June 2025
Meeting & Featured Artist
Jay Babina
***POSTPONED***
Artist Jay Babina will be doing a critique for artists of the Cheshire Art League.
Please bring a piece of artwork to the meeting and he will be happy to analyze it and talk about its most positive attributes. Jay always looks at the positive that artists have in their pieces and if he can make a suggestion for a possible enhancement he will do that. Be assured, he always looks at the positivity of all pieces. Never feel that you will be criticized in any way with any critique he does on art pieces. He will also ask people to respond to the pieces and get the entire group engaged in this fun and enjoyable event.
Jay thanks you for the privilege of reviewing your work.
Jay Babina is a painter with 40 years of experience as a practicing Graphic Designer and Illustrator. For over 20 years he owned his own Graphic Design and Advertising agency. He works in watercolor, acrylic and oil as well as various drawing mediums. Jay is currently involved in various art societies throughout Connecticut. He paints both plein air and studio works and approaches art with passion and enthusiasm.
Jay has an AFA from Silvermine College of Art and a BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Bridgeport. His professional memberships include the Lyme Art Association, Madison Art Society (Board of Directors), Clinton Art Society, CT Plein Air Society, Essex Art Association, Cheshire Art Association, North Branford Art Association and is a painting instructor at the Arts Center Killingworth in Killingworth, CT.
April 2025
Meeting & Featured Artist
Edith Reynolds
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025
6:30 - 8:15pm
Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St, Cheshire
Edith Reynolds was the 2024 UCONN Sea Grant recipient, with a series of solo exhibits titled "What Sustains," a collection of CT mollusk shell portraits and coastal landscapes. On April 2 she will demonstrate painting a shell portrait for the Cheshire Art League. Her work celebrates the vital role of mollusks in our coastal economy and food systems through a captivating series of shell portraits and coastal landscapes.
March 2025
Meeting & Featured Artist
Steven Plaziak
Wednesday, March 5th, 2025
6:30 - 8:15pm
Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St, Cheshire
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Steven is a watercolor painter from Guilford, CT. Originally from Rhode Island, he was inspired early on by artists of the Providence Art club such as Spencer Crooks. He has attended many workshops with amazing artists such as Don Stone, David Dewey, Gary Tucker, Suzanne Siegel and others, who have all influenced his approach. His inspiration comes from the natural beauty of New England, with its many fleeting moments and subjects. Each season brings nuances to his color palette. Painting primarily in watercolor, Steven continuously experiments with oil, acrylic and gouache.
Steven explains, "I try to paint the atmosphere, to convey the essence of a subject, while emphasizing color, composition, layout, value, harmony and light". |
February 2025
Meeting & Featured Artist
John Munno
Wednesday, February 5th, 2025
1 - 3 pm
Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St, Cheshire
"My interest in photography started in my high school years when my father gifted me with a family
heirloom camera. That camera went with me everywhere I went. Thus, was born my love for capturing
beautiful scenes, precious moments and telling stories through photography.
As this interest in photography continued to grow, I went on to study photography at the New York
Institute of Photography after which I started my career as a Nature and Landscape Photographer with a
focus on creating beauty with healing photo art for medical buildings in Connecticut. My photography
has been featured in numerous galleries across the state as well as permanent installations in hospitals
and medical facilities such as UCONN and Yale Hospital.
Still with much love doing landscape and nature photography, over time, my direction shifted to full
time wedding photography. My wedding photography career started as a photographer and studio
manager for a large well established wedding photography company in Connecticut. There, I gained a
ton of experience in all aspects of the business including shootings and editing of weddings, design of
wedding albums, printing, etc.
Wanting to provide a better, more personalized approach to a couple's wedding day. I started my
wedding photography company “John Munno Weddings” to provide the best care, quality and services
to my clients. I have been shooting weddings full time for over 10 years and won numerous wedding
photography awards as well as a long list of amazing (5) star reviews and testimonials.
