Art Exhibits @ the Farmington Library

Celebrate America this July with Gary Kollberg's Exhibit at the Farmington Library

2009-07-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

Celebrate July and Independence day with the latest exhibit at the Farmington Library. Artist Gary Kollberg's exhibit features collages and paintings that celebrate America. His complex collages feature antiques and Americana collectibles.

Gary Kollberg is largely self-taught, although he studied with Ruth Van Sickle Ford at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1959. He graduated with honors from the Parsons School of Design degree program with New York University.

In the early 1960's Kollberg entered the field of Graphic Design as Art Director at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He was responsible for the complete redesign of the Institute Magazine and technical journals as well as promotional material.

Kollberg expanded his visibility in the design field with positions such as Design Director with important firms such as Raymond Loewy in New York City, where he was responsible for package design with clients including Nabisco, Brown Foreman, and Corporate Identity Programs for the United States Postal Service, Chubb Insurance, Northwest Airlines, Norfolk Scope, Naussau Coliseum, Exxon and various banks.

Mr. Kollberg retired in 2001 and continues to devote enjoyable time to Watercolor painting, and other creative outlets such as Structural Assemblages and Wood Carving.

July Art Exhibits

2009-07-08T13:18:00.001-07:00

Lobby & Corridor Gallery: A Photography exhibit by Wendy Rosenberg, featuring horticultural photography of plants, flowers and animals

Community Room: A Patriotic Art Exhibit in honor of Independence Day, featuring Patriotic collages and drawings by Gary Kohlberg

June community Room Exhibit

2009-05-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

An Art Exhibit sponsored by Fermata, a non-profit artists aid organization, featuring children's drawings from Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Latvia and Bulgaria. The overall mission of the Fermata Corporation is to aid in the preservation of peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation. The model for achieving this is through the synthesis of art, architecture, philosophy and poetry. Fermata promotes and encourages true intercultural dialogue between countries, through which the representatives of different countries can discover shared values and spiritual commonality.

June Lobby Exhibit

2009-05-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

A Photography exhibit by Wendy Rosenberg, featuring horticultural photography of plants, flowers and animals.

Wendy is a self taught photographer and also a University of Connecticut certified Master Gardener. She has combined these two disciplines and created a photo exhibit of natural images directly from her own back yard. From the horticultural perspective she has developed a peaceful yet bustling natural habitat with a vast array of plants, flowers and water features which attract many diverse species. Photographically she has captured many unusual and unseen everyday creatures and flora right outside her door. All photos are true-to-life and never digitally or computer enhanced. A Nikon digital-SLR camera was used for all photos.

May Art Exhibit: Linda Webber "Hanging Art"

2009-05-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

During the month of May, the Farmington Library will feature the artwork of West Hartford Artist Linda Webber. Her works will be showcased in the library lobby, and in the corridor gallery.

Linda received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Boston University. She has exhibited in shows and galleries across New England. She currently serves as Art Currator for the the University of Connecticut Heath Center Gallery, and works as a state licensed interior designer.

A reception to celebrate the opening of her show titled "Hanging Art" is scheduled for Saturday May 2nd from 3-5pm. The reception, which is free and open to the public, will feature refreshments, and a brief talk by the artist.

March Exhibits at the Farmington Library

2009-03-14T10:51:00.000-07:00

Lobby & Community Room: A joint exhibit by artists William E. Tarn and Justine Coleman.

William Tarn is a member of various art associations including Lyme Art Association, Kent Art Association, Gallery 53 in Meriden, The Art League of New Britain, Southington Arts and Crafts Association and Wintonbury Art League.

His subject matter includes New England landscapes, and local Farmington Valley landscapes. His paints in oil and acrylic, and has won numerous awards and shown paintings in libraries and galleries state wide. William Tarn enjoys painting in his studio, and plein air painting.

Justine Coleman has been a visual artist, mostly in watercolors for almost thirty years. She enjoys painting bright, colorful subjects, including florals, landscapes, and historical buildings. She has taught watercolor painting classes at Elderhostel workshops and at several community based art programs in the Farmington Valley. She is a member of the Connecticut Watercolor Society. Over the years, her artwork has been recognized for awards, most recently , First Place in Watercolors at the 2008 Kent Art Association Spring Show.

Corridor: Images of Nepal - Photography by Evan Cowles

"Images of Nepal" by Evan Cowles will run through the end of March. Farmington resident Evan Cowles trekked around the Manaslu circut, following the ancient trade route from the Budhi Gandaki river, proceeding over the snow covered Larke La Pass, with an altitude of 16,000 feet, and ending in Tibet. His breathtaking photographs document the journey.

Cowles' lecture, and artist reception, held on February 25th drew an extensive list of guests and library patrons.

