Abstract Tinting Workshop with Bob Ferrucci (Day 1)
Vicinanza Studios & Gallery is thrilled to welcome back celebrated artist Bob Ferrucci for a hands-on 🎨 Abstract Tinting Workshop — an immersive experience crafted for artists of all levels who are eager to explore the subtle magic of color and layering. ✨
Known for his exceptional technique, thoughtful instruction, and deep passion for the arts 🎭, Bob offers participants the rare chance to learn directly from a master whose work beautifully balances softness and strength through the art of tinting.
During this engaging workshop, attendees will:
✅ Learn foundational and advanced tinting techniques
✅ Explore color relationships and how to build depth 🎨
✅ Create mood and atmosphere through delicate layering ☁️
✅ Receive personalized feedback in an intimate setting 🖌️
Whether you're an experienced painter or just starting your artistic journey 🧑🎨, this workshop invites you to elevate your craft and gain new confidence in your use of color.
💡 Space is limited to 8 students — don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn, create, and be inspired alongside fellow artists in the warm and welcoming environment of Vicinanza Studios & Gallery.
Register here!
Abstract Tinting Workshop with Bob Ferrucci (Day 2)
Vicinanza Studios & Gallery is thrilled to welcome back celebrated artist Bob Ferrucci for a hands-on 🎨 Abstract Tinting Workshop — an immersive experience crafted for artists of all levels who are eager to explore the subtle magic of color and layering. ✨
Known for his exceptional technique, thoughtful instruction, and deep passion for the arts 🎭, Bob offers participants the rare chance to learn directly from a master whose work beautifully balances softness and strength through the art of tinting.
During this engaging workshop, attendees will:
✅ Learn foundational and advanced tinting techniques
✅ Explore color relationships and how to build depth 🎨
✅ Create mood and atmosphere through delicate layering ☁️
✅ Receive personalized feedback in an intimate setting 🖌️
Whether you're an experienced painter or just starting your artistic journey 🧑🎨, this workshop invites you to elevate your craft and gain new confidence in your use of color.
💡 Space is limited to 8 students — don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn, create, and be inspired alongside fellow artists in the warm and welcoming environment of Vicinanza Studios & Gallery.
Drop-In Sunday Morning Writing
Inspiration abounds in the artwork on the walls, art books, in shared experiences with other writers, and in our everyday experience of the world around us.
Whether we write poetry or prose, it isn’t always easy to carve out time for ourselves to write. Sunday mornings provide an opportunity for writers of all skill levels and genres to simply write, and have time to share a new work or work in progress for peer review and feedback, as well as find encouragement and support to progress our own craft and our goals as fellow writers.
Come write your poems, your personal stories, your children’s stories, your memoir by joining us on Sunday mornings for guided writing prompts and focused writing time.
Abstract Tinting Workshop with Bob Ferrucci (Day 3)
Vicinanza Studios & Gallery is thrilled to welcome back celebrated artist Bob Ferrucci for a hands-on 🎨 Abstract Tinting Workshop — an immersive experience crafted for artists of all levels who are eager to explore the subtle magic of color and layering. ✨
Known for his exceptional technique, thoughtful instruction, and deep passion for the arts 🎭, Bob offers participants the rare chance to learn directly from a master whose work beautifully balances softness and strength through the art of tinting.
During this engaging workshop, attendees will:
✅ Learn foundational and advanced tinting techniques
✅ Explore color relationships and how to build depth 🎨
✅ Create mood and atmosphere through delicate layering ☁️
✅ Receive personalized feedback in an intimate setting 🖌️
Whether you're an experienced painter or just starting your artistic journey 🧑🎨, this workshop invites you to elevate your craft and gain new confidence in your use of color.
💡 Space is limited to 8 students — don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn, create, and be inspired alongside fellow artists in the warm and welcoming environment of Vicinanza Studios & Gallery.
Register here!
Writing Through Grief
ATTN: Gallery is open at 5:30pm today with Writing Through Grief starting at 6pm!
Bi-weekly writing program led by author and writing coach Cindy Eastman.
