2017 Year in Review... and what a year it was!

Before we turn the page on the calendar from January to February 2018 I can't let another moment go by without reflecting on last year - and what a year 2017 was!

I'm first of all thankful for the wonderful opportunities to teach art in three locations - Artsplace in Cheshire, Arts Escape in Southbury and at Coachman Square a retirement community in Woodbridge. I have had the privilege of teaching students of all different ages with different backgrounds, some who have been creating art for years others who are just starting out on their journey. I'm grateful for each student in my classes.

As for unexpected surprises in 2017, it started with a phone call the first weekend in January when I received a message that my piece "Beachbound" won 2nd prize in the "Favorite Places/Favorite Things" show at the Firehouse Gallery in Milford.

Then in February my piece "Summer Day in the City" received honorable mention at the SOCCA Juried show in Southington. 

In March, "Painters in Paradise" won "Best in Show" at the 25th Anniversary Cheshire Art League Visual Arts Exhibition. 

And in October, at the Wethersfield Academy for the Arts 2017 Biennial Fine Arts Juried Competition two awards. Pictured at the top of this post is "On the Corner of Colorful and Creative" a summer scene of downtown New Haven won "Best Landscape" and "Tomatoes on the Vine- Kitchen Prep" won honorable mention!! Wow- 5 awards in one year!

I participated in 18 different shows from Litchfield to Cheshire, Branford to Southbury and a few in-between. And sold 26  of my paintings this year  - some really small, some very large pieces, a few pet portraits and a bridal bouquet commission shipped to Ontario Canada, at local shows, from my online gallery, in retail locations and at Branford Art Center. Yes - a busy and very productive year it was!

Sprinkled through out the year - Dean and I organized several "Cook and Paint Together" Events - and had a blast doing it.

I am immensely grateful for my husband, kids, family, friends, students, collectors, colleagues in my life -for their support and encouragement and most of all their friendship.
I am thankful for the gifts God had given me and I so enjoy sharing my passion for the arts, creating and teaching. 

I'm not sure what 2018 holds but I'm looking forward to develop new lesson plans for my students, put in plenty of hours at my easel, travel around to local art fairs  and out on location  painting en plein air ... and quite possibly a trip overseas could be in the works! 

Thank you again for being apart of my world
​with much love and gratitude -
​Linda ​