When I am not shooting weddings or landscapes, I devote my time to teaching students photography
through both private, group lessons and field trips. I have taught classes through Arts Escape and
EdAdvance. Many of my students have gone on to start their own photography businesses and win
numerous photography awards."
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John will be presenting how to photograph your artwork, discuss best practices and what equipment is needed to capture, and how to share and present your artwork in the digital age.
Topics to include
Equipment for capturing your images
Camera settings for capturing your images
Set up for capturing your images
Lighting your work
Transfer to phone and computers for digital sharing
Photographic software for editing and sharing
*September through December*
Open Studio Updates!
Open Studio Time at the Cheshire Public Library
Studio dates for the balance of 2024:
December: All Fridays
We meet from 12-2 pm in the “Loft” at the Cheshire Public Library. We welcome all artists, any level of expertise, any medium, to join us. This is a casual, free, drop-in program (no reservation needed); art league membership not required (open to the public). Just bring your own art supplies and enjoy the camaraderie!
Please note the following:
-- The program is intended for teens and adults.
-- The “Loft” is accessible by elevator.
-- Oil painters: Please do not bring turpentine.
-- No formal instruction is provided, rather an encouraging, collaborative environment.
December 2024
Meeting & Featured Artist
Karina Sorensen
Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024
1 - 3 pm
Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St, Cheshire
Watertown art therapist, Karina Sorensen, will be guiding attendees through a series of therapeutic art activities after a brief presentation on art therapy. These art activities promote relaxation, mindfulness, and a sense of calm in the midst of daily life, and are accessible so they can be brought into your work or home. All supplies will be provided and you'll be able to take your artwork home with you!
Karina Sorensen is a portrait artist and an art therapist (ATR, LPC-A), both driven by her lifelong love of art. Karina values creative expression, trusting the process, and creating pieces and healing for others. Karina has been providing art therapy since 2021 after receiving her Master of Arts in Art Therapy & Counseling from Albertus Magnus. She has experience working with adults, teenagers, and children struggling with anxiety and depression, among other mental health conditions. Karina has worked as both an individual and group therapist and also enjoys hosting public art workshops.
Karina is also a fine artist and runs her own illustrated portrait business, KS Smudges, where she takes a special interest in pet portraits."
November 2024
Meeting & Featured Artist
Lenny Moskowitz
Tuesday, November 12th, 2024
1 - 3 pm
Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St, Cheshire
"In my painting and in my teaching, I strive to make things simple. I like to work with a variety of processes, but I always am looking for them to be uncomplicated. One of the processes I use is finding the big shapes. I will definitely be demonstrating that. Another process I like to use are small value studies once I have decided on the big shapes. I will be demonstrating the “magic pen” (it is a gel pen, and it dissolves with water so it is rather remarkable in that you can’t miss—it is guaranteed to come out) as well as handing out a magic pen to each attendee. I also like to make several value studies. At that point I get really playful and add water soluble crayons or collage to produce surprises to myself. These all are great preparations for me to then paint."
1 - 3 pm
Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St, Cheshire
"In my painting and in my teaching, I strive to make things simple. I like to work with a variety of processes, but I always am looking for them to be uncomplicated. One of the processes I use is finding the big shapes. I will definitely be demonstrating that. Another process I like to use are small value studies once I have decided on the big shapes. I will be demonstrating the “magic pen” (it is a gel pen, and it dissolves with water so it is rather remarkable in that you can’t miss—it is guaranteed to come out) as well as handing out a magic pen to each attendee. I also like to make several value studies. At that point I get really playful and add water soluble crayons or collage to produce surprises to myself. These all are great preparations for me to then paint."
October 2024
Meeting & Featured Artist
Joyce Senesac
Tuesday, October 1st, 2024
6:30pm
Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St, Cheshire
Guest Joyce Senesac will speak about "Basic Building Perspective."
Sometimes we hesitate to put buildings in our paintings because we're not sure they are in proper perspective. This talk/demo will demonstrate how to do just that in a simple manner. Handouts will be available.
September 2024
Meeting & Featured Artist
Tom Mayer
Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024
6:30pm
Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St, Cheshire
6:30pm
Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St, Cheshire
Thomas Mayer is a painter and teacher. A graduate of Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford, he taught for 36 years in the Connecticut public schools. He is also a plein air painter, often painting along the Connecticut Shoreline, Maine, Cape Cod and Jensen Beach, Florida, where he has a winter residence.
In addition to outdoor painting he creates abstracts, crafts and works in other art media. He likes to experiment with art media and is always looking for fresh ideas. Though retired, he still teaches a senior art group in Florida in the winter.
Tom exhibits his art in juried exhibitions on the Connecticut shoreline and in Florida.
In addition to outdoor painting he creates abstracts, crafts and works in other art media. He likes to experiment with art media and is always looking for fresh ideas. Though retired, he still teaches a senior art group in Florida in the winter.
Tom exhibits his art in juried exhibitions on the Connecticut shoreline and in Florida.
June 2024
Meeting & Featured Artist
Robin Le - Mixed Media Painting
Thursday, June 6th, 2024
6:30pm
Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St, Cheshire
6:30pm
Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St, Cheshire
Let’s play and have fun with a mixed media demo of collage, mark making, and inks as an underpainting! There are no mistakes at the beginning of a painting so let’s dive in, using our intuition, and have a blast as the painting unfolds!
Guest Artist Robin Le is known to paint expressive portraits of women and animals, portraying their strength and beauty, through her use of vibrant color and expressive composition. Her process involves intuitive mixed media layers and refinement in oils, while remaining free to embellish reality. Robin received her BFA from Hartford Art School, with a concentration in ceramics, and later expanded into metalsmithing. She recently discovered her passion for painting while contemplating a creative process that would complement her future travel plans. She is a recent graduate of Milan Art Institute and resides and paints in Goshen, CT.
Robin has shown her artwork at various venues throughout CT. In addition, her work can be viewed on her website, www.robinleart.com. She hopes her artwork encourages others to express their authentic selves with confidence. Her plans include traveling with her husband and goldendoodle in their newly acquired RV, soaking up nature, and painting on the road!
Guest Artist Robin Le is known to paint expressive portraits of women and animals, portraying their strength and beauty, through her use of vibrant color and expressive composition. Her process involves intuitive mixed media layers and refinement in oils, while remaining free to embellish reality. Robin received her BFA from Hartford Art School, with a concentration in ceramics, and later expanded into metalsmithing. She recently discovered her passion for painting while contemplating a creative process that would complement her future travel plans. She is a recent graduate of Milan Art Institute and resides and paints in Goshen, CT.
Robin has shown her artwork at various venues throughout CT. In addition, her work can be viewed on her website, www.robinleart.com. She hopes her artwork encourages others to express their authentic selves with confidence. Her plans include traveling with her husband and goldendoodle in their newly acquired RV, soaking up nature, and painting on the road!
May 2024
Daytime Plein Air Painting and Social Gathering
Managed by Iris Hybridizer, Alan McWhirter, and his wife, Barbara.
Wednesday, May 15th, 2024
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: The Mill River Iris Garden
223 Wood Pond Road,
Cheshire, CT
This is a wonderful opportunity to get together with other artists in a lovely setting! You can choose to paint, sketch, take photos or sit back and enjoy the gardens. Bring a bag lunch and chair. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on grass. Beverages and assorted “munchies” will be provided - PotLuck desserts appreciated (Please consider helping out!)
Rain Date: May 22nd, same time.
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: The Mill River Iris Garden
223 Wood Pond Road,
Cheshire, CT
This is a wonderful opportunity to get together with other artists in a lovely setting! You can choose to paint, sketch, take photos or sit back and enjoy the gardens. Bring a bag lunch and chair. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on grass. Beverages and assorted “munchies” will be provided - PotLuck desserts appreciated (Please consider helping out!)
Rain Date: May 22nd, same time.
