The Granby Artists Association is pleased to announce its 18th annual Open Studio Tour on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 and 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., both days.
Working from south to north, a brief description of the studio tour is as follows:
Barbara Schmitt, 2 Woodland Drive
Barb, an accomplished chainsaw carver, has been working hard on many different projects this past year. She will be doing demonstrations of a few of them; one will be the beginning steps of a large standing bear, another the finishing work on a mama bear and cubs she began last year.
Pam Jones and Susan Canavan, 19 Copper Brook Circle
Pam will be working on an oil painting of a local scene in her studio and discussing how she approaches a painting from concept, to drawing, to finishing. She will be showing landscapes which include Holcomb Farm, the Garlic Farm, McLeans as well as Cape Cod. It will be Susan’s first year on the tour, she will be making crepe paper flowers.
Susan Canavan’s paper flower
Linda Yurasevecz, Avis Cherichetti and Lou Cherichetti, 31 Barndoor Hills Road
Potters, Linda and Avis, will be exhibiting their work at Avis’ studio, Honey Hill Pottery. There will be ongoing pottery demos throughout the weekend. Lou, another first-time participant, invites you to share in his fascination with Scandinavian textiles; the simplicity of design, the color combinations and charming motifs. He will provide inspiration and information about the beautiful weaving technique of Krokbragd. Demonstrations will be ongoing and include various stages of weaving on floor loom as well as a small tapestry loom. The two looms from Family Fun Day will be available for hands-on weaving for both young and old.
Avis Cerichetti working on honey pot
Lou Cherichetti weaving
Alexander Anisimov, 2 Park Place
In Alex’s words, “Painting for me is not making pretty pictures to satisfy consumers. I have to spit (metaphorically) my guts out on the working surface. Paint is representing parts of my living soul and flesh. My brushes and palette knife are the scalpels of a skillful surgeon… painting is myself! And only I can show what I am made of. Nobody else. That’s the way I see my and your creative universe!” Alex will be exhibiting at the The Granby Artist’s gallery where works from other members will be on display as well.
Alexander Anisimov
Laura Eden, 11 Juniper Drive
Painter of egg temperas and watercolors, Laura will have a series of new lobster buoy paintings and other nautical inspired works. She will have ongoing demos all day Saturday and Sunday.
Debby Reelitz and Aimee Gilbert, 24 Silkey Road
At her calligraphy studio, Debby will offer visitors the option to experience a free mini-class about calligraphy and an introduction to the broad-edge pen. Saturday’s classes will introduce the Irish lettering style, Uncial, and Sunday classes will focus on blackletter. Classes are at 10 a.m. and limited to eight students so registration is required. Call Debby at 860-413-9041 to reserve your spot in a free class. At 2 p.m. both days, Debby will be talking about gold leaf, how she uses it in her artwork and demonstrate how she does it. Aimee will be spinning and knitting all weekend. She will have items on display and for sale.
Calligraphy class with Debby Reelitz
Katherine Tolve, 33 Silkey Road
Katherine, a first-time exhibitor, is a mixed media artist with a background in painting but a love for all materials. Pattern, design and ornamentation have always been recurring themes in her artwork and are a driving force behind every new creation. Her highly stylized works employ recycled and up-cycled materials, including anything from buttons/beads to fabric/old magazines even antique embroidery. Visitors to her studio will have an opportunity to participate in “Make a Flower, take a Flower.” Participants will have the opportunity to be creative while contributing to a collaborative artwork; in return each participant will be gifted one of her handmade flowers. The final collaborative project will be used for future nonprofit fundraising purposes.
Sally Sargent Markey, 137 Wells Road
Sally will be demonstrating paste paper and making small books. She will also have a variety of works for sale.
Annukka Ritalahti and Mark Gottlieb, Silver Street Glass, 105 Silver Street
Annukka will be demonstrating a variety of flame-worked glass techniques using glass rods and torches. She will demonstrate basic stained glass techniques as well. Mark (and friends) will be demonstrating various glass blowing techniques using the traditional furnace and glory hole with a teamwork approach to create larger blown glass objects. Both Annukka and Mark will have finished works for sale in their gallery.
Mark Gottlieb’s blown glass
Gary Ebersole, Lost Acres Vineyard, 80 Lost Acres Road
Gary, a first time exhibitor, has worked in advertising, display, exhibit design, website project planning and the IT industry. Born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Gary started his graphic design career in an advertising agency in Lancaster. He moved to West Granby in 2005, and returned to his creative roots. He started drawing again and currently works in charcoal with horses as a primary subject matter. He is extremely excited about this next chapter in his creative story.
You will also find the Granby Artists’ All Members Show at Lost Acres Vineyard as well. This is a great chance to see the range of talents and interests of all our members: lamps, glass work, painting, carving, concrete, calligraphy, knitting, jewelry and more!
Maps for the Open Studio are enclosed in this issue of the Drummer and can be downloaded from the Granby Artists Association website at granbyartists.org. Maps will also be available at every location. Membership information is also available on the website. We look forward to sharing our art with you.
Submitted photos