Art Exhibits During the Month of February:

2009-01-31T13:29:00.000-08:00

Lobby: The photography of Carol Lowbeer, Carol Lowbeer is a member of the New England Professional Photography Association, the Charter Oak Photographic Society of West Hartford and several other organizations. She owns Caroleena Photography & Visual Arts llc in Farmington.

Corridor: "Images of Nepal" by Evan Cowles. Farmington resident Evan Cowles trekked around the Manaslu circut, following the ancient trade route from the Budhi Gandaki river, proceeding over the snow covered Larke La Pass, with an altitude of 16,000 feet, and ending in Tibet. His breathtaking photographs document the journey.

Community Room: An exhibit of work by the Farmington High School faculty and alumni.

Joy Floyd: Collage Artist of Found Materials

2008-12-17T17:27:00.000-08:00

Joy Floyd: Lobby Exhibit Through January 2009

Fabric, paper, wood, metal, shells, feathers are some of the materials Joy uses as a collage artist. The unique history of a found piece brings an element of beauty, that, in combination with other found materials, challenges the artist to offer it anew to the world. Textures, shapes and colors are Joy's focus in working out the puzzle of pieces in each collage.

"Finding a beautiful fabric or disgarded paper, some rusted metal or scarred wood will inspire the outcome of a collage more than my preconceived ideas. My goal is to honor the integrity of the old materials while presenting them in a new life."

-Joy Floyd

Barney Library - Mario M. Pires - Visions From The Mundane Traveler

2008-11-29T10:09:00.000-08:00

The Art Exhibit of Mario M. Pires, Visions From The Mundane Traveler: Capturing Society's Shared Experiences, will open with a reception on Saturday, December 6 from 2-4 p.m. at The Barney Library, 71 Main Street, Farmington. The paintings will be on display through December 30th, 2008. The artist's statement is below.

Artist Statement

The works in this series focus on a study based on shared experiences in modern American society. There are similar occurrences, be they significant or minor, that most of contemporary American society experience (at one point or another) in their lives. The realization of this connection and parallel of experiences has fostered a motivation to pursue an investigation on this theme. Similar to the intentions of the American artist Edward Hopper, I have explored and created images of everyday occurrences, at times even focusing on common happenings. By exposing a moment in time, I will ask the viewing audience to realize some of the ordinary, yet interesting, images they are connected to in a common and comfortable way. My imagery addresses the mundane experiences of the common traveler and commuter. Many individuals spend a considerable amount of time moving from one place to another. Sometimes these experiences of traveling become so monotonous that we do not even know how we get to our destination. I intend to communicate to the viewer that life is filled with interesting experiences, even if we only capture a glimpse of what had happened.

Hookers in the Library!

2008-11-05T14:56:00.000-08:00

(Rug Hookers, that is)

Lobby Exhibit of Rug Hooking Courtesy of the Farmington Hookers

Most civilized Farmington ladies would not appreciate being called a “hooker”. However, Farmington residents Barbara Coppen, Jeannie Otulak, Betty Kelly and their group of Farmington Rug Hookers are proud to be identified by this scandalous term. In fact, they get quite a laugh about it.

The group of Farmington Rug Hookers, affectionately dubbed as “The Thursday Morning Hookers” by library staff, has been meeting to hook rugs for over 25 years. The group currently meets every Thursday morning in a library board room.

According to group members, the art of rug hooking is enjoying its biggest renaissance since the 1940s and 50s. Invented out of necessity to cover and warm bare floors, the early American craft has managed to evolve while remaining true to its roots. Traditionally hooked rugs are created out of wool strips, hooked into specific patterns and designs.

The Farmington Thursday Morning Hookers are exhibiting a collection of their rugs, in the lobby of the Farmington Library through the month of November. These rugs, known as “challenge rugs” are each based from the same pattern. However, every hooker must interpret the pattern in her own way. The final result? Every rug is entirely different and unique. The colors are different, the styles are different, the techniques are different in each rug.

Anyone interested in learning how to hook, or attending the Thursday morning hookers group, is encouraged to contact the library.

Quattro Ceramic Group: November Show and Sale at Barney Library

2008-10-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

The Barney Library, 71 Main Street, Farmington, is featuring the ceramic creations of the Quattro Ceramic Group in thier Hoppin Gallery from November 8 - 23.

10% of proceeds from this sale will be donated to the Multiple Sclerosis Research Fund.

The Quattro Ceramic Group is a collective of experienced local artists: Tom Zaccheo, a retired physician from Farmington, has studied at Wesleyan, The Farmington Arts Center and Central Connecticut State University and has participated in a number of exhibitions. Jenny Gonzalez from Bristol, was introduced to ceramics at Manchester Community College. She then went on to earn a degree in fine arts from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Science in Art Education. Jeremey Fioravanti of Southington has studied ceramics and sculpture at CCSU and is currently working on a Master’s degree with a concentration in ceramics and sculpture. Pedro Centeno of New Britain, has also exhibited in a number of shows including the State House and the New and has a BA with a concentration in ceramics from CCSU. All have been intrigued and inspired by the ever changing experience and satisfaction of working with clay.

