Neighbor News
Art in Waterford: Past + Present + Future, Aug. 8, 9
Free exhibition of fine works of art by past artists of Waterford, local contemporary and student artists showcased in historic buildings
Please note:
The Art in Waterford event will be held using safety measures in keeping with the Town of Waterford's pandemic advisories in order to protect every visitor. Waterford Historical Society docents will be at each building to monitor entrance and egress and will be wearing masks and gloves. The Society has means of taking visitors' temperatures from their foreheads and will do so randomly throughout the weekend to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Visitors are asked to honor these safety protocols:
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- touch nothing
- wear facial masks/coverings
- maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet from others
- follow visitor pathways in any building
Families and friends can discover fine works of art by past artists of Waterford, and local contemporary and student artists in the second annual, free exhibition showcased in historic buildings at Jordan Green, sponsored by the Waterford Historical Society, on August 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Visitors can enjoy live music, art activities and “en plein aire” painting, as well as sketching, purchasing fine art, visiting the working blacksmith’s forge and strolling the Green, located at the junction of Routes 153 and 213 in Waterford, Connecticut.
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Sloping farmlands, two rivers and the sea form the geophysical area of Waterford, Connecticut, and have inspired artists for centuries. In 2020 “ART IN WATERFORD: Past + Present + Future” will highlight the art of noted “Past” artists of three to four generations of the White and Brooks families, who were among Waterford’s founders. The artwork of nine juried “Present” working artists, all of whom have connections to the Town of Waterford, varies from watercolors to pastels to oils. Etchings and sketchings are also included. Scenes depict water views, landscapes and portraits. Some pieces of contemporary artwork will be for sale.
In the historic 1740 one-room Jordan Schoolhouse, “Future” artists will display works based on their personal interpretations of the theme “From One-Room Schoolhouse to No-Room Schoolhouse.” Area students from grades 6-12 from St. Bernard’s High School, The Williams School, Clark Lane Middle School and Waterford High School have experienced an abbreviated school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and were asked to produce works of art. To spur their creativity, the exhibit application invited students to respond to such prompts as “Where do I study?” “When do I study? “How do I study?” “Who - or what - is nearby?” A range of interpretations can be viewed at the exhibit.
The "smithy" at the blacksmith's shop in Stacy Barn will also be in operation, where visitors may view a working forge and purchase small handcrafted items such as keychains, candle holders and more. Visitations will be staggered to observe safety precautions.
As the public is invited to view this exhibit, public safety precautions must be followed. Visitors are asked to bring their own facial coverings and to be respectful of social distancing while enjoying the show.
Art in Waterford visitors may also enter a drawing for a chance to win an original 16” x 20” acrylic painting, “Latimer’s Reef,” by local artist Pat Kelbaugh of Niantic. In January 2020, Kelbaugh donated the painting to the Waterford Historical Society to serve as a fundraiser to benefit the organization. The frame was hand-crafted by Kelbaugh’s husband. Her artwork will be featured in the PRESENT exhibit in the Stacy Barn during the weekend event. Tickets for the drawing for the painting, a $500 value, are $5 each or $20 for 5, (cash or check only) available at the event. The winner will be contacted by telephone after the event and need not be present for the drawing.
Art supplies, sketch books, and printed programs of the 2019 and 2020 Art in Waterford exhibitions will be offered for sale, with all proceeds to benefit the Waterford Historical Society.
Parking is free and will be available at the lot off Avery Lane, at the Waterford Public Library, and at the nearby Community Center --- all within a short walking distance. The Stacy Barn, where some works of art will be displayed, is handicap accessible. Public restrooms are also located in the ground level of the Stacy Barn.
Learn more on the Waterford Historical Society's Facebook page:
