Rebecca Terhaar

Portfolio Categories: Fabric-Fiber and Jewelry.

Alaska Onesie 3 – 6 mo., 90% cotton, 10% polyester

Rebecca Terhaar is a lifelong creator. She discovered her passion for the arts as a child, immersing herself in gifted arts programs in-school and out. As a finalist of various art competitions, Rebecca’s work has been featured at The Institute of American Indian Studies in Connecticut and WNET Channel 13 in New York – and was also selected to hang in the halls of the capitol building in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Rebecca graduated from Gibbs College with a degree in Visual Communications and a 3.98 GPA. Professionally, she is a recipient of the Young Professional of the Year Award from the Association of National Advertisers (formerly the Direct Marketing Association) and has served as a judge for the International ECHO Awards and the Collegiate ECHO Awards

Today, Rebecca is the owner of PepperPi, a creative agency in Danbury, CT, and continues to pursue her artistic passions as a form of self-expression and relaxation.

Terhaar’s work is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Richard Abarno

Portfolio Categories: Decorative.

Proud Bird

After completing his service in the army in 1964, Richard Abarno was able to attend Parsons School of Design in New York. Employed as a graphic designer in agencies and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Richard switched to advertising and corporate photography which he did for some forty or more years. When Richard moved from Rhode Island to Durango, Colorado, he started drawing and illustrating again.  Might have been the altitude. Back to New England about 12 years ago, Richard started to experiment with sculptures and for the most part consider this phase of creativity self-taught. Richard will say doing them is the most enjoyable of all and he is not sure where the ideas come Richard, but he does have an ever-growing sketchbook.

Richard has created over two hundred sculptures and hopes to keep doing them until he no longer can. His hope is that they will bring others joy and stretch one’s imaginations. Richard tends not to use found objects since they have a different tempo to the self-made objects. Materials used include wood, clay, paper, metal and an occasional feather or two. Richard has received Awards form the Society of Illustrators NY annual show and publications, Society of LA annual awards show, Newport Museum of Art, Print Magazine annual, 3×3 Magazine of Illustration rewards annual, and Westerly Artist Coop regional show award.  Richard’s work is exhibited in galleries in the New England area, New York and Japan and his work is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Robert Aiudi

Portfolio Categories: Fabric-Fiber.

Blue Mexican Scarf, wool and acrylic, 60in L x 12in w

Robert Aiudi started weaving and spinning at around age 10.  His great-grandfather from Province of Marche, Italy was a master silk weaver and the stories of him inspired Robert to learn the craft.  In his later teen years, he studied textile arts at Wesleyan Pottery in Middletown, Connecticut where he met other mentors and artists who inspired him.  While living in New York City for nearly 20 years, he continued to weave selling handwoven items at the Farmer’s Market at Amsterdam and 81street and into several private collections.

Robert is a linguist who speaks several foreign languages and heads a consulting firm working in the field of Speech Recognition.   He studied at the University of Connecticut and Yale University focusing on Mandarin.  He has lived and traveled extensively around the world meeting and getting to know many  handweavers and spinners.

Aiudi’s fiber art is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Robert Kelsey

Portfolio Categories: Jewelry.

Ginkgo-Biloba Pendant

Robert grew up in Branford, CT, a beautiful coastal town. He was a regular Tom Sawyer loving fishing, birding, and nature in general. He also knew from an early age, that he was mechanically inclined and chose vocational training as a machinist which he followed for the entirety of his working life. While at a Craft Fair where his wife indulged her love of earrings, he realized he could make those for her, and so began his journey which included taking metal smithing classes. He now uses many of his machinist skills on a smaller scale – cutting, shaping, pressing, rolling, deburring, etc.

Interpretation rather than duplication of natural phenomenon is his goal. Copper is a very expressive medium through which he communicates the inspiration Nature offers. Sawing, hammering, bending, twisting and forming it into his own visions. For color he uses patinas, natural oxidation, dyes and heat to name just a few.

Kelsey appreciates the creative inspiration of his wife whose love of hand-crafted jewelry unknowingly inspired the direction of his retirement. Robert shows his jewelry at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, CT.

Roger Gandelman

Portfolio Categories: Glass.

