In the 19th and early 20th century, Rockville, CT was home of the renowned still life artist, Charles Ethan Porter. Porter not only studied art at the National Academy of Design in New York City, he was one of the first Black artists to exhibit there. He was the only Black artist at the turn of the century who painted still lifes. His work can be found in collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Wadsworth Athenaeum, as well as several private collections.

This Still Lifes Exhibit is to celebrate the legacy of the style and showcase artists who are working in the style of still lifes today. Open to artists 18 years and older working in acrylic, pastels, oil, watercolor, charcoal, and colored pencil. Subjects can vary from traditional still life or memento mori composition (flowers, fruit, timepieces, etc.) to more contemporary or surreal compositions.