Local Artist Lenz Is Launching

Nutmeg Gallery Into New Territory

KENT — The Nutmeg Gallery, long an essential resource for people seeking top quality hand-crafted frames for fine art, is opening an art gallery featuring works by local artists. “A Bunch of Nice Paintings,” the first exhibit at the Nutmeg, features recent work by Robert Lenz of South Kent.

The Lenz show will be celebrated with a reception on Saturday, May 3, from 2 to 5 pm, that will also feature a live performance by the noted jazz recording duo Joe Beck and Ali Ryerson. The gallery is The Village Barns complex at the corner of Routes 341 and 7.

 “The Nutmeg was essentially a high-quality framing shop when I acquired it in 2000,” said proprietor Bill Morrison. “I began an informal program of hanging some paintings I had acquired. We mounted small spontaneous exhibits of works by Eric Sloane, Robert Andrew Parker and David Armstrong, and these shows began to attract attention from visitors around the area.

“Bob Lenz is a wonderful example of the amazingly talented group of artists who work in our midst,” says Mr Morrison. “I hope this exhibit of his works and those of other local artists will contribute to the artistic momentum that has made Kent the art capital of Litchfield County.”

 Robert Lenz began painting as a young man, but his artistic path was interrupted by his blossoming career as an advertising executive, during which he created memorable ad campaigns, including the famous “Tastes Great-Less Filling” promotion for Miller Lite beer. He was able to return to painting only after his retirement a few years ago. He has since exhibited his work at Silvermine in New Canaan, at the Mark Twain Library in Redding, at Kent Art Association, and Paris-New York-Kent Gallery.

“A Bunch of Nice Paintings” will remain on view through May 31. The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 4:30 pm; and Sunday by appointment. It can be reached at 860-927-4501.