Lattice Perfume Bottle, hand blown glass, 5 1/2in h x 2 1/4in w

“I am a glass artist and have been blowing glass for 30 years. Early in my career I decided to put the bulk of my energy into making art glass perfume bottles. I believe I am the only glass artist in the country, perhaps in the world, who has devoted his full artistic efforts into making this object. My bottles, although small in scale, make a grand statement.   I see perfume bottles as small, elegant treasures; made to be turned, touched, and relished. I strive to make the form organic, smooth, and familiar, with very few sharp angles. The lip is simple and unobtrusive. The interior decoration adds life, movement, and dimension to the piece. I use both furnace and torch techniques to make my work. Colored glass is applied to the clear glass surface to build the flowers. The piece is then encased in more clear glass to achieve a multi-layered 3D optical effect. The flowers appear to be suspended inside the glass.  Many of my bottles have various exterior lusters applied while the glass is still molten. The bottle is then cut and polished the next day (using diamond grinding equipment) to open up windows in the glass to expose the interior decoration.  I do all the glassblowing in my studio. I do not like to work assisted. Because I do not work with a team, every progressive step in the creation of the piece has to satisfy me. No piece is finished until I think it is a beautiful perfume bottle.  I try to make my designs timeless…unmarred by passing trends; with flavors from the age of excellence, encased in a contemporary form.”

Roger Harvey

Portfolio Categories: Wood and Wood Artisans.

In his fourth year of college Roger switched from mechanical engineering at the University of Texas to art.  He directed the Craft Center at the student union until he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He was a potter and teacher on Cape Cod for 11 years and a goldsmith in Boston for eight. He moved to Chattanooga, TN to do technical development in the jewelry manufacturing industry before returning to the craft world. He initially made salt glazed pottery and added wood in 2014. He now works exclusively with wood most of it done on a lathe.  He primarily works with local wood that would otherwise be burned or chipped.  Many of his pieces are made from spalted wood.  Spalting occurs when fungi invade fresh wood and initiate the rotting process.  Roger has been a member of the In-Town Gallery, a cooperative gallery in Chattanooga, TN since 2011. He now also shows his work at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, CT

Rosemary McClain

Portfolio Categories: Ceramics.

Seagull Cup #1

Rosemary was born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. During her youth she studied art at Saint Joseph’s Art Academy in Pittsburgh. That training and experience lead her to Carnegie Mellon University where she graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design.

Rosemary has had two careers, the first: As an Elementary Art Teacher in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Batavia, New York.

The second career as a Product Designer, this career path carried me through Ohio, New York State, and Connecticut. She designed faceted glass windows, soft toys, injection molded wall decor and etched mirrors.

Upon retiring her focus is ceramic sculpture and creative pottery. She finds great satisfaction and creative energy producing art through clay.

Her current galleries are:

Spectrum Art Gallery
Creative Arts Workshop
Stamford Downtown
Mill Gallery with Guilford Art League

Ryan Lavorgna

Portfolio Categories: Ceramics.

Yonomí with Gold Luster Cup

Ryan Lavorgna has been investigating the vessel as a means of expression for over 30 years. His style is ever evolving with a current focus on hand building uniquely balanced pieces of art. From taking youth pottery classes to his first formal art schooling at Colby-Sawyer College, where he earned a BFA in StudioArt, the idea of a life in clay began to form. A Production Pottery Apprenticeship after undergrad with Maishe Dickman in New Haven, CT allowed Lavorgna the freedom to explore his own work while engaging in every step of the ceramic process.

Always wanting more information, he then earned a Post Baccalaureate certificate from Umass Dartmouth which encouraged a more technical and academically structured approach to all aspects of ceramics from glaze calculation to kiln construction. Upon completion, Lavorgna began work with Gustin Ceramics full time managing anagama firings, tile production, and studio assistance. His work has been shown at River Oaks Square in Alexandria, LA as well as the Gustin Gallery in Dartmouth, MA. He has received awards such as the prestigious Presidential Purchase Award from Colby-Sawyer College. Lavorgna currently works in his small home studio located in Higganum, CT.

Lavorgna’s pottery is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Center brook, Connecticut.

Samantha Barlow-Beamer

Portfolio Categories: Jewelry.

Lobstah Dinner Earrings

Samantha spent her life Exploring rocky beaches and daydreaming in the lush forests of New England. A family trip to Monhegan Island in Maine sparked her love of Fairy Houses. Samantha forages for bark, leaves and shells in Connecticut, Vermont and Maine to use for building her sculptures. Samantha later added jewelry and beaded accessories to her portfolio utilizing an assortment of freshwater pearls and semi-precious stones.

