Events

Prepare to be creative and amaze yourself and family with what you sew in this 5-session class.  You will learn proper use and basics of the sewing machine. Each week there will be fun projects to build skills and boost your confidence to advance to the next level.  Projects may include: pin cushion, tote bag, drawstring bag, hair accessories such as scrunchies and bows, pillow, or stuffed animal as time and interest allow. Sewing machines and all supplies are included, but if you have a sewing machine bring it but make sure it is in working order. Include the foot pedal, power cord, needle, empty bobbin and manual. Jillian Nielsen began sewing and designing at a young age, attending fashion design programs in Connecticut and NYC, attended Bard College at Simon’s Rock and has a Certificate in Costume Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She was the equine costume designer for the CT Opera Company’s “Carmen” and she is currently a costume designer for “Listen to Me”, a new interpretation of Gertrude Stein’s work. She has taught Spectrum Art Gallery’s Fashion Week for two years and has her fiber and jewelry creations for sale at Spectrum Art Gallery in […]

In this session the focus is on the Line……a moving point, a dot that goes for a walk which can vary in length, width, direction and curvature. The alphabet is composed of lines so projects will include each child’s name and letters of the alphabet as a focus for designing an Egyptian Cartouche where children use the hieroglyphic alphabet to sketch the symbols that represent the letters or sounds of their names.  Their names will also be designed into a colorful drawing as they review color theory: primary, secondary, warm, cool, complimentary & tertiary colors. Using their knowledge of color theory and lines they will create an abstract crayon-resist watercolor painting connecting the letters of the alphabet. They’ll practice more line drawings as they learn to draw word art animals and finally design a poster with a short positive message and illustrations to help spotlight their message. Sharon Lee Mullen-Reynolds knew in High School that she was to be an Art teacher.  That is exactly what she did; for 36 years she taught Visual Art in the city of New Haven.  Her career hi-light was teaching 22 years at the Betsy Ross Arts Magnet Middle School.  During her tenure there […]

Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisans Store presents its annual Focus on Fall exhibition, which opened on September 18 and will continue through Saturday, November 7. The annual autumn exhibit brings together fine art and handcrafted work inspired by the colors, textures, atmosphere, and natural transformations of the fall in New England. Through painting, mixed media, photography, sculpture, fine craft, and seasonal artisan pieces, artists explore autumn’s changing foliage, landscapes, light, weather, wildlife, and harvest imagery—from brilliant color and abundance to the quieter transition toward winter. The gallery offers an ideal introduction to the exhibition for longtime collectors, visitors searching for an original seasonal piece or gift, and those who want to experience art reflecting the landscape and atmosphere of the fall season. As always, Spectrum’s Artisans Store offers new pottery, glass, fiber, home décor, jewelry, clothing, and accessories, as well as children’s books and toys. Spectrum Art Gallery is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, Connecticut. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information about gallery exhibits, and classes and workshops for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available […]

During this class participants will create three-dimensional artistic compositions made by combining various everyday objects, scraps and/or materials such as wood, metal, cloth or paper into a unified whole. Assemblage is closely related to collage but extends into sculpture. It is a mixed media construction combining the artist’s creativity and the visual appeal of themed collections. Your collections mirror you and inspire you to create. Put on your “Bag Lady “garb and wherever you go let your creative instincts take over. As a mixed media artist, you most likely have already been finding inspiration in 3-dimensional paraphernalia and cut up imagery. Assemblage creates a synchronicity between you and the objects you choose to use. It highlights transformation of your collections and “spotlights” a theme, letting images and objects speak to the viewer. Regina Thomas’ collage and mixed media art is a mélange of visual stimuli, colors, and shapes involving different genres from the representational to the abstract.  These multi-layered works portray her view of the world, never realistic, injecting her own narratives, metaphors, and icons.  Regina works instinctually, and her desire is to stimulate and intrigue the viewer, make a connection, bringing their own experiences to the work. Regina has […]

Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisans Store presents its annual Focus on Fall exhibition, which opened on September 18 and will continue through Saturday, November 7. The annual autumn exhibit brings together fine art and handcrafted work inspired by the colors, textures, atmosphere, and natural transformations of the fall in New England. Through painting, mixed media, photography, sculpture, fine craft, and seasonal artisan pieces, artists explore autumn’s changing foliage, landscapes, light, weather, wildlife, and harvest imagery—from brilliant color and abundance to the quieter transition toward winter. The gallery offers an ideal introduction to the exhibition for longtime collectors, visitors searching for an original seasonal piece or gift, and those who want to experience art reflecting the landscape and atmosphere of the fall season. As always, Spectrum’s Artisans Store offers new pottery, glass, fiber, home décor, jewelry, clothing, and accessories, as well as children’s books and toys. Spectrum Art Gallery is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, Connecticut. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information about gallery exhibits, and classes and workshops for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available […]

This class is designed for students with some experience using colored pencil and have basic concepts of botanical illustration. This course will focus on drawing a complete botanical study over the four-week session. Students will plan and draw each component of the study week by week resulting in a frame-able work of art. The teacher will provide the oversized paper, tracing paper for sketches and the flower subject. Short material list available upon registration. Nancy Bentivegna is a botanical artist who received her training at the New York Botanical Gardens through the Botanical Art and Illustration Program. After completing the program in 2010, she relocated to Boston. For the past eleven years she has been teaching a variety of botanical art classes in Boston and the greater Boston area. These courses are based on the instruction she received at the NYBG and include colored pencil, graphite, pen and ink and watercolor pencil. Nancy prefers to work in watercolor pencil combined with colored pencil for depth and detail. She does custom pieces for clients both in the Boston area and New York. She recently relocated to Essex and will be offering classes at the Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook. Dates: Thursdays: Oct. […]

Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisans Store presents its annual Focus on Fall exhibition, which opened on September 18 and will continue through Saturday, November 7. The annual autumn exhibit brings together fine art and handcrafted work inspired by the colors, textures, atmosphere, and natural transformations of the fall in New England. Through painting, mixed media, photography, sculpture, fine craft, and seasonal artisan pieces, artists explore autumn’s changing foliage, landscapes, light, weather, wildlife, and harvest imagery—from brilliant color and abundance to the quieter transition toward winter. The gallery offers an ideal introduction to the exhibition for longtime collectors, visitors searching for an original seasonal piece or gift, and those who want to experience art reflecting the landscape and atmosphere of the fall season. As always, Spectrum’s Artisans Store offers new pottery, glass, fiber, home décor, jewelry, clothing, and accessories, as well as children’s books and toys. Spectrum Art Gallery is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, Connecticut. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information about gallery exhibits, and classes and workshops for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available […]

This course focuses on gouache skills and techniques such as water to paint ratios, color mixing, shading and gradients, brush control including dry bushing, layering and glazing techniques and how to stay vibrant not muddy using this medium.  Work on a painting on illustration board of a subject of your choice. Paint with joy and not frustration. Supply list available upon registration. Sandra Garofalo is a painter and illustrator whose talents shine through a variety of mediums, with a primary focus on acrylics, gouache, photography and glass—both hot and cold. She began her artistic journey illustrating for Spotlight, Motorboat, and International Yacht magazines. During this time her love for depicting fish and shorebirds truly began to blossom. Later, she pursued a teaching career in advertising, art, and digital design. After retiring, she moved to her current home in Connecticut. Spending quality time in Southwest Florida, Sandra’s inspiration flourished into a vivid explosion of color and creativity. Surrounded by exotic wildlife in their lush habitats, she found herself constantly flooded with imagery that sparked emotional, expressive artwork. “The vibrant variation of color on the fish and other wildlife — as well as their                surroundings —is more than exciting to capture in paint,” she says. […]

Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisans Store presents its annual Focus on Fall exhibition, which opened on September 18 and will continue through Saturday, November 7. The annual autumn exhibit brings together fine art and handcrafted work inspired by the colors, textures, atmosphere, and natural transformations of the fall in New England. Through painting, mixed media, photography, sculpture, fine craft, and seasonal artisan pieces, artists explore autumn’s changing foliage, landscapes, light, weather, wildlife, and harvest imagery—from brilliant color and abundance to the quieter transition toward winter. The gallery offers an ideal introduction to the exhibition for longtime collectors, visitors searching for an original seasonal piece or gift, and those who want to experience art reflecting the landscape and atmosphere of the fall season. As always, Spectrum’s Artisans Store offers new pottery, glass, fiber, home décor, jewelry, clothing, and accessories, as well as children’s books and toys. Spectrum Art Gallery is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, Connecticut. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information about gallery exhibits, and classes and workshops for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available […]

