Artist Suzanne Benton, a resident of Ridgefield since 1965, is curating and displaying her own work at the Chekhov International Theatre Festival group art exhibit Uncommon Landscapes on June 20th at the Schlumberger Theatre in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
Ms. Benton is a sculptor, mask maker, performance artist, printmaker and painter as well as a lecturer and workshop leader. Her work spans such themes as myth, history and ritual. She's been a working artist in 29 countries around the world with over 150 solo shows and numerous shared exhibits. She is listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in American Art, and Feminists Who Changed America 1963-1975, edited by Barbara Love.
The artist states, "some say I'm a Shape Shifter, who enters the characters of my masks and tales and the diverse worlds in which I travel and work in order transform my artwork anew. Following through with this process of affective attunement, my Connecticut landscapes grew from 'being in place' at the Weir Farm artist residency."
For more information about Ms. Benton and her work, visit her website www.suzannemasks.com.
The exhibit coincides with a live one-woman performance of Violette, Violette by Ann DeAcetis. Written and produced by Ms. DeAcetis, the piece examines the life of the French author Violette Leduc. There will also be an interview with the Tony award winning musical Kinky Boots's Harvey Fierstein. Both the performances and exhibit will benefit the non-profit Chekhov International Theatre Festival, which presents professional theatre productions each September, and attracts theatre enthusiasts from across the Eastern seaboard. This year's festival will be held September 26th through the 28th.
For more information or to purchase tickets to the June 20th event, visit www.chekhovfestival.org.