A shared passion for painting is what marks this month’s art exhibition at Wilton Library, entitled “Four Artists – Reflections,” opening Friday, November 9, with a reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The artists are from Wilton and surrounding towns: Dorothy Hyde—Wilton, Ann Kromer—Ridgefield, Lynda Pattee—West Redding and Marianne Rothballer—New Canaan. The exhibition showcases a collection of plein air landscapes and studio paintings – people, places and things are capture in four distinct styles using oil, acrylic and watercolors. The four artists meet regularly out of doors in order to paint local scenes. Some of the plein air paintings in this exhibition are of Weir Farm, the Gilbert and Bennett Factory in Georgetown, Cannondale, the Wilton section of the Norwalk River, the Long Island coast line between Norwalk and Nantucket as well as from travels abroad.
Dorothy Hyde began her career in art and administration for such corporations as Estee Lauder Inc., McGraw Hill Publishing, Holt Rinehart and Winston, and St. Joseph’s Medical Center. She also taught studio art as well as developed art therapy programs for special populations. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Syracuse and a Master’s from the College of New Rochelle. She is a member of the Rowayton Arts Center, The Society of Marine Artists, CT Plein Air Society, and Fairfield County Plein Air Painters.
Ann Kromer paints from nature in a loose, impressionistic style. Her landscapes and gardenscapes have won numerous awards. She has exhibited in many shows throughout the United States and most recently in New York at the National Arts Club and the Salmagundi Club. Her work was chosen for Rockport Publishers “Best of Oil Paintings” and “Best of Acrylic Paintings.” In addition, her work has appeared in “American Artist,” “Splash 8” and “Splash 9” and was featured most recently in “Watercolor Artist” magazine.
Lynda Pattee now has time to devote to her passion for painting after a 30-year career as a graphic designer, specializing in annual reports, corporate identity, and direct mail. Her lifetime of sailing, racing and cruising on Long Island Sound has provided a wealth of reference and inspiration. She received an Associate Fine Arts degree from Sullins College, attended The New York Phoenix School of Design, Silvermine School of Art, and studied with Charles Reid, Robert, Baxter, Anne Toulmin-Rothe and Ann Chernow. She has exhibited considerably throughout the area and has memberships in the Connecticut Watercolor Society, The Ridgefield Guild of Artists, The Rowayton Art Center and the American Society of Marine Artists.
Marianne Rothballer is known for her portraits, landscapes and still lifes, which are executed in transparent watercolor. Her landscapes portray local scenes as well as those from her travels. She is a graduate of Parson’s School of Design and studied at Moore College and the Art Students League. She began her career as a fashion illustrator on the staff of Women’s Wear Daily and as a freelance illustrator. More recently, she has continued her studies in the fine arts in many workshops in the US and abroad. Her works have been included in invitational shows throughout Connecticut and has received numerous awards. She is an elected member of the Connecticut Watercolor Society, New Haven Paint and Clay Club and Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club in New York.
The reception is open to the public. The exhibition runs through Tuesday, November 27. A majority of the pieces are available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the library. Wilton Library hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 10 – 8, Fridays, 10 – 6, Saturdays, 10 – 5 and Sundays, 1 – 5. The library will be closed on Thursday, November 22. Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in the heart of Wilton Center. For information or directions, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-3950, ext. 213.
