When Merryall opens its doors for the season, fans and patrons of this unique and magical venue will be greeted by a giant fantasy Night Bird on its exterior created by Connecticut artist Danielle Mailer.
Originally commissioned to grace New York's historic Roger Smith Hotel, the 10ft X 10ft creature was flown to Connecticut when the hotel was sadly demolished. Now it's poised to spread its wings toward the entrance of The Merryall Art Center in the heart of Litchfield Hills.
Says Merryall Board Member Ellen Corsell."Merryall is proud to share this talented artist's work as part of our public art series. More than anything we feel that Night Bird captures the art, whimsy, and fantasy within the walls of this very special place."
Artist Mailer, who has shown in galleries and museums throughout North America, has been honored with a retrospective at the Mattatuck Museum with over 40 works on display. She was also part of a traveling retrospective of Provincetown artists at the New Britain Museum of American Art.
The daughter of artist Adele Morales Mailer and famed author Norman Mailer grew up in a Brooklyn brownstone overlooking the Statue of Liberty and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge far from the meadows and stone walls of Litchfield Hills. Says Mailer, "My childhood was about making art…my father took us to art museums every weekend, nurturing my creative thoughts. As a matter of fact, my whole family, nine siblings in all, have careers in art. I am proud of what he has given all of us which has accumulated in Night Bird."
Night Bird can be viewed at Merryall Art and Community Center located at 8 Chapel Hill Road in the heart of Litchfield Hills. For memberships, sponsorship info and tickets visit the Center's website at merryallcenter.org