This group is an extension of a workshop held in 2023 when participants expressed a desire to keep going. Research shows that writing can be a healing way to deal with challenging life situations such as loss. Grief is often experienced in community and this writing group will allow participants to explore their own writing as a path through grief. New participants welcome.
$10 per session (12 People Limit)
The Art of Paper Making
Although modern inventions and engineering have transformed an ancient craft into a highly technical industry, the basic operations in paper making remain the same to this day. The steps in the process are as follows: (1) a suspension of cellulosic fibre is prepared by beating it in water so that the fibers are thoroughly separated and saturated with water; (2) the paper stock is filtered on a woven screen to form a matted sheet of fibre; (3) the wet sheet is pressed and compacted to squeeze out a large proportion of water; (4) the remaining water is removed by evaporation; and (5) depending upon use requirements, the dry paper sheet is further compressed, coated, or impregnated.
In this workshop, we will learn to make paper mash and finished paper with various types of garnish. Supplies will be provided.
$50 (15 Person Limit)
VSG’s Second Sunday Poetry and Music
Featured Poets Elaine Nadal and Pegi Deitz Shea
Elaine Nadal is Poet Laureate of Milford, Connecticut and the author of two poetry books: When and Sweat, Dance, Sing, Cut, published by Finishing Line Press. She is a Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net-nominee and has delivered a TEDx talk on hope, poetry, and music.
Pegi Deitz Shea, a two-time winner of the CT Book Award for Children's Books, also writes poetry and essays for adults. Her works include the full-length volume of poems, The Weight of Kindling, and many poems published in journals and anthologies. She has taught creative writing at UCONN, the Mark Twain House, Writers Institute, and at conferences and schools across the country. President of the CT Council of Poets Laureate, she lives in Vernon with her family and their dog Finn.
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VSG’s Second Sunday Poetry and Music takes place every 2nd Sunday at the Gallery. Renowned poets and local talents alike will find a platform for their poetry, prose, spoken word, and acoustic performances creating a vibrant atmosphere of creativity and expression. By hosting these events, VSG aims to foster a sense of community and promote the art of poetry in Southbury and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned poet, an aspiring writer, a storyteller, or simply a lover of the spoken word, mark your calendar for our open mic afternoons.
Karaoke at the Gallery
Join us at Vicinanza Studios and Gallery for our exciting Karaoke Night. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just looking to have some fun, our karaoke program is the perfect place to showcase your talent and enjoy a night of music and entertainment.
Event Highlights:
Date & Time: Every third Thursday, 6 PM - 9 PM - sign up starts at 5:30
Location: Vicinanza Studios and Gallery
Open to All: Singers of all skill levels are welcome
Wide Song Selection: From classic hits to the latest chart-toppers
Friendly Atmosphere: Supportive and lively community of music lovers
Grab your friends, pick your favorite songs, and get ready to shine under the spotlight at Vicinanza Studios and Gallery's Karaoke Night! It's the perfect way to unwind, have fun, and meet new people. See you there!
Song Making Workshop
Song Making with Annie Grilli
Annie Grilli has been a singer/songwriter since childhood and has been fortunate to write and perform for many varied venues throughout her eclectic career. Some of these places include: The Bronx Zoo, Mystic Aquarium, United Nations, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Avery Fisher Hall, Lone Star Cafe, Bitter End, and Folk City. Also, Annie has toured in Switzerland, Norway, Bonaire, and Puerto Rico.
In addition to presenting an overview of basic elements and structures of music and lyrics, with examples of how each can be used to enhance the other, Annie will share tips and techniques she’s used for creating and crafting original songs. Sources of inspiration for subject matter will be explored, as well as approaches and exercises that bring a song to life in a way that best expresses what you are trying to convey.
A thought-provoking questionnaire will be sent out to attendees before the workshop and a handout with additional prompts, resources, and exercises will be provided at the end of the workshop. Music lovers of all levels are a good fit for this program. If you’ve got a heart, you’ll feel the beat.
Register here!
