Sorry to say we were overlooked

The Valley Arts Council lost out in its request for funding from the state Department of Economic and Community Development.

Arts council member to help us usher in 2013

Start the new year right

DERBY - Artist Floatin' Fred will be playing the music in his head on Tuesday, New Year's Day.

His first set will be from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and the second set will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Gallery@37, 37 Elizabeth St., Derby, Ct.

Stroll by, stop in, support original music and local art!

State overlooks arts council in grant process

A request from Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo:

"Show the state how much we enjoy getting ignored," he said today. "Click on the link or visit the CT Office of the Arts on Facebook and add your two cents...it's more than the state thinks we are worth!"

 
https://www.facebook.com/CTOfficeoftheArts/posts/257925834333586?comment_id=1047085&notif_t=share_re
www.facebook.com

 

Council wins grant, welcomes Gallerie Chartier

Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo is pleased to announce that the Valley Arts Council received a $1,000 support grant this week from United Illuminating.

In addition, DiCarlo said, "We would like to welcome Gallerie Chartier to our organization. The new gallery, though next door, will feature digital art and prints as well as some controversial artworks from around the world."

Gallerie Chartier is at 35 Elizabeth St., Derby, Ct. 

Arts council welcomes next-door neighbor to town

Gallerie Chartier to hold grand opening Dec. 15

Russell J. Chartier and his wife, Jill Treadwell, are getting ready to open their media gallery at 35 Elizabeth St., Derby, Ct.

The grand opening celebration will be held from 8-11 p.m. Dec. 15.
 

Treadwell stands next to a video still of her eye that Chartier created. The image is on display at the gallery.  

You can read more about this intriguing gallery in a story I wrote that is in today's New Haven Register.

Two of Chartier's video stills that are on exhibit in the gallery.

Gallerie Chartier is next door to Gallery@37.

Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo said there is an arts movement going on in downtown Derby. 
He's working to get the word out to inspire artists and residents alike to get involved in it.

Explore the holiday boutique at Gallery@37

What time is it? 
Time to check out the one-of-a-kind gifts for sale at the Gallery@37.

From paintings, drawings, and clocks, to jewelry and ornaments, members of the Valley Arts Council have created an array of gifts for all.

Stained glass art, religious-themed items and more are for sale. 
 

Ornaments for hobbyists and sports enthusiasts can be found on the tree.

Canine portraits are part of the mix as well. 
 

As is a mermaid.

Beautiful tabletop decorations are also for sale.
 

This metal sun sculpture was photographed through the window, which explains the less than good quality.

Visit the gallery, 37 Elizabeth St., Derby, Ct. and see all of these unique items for yourself. 

Head to Shelton today to check out this fun holiday fair

Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo and his wife, Wendy, are at this fair today.

Rich is selling cool clocks he has created as well as his trademark bricks, and Wendy is selling Partylite candles and accessories (see below) and Lia Sophia jewelry. 

Here are some of the holiday gifts on display at the fair.

They can't wait to see you.

Remember: Shop local for the holiday season!

Check out creative gift ideas now at the gallery

A note from Gallery@37 manager and stained glass artist extraordinaire BillieJo:

Great
Gift Ideas
Don’t grow on
Trees. But we do
Have them at Gallery@37
Fine art paintings, photographs, sculpture, stained glass, jewelry, and more, await your discriminating
esthetic and refined gifting sensibilities. Located at 37 Elizabeth Street, Derby, CT.
Shop Gallery@37 during regular hours: Tue: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Wed: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Thu: 1:00 pm -
8:00 pm, Fri: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Sat: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Sun: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Or by appointment.
Call 203-308-2214 to verify gallery availability the day you’re planning to shop. For more information, find us on
Facebook at: Gallery@37 or contact the Gallery@37 manager, BillieJo, via e-mail: galleryat37@gmail.com

Autobiographical angel graces Gallery@37 window

Angelus Temporaria

Artist BillieJo, gallery manager, created this stunning piece. 

