Events


(Click On Event for More Information)


About Printmaking Exhibition Talk
Feb
23

About Printmaking Exhibition Talk

Last Chance to join us for an intimate Exhibition Talk with Anthony Kirk, the curator of "About Printmaking." Dive deeper into the creative process and stories behind the prints on display. Don't miss this chance to connect with the community and gain insights from a leading voice in the field. Refreshments will be served.

View Event →
About Printmaking Exhibition Talk
Feb
2

About Printmaking Exhibition Talk

Join us for an intimate Exhibition Talk with Anthony Kirk, the curator of "About Printmaking." Dive deeper into the creative process and stories behind the prints on display. Don't miss this chance to connect with the community and gain insights from a leading voice in the field.

View Event →
About Printmaking curated by Anthony Kirk
Jan
20
to Feb 25

About Printmaking curated by Anthony Kirk

Please join us for an extraordinary presentation throughout our three galleries of prints by internationally renowned and emerging artists, curated by Anthony Kirk. This exhibition is a celebration of printmaking in all its forms.

View Event →
Small Treasures Holiday Sale 2023
Nov
24
to Dec 23

Small Treasures Holiday Sale 2023

Small Treasures Holiday Sale From November 24th to December 23rd

~Featuring works of art including painting, ceramics, 3-dimensional and works on paper

~Silent Auction items will be revealed on Friday then each Thursday through November 14th

~Friday, December 8th is Holiday in the Depot, join us for drinks & nibbles from 5:45 to 8 pm

Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10 to 5 Sunday 12 - 4

View Event →
Ruth Miller Talk
Oct
27

Ruth Miller Talk

Ruth Miller is a renowned artist whose lifework reflects her meditative and honest approach to painting the world and objects around her. In this conversation, she will share her insights on the still lifes and landscapes that showcase her technical experimentation and succinct observations.

View Event →
NORMAN SUNSHINE CENTER Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Sep
3

NORMAN SUNSHINE CENTER Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Longtime Washington resident, artist Norman Sunshine has announced the donation of his studio, the former Trinity Lutheran Church, to the Washington Art Association. Located at 11 Green Hill Road, less than two blocks from the Association, the Norman Sunshine Center will help fulfill the nonprofit organization’s mission to present exhibitions and educational opportunities to Litchfield County residents by providing a community forum for audience-based programs. With the Norman Sunshine Center, the Washington Art Association will now have a dedicated space for lectures, performances and special events.

This generous gift is a measure of Sunshine’s love of Washington and his devotion to the Washington Art Association, and it celebrates his long career as a painter and sculptor. A versatile and inventive artist, Sunshine’s work spans many mediums and styles. His early paintings are abstract, his landscapes are observational, his portraits photography-based, and his monumental still lifes break with tradition. Sunshine’s bronze sculpture combines his appreciation for found materials with the lost-wax process. Always inquisitive, and clearly a maverick, Sunshine follows his instincts rather than the art market, and thus he is a true Modernist.

Born in Los Angeles, Sunshine’s impressive career began shortly after graduating from the Art Center School of Design, when he got a job designing album covers for Capitol Records and drew award-winning advertising illustrations for CBS. After moving to New York City, Sunshine became a successful magazine illustrator for clients like Esquire, Seventeen, and the New York Times Magazine. Eventually Sunshine became a famed fashion illustrator whose full-page drawings appeared weekly in the New York Times. Eventually he left illustration and became a VP creative director of an advertising agency, where he coined, among many famed lines “What Becomes a Legend Most” for Blackgama Minks. After thirty years, the line itself has become legendary.

The brilliant designer of Tiffany windows, Gene Moore, persuaded Sunshine to put bis bucolic paintings of Bucks County and Connecticut countryside in all the windows, both 5th Avenue and 57th Street. The reaction was extremely enthusiastic, leading to a call from a New York art gallery asking to exhibit them in a one man show. Soon Sunshine left the advertising world, totally committed to making fine art.

