September and October at the Silvermine Arts Center

“Tree Muse II” by New York based artist, Christine Aaron

The set of exhibits opening at Silvermine Arts Center, located on 1037 Silvermine Rd. in New Canaan, CT September 15th will challenge the boundaries of perception. There will be a group exhibition that questions assumptions of what a book can be to; Amy Bilden's tactile domestic inspired sculptures; and the symbolically rich mixed media nature-based work of Christine Aaron. The opening reception will be on Sunday, September 15th from 2pm to 4pm. The exhibitions run through October 26th.

Christine Aaron's new exhibit "Liminal States: Beneath the Surface" focuses on themes of memory, loss and the passage of time in this rich mixed media nature-based work. Trees serve as a metaphor for the cycle of life; symbols of dormancy, growth, strength and renewal. Metals are rusted and oxidized so that time itself becomes an integral part of the completed work.

“Mending Broken Limbs” by Norwalk artist, Amy Bilden

The themes for Norwalk artist, Amy Bilden's new exhibit, "Inheritance," revolve around domesticity, including topics such as identity, sexuality, gender, and care giving. Her tactile domestic inspired sculptures map the artist's emotional and physical space, using a monotonous process in which she connects her internal and external landscapes. Simple daily household tasks can prompt a current theme in her art making.

From the Group Show “Beyond the Book” featuring Kerry Brock (Weston, CT), Shiela Hale (Katonah, NY), Barbara Harder (New Haven, CT), Stephanie Joyce (New Canaan, CT), Elisa Khachian (Fairfield, CT), Claudia Mengel (Westport, CT), and Susan Newbold (Fairfield, CT)

The Guild Group show, "Beyond the Book," questions assumptions of what a book can be. Seven artists: Kerry Brock, Shiela Hale, Barbara Harder, Stephanie Joyce, Elisa Khachian, Claudia Mengel and Susan Newbold, use the concepts, craft and content of books as a springboard to create artworks that go beyond the book. Working individually and in collaborative conversations, employing a wide range of media, the group set out to explore and elaborate diverse pathways to and from the book. The result includes paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture and furniture.

About Silvermine Arts Center

Silvermine Arts Center located in New Canaan, Connecticut is one of the oldest artist communities in the United States. Located on a four acre campus, the center consists of a nationally renowned artist guild, award winning school of art offering multi-disciplinary art classes for all ages, an art and fine crafts shop and galleries, offering over twenty contemporary and historic exhibitions annually. The center also provides innovative free and subsidized arts education in Norwalk and Stamford schools through its outreach program, Art Partners; and hosts a lecture series, performances, and special programs throughout the year. Silvermine Arts Center is a nonprofit organization.

Gallery Hours:

Silvermine Galleries are open Wednesday through Saturday, 12p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1pm to 5 p.m. For more information, call (203) 966-9700 ext. 20 or visit the website: www.silvermineart.org.

Holiday Concert Dec. 14 at Silvermine Arts Center

A special evening of holiday music is coming to the Silvermine Arts Center in New Canaan, Connecticut on Friday, December 14th. The Turtle Island Quartet returns to Silvermine, bringing their signature fusion of jazz and classical music to celebrate the holiday season.
The Turtle Island Quartet has been the very definition of American chamber music for over 25 years. From stages across the globe to international airwaves, this group is the most acclaimed ensemble of its kind. Their holiday concert, "A Solstice Celebration," will take you through the joyous voyage of world holiday music, commemorating the quartet members' ancestral roots, featuring music associated with what is referred to in both the Jewish and Hindu traditions as the Festival of Lights.
From the songs of Chanukah, to the music of India's Diwali, to the old English carols and Scottish reels of the 16th century, Turtle Island Quartet explores the timeless music that has been an integral part of winter holiday celebrations for centuries. The holiday program will also include music from Vince Guaraldi's beloved A Charlie Brown Christmas, as well as famous classical gems that have become indelibly tied to the holiday season.

Since they began in 1985, the Turtle Island Quartet has been a singular force in the creation of bold, new trends in chamber music for strings. Winner of the 2006 and 2008 Grammy Awards for Best Classical Crossover category, the group fuses the classical quartet aesthetic with contemporary American musical styles. The group is made up of original founding members, violinist, David Balakrishnan, and cellist Mark Summer, joined by jazz violinist  Mateusz Smoczynski and violist Benjamin Von Gutzeit. Each member of the quartet is an accomplished improviser, composer and arranger, as well as having extensive conservatory training. As the group continues to refine their skills through performances and recordings with major symphonic ensembles, and through a determined educational commitment, the Turtle Island Quartet stakes its claim as the quintessential American string quartet of this century.

A unique holiday experience not to be missed. Seating is limited and advance reservations are suggested. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members.   To reserve tickets in advance or for more information, call 203-966-9700 ext. 22 or visit our website at www.silvermineart.org.

About Silvermine Arts Center

Silvermine Arts Center located in New Canaan, Connecticut is one of the oldest artist communities in the United States. Located on a four acre campus, the center is comprised of a nationally renowned artist guild, award winning school of art offering multi-disciplinary art classes for ages 2 to 102, an art and fine crafts shop and galleries, offering over twenty contemporary and historic exhibitions annually. The center also provides innovative arts education in Norwalk and Stamford schools through its outreach program, Art Partners, and hosts a lecture series and special programs throughout the year. Silvermine Arts Center is a nonprofit organization.

Silvermine Arts Center Mission

Grounded in the belief that art is vital to the spirit, creativity and wholeness of human beings, the mission of Silvermine Arts Center is to cultivate, promote and encourage growth through the arts; to showcase and serve artists; and to foster arts education and appreciation opportunities for the greater community.

Gallery Hours: Silvermine Galleries are open Wednesday through Saturday, 12p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1pm to 5 p.m. For more information, call (203) 966-9700 ext. 20 or visit the website: www.silvermineart.org.