She said, "On display now at Gallery@37 is a visually and spiritually arresting 3-dimensional collage entitled, 'Angelus Temporaria.'

"It is, every bit and every inch, an autobiographical assemblage composed of countless found objects that mark important moments, memories, passions, pastimes, and worldly achievements of the artist's life. It is, at one and the same time, singular in its self-portraiture and universal in its visual metaphor of the artist as divine creatrix.

"Encountering this work of art and engaging with it, even briefly, could be life-changing in the very best of ways. Don't miss this temporary Gallery@37 guest. This is guaranteed to be a once in a lifetime appearance and opportunity, now through the winter holidays."

Yule find a unique holiday fair in East Hartford

"We Wish You a Scary Christmas" 

By BillieJo Scharfenberg
Valley Arts Council member

It’s Christmas craft fair time again and you know pretty much what to expect, a spate of bright and glittery granny craft venues, overflowing with cute and curious items variously comprised of glitter glue, gumdrops, macaroni shells, candy canes, felt, yarn, tinfoil, and Lifesavers candy rolls.

Abandon hope all ye who enter there.

Thankfully, there’s an alternative shopping option for Christmas shoppers of a less saccharin frame of mind.

Those with an appreciation for the darker aspect of the holidays, or any day for that matter, will find a unique Christmas fair featuring cemetery and mourning theme artwork, jewelry, and crafts, to be held from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Dec. 8 and from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 9, at the South End Senior Center, 70 Canterbury St., East Hartford.

The show is sponsored by East Hartford's Friends of Center Cemetery, Inc.

This distinct holiday shopping venue features an assemblage of New England-based vendors offering cemetery, funeral, and mourning theme items including photography, books, paintings, stained glass, sculpture, T-shirts, cards, pins, old coins, and more.
Returning vendors include Sabrina's Grave Yard, Stained Glass by BillieJo, Steampunk Jewelry by Nicole Cerretani, and Graveyard Girls, among others.

Genealogists and history buffs will find books, photographs, plus all of the above. Attendees especially interested in genealogy may purchase a gift membership to one of the attendant genealogical organizations or a consultation with a genealogy professional.

For information about the art and craft show and/or the associated Genealogy seminar, call 860-643-5652, or e-mail shapbrown@cox.net.


Scharfenberg is manager of the Gallery@37, Derby, Ct.

Home is where the art is ...

This is a note from Gallery@37 manager BillieJo Scharfenberg:


"Home is where the art is for the holidays, and there's no more personal a choice than what art you display in your home.
"Someone special is needing a great gift idea this year. Pick out something nice for yourself, at Gallery@37."

Gallery mission statement shared

37 Elizabeth St., Derby, Ct.

Gallery@37 is a community art gallery that exists for the purpose of supporting and encouraging both the inveterate and emerging artists of the Valley Arts Council. It offers them a secure space where they can come and share their art, visions, and knowledge with each other and the local community.

Orange Players to hold auditions this month

'The Cemetery Club' to be staged

ORANGE - The Orange Players will hold auditions for "The Cemetery Club" by Ivan Menchell from 7-9 p.m. Nov. 19 and 20 at High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road.

The production is directed by Leo Meyer.

Everyone is welcome to become a part of the cast and crew. 

Performances will be held on the weekends of Jan. 25-26 and Feb. 1-2.

The story revolves around three Jewish widows who meet once a month to have tea before they go to visit their husbands’ graves.
Ida is sweet tempered and ready to begin a new life, Lucille is a feisty embodiment of the girl who just wants to have fun, and Doris is priggish and judgmental, particularly when Sam the butcher enters the scene.
Doris and Lucille squash the budding romance between Sam and Ida. They are stricken with guilt when this nearly breaks Ida’s heart.

“Funny, sweet-tempered and moving.” - The Boston Globe.

“An evening of pure pleasure that will make you glad you came to the theatre.” -Washington Journal Newspapers

Don't miss 'Magic and Mysticism' exhibit

Show runs through Nov. 3 at Gallery@37

Artist Chris Peterson's 'Pink Floyd' is one of the many magical works now on display. 
This photo was taken at last week's opening, as you can see from the gallery visitors reflected in the glass.