April 2024
Meeting & Featured Artist
Marek Sarba - Stories of the Sea
"I Paint What I Know"
Wednesday, April 3, 2023
6:30pm
Cheshire Public Library, Mary Baldwin Room, 104 Main St, Cheshire
6:30pm
Cheshire Public Library, Mary Baldwin Room, 104 Main St, Cheshire
Polish-born maritime artist Marek Sarba has a lifetime of extraordinary stories to share; from his escape to the United States with his wife and daughters in 1989 to his 30 years as an engineer aboard ocean-going vessels.
Marek has said many times that he does not paint pretty scenes, meandering sailboats, whimsical dunes or nostalgic beaches. He paints the ocean. He knows the ocean - the wild, deep, stormy, vast, unforgiving ocean. When he was in school, he studied the trade of electronics, and while still a teenager he was sent into the Polish Navy for three years. He served in the Polish Navy before becoming an electrical engineer for over fifteen years on salvage tugs and icebreakers from ports all over the world.
Marek has said many times that he does not paint pretty scenes, meandering sailboats, whimsical dunes or nostalgic beaches. He paints the ocean. He knows the ocean - the wild, deep, stormy, vast, unforgiving ocean. When he was in school, he studied the trade of electronics, and while still a teenager he was sent into the Polish Navy for three years. He served in the Polish Navy before becoming an electrical engineer for over fifteen years on salvage tugs and icebreakers from ports all over the world.
March 2024
CAL Presents:
"Nurture Your Body and Soul through Gentle Yoga and Meditative Art"
Thursday, March 7th from 6:30 - 8:15pm
At: The Cheshire Public Library, Mary Baldwin Room
Join the Cheshire Art League for a transformative journey of self-discovery and artistic expression
with Dana Brinker and Nathalie Villeneuve. Dana will guide us through a series of Gentle Yoga
poses to stretch and relax both our body and mind, then Nathalie will lead us in meditative art using
her reverse color and draw technique to embrace our emotions and guide us to what we truly care
about! Nathalie will supply art materials, but you are welcome to bring your preferred markers,
colored pencils, and sketchbooks.
This event is free and open to the public, join us!
At: The Cheshire Public Library, Mary Baldwin Room
Join the Cheshire Art League for a transformative journey of self-discovery and artistic expression
with Dana Brinker and Nathalie Villeneuve. Dana will guide us through a series of Gentle Yoga
poses to stretch and relax both our body and mind, then Nathalie will lead us in meditative art using
her reverse color and draw technique to embrace our emotions and guide us to what we truly care
about! Nathalie will supply art materials, but you are welcome to bring your preferred markers,
colored pencils, and sketchbooks.
This event is free and open to the public, join us!
Member Show at the Cheshire Library!
CAL member Dorothy MacNeill Dupont will be showing her artwork through the month of March!
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Ms. Dupont's artwork will be shown at Cheshire Public Library from March 1st through March 28th. The show will run during Library hours. Reception to be held on March 5th from 6pm to 8pm. Stop by and support a fellow artist! All are welcome! |
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February 2024
Meeting & Featured Artist
Rita Paradis - Color Mixing
Thursday, February 8, 2023
1 - 3 pm
Cheshire Public Library, Mary Baldwin Room, 104 Main St, Cheshire
“Understanding Color Relationships and Tips on Color Mixing”
We’ll talk a bit about the color wheel. We’ll explore the various characteristics of
colors and how they relate to each other. I will demo mixing some tricky, perplexing
colors and share my thought process of how to get from the first big question of “what IS
this color and how do I get it?” – to coming pretty darn close on a regular basis.
Rita has been teaching at CPFA Artsplace for the past twenty years. She began
by teaching Colored Pencil and now also teaches Oil Painting. She received her BFA in
Printmaking from UMASS, Amherst and has studied many art mediums over the years.
Perhaps the most unusual was Egg Tempera with Koo Schadler. But her real love is
oils, especially working alla prima.
She is a Signature Member of both the Colored Pencil Society of America and of
the Connecticut Pastel Society and has won several national and local awards.
