The 2025 Celebrating New England’s Natural Beauty Art Show, hosted by the Granby Land Trust (GLT) and the Granby Artists Association (GAA), once again brought hundreds of people to Lost Acres Vineyard for an evening of art, community and appreciation for the natural world. The vineyard’s gallery walls were filled with works inspired by New England’s diverse landscapes—from sweeping mountain vistas to familiar scenes from right here in Granby. Artists from across southern New England submitted their work in this year’s show.
At the show’s Opening Night, GLT President Rick Orluk commended all the entering artists for their courage and thanked them for helping us appreciate New England’s beauty. “We host this show to remind people of our region’s natural beauty and the importance of preserving that beauty for future generations,” says Orluk. “We hope visitors will be inspired to purchase some beautiful art for their homes—and we also hope they will consider joining the Granby Land Trust, to support the important work we do.”
This year’s event drew nearly 170 submissions of original artwork. Lisa Hayes Williams, curator and director of exhibitions at the New Britain Museum of American Art, served as juror and faced the challenging task of selecting which pieces to include in the show. With limited space available, fewer than half the submissions could be accepted.
“It has been a true pleasure and privilege to serve as juror for the annual Granby Land Trust exhibition, and to spend time with the remarkable works submitted by so many talented artists,” said Hayes Williams. “Each piece reflected a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty and a unique way of seeing the world around us—from the delicate play of light through leaves to the quiet grandeur of distant hills. The creativity, craftsmanship and sincerity evident across the submissions made the judging process both inspiring and humbling.
“Having hiked the trails and experienced firsthand the natural splendor of Granby, I was especially moved by those artists who captured the character of our region—its forests, rolling landscapes and abundant wildlife—with such sensitivity and skill. These works remind us of the wonder that surrounds us daily, inviting us to look more closely and to care more deeply for the places we call home.
“To all who participated, I extend my heartfelt admiration and thanks. And to those receiving awards, congratulations on your exceptional achievements. Your work stands out not only for its artistic excellence but also for its ability to convey the enduring spirit and beauty of the natural world.”
The People’s Choice Award, given by Lost Acres Vineyard and decided based on votes submitted by visitors to the vineyard throughout the course of the show, had not been determined by press time.
The Land Trust is grateful to show sponsors Mark and Barb Wetzel, and Ted Cormier of ALIRT Insurance Research, LLC, for their ongoing, loyal support of the show. In addition, the Land Trust thanks the many volunteers who helped organize the show and its Opening Night; the GAA for its ongoing support of the show (including the difficult task of hanging the artwork!); and the generous GLT supporters who fund our awards each year. The GLT also thanks GLT member Maggie Percival, who organized our opening reception; and Tony Cappelli, who donates his time each year to create stunning floral displays for the show. Finally, the GLT thanks Michelle Niedermeyer and Kevin Riggott of Lost Acres Vineyard for hosting the show, for funding the People’s Choice Award and for welcoming us into their beautiful space.
Art Show Awards
Thanks to the generosity of GLT’s supporters and friends, the show now awards more than $5,000 in prizes. This year, awards were given as follows:
Scott Rhoades won the show’s top prize, the Don and Marty Wilmot Award, for his acrylic painting, Kindred Spirits.
Laura Eden won the Granby Land Trust Award for her egg tempera painting, Spring’s Luminescence.
Nicole Lynch won the Dave and Sandy Schupp Award for Fishing on Salmon Brook River.
Del-Bourree Bach won the Patty and Jim Sansone Award for North Star.
Barbara Butterworth won the Helen and Al Wilke Award for Summer on the Farm.
Thomas Adkins won the Austin McNey Award given by Karen, Scott and Patrick McNey for Fall View at Mansfield.
Avis Cherichetti won the Granby Artists Association Award for Birds of a Feather.
Roger Duffy won the Mildred Dewey Award, given by Jenny and Dave Emery, for Psalm 1:1-3.
Sanchitha Vishwanath won the Ray Betts Award, given by Carol and Greg Reid, for Peonies in Blue and White Jar.
Jim Laurino won the Matthew K. Orluk Award, given by Trish Percival and Rick Orluk, for Manitouk Farm.
Deborah Leonard won the Tudor and Laura Holcomb Award, given by Nannie and Put Brown, for Autumn Walk.
Doug Williams won the Olof Stevenson Award, given by Jamie Gamble, for The Porch.
Stephen Linde won the William Stewart Award, given by Dave and Judy Russell, for Quiet Solitude.
Linda Boisvert-DeStefanis won the Carol and Dick Caley Award for Glow Over Icy Inlet.
Michael Sacks won the Bud Murtha Photography Award, given by Shirley Murtha, for Barn Window.