Magical, mystical, creepy-ful on display at gallery

The exhibit at the Gallery@37 in Derby is a must-see this Halloween season.

The Valley Arts Council's "Magic and Mysticism" show had a grand opening Saturday. The artwork will be up through Nov. 3.  

 
Looking at Valley Arts Council Vice President Steve DiRienzo's "Looking Glass," above, can give one a chill.
I saw a werewolf, but Steve said it wasn't one. Hmmm...

Artist Beverly Borucki knows how to creep people out! 
"One, Two. .. Freddie's Coming for You" is the stuff of nightmares.

This wooden cabinet is filled with interesting items for sale -  painted bottles, stained glass decor, coffins and more - created by gallery manager BillieJo Scharfenberg (except for the mummy brick, top row center, made by Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo.)

The coffins contain papers printed with poetry by Edgar Allen Poe. 
Open the coffins and read the poems if you dare!

Warning..the next photo is re-e-e-ally creepy.





 

Artist Sheryl Muzzillo offers us "Jewel" - this doll looks nothing like the dolls I had as a child. 
She sends a shiver down my spine. But she fits in perfectly in this exhibit.
 

In this painting Rich DiCarlo offers us a respite from creepiness with a peaceful piece, "Serenity."

I had fun playing with a photo I took in 2004 at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. 
Now that's a tombstone!
I call it "See You Later." 

'Magic and Mysticism" opening a big success

This is one of the signs that accompanies the art exhibit.

The Gallery@37 came alive Saturday night as folks of all ages enjoyed the opening reception of the arts council's latest show, "Magic and Mysticism: The Art of Believing." 

The show runs through Nov. 3 at the gallery, 37 Elizabeth St., Derby.

These two-month old twin girls got their first art lesson at the gallery Saturday night.

Stay tuned for photos from the opening reception. 

And stop by the gallery if you get a chance! You won't be disappointed. 

It's almost here ~ The magic and mysticism show opens Saturday

'Enchanted Rendezvous'

Stained glass artist BillieJo Scharfenberg, manager of Gallery@37, at 37 Elizabeth St., Derby, Ct., created this piece for "Magic and Mysticism: The Art of Believing," a show that opens Saturday at the gallery.
 
A reception will be held from 6-9 p.m., and the public is invited.
The show runs through Nov. 3.

Artists judge scarecrows, pumpkins at festival

(Note: This post was previously published on the New Haven Register's View from the Valley blog.)

Harvest festival contest winners announced

Scarecrows, pumpkins get prizes

ANSONIA - Cultural Commission Chairwoman Judy Nicolari today announced the winners of the scarecrow making and pumpkin decorating contests held Saturday at the ninth annual harvest festival.

Valley Arts Council members Greg Karas and Steve DiRienzo judged the artwork.

In the scarecrow competition, first place ribbons went to My Sister's Place; AT Bay; Stauffer Real Estate; L2 Innovate Computers; second place went to the Friends of Ansonia Library; PM Lounge and Michele's Alterations took third place. 

Pumpkin-decorating contest winners are listed below.

First Place, Ansonia Middle School:

Ashely Ambrose

Victoria Gold

Payton Westine

Melissa Healey

Sean Morales

Anthony Valez

Second Place, Ansonia Middle School:

Christopher Waugh

Jason Edwards

Krystal Pellegrino

Dan Bedoya

John C. Mead and John G. Prendergast elementary schools:

First Place:

Karyme Serrano

Jaxon Anderson

Mya Zayas

Second Place:

Matthew Lundeen

Victoria Gavin

Third Place:

Marissa Pelligrino

Jackie Finney

Ardit Gjonbalaj

Symone Finney

Jackie Finney

Faith Alteri

Labels: Ansonia Harvest Festival, contest, pumpkins, scarecrows

Artists conjuring up work for next show

'Magic and Mysticism: The Art of Believing' opens Saturday

This painting, 'Secrets,' by Shelton artist Len Grayeck is on display at the Gallery@37 in Derby.

