Gallery Opening

Village Center for the Arts Presents: “Where the Light Lingers” Paintings by Alison Litke
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 2 | 6:30–8:00 PM
Exhibition on view through May 30

Village Center for the Arts is pleased to present a solo exhibition of recent work by Connecticut artist Alison Litke, opening Saturday, May 2 from 6:30–8:00 PM. This free event is open to the public, with additional viewing available through May 30.

Alison’s work is rooted in a deep appreciation for the quiet beauty of the natural world. Inspired by the ever-changing light playing across Connecticut’s landscapes and waterways, her paintings capture fleeting moments. The fog lifting off the water, morning dew catching the sun, and the shifting drama of stormy skies.

A lifelong Connecticut resident, Alison began drawing at an early age, sketching trees, flowers, and animals as a child before expanding into sculpture in clay and wood during her high school years. She continued her artistic studies at Wesleyan University, later turning her focus to painting in 2008. Working primarily in acrylics, she found the medium allowed her to quickly and intuitively respond to the subtle nuances of light and atmosphere.

Daily walks through local hills and farm roads, as well as time spent kayaking on nearby lakes, provide an ongoing source of inspiration. Her work reflects not only what she sees, but what she experiences in moments of stillness, movement, and connection within the natural environment​.

This exhibition offers viewers an opportunity to experience, reflect, and reconnect with the familiar yet ever-changing landscapes that surround us in the light that lingers.

Village Center for the Arts is located at 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT.

For more information, please visit villagecenterarts.org or contact us (860) 354-4318.

Gallery Opening

We’re excited to invite you to our newest gallery exhibition at Village Center for the Arts.

Evoking Contrast
Ceramics by Matt Denning
Paintings by Beatrice Rossi-Landi

Gallery Opening
Friday, April 4th
6:30–8:00 PM
12 Main Street, New Milford
Free and open to the public

This two-person exhibition brings together the elemental presence of clay and the luminous quality of paint in a dynamic exploration of contrast.

Matt Denning, a Bridgewater-based ceramic artist with over 40 years of experience, presents wood-fired and salt-glazed works shaped by flame, texture, and tradition.

Beatrice Rossi-Landi, a Roxbury painter with an international background in design and fine art, draws inspiration from the landscapes of Litchfield County, capturing color, atmosphere, and subtle shifts in light.

Together, their work creates a compelling visual dialogue within our gallery space.

The exhibition will remain on view through April 26th.

We hope you’ll join us for the opening and experience this powerful pairing in person.

(860) 354-4318 for more information.

villagecenterarts.org

Gala Preview Party – Autumn Arts & Fine Crafts Show

Want to be the among the first to browse our amazing selection of artwork and fine crafts before we open to the public? Love live music and delicious food? Then you’ll want to join us for our Opening Preview Gala on Friday, October 10th from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Enjoy live music from Mama Train, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and drinks, all for only $35 at the door or $30 prepaid (Merwinsville Hotel Members pay $20). Many artists will be available to discuss their work. It’s a night you don’t want to miss!

Merryall Gala

MERRYALL GALA 2025

Hosted by Karen Valentine

Don’t miss this special event featuring Frank Brocklehurst on bass, Lanny Ball on piano, John Keilty on guitar and Avery Collins on drums. This talented quartet of musicians will add their jazz chops to the music performed by: Felicia Michael, Nick Petrone, Violet Willows (Brianne Chasanoff & Mary Gardner) Missy Alexander and Bill Petkanas.

Doors Open for this Gala Event at 6:30 PM. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres served until the concert begins, at 8. Beer and wine available for suggested donation throughout evening.

VCA’s 25th Year

Saturday, May 17th 10:00 AM- 6:00 PM
Join us!!
We’ll be hosting a fun and interactive event with activities for all ages, including a pottery smash tent, face painting, a fundraising art auction, and more. As a small nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of our community to help us continue our mission. We believe that art has the power to bring people together, and we are passionate about making art accessible to everyone in New Milford and beyond.

In addition to our events and exhibitions, we offer programs like tuition assistance, our Studio Affair (a free monthly gathering), and the Unexpected Artist program, all designed to help people of all ages and backgrounds connect with their creative potential.

You can learn more about us at www.villagecenterarts.org and @villagecenterarts on Instagram, we would be thrilled if you could include our story and event in your news coverage. Your support would mean the world to us and to everyone in the community who benefits from the arts.

Gallery Show

Join us as we welcome Shannon Blanton to our newest gallery show.
From New Milford, CT as an established artist with a focus on natural flora and fauna. Her oil and watercolor works are multimedia using nature as her pallet.
Recently voted one of the top visual artists in Litchfield Magazine
Her paintings can be viewed for the month of March. This is a free event ~ walk in’s are welcome to view.

Located at 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT.
Call with any questions (860) 354-4318.