Mattatuck Museum Hosting National Exhibition Of CT Pastel Society

WATERBURY — Through October 24, The Connecticut Pastel Society is presenting “Renaissance in Pastel,” its 17th Annual National Exhibition at the Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center.

It is a juried exhibit in which the judges look for quality and originality of ideas. The Connecticut Pastel Society represents a diverse group of artists and reveals the beauty and versatility of pastel as a medium.

The exhibition of more than 100 fills the two lobby spaces of the museum – the Community Gallery and the Munger Room. The collection features work from artists throughout New England art including Newtown based artist Dick McEvoy, a signature artist and elected board member of The Pastel Society of America.

The Mattatuck show also includes work by Mally DeSomma, an award winning artist and signature member of Connecticut Pastel Society; Frank Federico, an internationally known award winning artist, master pastelist of The Pastel Society of America, and signature member of National Watercolor Society; and Rita Paradis (whose “Brilliant Lemons” is at lower left), another award winning artist and signature member of The Colored Pencil Society of America.

The world class presentation was judged by Colleen Howe and Everett Raymond Kinstler. Ms Howe’s work has received recognition in local and national competitions. In 2005, she was awarded prestigious signature member status with the Pastel Society of America and American Women Artists. In 2008, her work was featured on the cover with an 8-page article in the July/August edition of American Artist Magazine. During his sixty-year career, Mr. Kinstler shifted from illustration to portraiture and soon established himself as one of the nation’s foremost portrait painters depicting Tony Bennett, Betty Ford, John Wayne, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg among others. For over four decades he has also devoted time to painting landscapes and watercolors.

Museum admission is $5, $4 seniors, and free ages 16 and under. The Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center is at 144 West Main Street. For additional information call 203-753-0381.