A reception will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Gallery@ 37, 37 Elizabeth St., Derby. 
The public is invited. The show will run through Nov. 3.

Gallery@37 window decorated in magical style

October art show to feature magic, mysticism

What's that you have up your sleeve?

Members of the Valley Arts Council have plenty up their sleeves as they prepare for the Oct. 13 opening of “Magic & Mysticism: The Art of Believing.”

An opening reception will be held from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 13 at Gallery@37, 37 Elizabeth St., Derby. The public is invited.
The show runs through Nov. 3.

You gotta believe. 

Council president to teach drawing technique

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites young adults ages 11 to 17 to an autumn Drawing Workshop to be held from 4-5 p.m. each Thursday in October.
Valley Arts Council President Richard DiCarlo guides attendees through various types of drawing and all levels of capability are welcome.
Registration is requested.
For information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

Call to artists: New artwork needed at gallery

BillieJo Scharfenberg, manager of the Gallery@37, today asked Valley Arts Council members for new artwork to display in the gallery at 37 Elizabeth St., Derby.

So it's time to get out your paintbrushes, paints, pens, pencils, paper, photography equipment, and whatever else you may use to create - and start creating!  

Magical night planned at Gallery@37

'Magic & Mysticism' will be in spotlight for Oct. 13 art show

DERBY - The Valley Arts Council will host its newest art show and sale, entitled “Magic & Mysticism: The Art of Believing,” beginning with an opening reception Oct. 13, from 6-9 p.m.
The event will be held at Gallery@37, 37 Elizabeth St. The public is invited.

The show runs from Oct. 13 through Nov. 3.  

Artists who are members of the Valley Arts Council will display works-for-sale inspired by a variety of magical themes, from stage magic and the art of illusion, to the magic and mysticism integral to many of the world’s long-established and more recently emerged religious traditions.

Gallery visitors may even find art inspired by the sorts of magic conjured up by the entertainment industries, such as might be found in popular fiction, films, and video games. 

The celebrity guest judge for the show will be the inimitable Rose Red, an experienced tarot card reader and very magical lady.
She will also do tarot card readings for interested gallery visitors on opening night, at a special event rate of just $15 for 15 minutes or $25 for 30 minutes. 

For information on how to enter as an artist, or to simply visit the gallery and view the show, contact the Gallery@37 manager, BillieJo, at galleryat37@gmail.com, or at 203-558-7591.
Or contact Rich DiCarlo at studiochid@sbcglobal.net or at 203-906-4343.

Visit the Valley Arts Council online at www.valleyartscouncil.org.
Follow the latest Gallery@37 news and event postings on Facebook at www.facebook.com/galleryat37.

See you on Oct. 13!

Call to artists! Our next show is Oct. 13

Re-posting this:

Friday, August 24, 2012

Next art show to feature mystical theme

Valley Arts Council gallery manager BillieJo Scharfenberg has issued a Call to Artists.

She said in a post on Facebook: "Gallery@37 is pleased to announce the theme for the next show. The theme will be Magic & Mysticism. The opening will be Oct. 13, 2012. More details to follow."

Scharfenberg also said:

"Magic may refer to: Magic (illusion), the art of appearing to perform supernatural feats using sleight of hand or other methods;

Magic (paranormal), the use of paranormal methods to manipulate natural forces, such as witchcraft;

Ceremonial magic, a ritual system of esoteric spiritual development using occult techniques;
Magick, a specific system of ritual magic deriving from the religious philosophy of Thelema;
Magic and religion, which may involve the intercession of deities or other spirits, such as prayer;
Magic in fiction, the treatment of magic in fictional works.

"Magic (sometimes referred to as stage magic to distinguish it from paranormal or ritual magic) is a performing art that entertains audiences by staging tricks or creating illusions of seemingly impossible[1] or supernatural[2] feats using natural means. These feats are called magic tricks, effects, or illusions.

