Note to artists, photographers: It's time to join the fun

The Gallery@37 is located at 37 Elizabeth St., Derby, Ct.

  

Local TV show to feature arts council prez, Derby gallery owner

I'm sharing this from a "Looking Up: A View from the Valley" Facebook posting.

"Please be sure to tune in for tonight's episode of "Looking Up: A View From The Valley" at 7:30 p.m. on Comcast Channel 10 as both Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo, and "Gallerie Chartier" Proprietor Russell Chartier, discuss how and why arts, music and culture are alive and vibrant in the Valley. Thank you for watching, and enjoy the show."

A big thank you goes out to UI for its support

Eileen Lopez-Cordone, economic and community development specialist with United Illuminating Co., presents a $1,000 check to Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo to help the nonprofit stay afloat. Patricia Villers / Register

Check out the full story in today's New Haven Register.

Wanted: Members, volunteers to help us move forward

A note from arts council prez Rich DiCarlo:

 "The Valley Arts Council is asking members and non members to join us, get involved in the organization and be a part of art in the Valley region!

"We need volunteers to raise awareness and funds in the corporate community. 

"We need help with grant writing, art class and program development and to basically get involved!

"It's 2013 - a new beginning and a great time to step forward, make new friends, etc.

"Our next meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8 at The Valley Center of the Arts, 119 Caroline St., Derby. I hope to see you there."

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."

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.

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 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!

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."

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.