Samantha originally studied performing arts as a vocalist, actress and dancer in Hartford and later shifted her focus to marketing and business at the University of Phoenix online. She combined her interests and catapulted herself into New York City after competing on American Idol in 2011. For nearly ten years Samantha used her creative thinking and fearless approach, while working with executives in the Fortune 500 working as a Consultant for a UK Based company with an office in New York City. Samantha focused on growing small business by introducing them to her clients which included leaders from IBM, Amazon, Converse, Citi, Google and Ipsos. After developing and launching software for a consulting firm in Iowa, she moved back home where she met her now husband who acknowledged her lofty dreams of creative expression through art. Since 2020 Samantha has tinkered her way through the early days of homeownership and motherhood with her bark, leaves and shells in tow. The “Falling for Fall” exhibition at Spectrum Gallery is Samantha’s premier into the Art Community.

Samuel Carlson

Portfolio Categories: Wood.

Hummingbirds

Samuel Carlson has been woodworking as a hobby for 7 years and is now expanding into selling his artwork. He is self taught from his home garage and has spent 4 years working part time at a local cabinet shop in Connecticut. While being a hobbyist woodworker, Samuel has been attending McGill University as a Jazz concentration major in Montreal, Canada, from where he plans to graduate in Winter 2024. Much of his artwork is representative of the wildlife and scenes around the shoreline area in addition to many custom pieces by commission. Pieces include animal portrait marquetry and intarsia, and custom furniture, which have been shown at Guilford Art Center and local craft shows. Samuel is open to anything as a source of inspiration and constantly seeks to expand his horizon and knowledge in woodworking.

Carlson’s woodworking is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Samuel Swap

Portfolio Categories: Paper.

ABC’s of Bats by Samuel Swap, softcover 56 pages

Samuel Swap is an Illustrator, Printmaker, and Educator from Essex, CT, and is obsessed with all and every form of the line. Sam draws on his love for the natural world to communicate the bountiful wonders biodiversity has to offer us even in our small enclave of the world. Drawing from the worlds that filled his imagination as a child, from the books of Walter Whick’s ISPY, to Bill Watterson’s Calvin And Hobbes, Sam’s busy drawings try to highlight the unknown within our natural world, to reignite that feeling of childlike discovery with every new detail and flip of the page.

After growing up in Essex and attending Valley Regional High, Sam took a keen interest in photography and design, following in his father’s footsteps. Teaching at Bushy Hill Nature Center, Sam found he had a keen ability to communicate and translate the world around him for younger generations, and while pursuing photography, started doodling on the side. However, After attending the Hartford Art School, Sam fell in love with the art of illustration. Combining his favorite worlds of art, communication, and education, Sam graduated with a degree in Illustration in 2022. After graduating, Sam started teaching art as an educator at Old Lyme’s Florence Griswold Museum. His work can be found in the Florence Griswold Collection, as well as the Cooley Gallery in Old Lyme.

Recently, Sam decided to start his own publishing house, Third Cat Press (named after his adopted cat, ChaTrois), to publish his own children’s books and stories. Sam’s work is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Sandi Nyren

Portfolio Categories: Pottery.

Polka Dottie Bowl

Sandi has been creating with clay for well over 30 years. She is experienced in the production of functional stoneware, raku and majolica pottery.  She is now creating delicate porcelain miniatures expressing her love of nature.  Sandi has been a member of Wesleyan Potters since 1991 and now also shows her work at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, CT.

Sandra & Whitney Huber

Portfolio Categories: Jewelry.

Cactus Flower Pendant

Sandra and Whitney Huber are lampwork artisans located in Essex, Connecticut. The Hubers built their lampworking studio in 2011 at their home in Essex and founded Huber Glass Bead Makers to offer their work for sale.

Sandy has had a lifelong interest in many art forms; her educational background is in art education with a concentration in crafts.  Sandy’s extensive knowledge of flower gardening is a source of inspiration for her beads.  Whitney, an award-winning architect, has a fascination with the functional and artful use of glass everywhere.

Sandy discovered lampworking in 2008; she introduced Whitney to it soon after. Since then, they have been studying and exploring lampworking techniques and use of the extensive palette of soft glass available for bead making. They have studied lampworking under the generous guidance of master lampwork artists. The Hubers seek to master their skills and expand their lampwork bead offerings. Their work is inspired by patterns and images from nature, and the work of other bead artists from the United States and abroad.

Sandra & Whitney’s lampworking is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Sarah Elliott-Caratasios

Portfolio Categories: Paper.

I Love You As Much As – page illustration by Bivenne Harvey-Staiger

Sarah Elliott-Caratasios is an accomplished author, social worker, and advocate dedicated to
uplifting families and communities through her writing and professional work. She holds a
Master’s in Social Work and specializes in empowering older adults and promoting women’s
health.