After winning an Emmy Award for creating paper collages for a group of highly praised CBS TV specials produced by his partner, Alan Shayne, Sunshine returned to Los Angeles, where famed gallerist Margo Levin gave him a one man show, thereby launching the second, storied chapter of his career.

Sunshine and Shayne purchased their Washington property in the late 1989. The bucolic acreage inspired many of Sunshine’s most admired landscapes and still lifes. From the moment the couple arrived at their country home, they have been deeply involved in the cultural life of the community. The donation of the Norman Sunshine Center is the culmination of a life immersed in beauty, conviviality, and lasting friendships. It promises to bestow all those gifts of well-lived lives on Washington Art Association members, volunteers, neighbors and visitors.

All members of the community are invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony beginning at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 3 and to tour the Norman Sunshine Center, meet Norman Sunshine and enjoy his artwork. Light refreshments will be served.

View Event →
Summer Solstice 2023
Jul
22

Summer Solstice 2023

Get ready to party at the pavilion !

It’s WAA’s sensational

annual Solstice Celebration

and it’s sure to be a night to remember!

There will be live entertainment including performances by the spectacular Maria Torez Dancers with tropical beats from

Cuban band Ochun.

Savor Sumptuous south of the border bites while sipping tall cool cocktails created by our own Abdo, The Mojito King.

Also try the tasty traditional Cubanos prepared exclusively for us by

The Mayflower Inn and Spa.

You can also treat your senses with a gallery wall of colorful curated art

available for purchase.

Fiesta al fresco!

Get your tickets now!

The Party of the Summer!

View Event →
Pop - up ART Sale
Jul
15

Pop - up ART Sale

We are featuring the work of Washington Art Association artist members: Maralyn Adlin, Tricia Anderson, Abdo Ballester, Harriet Carew, Sandie Daignault, Anne Marie Foran, Ruth Jaffe, Kathy L’Hommedieu, Ann Quackenbos, Bonnie Riedinger. On our lovely terrace, all works sold will benefit the artists.

View Event →
Give Local CT
Apr
25
to Apr 26

Give Local CT

Your unwavering support is what makes it possible for WAA to host and promote special events for the betterment of the community. We thank you for your support, it would be impossible for us to achieve our mission without you.

View Event →
Lecture and Demonstration by Matin Malikzada & Sale
Nov
11

Lecture and Demonstration by Matin Malikzada & Sale

A seventh-generation Afghan master of traditional pottery, Matin Malikzada is internationally recognized for his technical skill and elegant designs. A native of Istalif, Afghanistan, once a vibrant center of ceramic art and commerce, Matin was forced to flee Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover. Along with his family, he is now resettled in Northwest Connecticut where he continues his journey as an artist.

In Kabul, Matin served as head of the Ceramics department at the Turquoise Mountain Institute, an NGO founded by future King Charles III, where in his youth he studied and honed the skills inherited from his father. Upon graduating he was hired as a Master of Ceramics, and ultimately rose to lead the department.

Matin revitalized a nearly lost art of symmetrical design and turquoise glaze derived from natural pigments unique to Istalifi pottery and has trained over one hundred artisans in these ancient techniques..

In addition to holding a bachelor’s degree in Law from Afghanistan, he has earned Certificates in Design and Crafts from the City and Guilds Institute of London, been a visiting artist at the Institute of Ceramic Studies at Shigaraki, Japan, and authored books on Istalifi Pottery.

As a practicing artist for nearly twenty years, Matin has exhibited his work and demonstrated his skill to heads of state, dignitaries, artists, educators, as well as museum- and gallery-goers around the world including:

Delhi, India (2004)
Islamabad, Pakistan (2004)
Bukhara, Uzbekistan (2005)
Shigaraki Ceramic Culture Park, Shigaraki, Japan (2006)
Japan International Museum, Tokyo, Japan (2005, 2008)
Islamic National Museum, Doha, Qatar (2013)
Leighton House, London, UK (2013)
Sharjah Art Foundation, United Arab Emirates (2015)
Smithsonian Institute, Sackler Gallery, Washington, DC (2016- 2017) Buckingham Palace, London, UK (2018)
World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland (2018)

Since his arrival in the US in March, 2022, Matin's work has been embraced by private collectors and seen or scheduled for showcase at Brookfield Crafts Center, Brookfield, CT; Five Points Annex, Five Points Gallery, Torrington, CT;.Gallery above the Bookstore, Kent, CT; Judy Black Memorial Park and Garden Gallery, Washington, CT; Mattatuck Museum, Waterbury, CT; and Village Center for the Arts, New Milford, CT.

