Western Connecticut State University Adjunct Professor of Art Melissa Ralston-Jones is working with the Brookfield Craft Center's Executive Director Howard Lasser and his assistant Jillian Doherty to incorporate WestConn art classes to help curate the center's upcoming exhibit, "Redefining Identity." The exhibit's opening reception will be at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, at the center at 286 Whisconier Road in Brookfield. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Ralston-Jones has brought her Art 258 Gallery Techniques class to experience the process of setting up for an exhibit and the practices involved with the entire process. She said, "This class walks them through the entire process of curation from the development of a theme, an exhibit title, the artists and work chosen for exhibition; writing press releases, designing marketing materials and promotion of event; along with receiving, arranging and installation of artwork and the importance of event planning and public relations within this career path."
"Redefining Identity" features five artists exploring the unique ways they interpret the human form, revealing their own self-identity and how they perceive and express the identities of others. Artwork will include a selection of paintings, and bronze and clay objects. Participating artists are: Colette Aimee, of Bennington, Vermont; David Boyajian, of New Fairfield; Shelby Head, of Wilton; Bruce Horan, of Norwalk; and Jennifer McCandless, of Windsor.
"We are excited about this collaboration," Lasser said. "Reaching out to other educational organizations, giving others the opportunity to utilize our facility, is one of our key goals in expanding our presence in the creative community. This is a win-win for us and for WestConn."
For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.