Artist's Reception This Sunday at Wisdom House

On October 2^nd, Wisdom House Retreat & Conference Center will welcome fine art photographer Jill Enfield, creator of the highly distinctive “Glasshouse of New Americans” exhibit, with an artist’s reception.

Ms. Enfield’s stunning art piece has been displayed nationwide, including at Ellis Island, since 2017. It will be on display at the Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center at 229 East Litchfield Road in Litchfield beginning Sunday, October 2, 2022, through the end of November 2022. Wisdom House will host a free Artist Talk and a Reception from 3:30 to 5:30 PM on Sunday, October 2, which is open to the public.

Enfield uniquely utilizes the Alternative Photo Process of using wet plate collodion, the same process used when newcomers arrived in the U.S. in the late 1800s and early 1900s. “Glasshouse of New Americans” features 30 portraits of individuals who arrived in the U.S. during the 1960s and after.

“These photos were created as a tribute to immigrants, not only for their extraordinary bravery and strength, but also for the significant contributions they have made to the American Culture in areas of cuisine, fashion, art, literature, and much more,” stated Enfield.

An internationally acclaimed fine art photographer, author, and educator, Enfield is a leading authority in the Alternative Photographic Processes and an expert in current standard digital photo techniques. She is highly respected for her instruction in hand coloring, wet plate collodion, and many other photo processes that she teaches at prestigious universities throughout New York City.

Permanent photo collections created by Enfield are at The Amon Carter Museum of Art, Bellagio Hotel, Boca Raton Museum of Art, Canyon Ranch Spa and Resort, The Crocker Art Museum, Toledo Museum of Art, and many more locations.

As a first-generation American, the daughter of a Nazi escapee, Enfield passionately identifies with the courage and vision required to leave one’s ancestral home and forge a new life in what may not necessarily be a friendly hosting country. Her “Glasshouse” exhibit, displayed on 45 vintage windows, was created around her belief that, “It is important that we all keep remembering the immigrant experience which keeps becoming more important, depressing, and very gratifying at the same time. It is our understanding and awareness of heritage and personal history that helps us become more empathetic and compassionate.”

Wisdom House is an interfaith retreat and conference center presenting programs in spirituality, wellness, the arts, and ecology, and offering hospitality to academic, civic, nonprofit, and business organizations. “We are committed to sustainability, justice, and welcoming people of all backgrounds and beliefs,” stated executive director Deborah Kelly who expressed Wisdom House’s excitement that ‘such a stunning and impactful art collection will grace the space in our Marie Louise Trichet Gallery. This exhibit’s message of hope and dreams is timeless.”

The free Artist’s Talk and Reception on Sunday, October 2 will allow attendees to talk with Jill Enfield and view her remarkable artwork. Reservations are required by calling Wisdom House at 860-567-3163 or visiting www.wisdomhouse.org.

“The Glasshouse of New Americans” exhibit can be viewed at Wisdom House through the end of November 2022 on weekdays from 10 AM to 4 PM, and weekends by appointment only which can be made at www.wisdomhouse.org.