A mother of four and lifelong storyteller, Sarah resides in Connecticut with her husband,
children, and their beloved rescue pups. Her passion for history and storytelling inspired The
Adventures of Nibbles Munk Munk, the first in a cherished children’s book series designed to
foster meaningful connections through the joy of reading.

Sarah is deeply passionate about writing children’s books that bring families together, creating
heartwarming stories that spark laughter, love, and lasting memories. Her latest book, I Love You as
Much as…, celebrates the limitless love of family through playful and whimsical comparisons,
encouraging families to create meaningful traditions of their own. Her newest book is sold at Spectrum
Gallery in Centerbrook. CT.

In addition to her books, Sarah has authored wellness journals and developed online self-care
courses to help busy women and mothers prioritize their well-being on a budget. With her unique
blend of creativity and advocacy, Sarah is committed to inspiring others, whether through
imaginative tales for children or resources that empower individuals to lead balanced, fulfilling
lives.

Sergio Villaschi

Portfolio Categories: Wood.

Walnut and Teak Lidded Vessel

Sergio moved from Rome, the Eternal City to a small town in CT after an early retirement from an academic life in Surgical Pathology. Sergio is a self-thought photographer. He often indulges in still life compositions where he can play with light and colors to give depth and vibrancy to his creations.

His photos have been displayed in Galleries such as Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, CT, the Salmagundi Art Club in NYC, The Carriage Barn in New Canaan, the Washington Art Association Gallery in CT and the Kent Art Association Gallery in CT, among others.

He has won various awards for his work, including the award of excellence for Photography in the 2018 President’s show, Kent Art Association and the Award of Excellence for photography at the Member II show at the Kent Art Association. He received the SCNY President’s Award for photography at the 40th Annual Open Exhibition at the Salmagundi Art Club.

Sergio’s goal is to create images that may please the eye but also help the observer to better appreciate the beauty that is in Nature and the simple things that are around us.

Sharon Hosley

Portfolio Categories: Ceramics and Decorative.

Seafoam Fish Tray

Sharon was an award-winning potter with twenty-five years’ experience. Developed an interest in
design and color on terra cotta clay. She was recognized for her fine work throughout Connecticut and
New York. Winning many awards. She was represented in fine craft shows throughout New England and
had sold work in galleries and shops.

Hosley’s terra cotta pottery is both functional and non-functional, decorated with brightly colored
images including animals, insects, and vegetation. Each piece is a medley of vivid colors. The glaze is
applied in three coats and the surface background carved away to achieve a raised design effect.
Animals are sometimes sculpted as accents to form vessel lids, handles or feet.

Hosley’s work is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Sharon K. Lewis

Portfolio Categories: Glass.

Paisley Bottle Tray with Cheese Knife

Sharon K. Lewis has been using fused glass as a creative outlet for the past 12 years. She enjoys the forgiving nature of the medium (Don’t like it? Turn it into something else!) and having a right-brain alternative to her left-brain career of Business Coaching. She enjoys developing her glass skills with classes at Corning Glass Museum and Snow Farm- New England Craft. In addition to fused glass art, she enjoys hanging out with her daughter, gardening, keeping track of a surprising number of pets, and supporting her community on the boards of The Ivoryton Library, Greater Old Saybrook Chamber, Ivoryton Village Alliance and The Rockfall Foundation.

Sharon’s Fused Glass is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Sharon Mullen-Reynolds

Portfolio Categories: Fabric-Fiber.

Glistening Lavender Headband

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 she was a published Fellow at Yale N.H.Teachers Institute for 2 years, the  Department Chairperson for 8 years and creator of As Far As The Eye Can See a school-wide art exhibit.

Since her retirement in 2016, she has been attending numerous art exhibits and installations locally and in NYC, specifically Frida Kahlo’s exhibit at the Brooklyn Art Museum which led her to create Frida- inspired floral headpieces. In 2017 she started The Kindness Rock art installation at the Branford Festival.

Sharon is an artist who believes that art can heal your soul.  In 2022 she sold her headpieces at the Ukrainian Roman Catholic church for the benefit of Ukraine’s War effort and donated 5 Ukrainian Strong “Petals for Peace” paintings to raise additional funds. These paintings were showcased on Channel 8 news.

In addition to her headpieces, Sharon works in mixed-media, crafts, collage, and watercolor landscape en plein air. Sharon’s artwork has been exhibited at City-Wide Open Studios, The ARTS Council, Calligraphers Guild, and is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Steve Durkee

Portfolio Categories: Decorative and Wood.

