Gallery on the Green presents an exhibition of “Members’ New Work” plus Solo Shows by Mark Rich and Judy Cantwell

Canton, CT –  Friday, March 19th through Saturday, April 17

Cost:  Free – open to the public

Canton Artists’ Guild members exhibit their work in this “Members’ New Work” exhibition. For many members the current constraints on travel, employment and social interaction have served to intensify their effort and concentration. See the results in paintings, drawings, graphic arts, sculpture, ceramics, fiber/beadwork and photography. The membership consists of 100 plus artists from over 30 area towns forming one of Connecticut’s long established fine art guilds.
Mark Rich has eighteen new paintings in his show entitled, “Less is Never More.” In studio space partially supported by Five Points Gallery, Rich had the opportunity to closely observe downtown Torrington. He was struck by the distinctive signage, old buildings and “post manufacturing decay in the air” reminiscent of neighborhoods he had known in New York City in decades past. He created these paintings in October 2020 through February 2021 as a tribute that “resists the melancholy of Corona and political angst with optimism and humor.” Sale proceeds from five paintings will be donated for the benefit of the Fish Homeless Shelter and Torrington food bank.
Mark Rich has been working with oil paint and wax for over forty years. His style is abstract, improvised and sometimes random. The work is dense and multilayered and pays homage to his New York School and Post New York School abstract expressionist influences.
“Smalls” by Judy Cantwell is a second solo show on exhibit. It includes a collection of small works, some utilizing colorful semi-transparent gel transfers layered one over another to meld into scenes that are both familiar and yet exotic. In addition, three-dimensional, shadow box works utilize found objects and industrial-based pressed, gilded and painted components. A past President and Board member of the Canton Artist’s Guild, she first showed her art at the Gallery on the Green in 1967. Her award winning art has since been shown in dozens of locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts. She’s an Elected Artist of the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts and the Kent Art Association, member of the Housatonic Valley and New Hartford Art Leagues and part of the mixed media artist’s group called MIXUS.
The Gallery on the Green will be following the State of Connecticut’s COVID-19 reopening guidelines. All visitors inside the gallery are required to wear a mask and observe social distancing protocol. Given the circumstances, the above protocol may change in accordance with CT State guidelines. There will be no opening reception.

The Gallery on the Green, established in 1960, is the longest continuously operating artists’ guild in Connecticut. It is housed in a schoolhouse (circa 1872). There are three spacious galleries and an outdoor sculpture garden. The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton.

Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible. Tel. 860-693-4102 / www.galleryonthegreen.org / e-mail: [email protected].