Submitted by Barbara Nair, Spectrum Gallery
(June 2, 2026) — Celebrate art while enjoying the Connecticut shoreline at the Summer Arts Festival, returning to the Essex Town Green on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Festival takes place at 12 Main Street, Essex, in the heart of one of Connecticut’s most charming, historic towns.
Visitors can browse and purchase original artwork by painters, photographers, mixed media artists, and fine artisans working in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, photography, collage, pottery, ceramics, wood, fiber, glass, jewelry, and more. The weekend also offers a chance to enjoy Essex’s restaurants, New England architecture, scenic views, and the welcoming village atmosphere. This year’s Essex Summer Arts Festival is partially sponsored by Renewal by Andersen.
The Festival is presented by Arts Center Killingworth, a non-profit organization that offers workshops, classes, and annual arts events for established and beginning artists of all ages. Its gallery extension, Spectrum Gallery and Store, are located nearby at 61 Main Street in Centerbrook and is currently presenting Forces of Nature, on view through July 3, 2026. Spectrum showcases emerging and established artists and features a store with fine crafts in fabric, glass, ceramics, paper, pottery, jewelry, wood, and more. Spectrum Gallery hours are Wednesday–Saturday, 12:00 Noon–6:00 p.m. and Sunday, 12:00 Noon–5:00 p.m.
For more information, visit spectrumartgallery.org or call (860) 767-0742. To shop online visit spectrumanytime.com.
Images provided by Spectrum Gallery:
“Evening Splendor,” by Robert Thomas, Fine Art Photograph
“Forelle Pears on a Blue Plate,” by Jennifer Chaffee, Oil Painting
“Seashells by the Seashore,” by Sybil Shay, Stained Glass Panel
