The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut (CAWC) will present a pair of sculptural exhibitions this year at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, 56 Pole Bridge Road in Sandy Hook. Following a call for artists issued earlier this year, curator Amy Salerno has selected nine artists whose work will be included in the presentations.

The sculptors are Amy Barry of Holmes, N.Y., David Boyajian of New Fairfield, Eric Camiel of Danbury, Jody Chadwick of New Fairfield, Annie Mariano of Danbury, Brian Antonio McCarley of Bethel, Justin Perlman of Ridgefield, Chris Plaisted of New Milford, and Daryl Reding of Attica, N.Y.

“Nesting” will be presented Friday, June 18, through Thursday, September 9, and then “Migration” will be presented September 24 to November 29. Approximately 50 pieces have been created for the two shows.

Salerno has taught in the Bedford school district since 2013, where her passion for community building and mosaic mural arts inspired her to pursue a grant to study mosaic at Orsoni Mosaici in Venice. In her personal studio, she works in encaustic painting, ceramics, and glass.

The exhibitions continue CAWC’s ongoing Accessible Art Project, which had been a successful collaboration between CAWC and various public and private venues prior to the pandemic. The initiative offered a series of indoor art exhibits throughout the year.

The project’s return this year provides a unique opportunity for sculptors to exhibit work outdoors, at a new partner location.

The partnership was formally announced on March 19 by CAWC board member Andrea Gartner, who was in Sandy Hook for a press conference with Governor Ned Lamont and other local, state, and federal leaders and officials. Gartner was joined by CAWC chair Lew Wallace and fellow board members Vicki Taylor-Bloch and Paul Steinmetz for the announcement.

Artists age 18 and up were invited to submit proposals for the two exhibits. Works will be three-dimensional or an assembly of works, of original design, not smaller than 10 cubic feet, and offered for sale.

Artists needed to work with materials durable enough for outdoor exhibition and exposure to the elements.

CAWC Executive Director Lisa Scails said the collection of works “adds depth and perspective to an already breathtaking landscape at Aquila’s Nest Vineyard."

Aquila’s Nest Vineyards co-founders and owners Neviana Zhgaba and Ardian Llomi are looking forward, they said, to unveiling the unique art installations.

“The integration of arts and culture is an important component of our current and future vision for Aquila’s Nest Vineyards. We are seeking to create a vibrant destination in the western corner of Fairfield County,” the couple said.