| NCSA ANNUAL MEMBERS' SHOW
at the Carriage Barn Arts Center September 9 – October 6, 2007 Half-way through our year-long celebration of the Carriage Barn’s 30th anniversary year, the annual member show is proof that the organization has a vibrant base of member artists. The different media, subjects, and styles are no less diverse than the NCSA member artists themselves. Once thing they all do share is an keen interest in this exquisite gallery space. With 148 artists participating in this years exhibition, it is another excellent turnout – more the last year and a new record. Once again, due to the turnout, it was “one per customer”. If you did submit two pieces – thank you – the show is stronger for having options for creating the most compelling presentation. The Annual Members Exhibition brings together many different artists at all stages of their art careers. There is no set theme and no stricture on medium or subject and consequently it offers a wonderful cross section of this artistic community. All members – old and new alike - are encouraged to submit work to this open show and are guaranteed to be included. This exhibition, for which there is no entry fee and no ‘commission’ requested for sales, is a benefit of membership in NCSA. The show is one manifestation of the mission of the New Canaan Society for the Arts (NCSA), the nonprofit organization that sponsors the Carriage Barn, to promote community interests through the participation in and appreciation of the visual arts. This determining mission was established 30 years ago through the bold vision and enormous efforts of Jan Fenton and Helen Barnes (both participating in this year’s show, I’m delighted to note). Together with the cadre of volunteers they mustered, they saved this old barn from certain demise (town officials, woodland creatures and rampant vegetation all in eager competition to be its ruin) and completely transformed it into the remarkable exhibition and performance space we all enjoy today. Their determination and dedication is exemplary. That they managed to create something enduring and yet ever-evolving is testament to the dynamic potential of their ideas and to the transformative power of the arts. We are the lucky beneficiaries. But we cannot take this place, this space, or this mission for granted. Constant “upkeep” is required, not only for this historic building, but for an active, engaged and committed constituency. Thank you for your support and your continuing interest in the evolution of this community arts center. Cecelia Barnett, Gallery Director & Curator September 9, 2007 Special thanks to the VOLUNTEERS who helped this year’s show come together: Deborah Flavin (Trustee) Devon Higby Judy Higby (Co-President) Betsy Lange Erin Nazzaro Wendy Pieper Pat Stewart (Trustee) Thanks always to Sharon Cowley and Wendy Rizzi Click here for Members' Show Prospectus |