Despite the challenges of his refugee status, Matin is proud to continue the artisanal legacy of his native village, and is energized by the opportunities that lie ahead.

View Event →
Art in the Open
Sep
24

Art in the Open

The Washington Art Association & Gallery will hold it’s Third Annual Art in the Open exhibition on Saturday, September 24, 11:00am to 4:00pm. Join us for a day of celebration of affordable art. We are proud of every one of our talented artists who has contributed to the event. As the summer season winds down and the crisp fall air makes one think of our homes and decorating, WAA offers 12 x 12 inch original art for $100 per piece. It will be held for one day on the grounds of Washington Depot Town Hall. And please know your contribution is priceless to us! So many of our events could never take place without your generosity and support.

View Event →
POEM-ing
Aug
18

POEM-ing

Zeb Mayer

POEM-ing created as a kind of "poetry on the tongue" features local poets including Davyne Verstandig and Dimitri Rimsky who will improvise poetry inspired by the LIVE music of Barry Blitt, Doug White, Don Bracken and Nick Jacobs. The audience is encouraged to participate by drawing pictures inspired by the words and the music. Sketchbooks and colored crayons will be provided.

Join us at 6:00pm for wine, beer and snacks and enjoy the Drawn to Love exhibition in the gallery.

Program starts at 6:30pm and ends at 8:00pm.

Free event. Donations welcome.

View Event →
13th Annual Summer Solstice
Jun
25

13th Annual Summer Solstice

Summer Solstice - A Night at the Copa

The Washington Art Association and Gallery (WAA) is thrilled to announce the return of our Summer Solstice Festival .

Once again the renowned "Soul of Solstice", Abdo Ballester, will orchestrate a fabulous feast for all senses.

Move to the sound of the live Cuban music of OCHUN 

Thrill and sway to the Caribbean vibe of the renowned Thelma Ladiera and her Brazillian Dancers.

All while savoring a veritable feast of foods produced and provided by over 20 of our favorite chefs.

And of course what better way to toast this celebratory evening than with the very drinks that made our Abdo the “King of Mojitos”.

 

Join us as we usher in this long awaited festival and summer!

The festivities will be under a tent on the front lawn of the Washington Town Hall!

 

View Event →
Evoking the Muse
Apr
30
to Jun 5

Evoking the Muse

The Washington Art Association is proud to bring together two artists who are generating magical paintings. They share many commonalities that respect particular rites of passage in the creative process.

 Both Marilyn Greenberg and Candy Spilner have been inspired by ceremonies experienced in south east Asia ranging from Balinese dance to funerary rites and festivals. Both artists have brought these experiences home to their studios like mystical treasures to enrich the western canon of 20th century abstract painting. Both artists are immersed in modernist painting that seeks to jump the boundaries of western confinement and join with a global connection to broader cultural celebration.

 The celebration of biological rootedness and organic abstraction derived from a deep love of nature is common to both artists. All of the work is made on and with paper. In Spilners work the paper becomes object with layers and a complete 3 dimensional profile. With Greenberg the paintings are on paper and are like manuscripts from a wizards book of magic.

 You won’t be reading the News in these works (thank heaven!) but they cast a spell and shine with Spilner’s paper constructions that dance in flames of color across the walls of the WAA.


View Event →
Second Annual High School Expo
Apr
9
to Apr 24

Second Annual High School Expo

WAA's First Teen Art Expo was a great success last year. We had 10 schools participate and 106 student entries. We were able to have an in-person reception and a two week exhibit open to the public. Some students even sold work!

