Diverse works of at least six artists will be showcased in February-March exhibit

Wilton, CT – Wilton Library is pleased to present the diverse works of at least six artists in its February-March art exhibition “Art Asks,” opening on Friday, February 9 with a reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Artists who have asked to exhibit their works at Wilton Library are showcased in this exhibition. The artists are: Grace Barbieri (Norwalk), Cindy Bernier (Norwalk), Lacey Bernier (Wilton), Shivani De Bree (Wilton), Gini Fischer (Wilton), and Chris Mouser. They will display their works in an array of styles, media choices, and subject matter. The opening reception is free and open to the public.

“Artists often ask to exhibit their works at Wilton Library, and although there is usually a Summer Show featuring local contributors, some artists may not have been able to participate or do not live in Wilton's boundaries. This show features several artists who have made such inquiries,” said Petra Saldutti, Art Co-Chair of Wilton Library. “The topic of questions regarding art seemed like a natural theme for the show. Each artist was asked to provide us with questions about their art: what they hope viewers will ask themselves when viewing the work, what they typically ask themselves when making their art, or what they often ask when viewing others’ art. Those questions will be shared as part of the exhibit,” said Betsy Huffman, Art Co-Chair of Wilton Library.

The artists come from a range of backgrounds:

Born in 1930, Grace Barbieri is a 93-year-old Norwalk resident who started painting in 2015, when she found herself with extra time following the passing of her husband of 61 years. Always someone who likes to keep busy (traveling, cooking, baking, knitting, playing cards, or doing crosswords) Grace, self-taught, finds herself really enjoying sharing her art with others. Grace has been fortunate enough to have her art displayed at a Bruce Museum community show as well as at various fairs and shops around Fairfield County.

Cindy Bernier, a life-long dancer, explores paint as movement on canvas. She is fascinated by the process of translating movement dynamics through mark making and layers of color. Her paintings are private collections in Connecticut, New York, Florida, Arkansas, New Jersey, California, Switzerland, and Italy. www.cindybernierart.com

Having been a social worker for thirty years and hearing sad stories, Lacey Bernier found an outlet in painting. She believes everyone has a special talent in the act of creating, it's just some people tap in to it while others do not. It's her medicine.

Shivani De Bree is a self-taught artist and art has been a journey of healing and repairing for her. This journey began nearly 14 years ago. She uses bright and bold colours and her paintings are textured and tactile. Abstract images of landscapes and flowers (mostly) draw her attention and she is inspired by the vibrant colours, the order and chaos, the calm and violence of nature that gives her the freedom to project emotions. Even in her deepest and darkest moments, her paintings are joyous and life affirming which works like therapy for her. It is a window into her soul and she feels comforted in the knowledge that whatever negativity she is experiencing will pass because deep down her belief in the beauty of life is intact and unwavering.

As one of the youngest in a large family, Gini Fischer found peace in reading and drawing. She recalls identifying as an artist from her earliest memories. All her life, she has been creating. A mix of practical experience, generous teachers and lots of ambitious projects have brought her to where she is today. She hopes to never stop learning and experimenting with representative art. www.ginifischer.com

Christian Mouser is a multimedia artist whose creations are heavily influenced by naturalism. Most of his artwork is focused on, or made from, elements in nature. From carving ostrich eggs and bone, to mounting beetles and butterflies, scrimshaw, digital watercolors, and pen and ink or colored pencil drawings of ravens and other wildlife, Chris tries to make the viewer understand the beauty of not just the subject matter, but also the materials.

The exhibition runs through Thursday, March 14. A majority of the works are available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the library.

Wilton Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. The library will be closed on Monday, February 19 for the Presidents’ Day holiday. 

 For more than 128 years, Wilton Library has served as the cultural and intellectual center of Wilton with the mission to inform, enrich, connect, and inspire our community. The library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in the heart of Wilton Center. For more information, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org or call (203) 762-3950.