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View Masterpieces From Local Artists At Redding's Champagne Gala

REDDING, Conn. -- The community is invited to preview art and sip champagne at the Mark Twain Library in Redding.

Champagne Gala 2015 at the Mark Twain Library in Redding

Champagne Gala 2015 at the Mark Twain Library in Redding

Photo Credit: contributed
Champagne Gala 2015 at the Mark Twain Library in Redding

Champagne Gala 2015 at the Mark Twain Library in Redding

Photo Credit: contributed

The Art Show Champagne Preview Gala takes place 7-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 at the library and is considered one of Redding's most celebrated fundraisers, organizers said. General ticket pricing is $75 for individuals and $55 for seniors. 

The theme of this year's juried show is art deco. The show is headed by Rochelle Williston and Angela Matsuoka and juried by artist Claudia Seymour.

Seymour decided which pieces to feature this year. A widely collected artist, she has juried multiple shows in her role with the Salmagundi Club, one of the oldest clubs in the country for living, working artists. Her classical still-life paintings in oil and pastel have been shown in over 150 juried national and international exhibitions.

Seymour said she enjoys jurying art shows and was thrilled about being asked to judge the Library’s show. “Seeing what people are doing keeps your eye fresh,” she said. “The more exposure and open access to good art that one has, the more open-minded a juror can be.” 

In the role of juror, she looks for “competence, good design, beautiful color and a good line.”

Tickets can be purchased online. Contact: Donna Bielaczyc: 203-938-2545 or donnab@marktwainlibrary.org.

Participants are asked to park at the John Read Middle School. Shuttle service will run until 10:30 p.m. between the school and the library. 

People who can't attend the preview can make a donation online or join the Friends of the Library.

Art show events include, 

  • Portrait workshop with Redding artist Kathy Coe of Creativi-TEA, 10:30 a.m. to Noon, Monday, Dec. 5. Class limited to 25 participants. Suggested donation is $5 for materials. Refreshments and tea served. Register online or call 203.938.2545 for information.
  • The Art Deco Movement lecture at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6 with Robin Hoffman and Jodi Stiffelman of Artscapades. A look at some of the artists who influenced the Art Deco movement of the 1920s, including Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keefe and Salvadore Dali. The Art Deco style reflected modern technology and used geometric shapes, streamlined forms and bright colors. Refreshments served. Register online or call 203.938.2545 for information.
  • Dorothy Weir Young lecture at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8 with Park Ranger Kristin Lessard and Museum Technician Jessica Kuhnen of Weir Farm National Historic Site. Learn about the life and work of J. Alden Weir's middle daughter -- an accomplished artist in her own right who kept her father's legacy alive and did some of her best work during the 1920s. Refreshments served. Register online at or call 203.938.2545.

The Mark Twain Library is located at 439 Redding Road, Redding.

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