The Art Guide's Featured may 2008 gallery :: celebrations gallery & Shoppes

330 Pomfret Street (RT 169) | Pomfret Center, CT 06259 | 860-928-5492
Open Wed - Sat 11 - 5, Sun 11 - 4 or by appointment
www.celebrationsshoppes.com

Celebrations Gallery & Shoppes is a two-floor, 5,000 sf art gallery and gift shop located on National Scenic Byway Route 169 in Pomfret. The setting is a lovingly restored 1885-century Queen Anne set amidst stately beech, maple and cherry trees and surrounded by lush and colorful gardens. Ten-foot high ceilings in ten different rooms provide a dramatic setting for the Gallery's ever-changing collection of artwork, offering a diverse range of media (oils, watercolors, pastel, acrylic, mixed as well as sculpture, glass, pottery, woodworking, jewelry and more) in styles that range from whimsical to traditional.

The Gallery showcases and sells original work by over 30 regional artists, artisans and designers. It also offers a diverse range of events and programs throughout the year, including Exhibitions of Featured Artists in the Grand Foyer, plus lectures, demonstrations, tastings, book signings, trunk shows, and more. Hailed as "a stunning showcase for area artists" by Connecticut Magazine in October 2007, Celebrations was also recently chosen as an Editor's Choice for Yankee Magazine's 2008 Travel Guide in the May/June issue.

In 2008, the Gallery began a series of Exhibitions, focusing on two or three featured artists. These thematic exhibits are showcased in the Grand Foyer, a dramatic space that visitors enter as they step into the gallery. Each exhibition offers an evening Opening Reception - with a specialty cocktail, hors d’oeuvres and the opportunity to chat with the artists. An educational component with each artist, such as a formal lecture, informal chat and/or demonstration is presented during the exhibition timeframe. All exhibition events are free and open to the public.

The next exhibition in the 2008 series is the "Colors of Celebrations" Art Exhibition, featuring the oil paintings of Emily Boosahda and abstracts of Bernice Harmyk. The exhibition will run from May 16 - June 29, 2008. The Opening Reception of "Colors of Celebrations" is Friday, May 16 (5-8 pm). Boosahda's Oil Painting Lecture & Demonstration is Sunday, June 8 (1-3 pm) and Harmyk's " Impressions in Abstraction" Lecture is Sunday, June 22 (1-3 pm).

The final two Exhibitions for the 2008 series are "Summertime at Celebrations" (July 18 – August 31), featuring fused glass creations by Nancy McGrath, mixed media collages of Regina Thomas & photography of Robert Thomas and "Fields & Fences of Celebrations"  (September 19  - October 26), featuring the paintings of Donna Lange & prints (monotype, intaglio, aquatint) of Marian O'Connell.

Celebrations Shoppes carries an artful collection of decadent chocolate, specialty teas & accessories, plus unique home decor items in all price ranges. The Shoppes' signature, festive gift wrapping is always complimentary. Later this year, Celebrations is looking forward to opening a much anticipated Tea Room where creative food, artistically presented, will be available for groups and events by reservation only.

At the heart of Celebrations is the team of Creative Directors, a dedicated and enthusiastic group of diversely talented women. Each has a role in the business and all are committed to making a difference and giving back to the community. This includes hosting events that benefit various local organizations (such as the "Celebrations Confetti Tree" and the "Sharing the Bounty" programs, which benefited a local homeless shelter and food bank, respectively) as well as volunteering numerous hours to run the gallery.

Located in Connecticut's "Quiet Corner," Celebrations is located in the heart of Southern New England and an easy drive from Providence (45 min), Worcester (35 min), Hartford (50 min) and Boston (55 min). The Quiet Corner offers unique dining, shopping and sightseeing options for a great day trip, plus local B&Bs for a weekend. Visit www.CelebrationsShoppes.com for directions and to subscribe to a monthly e-mail newsletter for updates on events, promotions, new products and new artists.
Open: Wed – Sat 11 to 5, Sun 11 to 4, or by appointment.
www.CelebrationsShoppes.com