This art class welcomes participants of all skill levels who are interested in analog collage. The course introduces the fundamentals of collage, focusing on minimalism and the use of a limited palette. Through guided exercises, the class learns how to select and arrange images to create visually engaging compositions. Emphasis is placed on simplicity and balance to encourage creativity within constraints and foster an appreciation for a clean, modern aesthetic. Over four studio sessions, participants practice the essential methods of analog collage: selection of substrates, cutting techniques, adhesive applications, color theory, and composition.  Projects such as creating a master board, starting and updating a studio notebook, designing artist trading cards and finally creating a personal collage are designed to practice newly acquired skills and  encourage participants to develop their own unique modern aesthetic. Small supply list available upon registration. Molly Waite Lund is an analog collage artist who lives in Essex, Connecticut.  As a self-taught artist, Lund is continuously experimenting with color, shape, relationships, and negative space.  She is compelled to repurpose vintage papers as a reminder of the history that has shaped her life. In her collages, the world that Lund imagines is a place where the familiar becomes […]

Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisans Store presents its annual Focus on Fall exhibition, which opened on September 18 and will continue through Saturday, November 7. The annual autumn exhibit brings together fine art and handcrafted work inspired by the colors, textures, atmosphere, and natural transformations of the fall in New England. Through painting, mixed media, photography, sculpture, fine craft, and seasonal artisan pieces, artists explore autumn’s changing foliage, landscapes, light, weather, wildlife, and harvest imagery—from brilliant color and abundance to the quieter transition toward winter. The gallery offers an ideal introduction to the exhibition for longtime collectors, visitors searching for an original seasonal piece or gift, and those who want to experience art reflecting the landscape and atmosphere of the fall season. As always, Spectrum’s Artisans Store offers new pottery, glass, fiber, home décor, jewelry, clothing, and accessories, as well as children’s books and toys. Spectrum Art Gallery is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, Connecticut. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information about gallery exhibits, and classes and workshops for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available […]

During this class participants will create three-dimensional artistic compositions made by combining various everyday objects, scraps and/or materials such as wood, metal, cloth or paper into a unified whole. Assemblage is closely related to collage but extends into sculpture. It is a mixed media construction combining the artist’s creativity and the visual appeal of themed collections. Your collections mirror you and inspire you to create. Put on your “Bag Lady “garb and wherever you go let your creative instincts take over. As a mixed media artist, you most likely have already been finding inspiration in 3-dimensional paraphernalia and cut up imagery. Assemblage creates a synchronicity between you and the objects you choose to use. It highlights transformation of your collections and “spotlights” a theme, letting images and objects speak to the viewer. Regina Thomas’ collage and mixed media art is a mélange of visual stimuli, colors, and shapes involving different genres from the representational to the abstract.  These multi-layered works portray her view of the world, never realistic, injecting her own narratives, metaphors, and icons.  Regina works instinctually, and her desire is to stimulate and intrigue the viewer, make a connection, bringing their own experiences to the work. Regina has lived and […]

During this class participants will create three-dimensional artistic compositions made by combining various everyday objects, scraps and/or materials such as wood, metal, cloth or paper into a unified whole. Assemblage is closely related to collage but extends into sculpture. It is a mixed media construction combining the artist’s creativity and the visual appeal of themed collections. Your collections mirror you and inspire you to create. Put on your “Bag Lady “garb and wherever you go let your creative instincts take over. As a mixed media artist, you most likely have already been finding inspiration in 3-dimensional paraphernalia and cut up imagery. Assemblage creates a synchronicity between you and the objects you choose to use. It highlights transformation of your collections and “spotlights” a theme, letting images and objects speak to the viewer. Regina Thomas’ collage and mixed media art is a mélange of visual stimuli, colors, and shapes involving different genres from the representational to the abstract.  These multi-layered works portray her view of the world, never realistic, injecting her own narratives, metaphors, and icons.  Regina works instinctually, and her desire is to stimulate and intrigue the viewer, make a connection, bringing their own experiences to the work. Regina has […]

