Self Portraits And Images In Dimension

NEW CANAAN — How artists see themselves is the theme of “The Extended Portraits,” a Silvermine Guild Group show on view from June 22 through July 20 at Silvermine Galleries of New Canaan. Also featured is a Director’s Choice Exhibition, “Images in Dimension,” three-dimensional mixed media photo collages by Debra Schaffer. The public reception for both shows will be Sunday, June 22, from 2 to 4 pm.

Sandy Hook based artist Adam Niklewicz is among the artists with work in “The Extended Portrait.”

“The Extended Portrait” was juried by Nancy Hall Duncan, curator of the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, who said, “This exhibition encompasses the broadest definition of portraiture, from the most realistic to the most conceptual cutting edge. The anthropomorphic interpretation of landscape as portraiture is also included.”

Ms Duncan defines a portrait as “usually the most characteristic representation of an identifiable individual, capturing their style, character, thought and visage. Whether the portrait is realistic, abstract, cubist, surrealist, photographic or sculptural… the greatest portraits convey the essence of each person.”

Images In Dimension

Debra Schaffer has received numerous awards for her mixed media photo collages, which are three-dimensional and contain many sculptural elements. They are inspired by travel and personal experiences and her goal is to evoke a wonderful or special memory of a not to be forgotten place.

She says, “I am drawn to different places, to make art of everyday events and sometimes mundane experiences that are often overlooked, undervalued, or taken for granted. I try to portray the hustle and bustle of daily life in my European market scenes and streetscapes, the ignored elements of the old and often mysterious doors and windows, the hardly noticed pastoral landscapes.”

Silvermine Guild Arts Center, at 1037 Silvermine Rd, can be contacted at 203-966-9700. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 1 to 5 pm.