Paint and Sip with Kelly Keenan
About Kelly Keenan:
Kelly Keenan is a painter and potter based in Southbury, Connecticut, whose artwork reflects her deep love of nature. Inspired by her time spent gardening and observing the natural world, she incorporates themes of plants, animals, and seasonal landscapes into both her ceramics and paintings. She teaches a range of art classes, including introductory landscape and still life painting, as well as ceramic hand-building, wheel-throwing, and glazing. Additionally, she has spent over two decades in fine arts exhibition management and currently serves as Director of Art Services for a NY/CT fine arts foundation. Kelly is also the President of the Southbury Arts and Culture Alliance, where she champions creative initiatives and community engagement through the arts.
About Kelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-keenan-84934a13/
The Paint and Sip:
Bring Your Own Drinks!
Non-alcoholic beverages will be served. The gallery CANNOT serve alcoholic drinks at the moment but you may bring in your own and drink inside of the gallery during the event!
Join us for a fun and a relaxing guided painting class led by local artist Kelly Keenan on Saturday, June 28th. No experience needed—just bring your creativity! All materials and step-by-step instruction are provided. Come sip, paint, and enjoy an evening of art.
Register for the Paint and Sip here!
Paint and Sip Registration
Drop-In Sunday Morning Writing
Inspiration abounds in the artwork on the walls, art books, in shared experiences with other writers, and in our everyday experience of the world around us.
Whether we write poetry or prose, it isn’t always easy to carve out time for ourselves to write. Sunday mornings provide an opportunity for writers of all skill levels and genres to simply write, and have time to share a new work or work in progress for peer review and feedback, as well as find encouragement and support to progress our own craft and our goals as fellow writers.
Come write your poems, your personal stories, your children’s stories, your memoir by joining us on Sunday mornings for guided writing prompts and focused writing time.
Finding Heart through Lost Love
Readings from a poetry anthology “Lost Love” honoring those we have loved.
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VSG is honored to present selected readers from the newest anthology from Orenaug Mountain Publishing, edited by Sandy Carlson, poet-laureate-emerita of Woodbury.
Bring your owns poem for the open mic portion of the program. Join us in celebrating loved ones with our words.
Whether you’re a seasoned poet, an aspiring writer, a storyteller, or simply a lover of the spoken word, mark your calendar for this special event.
Free and open to the public (Suggested Donation)
Writing Through Grief
ATTN: Gallery is open at 5:30pm today with Writing Through Grief starting at 6pm!
Bi-weekly writing program led by author and writing coach Cindy Eastman.
This group is an extension of a workshop held in 2023 when participants expressed a desire to keep going. Research shows that writing can be a healing way to deal with challenging life situations such as loss. Grief is often experienced in community and this writing group will allow participants to explore their own writing as a path through grief. New participants welcome.
$10 per session (12 People Limit)
Beginner's Dot Painting
Discover the Joy of Creativity with a Beginner Dot Painting Class!
Unleash Your Inner Artist – No Experience Needed
Looking for a fun, relaxing way to express yourself through art? Join us for an exciting Beginner Dot Painting Class, designed for anyone looking to explore the world of mandala and Aboriginal-inspired dot art in a welcoming, no-pressure environment.
Hosted by Faith Vicinanza, this hands-on workshop will guide participants step-by-step through the basics of dot painting – a mesmerizing art form that combines color, symmetry, and mindfulness. Perfect for beginners, the class focuses on technique, pattern-building, and personal expression. By the end of the session, each participant will leave with a beautiful, hand-painted piece of their own creation.
Class Details:
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Register here! - $45
Drop-In Sunday Morning Writing
Inspiration abounds in the artwork on the walls, art books, in shared experiences with other writers, and in our everyday experience of the world around us.
Whether we write poetry or prose, it isn’t always easy to carve out time for ourselves to write. Sunday mornings provide an opportunity for writers of all skill levels and genres to simply write, and have time to share a new work or work in progress for peer review and feedback, as well as find encouragement and support to progress our own craft and our goals as fellow writers.
Come write your poems, your personal stories, your children’s stories, your memoir by joining us on Sunday mornings for guided writing prompts and focused writing time.