Prepare to be creative and amaze yourself and family with what you sew in this 5-session class.  You will learn proper use and basics of the sewing machine. Each week there will be fun projects to build skills and boost your confidence to advance to the next level.  Projects may include: pin cushion, tote bag, drawstring bag, hair accessories such as scrunchies and bows, pillow, or stuffed animal as time and interest allow. Sewing machines and all supplies are included, but if you have a sewing machine bring it but make sure it is in working order. Include the foot pedal, power cord, needle, empty bobbin and manual. Jillian Nielsen began sewing and designing at a young age, attending fashion design programs in Connecticut and NYC, attended Bard College at Simon’s Rock and has a Certificate in Costume Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She was the equine costume designer for the CT Opera Company’s “Carmen” and she is currently a costume designer for “Listen to Me”, a new interpretation of Gertrude Stein’s work. She has taught Spectrum Art Gallery’s Fashion Week for two years and has her fiber and jewelry creations for sale at Spectrum Art Gallery in […]

During this class participants will create three-dimensional artistic compositions made by combining various everyday objects, scraps and/or materials such as wood, metal, cloth or paper into a unified whole. Assemblage is closely related to collage but extends into sculpture. It is a mixed media construction combining the artist’s creativity and the visual appeal of themed collections. Your collections mirror you and inspire you to create. Put on your “Bag Lady “garb and wherever you go let your creative instincts take over. As a mixed media artist, you most likely have already been finding inspiration in 3-dimensional paraphernalia and cut up imagery. Assemblage creates a synchronicity between you and the objects you choose to use. It highlights transformation of your collections and “spotlights” a theme, letting images and objects speak to the viewer. Regina Thomas’ collage and mixed media art is a mélange of visual stimuli, colors, and shapes involving different genres from the representational to the abstract.  These multi-layered works portray her view of the world, never realistic, injecting her own narratives, metaphors, and icons.  Regina works instinctually, and her desire is to stimulate and intrigue the viewer, make a connection, bringing their own experiences to the work. Regina has […]

This class is designed for students with some experience using colored pencil and have basic concepts of botanical illustration. This course will focus on drawing a complete botanical study over the four-week session. Students will plan and draw each component of the study week by week resulting in a frame-able work of art. The teacher will provide the oversized paper, tracing paper for sketches and the flower subject. Short material list available upon registration. Nancy Bentivegna is a botanical artist who received her training at the New York Botanical Gardens through the Botanical Art and Illustration Program. After completing the program in 2010, she relocated to Boston. For the past eleven years she has been teaching a variety of botanical art classes in Boston and the greater Boston area. These courses are based on the instruction she received at the NYBG and include colored pencil, graphite, pen and ink and watercolor pencil. Nancy prefers to work in watercolor pencil combined with colored pencil for depth and detail. She does custom pieces for clients both in the Boston area and New York. She recently relocated to Essex and will be offering classes at the Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook. Dates: Thursdays: Oct. […]

This course focuses on gouache skills and techniques such as water to paint ratios, color mixing, shading and gradients, brush control including dry bushing, layering and glazing techniques and how to stay vibrant not muddy using this medium.  Work on a painting on illustration board of a subject of your choice. Paint with joy and not frustration. Supply list available upon registration. Sandra Garofalo is a painter and illustrator whose talents shine through a variety of mediums, with a primary focus on acrylics, gouache, photography and glass—both hot and cold. She began her artistic journey illustrating for Spotlight, Motorboat, and International Yacht magazines. During this time her love for depicting fish and shorebirds truly began to blossom. Later, she pursued a teaching career in advertising, art, and digital design. After retiring, she moved to her current home in Connecticut. Spending quality time in Southwest Florida, Sandra’s inspiration flourished into a vivid explosion of color and creativity. Surrounded by exotic wildlife in their lush habitats, she found herself constantly flooded with imagery that sparked emotional, expressive artwork. “The vibrant variation of color on the fish and other wildlife — as well as their                surroundings —is more than exciting to capture in paint,” she says. […]