"Mysticism ( pronunciation (help·info); from the Greek μυστικός, mystikos, meaning 'an initiate') is the knowledge of, and especially the personal experience of, states of consciousness, or levels of being, or aspects of reality, beyond normal human perception, including experience of and even communion with a supreme being."

Re-posting a reminder: Benefit is this Saturday

Monday, August 13, 2012

 

Hulley Arts Foundation to host gala fund-raiser

10th anniversary event slated Sept. 8

This event featuring Broadway tunes, a reception, and more promises to be a fun night out.

Arts council works in the community

Members to judge contest entries 

Editor's note: This was posted today on the New Haven Register's View from the Valley blog.

Ansonia getting ready for 9th annual Harvest Festival

Vendors sought for Oct. 6 event

ANSONIA - It may still be summer, but members of the Cultural Commission are busy preparing for an onslaught of scarecrows, pumpkins, hay bales, mums, and more on Main Street.

That's because the city's Harvest Festival is only a month away.
The ninth annual event will be held from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Oct. 6 along Main Street. Rain date is Oct. 13. 
There will be a lot of new arts and crafts vendors along with the "old reliables" who have participated since the festival began, Cultural Commission chairwoman Judy Nicolari said.

"This year we've added a new attraction featuring Chris Clark who will be showing  the audiences fantastic stunts on his bicycle," she said. "It's an act not to be missed."
The time and location for Clark's performance will be announced at a later date, Nicolari said.

A scarecrow-making contest will also be held. The contest is open to all who register their scarecrows with the Valley Arts Council at its booth, Nicolari said. Winners will be based on workmanship and skill effort.

There will be a pumpkin-carving contest held in the Ansonia school system. Participants are asked to bring their carved pumpkins to Veterans Park next to City Hall by 12:30 p.m. at the latest for judging by the Valley Arts Council.

There also will be music performances on two stages throughout the day.  Programs will be available at the festival listing the scheduled times for all the performances.

Car show, chalk art

A classic car show will take place on Bridge Street, and amusement rides will be set up behind the River Valley Baptist Church.
A free moon walk bounce for kids will be provided by TEAM, Inc. throughout the day.
A chalk drawing event, which was very popular last year, will again be held on Water Street. Chalk will be provided.

Anyone interested in signing up as a vendor may visit www.cityofansonia.com or contact Nicolari, 203-732-1040, or Cultural Commission member Mary Gibson, 203-734-2484.

The above is taken from a press release from Judy Nicolari. 

Labels: Ansonia, Cultural Commission, harvest festival, pumpkins, scarecrows

Council seeking laptop donation

A message from Rich DiCarlo:

The Valley Arts Council is asking if anyone has a new or used laptop computer to donate to our organization. 

The laptop will be used to fulfill our obligation towards making our administrative office accessible for our administrative personnel with disabilities.
We are a 501(c)3 organization and your donation is tax deductible.

Please contact Rich at: studiochid@sbcglobal.net

Next art show to feature mystical theme

Valley Arts Council gallery manager BillieJo Scharfenberg today issued a Call to Artists.

She said in a post on Facebook: "Gallery@37 is pleased to announce the theme for the next show. The theme will be Magic & Mysticicsm. The opening will be Oct. 13, 2012. More details to follow."

Scharfenberg also said:

"Magic may refer to: Magic (illusion), the art of appearing to perform supernatural feats using sleight of hand or other methods;

Magic (paranormal), the use of paranormal methods to manipulate natural forces, such as witchcraft;

Ceremonial magic, a ritual system of esoteric spiritual development using occult techniques;
Magick, a specific system of ritual magic deriving from the religious philosophy of Thelema;
Magic and religion, which may involve the intercession of deities or other spirits, such as prayer;
Magic in fiction, the treatment of magic in fictional works.

"Magic (sometimes referred to as stage magic to distinguish it from paranormal or ritual magic) is a performing art that entertains audiences by staging tricks or creating illusions of seemingly impossible[1] or supernatural[2] feats using natural means. These feats are called magic tricks, effects, or illusions.

