club President, Jim Warner who agreed to be my Mentor. 

By observing Jim's work, reading up on the dozens of magazines Jim graciously lent me (not to mention the instruction manual to my camera), and attending some of the Camera Club's meetings, I began to see what effort it was going to take to become a photographer. 

There was quite a bit of trial and error involved at the beginning of my journey, as I learned to properly use my camera.  Jim got me up to speed with some editing techniques.  However, as the year went on, I began to get the hang of it.  I now have produced many photos which I hoped to sell at my exhibition at Oxford High School in conjunction with the school's showing of West Side Story.  (March 31 through April 3).

At the end of the Play’s run at the High School I am exhibiting my photos here at the Oxford Cultural Arts Commission’s April “New Young Artist” exhibit open from April 4^th through 28^th.  Prints of my photos will be for sale at both of these exhibits and the proceeds will go to support the arts programs at Oxford High.

Now, I am thoroughly submerged in my love for the art.  Taking pictures, editing pictures, and looking at pictures brings me such joy.  Everywhere I go I find myself instinctively looking for shots to take, even if I don't have my camera with me.  It's as though I see the world from a different perspective, behind the lens. 

I have always appreciated the beauty in the simple things that surround us in our daily life, and now as a photographer, I am able to capture those beautiful moments and save them so that they can be forever remembered and cherished. 

I am indebted to the Oxford Cultural Arts Commission and the Oxford Greens Camera Club for their willingness to lend their help and support to introduce to me a true art that will bring me pleasure throughout my life.

 Introducing Beth Ludwig

Bethany is presently a student at Paier College of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, which is proud of its more than sixty-year tradition of training and educating artists.  Beth is majoring in photography.

My ongoing passion is for travel, and plan to travel around the world. My hobbies are photography, fine art, going to the beach, hiking and I really enjoy using my photography to document the activities of local bands and musical groups.  In my work, I seek to express the energy of the music these groups play.

I was born in Connecticut and was educated in the Southbury and Oxford school systems and attended Masuk High School in Monroe. I was awarded a scholarship to Gateway Community College in New Haven, CT to major in Automotive studies.  I also worked with Children in Oxford and Seymour CT while employed at SONNCA’s before and after school programs for elementary schools.

Although the number of pieces of art exhibited here is small I feel very happy to have the opportunity to show my photographs.  I have also included school art projects and hope you enjoy viewing my work.

 Introducing Emi Smith

Throughout my life I've been a visual person. I find myself noticing beauty in areas that are far too often ignored as we rush through our fast paced schedules.

The human figure is something I often find myself focusing attention on, largely because of the range of emotions that can be expressed through simple, yet innately graceful gestures and postures.

In my work, I often seek to express my own inner dialogues and emotions, but I try to offer a certain level of ambiguity: each piece is meant to be open to multiple interpretations. As I continue my growth as an artist, I remain open to exploring multiple medias, but I find myself gravitating largely towards charcoal, graphite, and colored pencil, coupled with found objects such as beads, feathers, and vintage text that I find inspiring or beautiful.

I am pleased with the response to my art. I won a silver key for drawing in the Scholastic competition this year, and was one of the two students in my high school to be awarded with the 2011 CAS award for visual arts.

I have a number of pieces of art exhibited here that I believe are show-worthy.   A few of them are multimedia and done on boards, and one is quite large. (one is even a triptych).

It has been said of my work “Some of the art is thought provoking and dramatic and other show sensitive handling and simple subjects.”  I hope you enjoy viewing and interpreting my art.

 Introducing Donna Brumbergs

My artwork is intended to connect to an individual’s sense of well-being and familiarity enough that they welcome it into their lives.  I hope my work will invoke the reminiscence of a comfortable moment from the past that they will want to revisit time after time. The value of that accomplishment motivates me as an artist. 

In exploring the link between mood and color, my paintings evoke a sense of pleasure and comfort through the manipulation of light sources.  I am inspired by the emotion of the underlying aspects of everyday life, like the scene of a quiet street corner or the view from a window during dusk.  I hope viewers of my work envision themselves in the scene, and perhaps grow from the experience, learning to appreciate things they would otherwise overlook.

This body of work covers a period of two years where I experimented with aspects of realism and impressionism.  I also studied the works of Rembrandt and his use of light to bring focus and Hopper and his ability to shape the mood of the moment.   Recently I’ve experimented with the process of plein air painting.  I spent several months painting on location where I developed a series of New England landscape studies, several of which were further developed into larger scale studio paintings.  The urgency of capturing the fleeting light or approaching storm will inspire the development of the loose painterly brush style that I desire in my work.  

 Introducing Oxford Greens Community

The thirty one art works exhibited in this show were created by a group of fourteen Artists who live in the 55 and over Oxford Greens Golf Community. 

The artists participated in a much larger group art exhibit at the Ridge Club at Oxford Greens on June 4^th and 5^th and some of these works were on display there. Other paintings and pastels were selected by the artist to be included in the June OCAC Town Hall exhibit to create an exhibit that represents the group’s dedication and enthusiasm for their art.

Some of the artists have exhibited for many years and have competed in area juried show and exhibits showing their art in many venues. Some of the artists teach art.  Others are just rediscovering their artistic ability or starting from scratch as students and just beginning to experience the fun of expressing themselves in oil, watercolor or pastel. 

There is a wide variety of styles and subjects represented in the work on display including beautiful studies after old masters, landscapes, florals, portraits and whimsically represented animals. Hanging together in The OCAC Town Hall Gallery the art expresses talent, creativity and the individual members of the groups unique view of life.

The Oxford Cultural Arts Commission is pleased to have this attractive exhibit of art work by this talented group of local artists in the OCAC Town Hall Gallery.

Introducing Acuzzo Galleries


 Introducing Georgia Sheron