Writing Through Grief
Bi-weekly writing program led by author and writing coach Cindy Eastman.
This group is an extension of a workshop held in 2023 when participants expressed a desire to keep going. Research shows that writing can be a healing way to deal with challenging life situations such as loss. Grief is often experienced in community and this writing group will allow participants to explore their own writing as a path through grief. New participants welcome.
$10 per session (12 People Limit)
VSG’s Second Sunday Poetry and Music
Featured Poets Kate Randall and Suzy Lamson
Kate Randall is a writer, humorist, painter and crafter…a retired accountant, a happy wife and a proud grandmother. You know her as our regular MC of VSG Acoustic Open Mic. About three times a decade she does Stand up comedy. This is one of those times.
Suzy Lamson has been published in a number of literary journals, including The Underwood Review, Caduceus, Connecticut River Review and Naugatuck River Review. Several poems have been performed by the East Haddam Stage Company. Her latest book of poetry is Red Riding Hood at Sixty. She is a member of Artemis Rising, a women's poetry group. Suzy has been a featured poet in a number of venues throughout Connecticut.
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VSG’s Second Sunday Poetry and Music takes place every 2nd Sunday at the Gallery. Renowned poets and local talents alike will find a platform for their poetry, prose, spoken word, and acoustic performances creating a vibrant atmosphere of creativity and expression. By hosting these events, VSG aims to foster a sense of community and promote the art of poetry in Southbury and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned poet, an aspiring writer, a storyteller, or simply a lover of the spoken word, mark your calendar for our open mic afternoons.
Free and open to the public (Suggested Donation)
Drop-In Sunday Morning Writing
Inspiration abounds in the artwork on the walls, art books, in shared experiences with other writers, and in our everyday experience of the world around us.
Whether we write poetry or prose, it isn’t always easy to carve out time for ourselves to write. Sunday mornings provide an opportunity for writers of all skill levels and genres to simply write, and have time to share a new work or work in progress for peer review and feedback, as well as find encouragement and support to progress our own craft and our goals as fellow writers.
Come write your poems, your personal stories, your children’s stories, your memoir by joining us on Sunday mornings for guided writing prompts and focused writing time.
Writing Through Grief
Bi-weekly writing program led by author and writing coach Cindy Eastman.
This group is an extension of a workshop held in 2023 when participants expressed a desire to keep going. Research shows that writing can be a healing way to deal with challenging life situations such as loss. Grief is often experienced in community and this writing group will allow participants to explore their own writing as a path through grief. New participants welcome.
$10 per session (12 People Limit)
Karaoke at the Gallery
Join us at Vicinanza Studios and Gallery for our exciting Karaoke Night. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just looking to have some fun, our karaoke program is the perfect place to showcase your talent and enjoy a night of music and entertainment.
Event Highlights:
Date & Time: Every third Thursday, 6 PM - 9 PM - sign up starts at 5:30
Location: Vicinanza Studios and Gallery
Open to All: Singers of all skill levels are welcome
Wide Song Selection: From classic hits to the latest chart-toppers
Friendly Atmosphere: Supportive and lively community of music lovers
Grab your friends, pick your favorite songs, and get ready to shine under the spotlight at Vicinanza Studios and Gallery's Karaoke Night! It's the perfect way to unwind, have fun, and meet new people. See you there!
Trick or Treat at VSG
Get ready for a spooktacular day of art! Join Vicinanza Studios and Gallery for our Halloween Kids' Program. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your little ghouls and goblins in costume for a fun-filled afternoon of creativity. We'll have art activities, tattoos, stickers, and juice boxes for all the kids. It's the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit!
Hand Painted Ornament Workshop
We are hosting our very successful Hand Painted Ornament workshop for November. Come back and experience a tradition here at the gallery.
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A variety of wooden ornaments prepped (black gesso) and ready for your artistic expression, and clear glass ball ornaments as well. Collage, or dot paint your ornament, paint snowflakes or a winter scene, whatever you fancy. Join us - $20 - 90 minute session, paint 2 ornaments.
