Leslie Hudson-Tolles Returns To Newtown

With ‘Equine Expressions’

By Nancy K. Crevier

Horse lovers and art lovers alike will welcome the upcoming exhibit at Koenig Frame Works, 97 South Main Street, when former longtime Newtown resident Leslie Hudson-Tolles returns to the area with new works in pastels, pencil, colored pencil, monoprints, blockprints, and paintings. Her works will be shown in conjunction with one of her own students, rising artist Adele Goodman of Mooresville, N.C., and the bronzes of nationally acclaimed sculptor Shelley Hunter of Lexington, Ky.

Ms Hudson-Tolles, one of the three original founders of the Newtown Bridle Lanes Association, lived in Newtown from 1977 to 2006, when she married her childhood sweetheart “and moved horse, studios, and dogs to Faith, N.C.,” said Ms Hudson-Tolles.

A teacher in Norwalk, Sherman, and Ridgefield while living in Connecticut, Ms Hudson-Tolles continues to teach art to middle school students in North Carolina and to adults students from her own studio. And of course, she has never stopped producing the equine art for which she is recognized.

While primarily an equine artist, Ms Hudson-Tolles also draws and paints other animals, and is well known for her portraits. Her art has been shown in California, Kentucky, Georgia, New York, Texas, North Carolina, and many places throughout the Northeast. In Newtown, she curated a solo show at the Grey Horse Gallery in Sandy Hook, and also showed her works at the Edmond Town Hall. Professional honors include a Connecticut Art Educator of the Year award in 1991 and a Distinguished Educators Award from the Connecticut Alliance of Arts Education in 2001.

She is pleased to be returning to Newtown for the July 8 to August 6 exhibit, she said, and particularly happy to be showing her works in such good company. “These are two artists who really round out the show,” commented Ms Hudson-Tolles.

“People have seen my work and know my style. Koenig’s has carried my work for many years,” said Ms Hudson-Tolles. “They have been a wonderful venue for local artists,” she said. She believes that those who appreciate her artwork will be equally pleased with the pastels and bronzes of Ms Goodman and Ms Hunter.

The public is invited to the opening reception of “Equine Expressions,” Thursday, July 8, from 6 to 8 pm. Ms Hudson-Tolles will be available at that time for a personalized print signing. Adele Goodman will also be in attendance at the opening reception.

“This is great for me,” said Ms Hudson-Tolles. “I get to see all of my friends!”

To view Ms Hudson-Tolles works, visit LHudson-Tolles.com.