Sandpiper on Carved Oyster Shell, bird carved from basswood painted with acrylic paint, base carved to resemble an oyster shell, 5 1/2in h x 5 1/2in w

A carver/artist for over 30 years.    He studied his paint detailing under Keith Meuller, who is a World Champion Artist/Carver.   Most of his work is done using basswood which is a local wood exceptional straight grain.    Each piece is hand carved using a very small carving knife and then to rotary tools, some of the carvings are textured, and all are highly detail painted.

Many of these larger pieces have competed in the Ward World Carving Championships on the east coast each year.   Many of the pieces have taken blue ribbons and some have taken Best of Show ribbons as well as cash rewards.

Steve likes to work with Acrylic paint having very fine pigments.   It allows him to finely paint and detail each feather with some having 5 to 8 layers of paint.  This gives the feather three dimensional depth.

All of the bases are also made from Basswood,  or in one case driftwood.   Some of the pieces have bases that were carved to look like oyster and scallop shells.  These too are highly painted to mimic a fresh shell.

Some of the pieces are birds in motion,  (Running, etc).

Susan Braden-Hull

Portfolio Categories: Jewelry.

Barbie Pink Kumihono Necklace

A self-taught jewelry designer and maker, Susan was part of the team at the Bead Hive in Guilford for over 5 years and still is a member of that vibrant artisan community, inspired by some of the masters in that milieu.

She is influenced by art, design and fashion, and creates handcrafted jewelry that is fun and funky with a vintage vibe. Bold, statement pieces and delicate jewelry designs all find a place in her collections.

Susan works in stones sourced from all over the world, as well as Czech glass beads that are on trend and made using vintage molds and methods. Susan also uses Japanese seed beads, Austrian crystals, sterling silver, hand-wrought bronze and art beads created by local artisans in her signature designs. She is known for her incredibly detailed beaded wrap bracelets and her works in Kumihimo, an ancient Japanese form of braiding with beads.

She has been featured in numerous art and craft shows, has done many one-woman trunk shows and her work is also at retail outlets. Her work can be seen at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Ct.

Susan Gerr

Portfolio Categories: Pottery.

Posie Pot

Since 1985, potter Susan Gerr has owned and operated Birch Mountain Pottery, a combined studio and craft showroom in Tolland, CT. Birch Mountain Pottery has presented the community with the opportunity to catch a glimpse into a working pottery studio.

Gerr says:

“My work in clay has been a gradual exploration and unfolding of various feelings, concepts and discoveries  that find their way into my work. Strong experiences, places, patterns, intangible feelings and a love for the natural world power my search for forms, textures, and colors reflected in my work. Intangible feelings plus a love for the natural world, power my search for pots that combine contrasting elements into strong, harmonious artifacts. I also continue to produce a line of functional work intended for daily use and enjoyment. Pieces range from mugs, bowls and pitchers to larger decorative jars, lamps and platters. These stoneware pieces are primarily wheelthrown, sometimes textured and stamped and then glazed in bright, soft overlapping glazes”

Susan Pinckney

Portfolio Categories: Ceramics and Decorative.

Firestorm Bowl

Best known for her wheel thrown birdhouses, Susan has been in love with clay since the first time her hands touched it in grade school art class. There was magic in drawing out a malleable lump of clay into something beautiful, permanent and functional. It was only natural that in her later years she would combine her passion for clay with her fondness of gardening, and her fascination with wildlife.

Susan has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and has studied at Norwich Art School, Corcoran College of Art and Design, and Paier College of Art in addition to taking independent classes. Her instructors have included Robert Epstein, David Toscano and Justin Gerace. She works from her Deep River home in a walk out basement studio with gardens just outside the door ready to offer further inspiration for her work. You can find Susan’s work at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Sylvia Loomis

Portfolio Categories: Fabric-Fiber.

Pearly Pink Scarflet

Growing up in Switzerland Sylvia learned from an early age on to make all sorts of handcrafts. She especially liked to knit. Sylvia made many sweathers, socks, etc., mostly as gifts for family and friends. Later on, when working as a Flight Attendant for PanAm and traveling the world, she designed and created scarves, since they are light in weight, dress up all kinds of outfits and can take the place of jewelry. The yarns Sylvia uses range from casual to very dressy and elegant.

Terry Van Heusen

Portfolio Categories: Decorative.

Kitties Garden Wall Vase

Terry Van Heusen earned a BFA in Illustration from RISD. Her career in the commercial arts afforded various opportunities including advertising, design, and sculpture for the giftware industry. As Art Director in the Creative Services Department at Hasbro Inc., the toy company, she designed packaging for Play-Doh® and other global brands.

