Submitted by Barbara Nair
(February 24, 2025) — The following programs and events will take place during March and April 2025 at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook. Fees may be associated with some of these programs. Contact Spectrum Gallery for further information, 860-767-0742 or email barbara@spectrumartgallery.org.
Spectrum Gallery Exhibit: Good Morning/Good Night
Discover new and original artwork that showcases the beauty of early morning light as it gives birth to the day, the darkness of night, and the hidden and beautiful lights of the darkest evenings. At Spectrum, we explore this as we present established and emerging artists with new paintings, mixed media, and photography. Opening Reception, March 21, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy fine art, crafts, wine, and refreshments that evening and during the Open House, March 22, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and March 23, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The exhibit runs through May 3, 2025. The Artisans Store offers pottery, glass, fiber, home décor, jewelry, and accessories. Spectrum Art Gallery, 61 Main Street in Centerbrook. Hours: Wednesday to Saturday (12:00 Noon to 6:00 p.m.) and Sunday (12:00 Noon to 5:00 p.m.). Call (860) 767-0742 or visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available throughout the U.S.
Classes, Workshops, Summer Camps for Children and Adults
Unless noted as “On Zoom,” Classes and Workshops are held at Spectrum Gallery at 61 Main Street in Centerbrook. Register and pay at spectrumartgallery.org or call (860) 767-0742. Spectrum Membership starting at $45 per year provides 10% discount on art instruction and select Artisans Store items.
On Zoom – Gel Printing Quilt Monoprints. Learn to set up a workstation to create colored, painted paper sheets using gel plates, stencils and markers. Experiment with masking techniques using gauze, acrylics, and metallic paints. After creating a variety of prints, choose your “Best and Brightest” as well as a few quieter designs. Instructor helps you work on layout design to create compositional unity before gluing. Learn to prepare your support and to adhere each print. Finally, use gloss, satin, or matte medium as a final sealer. Leave with prints to create more compositions on your own. Tuesdays, March 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22. 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
In Gallery Gel Printing Quilt Monoprints. Learn to set up a workstation to create colored, painted paper sheets using gel plates, stencils and markers. Experiment with masking techniques using gauze, acrylics, and metallic paints, etc. After creating a variety of prints, choose your “Best and Brightest” as well as a few quieter designs. Instructor helps you work on layout design to create compositional unity before gluing. Learn to prepare your support and to adhere each print. Finally, use gloss, satin, or matte medium as a final sealer. Leave with prints to create more compositions on your own. Wednesdays, March 26; April 2, 9, 16, 23. 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Watercolor Continues: Beginner and Beyond. Get step-by-step instruction in the fundamentals of watercolor painting. Class includes demos and structured exercises. Participants learn color mixing, dark and light, and basic color theory principles. Different brush stroke techniques are addressed for specific effects, such as wet on wet, and dry stubble applications. Paint from still-life setups and/or photo references from home. Everyone is encouraged to work on an ongoing painting at home to solidify techniques learned. Bring piece to class on last day for open review session. Material list upon registration. Instructor works at your level even if you’ve taken watercolor in the past. Material list available upon registration. Fridays, March 28; April 4, 11, 25; May 2. 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Introduction to Pastels. Wonderful opportunity to continue and hone drawing skills with the new dimension of color as participants learn to create layers of soft pastels to build up a recognizable image or object. Blocking in values from light to dark; understanding light to hard application on paper, with techniques demonstrated to help beginners. Investigate light sources and color ranges that can be applied to any given object. Finally, use fixative spraying and see how many layers are necessary. Class uses simple still-life setups (fruit in a bowl, for example) with final sessions focused on one still-life to create a completed piece of artwork. Material list available upon registration. Saturdays, March 29; April 5, 12, 26; May 3. 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Creative Writing for Fabulous 50’s and Up: Stories of a Life Well-Lived. Participants explore their personal experiences, dreams, and reflections on life through short stories, poetry and personal essays. Whether you want to write about past adventures, future aspirations, or cherished relationships, this class will guide you with fun exercises that make storytelling accessible and enjoyable. Working with a dedicated social worker, author, and advocate with a background in psychology and gerontology, participants will learn techniques and use exercises in class for memory mapping (turning life events into stories); sensory writing (using the five senses to bring stories to life) and character building (drawing inspiration from real-life people). Suggested material list available upon registration. Sunday, March 30; April 6, 13, 27; May 4. 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Call For Artists
Essex Summer Arts Festival (June 14, 2025 and June 15, 2025)
Showcase your work on the charming Essex Green set in the historic walking town overlooking the Connecticut River. Remember that Essex is a tourist destination with restaurants, coffee shops and a beautiful marina. This event is very popular, so reserve your spot early. Contact barbara@spectrumartgallery.org.
Madison Autumn Arts Festival (October 11, 2025 and October 12, 2025)
Set in the picturesque New England destination of Madison, this Festival offers a stunning backdrop for your art and another opportunity to engage the public. Festival is at Boston Post Road/Route 1 and Copse Road. Madison Green is a stunning New England destination–with historic homes and important modern sculptures surrounding the area. Register early. Contact barbara@spectrumartgallery.org.