 

WAA is once again inviting all area high school students to send artwork to be considered for our Second Annual High School Emerging Artist Expo. Individuals or teachers may submit work for students.

 

Registration live online 1/18/22-2/28/22

Judging will be completed and acceptance emails sent by 3/11/22

Work drop off (must be Mounted, Matted, or Framed) by 4/2/22 

Exhibition Dates 4/9/22-4/24/22 (in person reception TBD)

Pick Up Work by 4/29/22

Click Here 

for details and to register

 

Send any questions and RSVPs with interest to [email protected]. This will be very helpful as we plan for the show! 


View Event →
Holiday Gift Show
Nov
26
to Dec 25

Holiday Gift Show

That Certain Shade of Christmas

There have always been colors associated with the holidays that are traditional and familiar. But what if these historic colors were re-examined, softened and made new?

“That Certain Shade of Christmas”, presented by the Washington Art Association & Gallery as the  annual 2021 Holiday Gift Show will address that question. The event chair and interior designer, Bruce Glickman along with designer Betsey Netsler are putting their design expertise into curating unusual and one-of-a-kind handmade pieces where color, décor, and gifts that are unexpected and frankly slightly off. This is what will set WAA’s Annual sale apart from the other sales and will include exceptional jewelry in copper, silver and Italian Murano glass beads, functional and sculptural ceramics, exquisite one-of- a-kind cards, beeswax and soy candles, hand turned and carved wooden gifts and of course artwork by WAA members.

Join us for “That Certain Shade of Christmas” as we transform the gallery into a magical shopping experience and share this season of giving with artful treasures.

Open: Friday, November 26 through Friday, December 24th  (till 3:00pm)

Gallery Hours:  Wednesday – Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm    Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Nancy Lasar, Carousel of Life #4, monotype print and mixed media, 22 x 30 inches

Nancy Lasar, Carousel of Life #4, monotype print and mixed media, 22 x 30 inches

View Event →
Ways of Seeing
Oct
23
to Nov 12

Ways of Seeing

The Washington Art Association’s “Ways of Seeing” exhibition on view October 23 through November 12 features the work of photographers Lazlo Gyorsok, Sallie Ketcham, Catherine Noren, and Vi Owens. Their images should be understood as individual artistic constructions or interpretations rather than replications of the subject matter. 

Serious photographers can often be heard echoing Ansel Adams, the renowned landscape photographer, to the effect that they don’t “take” photographs, they “make” them.  The photographs offered in this exhibition exemplify this perspective.  Although there is a significant degree of overlap in the subjects these photographers have selected, and their aesthetic approaches also have points of similarity, they come from distinctly different backgrounds and approach their work from varied perspectives.  Many of the images in this exhibition are landscape or nature photos that evince a strong interest in the play of atmosphere upon the land.  Nevertheless, four different ways of seeing are discernible in this exhibition.   Fortunately for us as viewers, one of the things that these artists have in common is the talent to convey to us a personal vision.  Through their work, we are privileged to see the world through their eyes and implicitly encouraged to bring a new level of self-awareness to our own observations, to see fresh and to view more deeply and purposefully.

 

Lazlo Gyorsok, Farmhouse, digital photograph, 21 x 27 inches

Lazlo Gyorsok, Farmhouse, digital photograph, 21 x 27 inches

Sallie Ketcham, Nearing Storm, digital photograph, 28 x 48 inches

Sallie Ketcham, Nearing Storm, digital photograph, 28 x 48 inches

Catherine Noren, Vik Black Beach, Iceland, photograph, 14.5 x 19 inches

Catherine Noren, Vik Black Beach, Iceland, photograph, 14.5 x 19 inches

Vi Owens, A Break in the Weather, original photo under acrylic glass, 12 x 41.7 inches   triptych

Vi Owens, A Break in the Weather, original photo under acrylic glass, 12 x 41.7 inches triptych

View Event →