January and February 2024
Happy New Year!
Open Studio Time at the Cheshire Public Library
NOTE NEW TIME: Most Fridays* from 12-2 pm in the “Loft” at the Library
We welcome all artists, any level of expertise, any medium, to join us. This is a casual, free, drop-in program (no reservation needed); art league membership not required (open to the public). Just bring your own art supplies and enjoy the camaraderie!
Confirmed dates for January and February -- All Fridays, except February 2nd.
You can confirm dates by checking the Library website “Events” calendar (www.cheshirelibrary.com) or calling the Library at 203-272-2245.
The Cheshire Art League is pleased to sponsor and coordinate this program with the Cheshire Public Library. Please note the following:
-- The program is intended for teens and adults.
-- The “Loft” is accessible by elevator.
-- Oil painters: Please do not bring turpentine.
-- No formal instruction is provided, rather an encouraging, collaborative environment.
January 17th - Open Studio Reception! 5-7pm. Bring a friend! All are welcome!
Cheshire Public Library
104 Main Street, Cheshire CT
www.cheshirelibrary.com
See you there!
December 2023
Open Studio Time at the Cheshire Public Library!
Give yourself a break from the holiday rush, relax and create with us on Friday afternoons at the Cheshire Public Library!
- Fridays afternoons in December from 1 to 3 pm
- December 1, 8, 15, 22
- Location: in the "Loft"
We welcome all artists, any level of expertise, any medium, to join us. This is a casual, free, drop-in program (no reservation needed); art league membership not required (open to the public). Just bring your own art supplies and enjoy the camaraderie!
Head's up: There is a time change for January. Open Studio Time will be held from 12 to 2 pm in January.
The Cheshire Art League is pleased to sponsor and coordinate this program with the Cheshire Public Library.
Please note:
- The program is intended for teens and adults.
- The “Loft” is accessible by elevator.
- Oil painters: Please do not bring turpentine.
- No formal instruction is provided, rather an encouraging, collaborative environment.
*You can confirm dates and times by checking the Library website “Events” calendar (cheshirelibrary.libcal.com/) or calling the Library at 203-272-2245.
October 2023
CAL 2023 Fall "Art in the Garden" 14th Annual Show & Sale
@ the Cheshire Nursery Garden Center & Florist
Saturday, October 14th - Saturday, October 22nd
1317 South Main Street, Route 10, Cheshire, CT 06410
Opening Reception: Friday, October 13th 6pm-8pm
We are pleased to once again offer our members the opportunity to display and sell their art at our Annual Fall Exhibit.
Downloadable forms available here: drive.google.com/file/d/1hxzf0wgDfrJOmYx2FWFi69c1e00MUNCP/view?usp=drive_link
@ the Cheshire Nursery Garden Center & Florist
Saturday, October 14th - Saturday, October 22nd
1317 South Main Street, Route 10, Cheshire, CT 06410
Opening Reception: Friday, October 13th 6pm-8pm
We are pleased to once again offer our members the opportunity to display and sell their art at our Annual Fall Exhibit.
Downloadable forms available here: drive.google.com/file/d/1hxzf0wgDfrJOmYx2FWFi69c1e00MUNCP/view?usp=drive_link
Meeting & Featured Artist
Jay Babina
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
6:30 pm
Cheshire Public Library, Mary Baldwin Room, 104 Main St, Cheshire
Demonstration Description:
Oct 4, I will be doing a critique for artists of the Cheshire Art League. Please bring a piece of artwork to the meeting and I will be happy to analyze it and talk about its most positive attributes. I always look at the positive that artists have in their pieces. If I can make a suggestion for a possible enhancement I will do that. But be assured, I always look at the positivity of all pieces. So, never feel that you will be criticized in any way with any critique I do on art pieces. I also ask people to respond to the pieces and get the entire group engaged in the piece. It will be a fun and enjoyable event. Thank you for the privilege of reviewing your work.