"Mysticism ( pronunciation (help·info); from the Greek μυστικός, mystikos, meaning 'an initiate') is the knowledge of, and especially the personal experience of, states of consciousness, or levels of being, or aspects of reality, beyond normal human perception, including experience of and even communion with a supreme being."

Arts council president on the mend after close call

For those of you who aren't Facebook Friends with our fearless leader, arts council President Rich DiCarlo, he asked me to write a brief post letting folks know that he's doing OK. 

He's in Florida with his family, but he's not having much of a vacation. He has been in the hospital for several days because of an irregular heart beat. 

I thought he sounded like his old self, given the circumstances.

Rich's Facebook post follows:

Hi everybody, I will be o.k...I have been in the hospital down here. In Florida ,while vacationing with my family. No heart attack ...tachycardia ...that explains my sluggish feeling and inability to walk or run ... It's a wake up call. good news is I will lose massive weight with a lifestyle change. I will eventually reverse the diabetes etc... Plus...I'll be around to make the changes.
This was a close call.

 

 

Thanks to all who participated in our 'Circles' event

DERBY - Winners of the Valley Arts Council’s “A Celebration of the Circle” art contest, held at the Gallery@37, were selected from a wide array of submissions by show judge John Saccu.

Criteria for the judging, which took place at the show’s opening on Aug. 11, was set by Valley Arts Council officers and Gallery@37 manager, BillieJo Scharfenberg.

1st Place was awarded to Lauren Tatta’s oil and acrylic on canvas painting, titled “Zoom in Life.”

2nd Place went to Melissa Gill, for her acrylic on canvas painting titled, “Anger.”

Drawing the line against a competitive remaining field at 3rd Place was Greg Karas’ acrylic on canvas painting, titled “Quadras.”

On behalf of the Valley Arts Council, its presidents and board of directors, I offer up a tremendous thank you to everyone who entered artwork and helped make this yet another fantastic event for the Valley Arts Council, Gallery@37, and our ever-expanding base of patrons!

The above was posted today on Facebook by BillieJo Scharfenberg, Gallery@37 Manager & Events Coordinator, and reposted here.

C'mon down to celebrate circles

Photo by Patricia Villers

This painting by Valley Arts Council member Elizabeth DeLucia is one of many interpretations of the circle theme in the current Celebration of the Circle exhibit at Gallery@37. The exhibit runs through Sept. 1.

Photo by Steve DiRienzo

This oil painting on canvas, "Cycles of Circular Motion," is by Valley Arts Council Vice President Steve DiRienzo of Derby.

The gallery is at 37 Elizabeth St., Derby.

Gallery hours, which are subject to change, are:

Tuesday 6-8 p.m.
Wednesday  2-8 p.m.
Thursday  1-6 p.m.
Friday 4-6 p.m.
Saturday 4-9 p.m.
Sunday 2-6 p.m.

Stop by and check out all the interesting artwork!

Hulley Arts Foundation to host gala fund-raiser

10th anniversary event slated Sept. 8

This event featuring Broadway tunes, a reception, and more promises to be a fun night out.

Circle celebration set at Gallery@37

"Once In a Blue Moon"

Whoooo is going to be at the Celebration of the Circle opening reception today?

This eclectic piece graces the window of the Gallery@37. It's the creation of Valley Arts Council member BillieJo Scharfenberg, who is a talented stained glass artist.

Come see lots more pieces that pay homage to the lowly circle at 6 p.m. today at Gallery@37, 37 Elizabeth St., Derby.

Art exhibit to open Saturday

Colorful circles abound 

These vibrant colors jumped out at me today at the Gallery@37.

Betsy's Brain

The 24 x 36-inch acrylic painting is the creation of artist Elizabeth DeLucia and is one of many interesting pieces that arts council members are sharing for the Celebration of the Circle show.

The exhibit will open with a public reception at 6 p.m. Saturday at the gallery, 37 Elizabeth St., in downtown Derby.

