UPDATE (Monday, August 30, 2021): This press release has been updated to include the time of Thursday evening's reception.

* * * * *

The Resiliency Center of Newtown (RCN) is preparing to present the inaugural Palettes of Newtown fundraiser, which will feature more than 25 pieces of original artwork by local artists.

Each artist has been given at least one 23- by 30-inch custom artist palette made of MDO board. The artists have decorated each palette, and the finished works will be appropriate for hanging outside.

RCN provided palettes, paint brushes, primer, and clear finish to the artists. The artists generously donated their time and talent to produce their painted palettes.

Edward Arribas, Paula Brinkman, Dave Brooker, Anna Cartelli, Deborah Cyr, Pamela J. Danneman, Cynthia Dunn, Meagan Ferriter, Hannah Fitzgerald, Laurie Gavel, Jean M. Griffin, Chris Holguin, Debra June, Jennifer LaVelle, Aline Marie, Eva Provey, Julia Sikes-Provey, Sherie Roberts, Lynn Welsh, and Lisa Willvonseder-Greto are the artists who will be featured in this year’s event.

Many are residents of town. Some are classically trained, while others are self-taught. Some are arts educators, one is a former RCN employee, one is a former custom picture framer who now works for a social science nonprofit, and another is a retiree who has returned to art following a career in health care research and development.

The palette scenes are just as diverse as the artists, from landscapes and seashores to mixed media mermaids and one called “Gothic Portrait.”

The palettes will be introduced during a reception planned for Thursday, September 2, from 7 to 8:30 pm, at Newtown Community Center. The community center, at 8 Simpson Street, will co-host the reception, which will include light refreshments.

The palettes will then be displayed at the 2021 Newtown Arts Festival, September 17-19 at Fairfield Hills.

The minimum bid for each palette is $250. Proceeds from the sale of the palettes will support RCN’s ongoing mission.

RCN was founded in response to 12/14. A nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, RCN supports long term trauma-informed therapy to the Newtown community.

The Palettes of Newtown fundraiser is underwritten by a generous grant from the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission.