The rapidly changing leaves appearing all around can only mean one thing for the residents of New Canaan and surrounding towns—the fall art season at Silvermine Arts Center, a celebrated organization comprised of a guild of over 300 professional artists, has begun. Known as ArtsFest, this free community event marks the start of the local fall art season for the 5th year in a row. The annual celebration is set to take place this Sunday, September 20th from 1- 4 PM, with the fall exhibition openings occurring on Saturday, September 19th from 5:30-7:30 PM. Join the fun at Silvermine to view four exhilarating exhibits, and tap your feet to the infectious sounds and superb talent of Street Beat, a thrilling show that combines urban rhythm and dance with the use of unusual percussion items.
The Silvermine Arts Center is one of the oldest artist communities in the country, consisting of a nationally renowned artist guild, an award-winning school of art that offers classes for all ages, an arts and fine crafts shop and a gallery of over 20 contemporary and historic annual exhibitions. The five-acre campus is a cherished landmark of New Canaan, providing artist members, faculty, students and visitors with a common place to share ideas and explore new areas, growing in their creative talents.
Lured by the picturesque countryside and antique New England homes of the area, the non-profit organization was created to establish a colony of inspired artists who could benefit from this surrounding beauty and charm. Located in the beloved neighborhood of Silvermine on Norwalk’s west side, a historic home original to the town resides, presenting a divine example of the many antique residences that fill the area. 232 Silvermine Avenue, which was constructed in 1740, offers a lovingly restored old-world atmosphere that savors the distinct brilliance of its past, while featuring all the modern comforts of today. Inside the home one will find wide hardwood floors, original beams, two fireplaces, an updated kitchen, as well as a new master and hall bath, all complete with meticulous attention to its original character and style. Downstairs, a fully finished lower level boasts a Vermont tavern feel and convenient access to the residence’s stunning exterior, which includes an in-ground pool and extensive outdoor seating. Any artist would be inspired by this truly breathtaking setting, where a timeless American heritage and matchless welcoming warmth still remain.
More recently constructed homes also grace the historic district of Silvermine, such as 962 Silvermine Road, a postmodern contemporary in New Canaan, CT, which was constructed and designed by architect Vincent Colangelo in 1980. The exceptional residence boasts an open floor plan that embraces the natural light, and even contains a sun-drenched two-story solarium with a hot tub to complete the brilliant space. Surrounded by meticulous grounds and perennial gardens, this modern masterpiece is sure to inspire the more contemporary-driven artists of the area with yet another beautifully crafted home.
During this year’s Silvermine Artsfest, art exhibitions, hands-on art activities for children and adults, a performance of Street Beat’s Parkour Percussion, and the continuing outdoor exhibit of Carole Eisner’s steel sculptures will take place. Other exhibits will include Un-known: Deconstructing Graffiti Culture, a visual art showcase with origins in the urban landscape, Roger Mudre’s Nocturnal ing, which focuses on complex variations of circular imagery, Invented Worlds/Surrogate Landscapes by landscape artist Gerald Saladyga, and works by members of the New York Society of Etchers (NYSE) presented in Portraits in Prints.
Join the art celebration! For more information on this upcoming community event, please visit the Silvermine Arts Center website here.