Drop-In Sunday Morning Writing
Inspiration abounds in the artwork on the walls, art books, in shared experiences with other writers, and in our everyday experience of the world around us.
Whether we write poetry or prose, it isn’t always easy to carve out time for ourselves to write. Sunday mornings provide an opportunity for writers of all skill levels and genres to simply write, and have time to share a new work or work in progress for peer review and feedback, as well as find encouragement and support to progress our own craft and our goals as fellow writers.
Come write your poems, your personal stories, your children’s stories, your memoir by joining us on Sunday mornings for guided writing prompts and focused writing time.
Garland’s For All Occasions
Garlands for All Occasions hosted by Nita Angeletti
Handmade, Heartfelt, and Uniquely You
Join us for a hands-on, joy-filled garland-making workshop where creativity takes center stage! In "Garlands for All Occasions," you’ll craft beautiful, one-of-a-kind garlands using an eclectic mix of materials—feathers, beads, bows, fabric, greenery, and more. Whether you're drawn to seasonal colors, holiday spirit, or a particular aesthetic for your home, this workshop invites you to design garlands that reflect your style and celebrate any occasion.
No prior experience needed—just bring your imagination! You’ll learn simple techniques for combining textures, choosing color themes, and assembling pieces into eye-catching decor. Leave with a custom garland (or two!) that can brighten a mantel, doorway, party, or cozy nook.
Perfect for crafters of all levels, this workshop is a creative escape and a chance to add a personal, handmade touch to your celebrations year-round.
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Nita Angeletti graduated from The Juilliard School, NYC., Drama Division and received a B.F.A. under the late John Houseman. Upon graduation she joined The Acting Company. Her artistic journey and passion led her into the world of design and decoration.
Register here!
Writing Through Grief
Bi-weekly writing program led by author and writing coach Cindy Eastman.
This group is an extension of a workshop held in 2023 when participants expressed a desire to keep going. Research shows that writing can be a healing way to deal with challenging life situations such as loss. Grief is often experienced in community and this writing group will allow participants to explore their own writing as a path through grief. New participants welcome.
$10 per session (12 People Limit)
VSG’s Second Sunday Poetry and Music
Sandy Carlson is a writer, teacher, life-long learner, rug hooker, genealogical hobbyist, and a native of Connecticut, where her family has deep roots, including ties to Woodbury dating back to the Revolutionary War.
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VSG’s Second Sunday Poetry and Music takes place every 2nd Sunday at the Gallery. Renowned poets and local talents alike will find a platform for their poetry, prose, spoken word, and acoustic performances creating a vibrant atmosphere of creativity and expression. By hosting these events, VSG aims to foster a sense of community and promote the art of poetry in Southbury and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned poet, an aspiring writer, a storyteller, or simply a lover of the spoken word, mark your calendar for our open mic afternoons.
Free and open to the public (Suggested Donation)
Hand Painted Ornament Workshop
We are hosting our very successful Hand Painted Ornament workshop for November. Come back and experience a tradition here at the gallery.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————
A variety of wooden ornaments prepped (black gesso) and ready for your artistic expression, and clear glass ball ornaments as well. Collage, or dot paint your ornament, paint snowflakes or a winter scene, whatever you fancy. Join us - $20 - 90 minute session, paint 2 ornaments.
Drop-In Sunday Morning Writing
Inspiration abounds in the artwork on the walls, art books, in shared experiences with other writers, and in our everyday experience of the world around us.
Whether we write poetry or prose, it isn’t always easy to carve out time for ourselves to write. Sunday mornings provide an opportunity for writers of all skill levels and genres to simply write, and have time to share a new work or work in progress for peer review and feedback, as well as find encouragement and support to progress our own craft and our goals as fellow writers.
Come write your poems, your personal stories, your children’s stories, your memoir by joining us on Sunday mornings for guided writing prompts and focused writing time.
Writing Through Grief
Bi-weekly writing program led by author and writing coach Cindy Eastman.
This group is an extension of a workshop held in 2023 when participants expressed a desire to keep going. Research shows that writing can be a healing way to deal with challenging life situations such as loss. Grief is often experienced in community and this writing group will allow participants to explore their own writing as a path through grief. New participants welcome.
$10 per session (12 People Limit)
VSG’s First Annual Artisans Holiday Craft Fair
Join us for the First Annual VSG’s Artisans Holiday Craft Fair!
Discover a curated selection of unique, handcrafted goods from talented local artisans. This is your chance to find the perfect, one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your holiday list.
You'll find a wide variety of items, including:
Hand-crafted pottery
Beautiful blown glass
Unique ornaments
Artistic notecards
Scarves and other textiles
Original artwork
Handmade body essentials and soaps
Intricate woodcrafts
And much more!
Come and support our local artisan community while enjoying a festive atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you there!
Writing Through Grief
Bi-weekly writing program led by author and writing coach Cindy Eastman.
This group is an extension of a workshop held in 2023 when participants expressed a desire to keep going. Research shows that writing can be a healing way to deal with challenging life situations such as loss. Grief is often experienced in community and this writing group will allow participants to explore their own writing as a path through grief. New participants welcome.
$10 per session (12 People Limit)
Drop-In Sunday Morning Writing
Inspiration abounds in the artwork on the walls, art books, in shared experiences with other writers, and in our everyday experience of the world around us.
Whether we write poetry or prose, it isn’t always easy to carve out time for ourselves to write. Sunday mornings provide an opportunity for writers of all skill levels and genres to simply write, and have time to share a new work or work in progress for peer review and feedback, as well as find encouragement and support to progress our own craft and our goals as fellow writers.
Come write your poems, your personal stories, your children’s stories, your memoir by joining us on Sunday mornings for guided writing prompts and focused writing time.
VSG’s Second Sunday Poetry and Music
This month’s event will not be having a featured poet and is available for open mic’ers.
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VSG’s Second Sunday Poetry and Music takes place every 2nd Sunday at the Gallery. Renowned poets and local talents alike will find a platform for their poetry, prose, spoken word, and acoustic performances creating a vibrant atmosphere of creativity and expression. By hosting these events, VSG aims to foster a sense of community and promote the art of poetry in Southbury and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned poet, an aspiring writer, a storyteller, or simply a lover of the spoken word, mark your calendar for our open mic afternoons.
Free and open to the public (Suggested Donation)
Writing Through Grief
Bi-weekly writing program led by author and writing coach Cindy Eastman.
This group is an extension of a workshop held in 2023 when participants expressed a desire to keep going. Research shows that writing can be a healing way to deal with challenging life situations such as loss. Grief is often experienced in community and this writing group will allow participants to explore their own writing as a path through grief. New participants welcome.
$10 per session (12 People Limit)
Drop-In Sunday Morning Writing
Inspiration abounds in the artwork on the walls, art books, in shared experiences with other writers, and in our everyday experience of the world around us.
Whether we write poetry or prose, it isn’t always easy to carve out time for ourselves to write. Sunday mornings provide an opportunity for writers of all skill levels and genres to simply write, and have time to share a new work or work in progress for peer review and feedback, as well as find encouragement and support to progress our own craft and our goals as fellow writers.
Come write your poems, your personal stories, your children’s stories, your memoir by joining us on Sunday mornings for guided writing prompts and focused writing time.
Artist Reception
Diana Windham
Having developed a love of music through the study of piano and violin, in Idaho, where she was born, Diana attended Oberlin College, in Oberlin Ohio majoring in English. In her first drawing class, under the instructor, Forbes Whiteside, she discovered the spaces between forms, which piqued her visual curiosity. The ability to make something visible, never before seen by anyone else, gave her an inner identification that was life changing. While music remained invaluable as a major part of her life, making the object of art became her focus, bringing her into a world that felt more of her own and less programmed by environment.
William Gramigna - From graphic artist to illustrator/ fine artist.
