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From the Easel:
Bi-Weekly Newsletter
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WASHINGTON ART ASSOCIATION
Celebrating Art, Creativity, and Community Since 1952
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A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends,
The past few weeks have been one of the most exciting and meaningful in recent memory for the Washington Art Association & Gallery.
We proudly opened our newest exhibition, Beauty in Breaking, and what an opening it was. The turnout was extraordinary, with artists, collectors, members, and friends filling our galleries in celebration of the remarkable work on display. Even more encouraging, several pieces sold during the opening reception itself, a testament to both the quality of the exhibition and the enthusiasm of our community.
We were also honored to present two important scholarships at Shepaug Valley School. The Elizabeth MacDonald Scholarship was awarded to Eden Bruzinski and Tianna Panagos, and the Robert and Georgianna Middlebrook Scholarship was awarded to Tianna Panagos. Following the ceremony, we welcomed both recipients to the Washington Art Association for a private celebration with Elizabeth MacDonald herself. It was a wonderful afternoon filled with conversation, inspiration, and shared excitement for the future. As a small gesture of our support, we were delighted to gift each student a one-year student membership to the Association.
Most significantly, our Special Membership Meeting this past Saturday, June 13, was a resounding success. The members spoke loud and clear, and we are thrilled to report overwhelming support and enthusiasm for the exciting possibilities on the horizon for the Washington Art Association. Your energy and vision for our future was truly inspiring. The Board of Trustees continues to explore transformational opportunities that would expand our programs, educational offerings, exhibitions, and community presence in the Depot, and meaningful ways to honor the extraordinary generosity of Ms. Peckerman and the transformational gift she has entrusted to our organization. As it stands today, we have learned that the original offer on the property is still in play. We remain optimistic and look forward to sharing updates as developments unfold.
Also on Friday, June 19, at 10:30 AM, we are delighted to host a special art show in our Norman Sunshine Center featuring the remarkable work of Washington Primary School's elementary students. After a meaningful visit to the New Milford Animal Welfare Society, where they bonded with the animals in their care, these young artists created beautiful portraits and heartfelt poems celebrating their new friends. On display day, the students will be joined by their families and friends to present their works and share the inspiration behind each piece. We extend our special thanks to Bri Killion, Region 12 full-time art teacher, and Washington Primary School Principal Emily Judd for collaborating on this wonderful event. This is a perfect example of how art education enriches our community and nurtures the creativity of our youngest members.
Then, on Friday, June 19, we invite everyone to join us for Washington's annual Block Party. The Washington Art Association will keep its doors open until 8:00 PM and will be celebrating with a variety of activities throughout the evening. Visitors can enter drawings for the chance to win free classes, original artwork, complimentary memberships, and even a one-night stay and breakfast for two at The Mayflower Inn & Spa. We will also feature live demonstrations by our talented artist-instructors, Ed DeVoe and Pam Church, and unveil a special mural created by Megan Marden, in honor of the Washington Volunteer Fire Department's 100th Anniversary.
Looking forward to late June, the Washington Art Association will have a presence at the Spring Hill Arts Gathering (SHAG), the vibrant multi-day festival held at Spring Hill Vineyards (292 Bee Brook Rd) in New Preston. On Sunday, June 28, you'll find us in our tent hosting an interactive community art-making activity led by Bri Killion. Friends and families are invited to participate in creating a collaborative art piece together—a creation that will then be displayed at the Washington Art Association for all to enjoy. We'll also have literature on hand about the Washington Art Association and the wonderful benefits of membership. Stop by and say hello!
As summer begins, I am continually reminded of the incredible energy, creativity, and generosity that define this organization. Whether you are attending an exhibition, taking a class, supporting a student, or helping shape the future of the Association, you are part of something truly special.
Thank you for being part of our community. I look forward to seeing you at the gallery soon.
Warmly,
Nathaniel Cardonsky Executive Director Washington Art Association & Gallery
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Current Exhibition: Beauty in Breaking
Curated and Juried by Nathaniel Cardonsky, Saun Ellis, and Elizabeth MacDonald
May 30 – June 20, 2026
Beauty in Breaking explores the transformative power of fracture, repair, and change. Through painting, sculpture, ceramics, and mixed media, the exhibition examines how breaking can become a catalyst for growth rather than a sign of failure. Just as artworks continue to evolve over time—fading, shifting, and bearing the marks of their histories—these works reveal beauty in resilience, adaptation, and renewal.
Participating artists include:
Mary Lou Alberetti; Suzanne Ashley; Isis Bartels; Katie Bassett; Loren Birtha; Lesley Neilson Bowman; Sara Bowman; Lisa Brody; Becky Butler; Wendy Costa; Robert De Matteo; Alistair Dunn; Patty K. Fogle; Joe Gitterman; Claire Goodman; Sarah Griswold; Alexandra Herst; Richard Heys; Judy Jackson; Jay Kaplan; Victoria Kingsley; Jennifer Kusaila; Kenny Litwack; Carroll MacDonald; Matin Malikzada; Deana Tierney May; Nancy Mich; Katherine Moran; Francis Patnaude; Rich Pomerantz; Bonnie Riedinger; Lulu Roche; Carla Rogozinski; Holly Russel; Roberta Shea; Mary Terrizzi; Riley Weaver; Peter Wiehl.