Now retired, Terry works in her home studio, mainly hand building in clay. She finds it the perfect medium for story telling- combining color, texture, line, and sculptural accents. Her objective is to create work that delights the eye.

Terry’s work is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Theresa Santoro-Smith

Portfolio Categories: Decorative and Fashion.

Pink Furry Bear, 18in tall x 10in wide, spot clean

 

By day, Theresa is a a Literacy Coach at Guilford Public Schools. By night, she is a knitter. She has been knitting for 50 years…with time off to raise 3 children.

A few years ago, Theresa began knitting hats and sweaters to give as shower gifts….and her baby and children’s collection began. She also knit women’s sweaters, scarves, capes, and shawls, as well as hats.

Every January, you can find her at the Annual Vogue Knitting Event in New York City. There, she stocks up on the best yarns and patterns available at their marketplace…and continues learning from the best knitters in the world.

Theresa tries to knit an assortment of styles to meet a broad spectrum of tastes. If you don’t see something you like, let me a gallery representative know!

Thomas O’Connell

Portfolio Categories: Glass.

Funny Turquoise Bird

Tom O’Connell, a 50-year advertising veteran, lived many years in France, Italy, and Germany.  It was particularly his eight years in Italy that developed a keen interest in stained glass.  This ultimately led him to take practical courses back in the States under the direction of Fabio Pizzolli, a world-renowned stained-glass artist who specializes in glass restoration. Tom then took an extended apprenticeship in Siena at the studio Vetrate Artistiche Toscane under the direction of owners Gianni and Massimo Bracciali.  There he fine-tuned his skills in cutting, painting, and assembling stained glass panels, which had been commissioned for the Villanova University in Philadelphia.

Passionate about his glass work, Tom works to create relatively small objects, sometimes whimsical and abstract, but mostly practical, to help bring the beauty and fun of glass to people’s homes.

His business and studio operate as Siena Stained Glass LLC, which was formed in 2019, located in Stonington CT. O’Connell’s glasswork is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Valerie Owens

Portfolio Categories: Fabric-Fiber.

Blushing Baby Moccasin

Valerie Owens, influenced and guided by her mother, began sewing doll clothes at a very young age and then making clothes for herself. This was the start of her love of taking a piece of fabric and creating something both beautiful, and useful. Over time, Valerie stretched her talents by creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, and discovered her love of wire weaving and wrapping. The characteristics of the wire and its ability to stretch, bend, and twist allow her to highlight the natural gemstones in her unique creations. Now retired, Valerie worked as a computer technician for 25 years and holds a BA degree from Southern Nazarene University. Her works have been featured in gift shops and home shows in her state of Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Old Lyme, CT.  “Sweet Pea Boutique” is Valerie’s design name.

Valerie’s Jewelry is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Will Wilde

Portfolio Categories: Decorative.

Custom, handmade wooden puzzles

Will Carswell handcrafts his heirloom-quality, eco-friendly, wooden jigsaw puzzles one at a time from start to finish in the foothills of Western Massachusetts. With each new puzzle he creates, he strives to give you the most memorable, unique, jigsaw puzzling experience possible along with an enjoyable opportunity to slow down amidst a fast-paced world. Enrich your life with the challenge and charm of his wonderful whimsical pieces, the beautiful imagery of Carswell’s puzzles, and the devious trickery he has designed into most of his puzzles, such as false borders and false corners! Enjoy tranquil solitude or togetherness with family and friends as you discover the nuances of each new puzzle you choose for your collection! Zen Puzzles™ and Peapod Puzzles™ also make the perfect, unique, giftable keepsake! You can find Carswell’s eco-friendly jigsaw puzzles at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Yessenia Gerace

Portfolio Categories: Ceramics.

Fire Flow Mug

Yessenia Gerace, Art Teacher at Lincoln Elementary School in the Consolidated School District of New Britain, CT. She holds a K-12 Art Education certification and a B.A. in Ceramics and Business Marketing from Central Connecticut State University. Yessenia has been working in ceramics for 15 years and has taught learners of all ages in numerous locations such as Wesleyan Potters, Kids Art space and Elmwood Community Center.  Her work has been exhibited locally and throughout Connecticut. “My works portray the essence of transition and transformation in its many states. Much of my inspiration comes from the qualities we see in nature. I explore how spaces, planes, colors, and shapes balance and interact with one another to convey emotional experiences. Strength and fragility are physically and metaphorically represented as recurring themes in my work”. Gerace’s ceramics are currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Anna Mastropolo

Portfolio Categories: Paintings.

