Bethel Arts Is Having a Very Good Year

For Bethel Arts, the non-profit that nurtures the arts in Bethel, 2023 has been a productive and transformative year, according to its chairman, Janice Chrzescijanek. “By year-end 2022 our mission had evolved from strategic planning to sponsoring, promoting and supporting the creative community,” she said. “We have increased the number and diversity of events, introduced our Arts in View visual arts platform, and we have a colorful new logo, designed by Carolyn Eiseman of CEH Design.”

In its supporting role, Bethel Arts sometimes acts as facilitator for cultural events, by connecting people or promoting events, for example. In August it facilitated Bethel’s first Drum Circle for lovers of drums and all types of percussion instruments. Future Drum Circle dates, based on the solstice, are December 23 and, in 2024, March 23 and June 22.

Arts in View, which assists Bethel artists with finding locations to exhibit and sell their work, debuted in March with an exhibit at the Bethel Library of works by Carol Gibson and Diana Gubbay. Following that the platform sponsored Elizabeth White’s “Tree Skirts” in Meckauer Park, and from now until December 8 paintings by Kevin McNamara are on view at the Bethel Library.

Arts in View connects artists with other diverse locations. David Daignault will soon show his Hollywood sign at Greenwood Features. The recently reopened independent theater’s new owners, Jamie and Franklin Lockwood, see this as the beginning of a rotating exhibit. Artwork by David Daignault is currently at Edison Kitchen. “With Edison’s volume of guests, the exposure for David is significant,” said Chris Bruno, the restaurant’s owner. “Our guests have recognized the talent and are very complimentary of his pieces.”

La Zingara Ristorante will host this year’s final Arts in View exhibit: works by Diana Gubbay, which runs October 21-January 15, with a reception Sunday, October 22. The exhibit of limited-edition archival prints will showcase the artist’s exploration of layered photography, painting and digital brushwork. La Zingara owner Lisa Tassone, a member of Bethel Arts board of directors, believes that this collaboration between art and business helps the Bethel community and the artist. “It brings more people into the center of town and makes the arts more visible,” she said.

Arts in View welcomes Bethel artists aged 18 and above. “We invite interested artists to visit the Bethel Arts web site here, where they will find an application,” said Ms. Chrzescijanek. “We have lots of plans for next year, and we need local artists to make them happen.”