Beauty in Breaking invites viewers to consider how disruption can give rise to unexpected beauty, resilience, and renewal.
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Featured Event: Studio Tour
July 26th | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Step inside the creative process.Ever wondered where art actually happens? Join us for an intimate journey through the studios of eight remarkable Washington artists, where inspiration meets technique, and you'll meet the creators behind the work. This summer, the Washington Art Association opens studio doors to give you unprecedented access to artistic spaces. Watch Mary Adams, Liz Dexheimer, Susan Lerner, Norman Sunshine, Will Talbot, John Thompson, Erin Walrath, and Zemma White work their magic in the very environments that spark their creativity.
What's Included:
- Guided access to 8 participating artists' studios
- Direct conversations with working artists about their methods and inspiration
- Complimentary map and lunch provided by WAA
- Browse finished work available for purchase at our general studio
The Details:
- Cost: $75 per person
- Registration: Sign-up sheet with reserved 30-minute time slots to ensure intimate experiences and organized parking
- Check-in: 9:30 AM at WAA General Studio (map pickup & lunch & Member works for sale)
- Tour Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Optional Add-On: Cap your day with an elegant Tea Tasting at the Talbots Orangery (4:30 PM) featuring teas presented by Will Talbot. +$10
Limited spaces. Reserve yours today.*
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Exhibition Coming Soon:
Barbara Grossman – How I Got Here: Space, Color and Pattern
Opening June 27, this retrospective exhibition celebrates Barbara Grossman’s decades-long exploration of color, pattern, interior spaces, and the human figure. Bringing together works from across her career, How I Got Here: Space, Color and Pattern offers an intimate look at the evolution of an artist deeply attuned to the expressive power of everyday environments.
Join us for the Opening Reception on Saturday, June 27, from 4:00–6:00 PM.
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From the Archives: Sarah Griswold's History of the Washington Art Association
In this engaging lecture, local historian Sarah Griswold explores the social, cultural, and artistic forces that led to the founding of the Washington Art Association in 1952. Through historic photographs, archival materials, and stories of the artists and community members who shaped Washington’s creative identity, Sarah uncovers the rich history behind the organization we know today. Watch the recording and discover how art became woven into the fabric of Washington, Connecticut.
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DROP-IN ART CLASSES
Create. Learn. Explore.
Join us for weekly drop-in classes for artists of all experience levels.
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How to Look at Painting (8 Ways of Seeing) Conversation Series with Megan Marden – Sundays, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM | August 2-August 23, 2026
This class is a chance to slow down and spend time looking at paintings together.
Each week, we’ll focus on a different aspect of how paintings work: observation, proportion, space, color, edges, surface, and eventually the more elusive ideas of taste and what makes a painting last. We’ll look at a range of artists and images, compare them, and talk through what we’re seeing.
For those who want to go further, there will be optional readings to engage with between sessions, as well as optional drawing-from-painting exercises to better understand these ideas through practice.
Join our weekly conversations with paintings at the center. No pressure, no prior experience needed!
The class is meant to be a mutual learning experience, where conversation helps deepen how we see.
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The Watercolor Pages with Grace Scharr McEnaney (Sundays, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM | June 7-July 5, 2026)
Location: Washington Art Association General Studio
The Watercolor Pages Design, Technique & Flow
The Watercolor Pages is a five-week introduction to the watercolor medium where we will take a deep dive into the concepts of Design, Technique and Flow. You will see how these three ideas become the foundation of our watercolor practice.
We will explore values, washes, blending, watering off, textures, layers, negative painting, lifting, color theory and more through fun and beautiful exercises using our jewel toned pigments and water.
As your creative intuition develops, you will feel yourself transforming into becoming an artist. At the end of the five weeks, you will have a beautiful journal, frameable works of art and the ultimate joy of fulfilling your dream of being a watercolor painter. Let your Sundays truly become a day of rest and relaxation with our spring watercolor class.
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Community Spotlight
The Inaugural Elizabeth MacDonald Scholarship Recipients
The Washington Art Association is proud to celebrate Eden Bruzinski and Tiana Panagos, the first recipients of the Elizabeth MacDonald Scholarship. Established in honor of acclaimed ceramic artist and educator Elizabeth MacDonald, the scholarship supports graduating Shepaug Valley School seniors pursuing studies in the visual arts.
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Survey Says
Overnight Art Escape to Philadelphia | September 23–24, 2026
Join the Washington Art Association for an unforgettable overnight cultural getaway to Philadelphia! This curated trip includes luxury motorcoach transportation from Washington, CT, a stay at the four-star Logan Philadelphia Hotel, breakfast, admission to Calder Gardens, and your choice of either the Barnes Collection or the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
We'll spend two days exploring some of the nation's most celebrated art destinations while enjoying the company of fellow art lovers.
We're currently gauging interest and would love to hear from you. If you'd like to join us, please complete the interest form as soon as possible so we can begin securing reservations and finalizing details.
Early responses are encouraged!
Fill Out Your Survey Here
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As federal grants and funding continue to be garnished within the arts, Washington Art Association depends heavily on the support from its members and community. Please help ensure that the organization's mission is upheld by making a donation to the link below. | | | | |
