More than 25 paintings by the late Elizabeth “Betty” Christensen will be on display at the Newtown Municipal Center, 6 Primrose Street, Newtown, through July 31 during the center’s regular hours. A resident of Newtown for more than 60 years, Mrs. Christenson died March 30, 2015, just two weeks short of her 100th birthday.
The exhibit has been curated by members of SCAN (Society of Creative Arts in Newtown), of which Betty was an active member. It is facilitated by the Walnut Tree Community Church, where Betty was an original member.
A celebrated artist, Mrs. Christensen began her career as a commercial artist, and started doing fine art when she and her husband, the late Willard Christensen, moved to Newtown. She worked primarily in watercolors for 40 years, painted also in oils and acrylics and turned to pastels in her 90’s. Her work has been exhibited all along the east coast.
In an article published in 2012, artist AJ Picard noted that Mrs. Christensen’s ability to work in three mediums exemplified the quality of her skills. “Her watercolors were just impressive,” he noted as the exhibit was being hung.
A friend and fellow member of SCAN, Ruth Newquist, called Mrs. Christensen, “A treasure. She loved everyone. Loved Newtown and she was loved back. We miss her presence so.”
Mrs. Christensen attended the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Arts (now the University of the Arts). After moving to Newtown, she studied water colors with Herb Olsen and began showing her art in New York City.
Mrs. Christensen was a Signature Member of the Watercolor Society in New York, an honorary member of allied Artists and a signature member of the Hudson Valley Art Assoc. She was a member of The New England Watercolor Society, The Connecticut Watercolor Society, New Haven Pail and Clay Club and the Kent Art Association.