Tuesday, May 1
Parallel Visions
For the months of May and June, Canton Public Library’s Gallery will feature the work of “Parallel Visions,” a group of very talented artists, most of whom have been working together since the summer of 2008. The artists are Walter Kendra, Estrid Eklof, Carolyn Newell, Lisa Tellier, and Josa Weatherwax. The show will run from Wednesday, May 2 through Saturday, June 30. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 5 from 2 to 4 p.m.
The members of Parallel Visions are all accomplished artists who have painted individually and in groups for a number of years. Their group meets weekly, providing support and companionship as well as helpful criticism. Beginning in 2009 they have had several group shows, including at galleries in Hartford, Farmington, New Britain, and Colchester. Their weekly painting sessions have taken them to many of Connecticut’s well-known scenic locations, including the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, Topsmead Farm in Litchfield, and Ashlawn Farm in Old Lyme. Farther afield, they have painted on Monhegan Island and Rockland, Maine, and in Little Compton, Rhode Island.
Estrid Eklof and Carolyn Newell had been painting together for a number of years in both Connecticut and Maine. During weekly study with watercolorist David Dewey in Old Lyme, they met Lisa Tellier. The three began to paint under the direction of Susan Finnegan, an area artist and teacher at the University of Hartford Art School and Trinity College. At about this time, Walter Kendra was retiring from his position as a professor of art at Central Connecticut State University and was looking to join a painting group.
Walter Kendra, a Collinsville resident and the founder and president of the Maxwell Shepherd Memorial Arts Fund, is known primarily for his work in the printing medium. By joining the group of painters, he has renewed his long-neglected interest in oil and watercolor painting. Walter is very active in both the New York and New England art scenes, In addition to appearing in numerous group shows, he has had solo exhibitions in New York, Connecticut, Virginia, and North Carolina and is represented in private and college collections. He has been honored with first prize awards in sculpture, painting, and graphics. He is currently on the Board of Trustees for the Art School at the University of Hartford.
Estrid Eklof, a resident of Kensington, trained as a professional classical pianist, with a degree from Boston University School of Fine and Applied Arts. While performing as a pianist, she took breaks to study watercolor painting in Maine and Connecticut.
Carolyn Newell of Avon has degrees in zoology, art history, and accounting. She has studied painting, sculpture, and drawing at the University of Hartford, the West Hartford Art League, Wesleyan University, Central Connecticut State University, and at the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts.
Lisa Tellier, who lives in East Haddam, began her serious instruction in the arts studying watercolor at the Fitchburg Art Museum. Later she went on to the School of the Worchester Art Museum, Paier College of Art, and the Lyme Academy College of Art.
The newest addition to the group is Josa Weatherwax. Much of her work includes abstractions based on traditional landscapes and often combines paint, printmaking, and sculpture.
Each artist in the group has developed a unique style and approach to the subject. In working together and in showing their work in group shows, they provide their audiences with a fascinating opportunity to view a subject captured in a multitude of ways. The shows highlight the differing perceptions that make art ever new and varied. Such is the case with “Parallel Visions” in the Canton Public Library Gallery.
Library hours are Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Canton Public Library is at 40 Dyer Avenue, Canton. For information: (860) 693-5800 or www.cantonpubliclibrary.org
On Display: Treasures from the Orient
For the month of May, Canton Public Library’s display case will feature “Treasures from the Orient” from the collection of Erin Crowley.
When she was 14, Erin began collecting items because of their inherent beauty. As her tastes matured, she developed a love of all things Asian or Asian inspired. She finds she is especially drawn to items from other cultures. Erin, who has been a Canton resident for 12 years, is a regular at the library and works in the Canton Community Center during senior lunches.
Library hours are Monday throughThursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, May 2
An Author Visit: Allan Johnson, Nothing Left To Lose
Canton Public Library hosts local author Allan Johnson on Wednesday, May 2, at 7 p.m. Johnson will be reading from his recently published Nothing Left To Lose.
Johnson’s second novel, Nothing Left To Lose portrays a family that must grapple with issues of war and loyalty. William Carson is a World War II veteran teaching in a small New England boarding school. One of his sons, Joshua, is a Marine on active duty in Vietnam. His other son, Andrew, is an ROTC college senior who will join active duty when he graduates. When Joshua is reported missing in action, the family is thrown into turmoil. Andrew, especially, struggles with the loyalty he feels toward his father, mother, brother, and country.
Allan G. Johnson is a novelist, speaker, and writer on issues of race, gender, and social inequality. His nonfiction books include The Gender Knot and Privilege, Power, and Difference. His first novel was The First Thing and the Last, a story of healing and redemption in the aftermath of domestic violence.
The author visit is free; registration is requested. Copies of the novel will be available for sale and signing.
Friday, May 4
Friday Morning Nature Drop-in Story Times
For the month of May at Canton Public Library, youngsters will be treated to a series of Friday morning drop-in story times with a focus on nature. The programs will be held on four consecutive Fridays at 10:30 AM beginning on Friday, May 4. The story times are for youngsters age 2 and up with a parent/caregiver. Participants are asked to stop at the children’s desk for a name tag before entering the story time.
On Friday, May 4, there will be a guest storyteller from the Connecticut Audubon Society of Glastonbury, reading Bella's Secret Garden by Anne Carter. Bella is a young rabbit who can't stay out of the garden. Her boldness brings trouble when the cat finds her in the garden. Participants will have a chance to visit with a live rabbit from the center and see puppets of many springtime creatures to make the story come to life. Children will also be able to make a nature craft to take home.
All the Friday morning drop-in story times are free; no registration is necessary. Canton Public Library is at 40 Dyer Avenue, Canton. For information, call (860) 693-5800 or www.cantonpubliclibrary.org