The Quattro Group show consists of a variety of works from wall hangings, sculptural and utilitarian pieces, to framed ceramic paintings of local scenes and non-representational designs, plus stoneware bird feeders in castle shapes. Ten percent of any sales of items from the exhibit will be donated to the Multiple Sclerosis Research Fund.

These multi-talented artists will host an opening celebration of their works with refreshments on Saturday, November 8 from 1:00-4:00 pm at the Barney Library which is open to the public.

Dors Weiner to Transform Farmington Library: Major Art Installation Titled “Whispers at the Library”

2008-10-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

The month of November will be an exciting and colorful month for the Farmington Library! Artist Doris Weiner will transform the library’s community room during the month of November with her major site-specific art installation titled “Whispers at the Library.”

Doris Weiner is a pioneer in the field of modern art. She works with materials such as metal, fiberglass, wood, neon light, LED lighting, robotics, video, computer projectors, and recorded sound.

She has exhibited in corporations and major galleries in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Santa Monica and Montreal. Her work is featured in corporate and private collections nationwide, and in a variety of museums and shows, including the Danforth Museum, the Fitchburg Art Museum, the Whistler Art Museum, the Decordova Museum, ArtExpo New York, the Boston Design Center, the Design Center of Florida, and the National Arts Club.

What is in store for Library Patrons during the month of November? Patrons can expect to be awed and amazed by the scope of this exceptional installation. Library space will be transformed into an environment of immersive virtual reality and sensory experience involving living walls, computer generated puddles of color, reflections and refractions of neon light, experimental sound and video/audio recordings. This installation promises to be a powerful expression, raising questions about the future of art, technology and place, ultimately challenging the conventional relationship between the viewer and the piece of art.

A catered reception – with wine & cheese – will be held on Saturday November 1st from 12 -4pm. This event is free and open to the public. Doris Weiner will present an artist talk/discussion of the installation at 2:30 pm on November 1st. More information on artist Doris Weiner can be obtained at: http://www.sandyknollstudios.com/

For more information on this program, contact Sara Shea, Marketing Coordinator or Hal Bright, Head of Adult/Information Services at: (860) 673-6791. Please R.S.V.P. to if you plan to attend the November 1st Reception.

Donald Moss Exhibit in Library Lobby

2008-10-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

Donald Moss has extensive experience as a former art designer for Sports Illustrated Magazine

March Art Exhibit Reception

2008-03-28T08:48:00.003-07:00

What a great turn out for the March Art Reception! Thank you to everyone who contributed to make it a success! Congratulations to featured artists Heidi Olson, Chris O'Herron, Debbie Leonard, Carol Lowbeer, John Squire, and Kris Dezzani.

MARCH EXHIBIT

2008-03-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

The Farmington Library is honored to showcase a group
exhibit of artwork in the community room and hallway
gallery. The exhibit features the work of several local
Farmington Valley artists - John Squire, Chris O'Herron,
Kris Dezzani, Debbie Leonard, Heidi Olson & Carol Lowbeer.
A reception will be held on Thursday, March 27th, 6:30-9 pm.

DECEMBER EXHIBIT

2007-12-12T09:52:00.000-08:00

Three Barns - by Thomas Mayer

Field Bouquet - by Doe Bartlett

The Mill - by Mike Berlinski

Fallen Leaves - by Gail Bannock

Ristarante Il Pozzo - by Linda DeLuca

Quiet Frozen Brook - by Bill Tarn

Sail Away - by Pat Walton

NOVEMBER EXHIBIT

2007-11-13T12:06:00.000-08:00

Musk Ox - Watercolor

"Elegant Ram" - Colored Pencils

"Joyful Dash" - Acrylics

Phyllis R. Bailey, Artist * Multi-media Teacher

Also known as Abbe, has been teaching adult and children's classes since 1956 in oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels and pen & ink drawings. Phyllis opened the Farmington River School of Art for adults in Plainville. Phyllis R. Bailey is her "Art Name", her legal name is P. Abbe Wade and prefers to be called Abbe.

"I hope you enjoy my animal art exhibit".

OCTOBER EXHIBIT

2007-10-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

Bristol Brass Wagon by Theresa Chase

Farmington & Her Seven Daughters by Lynne Mauro

Krell Farm Stand by Doris Drawec

"Farmington & Her Seven Daughters"

by Students of the Farmington River School of Art is on exhibit for the month of October in the Library Community Room.There are 48 pieces of various medium in the exhibit representing Farmington, Avon, Berlin, Bristol, Burlington, New Britain, Plainville, and Southington. A reception is scheduled for Saturday, October 20, 1:00-4:00. Come and meet the Artists.