The Ordinary Is Extraordinary

RIDGEFIELD — The Ridgefield Community Center is presenting an art exhibit titled “The Ordinary is Extraordinary,” a collection of recent paintings by Jannette McLaughlin, or “Janno.”

Brought up in the outback of Australia, Janno grew up with a sense of big space and closeness to the earth. Her work reflects all the influences of her past and present.

Her uses of strong color, decorative beauty, fabric and texture have always been there in her life and art. Her trips to India, Nepal, and other countries of the subcontinent brought the earth and color influences together. From the empty pampas of Argentina to the crowded streets of New York, the stark poverty of Calcutta with the rich color of the Sari, travel keeps highlighting contrast. 

As her family has grown she is now challenged with bringing her autistic son into our confused world.  Dealing with autism requires breaking down every activity to its most simple parts. This has made Janno look at life through a new lens.

 “The Ordinary is Extraordinary” will be on view until July 17 and can be seen at the Lounsbury House, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. The building is at 316 Main St/Route 35 in Ridgefield. For information call 203-438-6962.