Be there or be square.

Celebration of the Circle opens tomorrow

At Gallery@37 in Derby

You could say the members of the Valley Arts Council have been going in circles lately, in a good way.

That's because they have been putting last-minute touches on their circle creations for Saturday's opening reception of the circle show.

The free event starts at 6 p.m. and all are welcome. The arts council gets 15 percent of all sales to support its many programs in the Valley community.

Below you see President Rich DiCarlo's entry for the show.

Barnstorming

Healthy harvest

I wasn't thinking about our circles celebration when I snapped this photo at the opening of the new Ansonia Farmer's Market last month, but it seems to fit the theme.


Hope to see you Saturday at the Gallery!

Going in circles for art's sake

By Rich DiCarlo
President
Valley Arts Council


I'd like to congratulate George Pudimat of Derby and Patti Villers of Ansonia on their recent sales of artwork. The work was on display at the Gallery@37.


It marked the first time either one of them has sold a piece of art, and I'm proud of both of them.


George sold a wall-mounted sculpture called "Iron Daisy," and Patti sold an impressionistic photo printed on canvas.


Both have some pretty interesting pieces for the Celebration of the Circle exhibit, which is just around the corner. The show opens with a reception at 6 p.m. Aug. 11. 


Attention artists: There is still time to submit work for the circle show.


For information or to make an appointment to meet at the gallery, call me at 203-906-4343.

Spoiler alert: 'Circles' entry below

Barnstorming

Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo has put his entry for the upcoming "Celebration of the Circle" show on the wall in the Gallery@37, 37 Elizabeth St., Derby. 

An opening reception will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 11.

Come see how the arts council members have interpreted the circles theme.

Celebration of the Circle is just around the corner

Artists: Have you come up with a piece of art featuring circles yet for the Celebration of the Circle?


The Valley Arts Council's next show that pays homage to the lowly circle is fast approaching.

See you at the Gallery@37, 37 Elizabeth St,, Derby, for the opening reception at 6 p.m. Aug. 11.


Consider yourself reminded! 


Reservoir ripples is what I call this entry. It reminds me of flying saucers somehow.

Portraits depict different sides of Lon Chaney

At Sterling Opera House in Derby

Heather and her portraits of Lon Chaney

By Steve DiRienzo

Vice President

Valley Arts Council

Painter and craft artist Heather Dailey-Mezzacappa created a series of three striking portraits of Lon Chaney Sr. for the Valley Arts Council's Sterling Opera House Portrait Project. 
Her paintings feature him in character as the famous “Phantom of the Opera” and as the tragic clown in “He Who Gets Slapped”.  

The third and largest of the three is of the famous “Man of a Thousand Faces” as himself, in a seldom seen moment out of character.

Together the three portraits, done in acrylic on canvas, fill the window space and are quite eye-catching.
“I’m a huge fan of the classic horror genre,” Dailey-Mezzacappa said. “What drew me to the character the most was the fact that he literally suffered for his art.”


That is a nod to the fact the Senior Chaney endured grueling hours under heavy prosthetics and makeup, which contorted his features causing great discomfort and pain, all for the sake of his audience, she said.

“Ironically, most of the characters he played were grotesque, flawed creatures on the outside, but yet very human and genuine beings on the inside,” Dailey-Mezzacappa added.

“Another little known fact is that both of his parents were deaf,” she said. “This aided his acting abilities in the silent films of the era because he knew the art of communicating without speaking.”

All of these traits added up to make the actor just as interesting as the roles he played, she said.

Attention artists: Studios for rent

Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo says there are four affordable art studios available for rent in Derby.


The rentals have "reasonable rates, 24-hour access, and they're secure," he said. The price includes all utilities.


Artists renting the spaces will be part of a creative atmosphere and will be meeting like-minded people, he said.


The spaces are for art only, DiCarlo stressed, and not for residential use.


For information, e-mail DiCarlo at studiochid@sbcglobal.net or call him at 203-906-4343.