Spirit Animal, watercolor on paper, 14in h x 11in w

Anna Mastropolo is a textile artist, jewelry designer, and large-scale gouache and mixed media painter.  She is inspired by Abstract Expressionism and The Pattern and Decoration Movement.  Anna is interested in painting patterns, using patterned paper and textiles (often hand-knit) to create mixed media compositions, celebrating femininity.

Anna has been involved in 36 art shows since graduation with a BFA from Hartford Art School in 2010, and she is currently in an MFA program for Visual Fine Arts at Vermont College of Fine Arts. Anna has been creating public art and community projects in Bristol, CT before moving to New Haven, CT. Mastropolo received Art Awards from Tunxis Community College, the Westfield Articulture art show, and the Chalk Walk of Collinsville and has designed garments for the Hartford Trashion Shows three years in a row. Mastropolo has worked as an Art Teacher for the last 4 years, in New Britain, and now in New Haven. Anna’s work is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Annette Womack

Portfolio Categories: Mixed Media.

Nature Mandala, mixed media, 18×18

Annette Womack is a visual artist based in Connecticut.  She is primarily an oil painter, but also loves experimenting with ceramic sculpture, printmaking, and mixed-media techniques.  She received her Masters of Art Education from Boston University College of Fine Arts and has studied under Ramon Alexander Hurtado, Roberto Osti, and Tabitha Whitley among others.

Annette has been painting and creating for about 15 years. Her biggest inspiration is the struggle between man and nature.  Psychology, spirituality, femininity, and connectivity often find their way into her work.  She has taught at Mystic Art Museum and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and is a full-time ceramics teacher in Newtown. She has exhibited throughout the region including Ridgefield playhouse, Newtown Arts festival, and Hartford Art Space, has public artworks currently on display in Danbury, CT, and her work is also exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

B. Rossitto

Portfolio Categories: Paintings.

Barred Owl, oil on cradled panel, 8×8

Rossitto paints with her heart, bringing the viewer with her on an exploration of essence and perception. She looks at things anew, and is continuously studying to develop her skills, in composition, perception, and technical execution. Barbara portrays not only the image, but her impression, and the feeling or essence of the place. She aims to take the viewer with her on the journey and share her appreciation of life.

As an artist, Barbara pushes herself to try new techniques and styles. She enjoys the company of other artists and the critique that comes from studying with local artists as well as internationally acclaimed artists. Barbara paints in oils, watercolor and pastel, a variety of subjects, mainly representational. She accepts commissions for pet portraits, landscapes, homes, boats and gardens.

Barbara’s has won several awards and has been chosen for International and regional as well as local shows, and she belongs to several prestigious societies. Her work is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Beverley Fisher

Portfolio Categories: Paintings.

3 Mussels, ink, watercolor, gouache, graphite stick, acrylic paint, paint markers, 22in h x 28 in w

Raised in England, Beverley Fisher attended Grimsby College of Art before moving to the United States of America. She continued her education in the USA earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education from Central Connecticut University and a Masters from Wesleyan University.

Fisher has worked as an Art Educator for 20 years at RHAM High School in Hebron, CT. her work has always been inspired by nature and being out in the world. There is rarely a walk she comes home from without a pocket full of nature’s treasures. These objects form the basis of her work. She works predominantly in watercolor, gouache and collage to create intimate works of art.

Fisher’s artwork is currently exhibited at Spectrum gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Bivenne Harvey Staiger

Portfolio Categories: Paintings.

Black Swallowtail Beauty, watercolor

Bivenne Harvey Staiger is known for her colorful, dramatic watercolors of natural motifs she loves, like birds, other animals and flowers, and is the recipient of many prestigious awards.  Among the most recent is the Silver Medal from the American Watercolor Society’s 152nd International Exhibition (2019). Bivenne became a Signature member of the American Watercolor Society in 2025. She is professionally affiliated with many art groups, including but not limited to the Salmagundi Club, American Artists’ Professional League, Academic Artists Association, Connecticut Academy of Fine Artists, Connecticut Watercolor Society, and many others. She is the author of White! Light! Bright! How to Make Your Backgrounds Enhance and Support Your Watercolor Paintings, and illustrator of the children’s book I Love You As Much As… by Sarah Caratasios. Bivenne regularly gives instruction, demonstrations and workshops in watercolor, at venues including Spectrum Gallery and at Yale Peabody Museum.  Bivennne’s work has been featured in solo exhibitions and a few group exhibitions at venues including Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Bryn Souza

Portfolio Categories: Photography.

