On the main floor of the gallery is “Resolutions,” an exhibit where the members of the Canton Artist Guild take up the challenge of expressing this theme via their artistic imaginations.  Think of the richness of material here to work with:  There are New Year’s expressions of commitment to action. Artists choose colors or contrast that make a work complete or they use variations in clarity and sharpness to separate subject and background. A picture can show conflicts coming together in a harmonious outcome. This is a show that will surely provoke and delight as you explore the multiplicity of meanings and representations.

Upstairs are two solo shows.  “Life’s Exquisite Landscapes” by David McKay features seven large paintings and the seven smaller studies that were the starting point for each.  The viewer can then appreciate the artistic process entailed and the way that McKay could expand his initial work with larger ideas and emotions.

McKay is a regional landscape painter who works primarily in oils. He has B.A. in fine arts from Dominican University and spent a semester studying painting in Florence, Italy where he was influenced by the works of Giotto and Masaccio.  As the curator of the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science museum in Chicago, he produced and curated theme-based art and science exhibits that went on to traveling exhibits along the East Coast.  In 2009 he returned to Connecticut to paint the landscape he grew up with.  His paintings are held in private and public collections in Florence, Milan and Silva, Italy, Chicago, and Oak Park, Illinois, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.

“Beautiful Woods” by Christopher Maglieri features a variety of handcrafted serving/cutting boards. Prizing vibrant colors and unusual patterns, Maglieri purchases woods from all over the world.  Each pieces combines different woods and may even include a walnut or apple tree that has fallen locally.  A civil engineer by training, Maglieri learned woodworking from his grandfather.  Later he taught himself new techniques through experimenting in his workshop, and his early skills at wood turning have evolved into an ability to create finely crafted small furniture. His work has been available for purchase in fairs and local shops throughout the state.

The opening reception for all three shows is Saturday, January 14th from 6:00-8:00 pm.  The reception including refreshments is free, and the public is warmly invited.

The Canton Artists’ Guild at the Gallery on the Green, the longest continuously-running artist guild in the state, has 3 separate galleries and hosts month-long exhibitions nine times a year. 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.