(2 col)

Beverly Branch, “In the Waves,” acrylic, 30 by 40 inches.

FOR 6-22

‘SUMMERTIME’ COMPOSITIONS ON VIEW AT WESTPORT LIBRARY w/1 cut

WD/lsb set 6/15 #703463

WESTPORT, CONN. — Friends of the Westport Library are presenting “Summertime: The Art of Beverly Branch” opening Friday, July 6, at 6 pm, in the Great Hall of the library.

Branch, an award-winning artist from Bethel, Conn., captures the sweetness and freedom of summer through her dynamic acrylic paintings. The compositions, inspired in art by such Nineteenth Century art luminaries as Degas, Cassatt and Sargent, seem to radiate the idea of the lifelong relationship between people and the world in which they live. Capturing the lighthearted spirit of children playing on the beach among the tumbling waves against a vibrant palette of colors, Branch’s paintings are both engaging and contemplative.

A successful illustrator of children’s books and an accomplished commercial artist, Branch’s work has appeared in the Stamford Government Center and Bradley International Airport as well as the Bruce Museum in Greenwich and the Glastonbury Arts Festival. Branch was educated at the Paier School of Art in Hamden and owns Branch Art Studios in Bethel. She has recently facilitated an arts workshop for the Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital.

The exhibit runs through July 31 and can be viewed during library hours. Admission is free and open to the public.

The Westport Library is at 20 Jesup Road. For information, 203-830-3007 or www.branchartstudios.com.