Barn Island Dragonfly, fine art photograph on metal, 11in h x 14in w

Bryn Souza is an award-winning Connecticut-based photographer. Her work has been on display throughout the state and in neighboring Rhode Island in solo exhibitions and alongside other artists in group exhibitions.  She won the Photo of Distinction and People’s Vision Award through the Lyme Land Trust. She is also the First Place winner of the South County Tourism Department’s Photo Contest. During the day, Bryn works for DOGTV as the Director of Customer Experience. She applies her degrees in Public Relations & History and her MBA from Quinnipiac University to her day job while getting to take and enjoy photos and videos of dogs. Although her primary focus is landscape photography, she also has experience as a pet photographer with her work featured on MarthaStewart.com, Today.com, USA Today along with various pet brands.  Bryn also shows her work at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, CT.

Carole Drong

Portfolio Categories: Photography.

Coupla Cute Chicks, fine art photograph, 16×20

Carole Drong is a photographer, graphic designer, and illustrator from Southeastern Connecticut. She received her education at Paier College of Art in Hamden, Connecticut majoring in illustration. Having held a variety of creative roles throughout her career, she has collaborated with many printers, publishers, advertising agencies and corporations.

Carole gained significant experience at Pfizer Inc, where she was a staff photographer capturing images of senior executives, scientists conducting experiments in their lab environments, as well as many corporate and community events. Her photographs have been published in calendars, magazines and brochures. Currently, Carole exhibits her photographs in galleries such as Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, CT.

 

Carol Dunn

Portfolio Categories: Photography.

Hawai Beauty, fine art photograph, 18in h x 15in w

Carol Dunn is an award-winning printmaker, photographer, and mixed media artist, specializing in alternative processes for creating artwork. She exhibits frequently in the New England area and on the Outer Banks of North Carolina where she vacations. She is an Elected Artist in the Norwich Arts Center, Mystic Arts Center, Essex Art Association, Connecticut Women Artists, Lyme Art Association, Monson Arts Council, and Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts. Her studio, Little River Studio & Gallery, features views of the river, lots of natural light and an etching press. She has taught classes at QVCC (Quinebaug Valley Community College) where she received an Associate in Fine Arts degree, Manchester Community College, Mystic Arts Center, Silver Circle Studio, the Guilford Art Center, Meiklem Kiln Works, South County Art Association, and the Lyme Art Association. Her work is held in private collections throughout the US, and in far flung areas including Ireland, France, and Australia.  Dunn’s artwork can be found at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Carol Lowbeer

Portfolio Categories: Photography.

Elina Rose, fine art photograph on metal

Carol Lowbeer loves photographing animals, seascape, and nature photography which she enhances with a variety of digital painterly effects to recreate the mood of the original scene. She especially enjoys photographing animals interacting with one another which bring their individual personalities to life. She also enjoys combining photography, art, writing and music in the medium of musical slideshows.

Carol’s work has been accepted in juried shows such as the Essex Art Associations “Inner Visions” show and won the “Best Photograph” award in its recent open summer show.  Lowbeer has exhibited widely in Connecticut over the past 12 years. Her collections, “Waterbirds in Love” and “Song of the Snowbird” were featured in several nature centers and art galleries including the Connecticut Audubon Associations in Glastonbury.  Her “Magic of Winter” show was also featured in Elizabeth Park’s Pond House Gallery, and UConn and Hartford Hospitals.

Originally born in Oklahoma, Carol has lived in the Bahamas, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Boston and New York.  She recently moved to the Connecticut shore where she enjoys creating colorful photo-paintings of the unequaled coastal beauty around her.  Carol’s photography is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Daniel Dahlstrom

Portfolio Categories: Paintings.

White Rose, oil, 19in h x 16in w

Dan Dahlstrom is a Connecticut native, raised in Essex, Connecticut and worked in the family decorating business for many years, and currently resides in Chester, Connecticut.

Dahlstrom, an award-winning artist, has studied at the prestigious Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts. Dan often paints scenes of his beloved Chester, the Connecticut River, Long Island Sound, and the surrounding vistas of the beautiful countryside of New England. He enjoys working “en plein air” and in his studio.

Dan has given art instruction at assisted living facilities, convalescent homes, to individual students, and clubs.

Dan holds numerous art memberships and belongs to the Middlesex, CT Chamber of Commerce. His work has been accepted into many local juried shows, including the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, Connecticut. Many of his paintings are on exhibition or have been exhibited at galleries, libraries, and several places of business, including Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut, the Connecticut State Capitol, and the Atrium Gallery at the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

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