Artist Statement:
My interest in art started long before I graduated from Silvermine College of Art in 1966. I also studied Graphic Design at University of Bridgeport (BFA) and spent the greater part of my adult life working for advertising agencies and graphic design studios as an illustrator and graphic designer which I still do along with my painting. I had my own advertising agency which was long before the computer and the profession required drawing and illustration skills along with speed and efficiency. These skills led me along my travels with painting, and now, I can concentrate on subjects of my personal interest.
Oct 4, I will be doing a critique for artists of the Cheshire Art League. Please bring a piece of artwork to the meeting and I will be happy to analyze it and talk about its most positive attributes. I always look at the positive that artists have in their pieces. If I can make a suggestion for a possible enhancement I will do that. But be assured, I always look at the positivity of all pieces. So, never feel that you will be criticized in any way with any critique I do on art pieces. I also ask people to respond to the pieces and get the entire group engaged in the piece. It will be a fun and enjoyable event. Thank you for the privilege of reviewing your work.
Artist Statement:
My interest in art started long before I graduated from Silvermine College of Art in 1966. I also studied Graphic Design at University of Bridgeport (BFA) and spent the greater part of my adult life working for advertising agencies and graphic design studios as an illustrator and graphic designer which I still do along with my painting. I had my own advertising agency which was long before the computer and the profession required drawing and illustration skills along with speed and efficiency. These skills led me along my travels with painting, and now, I can concentrate on subjects of my personal interest.
September 2023
Meeting & Featured Artist
Majesty Reyes
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
6:30 pm
Cheshire Public Library, Mary Baldwin Room, 104 Main St, Cheshire
Majesty Reyes
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
6:30 pm
Cheshire Public Library, Mary Baldwin Room, 104 Main St, Cheshire
Demo Description:
I will be live painting and celebrating Puerto Rico's Indigenous Roots through the exploration of colors, symbols, and elements that embody the Taina Goddess “Atabey”. She is the symbol of fertility and nurture in the indigenous mythology of the island. This demonstration aims to foster a sense of pride and connection to Puerto Rico's indigenous heritage. By showcasing Atabey and the Taino culture through art, we aim to honor and preserve the rich tapestry of traditions that have shaped the island's history.
Artist Bio:
Majesty Reyes is a talented Latina artist and graphic designer based in Hartford, CT. Drawing from her upbringing in a Puerto Rican household, Majesty embraces the values of fierce independence and the significance of claiming space. As the owner of "The Curious Creative," her art studio serves as a haven where she freelances as a painter and conducts engaging paint workshops.
Majesty's creative vision and ambition are deeply rooted in her life observations and her experiences as a queer Latina woman. Through her studio, she provides a safe and nurturing environment for individuals to embark on their artistic journeys, particularly for those who have not previously granted themselves the opportunity to explore their creativity. Her goal is to empower community members through shared creative experiences, fostering personal growth and self-expression.
I will be live painting and celebrating Puerto Rico's Indigenous Roots through the exploration of colors, symbols, and elements that embody the Taina Goddess “Atabey”. She is the symbol of fertility and nurture in the indigenous mythology of the island. This demonstration aims to foster a sense of pride and connection to Puerto Rico's indigenous heritage. By showcasing Atabey and the Taino culture through art, we aim to honor and preserve the rich tapestry of traditions that have shaped the island's history.
Artist Bio:
Majesty Reyes is a talented Latina artist and graphic designer based in Hartford, CT. Drawing from her upbringing in a Puerto Rican household, Majesty embraces the values of fierce independence and the significance of claiming space. As the owner of "The Curious Creative," her art studio serves as a haven where she freelances as a painter and conducts engaging paint workshops.
Majesty's creative vision and ambition are deeply rooted in her life observations and her experiences as a queer Latina woman. Through her studio, she provides a safe and nurturing environment for individuals to embark on their artistic journeys, particularly for those who have not previously granted themselves the opportunity to explore their creativity. Her goal is to empower community members through shared creative experiences, fostering personal growth and self-expression.