Born and raised in Westchester County, NY, William Gramigna (say Gra-meen-ya) opened a packaging design/new product development company in 1986. In 2014 he added an art gallery that wrapped around the outside of the inner office, to enhance the neighborhood’s view from the windows of the new office space he had moved to in South Norwalk (SONO). The Sidewalk Gallery at Press Proof Studio was a creative leap that allowed Gramigna to give to community with a well lit gallery meant to be enjoyed from the public sidewalk. Because he knew so many artists through his years in business, this idea of being a venue to support and promote artists came naturally; the opportunity to promote and support artists local to the area, brought 28 exhibits over a five year period, before “retiring” in 2019 -miraculously just ahead of the pandemic. Those many artists and his father’s influence awoke this artist’s creative path towards the fine art pieces he has been creating mostly in acrylics ever since.
Artist’s Statement:
After 33 years in commercial art, and always quietly studying the work of many, many artists, I have put down the mouse and picked up the paintbrush. It is now my turn. Grateful to have the opportunity to get a turn being the free spirit to create what I want using the skills and wisdom I have gained, I thank VSG for showing my work.
VSG’s Second Sunday Poetry and Music
Featured Poet Pat Mattola and Ed Lent.
Pat Mottola is a distinguished creative writing instructor at Southern Connecticut State University and the proud president of the Connecticut Poetry Society. With a career dedicated to inspiring and connecting individuals through writing, Pat holds an MFA in Creative Writing and an MS in Art Education from Southern. Her exceptional teaching has been recognized with the CSCU Board of Regents Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award (2019) and the J. Philip Smith Part-time Faculty Teaching Award (2021).
An accomplished poet and Pushcart Prize nominee, Pat's work has appeared in esteemed literary journals such as War, Literature & the Arts and Connecticut Review. She is the author of two poetry collections, Under the Red Dress and After Hours, with her third book, A Town Like That, forthcoming from Grayson Books. Beyond her own writing, Pat has served as editor of the Connecticut River Review and actively mentors Afghan women writers, collaborating on global poetry projects. Her dedication to the transformative power of poetry is evident in all her endeavors.
Edward Alan Lent became the inaugural poet laureate of Madison, CT in September of 2024 and will serve a 3-year term. He is an active Shoreline Artist and Poet in Madison ,Guilford, Essex and Lyme and uses art to teach and exhibit Ekphrastic poetry. Originally published under the pen name Ezra Lovecroft, he is a Member of the Academy of American poets, Poetry Society of America, the Connecticut Poetry Society, The Haiku Society of America, The National Federation of State Poetry Societies of Poets and the Italian American Writers Association and is the CEO and Founder of the Ekphrastic Poetry Trust of C.T., He published “As Above, So Below” in 2018, the chapbook “Perceptions” in 2023. A winner of CT Arts Hero Award in 2020, he sponsors many philanthropic, art and writing awards. He hosted ‘Ezra Lovecroft presents’, open mic poetry events throughout Ct. and in 2025, began hosting an open Mic with the E.C. Scranton Library in Madison on the first Thursday of each month and leads “A Quiet Place to Write”, a writers workshop on the second Tuesday of the month.
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VSG’s Second Sunday Poetry and Music takes place every 2nd Sunday at the Gallery. Renowned poets and local talents alike will find a platform for their poetry, prose, spoken word, and acoustic performances creating a vibrant atmosphere of creativity and expression. By hosting these events, VSG aims to foster a sense of community and promote the art of poetry in Southbury and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned poet, an aspiring writer, a storyteller, or simply a lover of the spoken word, mark your calendar for our open mic afternoons.
Free and open to the public (Suggested Donation)
Acrylic Pour Workshop
Acrylic Pour with Faith Vicinanza
Two canvases, two techniques.
Acrylic Paint Pouring is a fluid painting technique used to create art by pouring acrylic paint onto a canvas. Many methods can be used to apply the paint to the canvas, some are more simple and are better for beginners – others are a bit more technical!
$50 (10 Person Limit) - all supplies provided
Writing Through Grief
Bi-weekly writing program led by author and writing coach Cindy Eastman.
This group is an extension of a workshop held in 2023 when participants expressed a desire to keep going. Research shows that writing can be a healing way to deal with challenging life situations such as loss. Grief is often experienced in community and this writing group will allow participants to explore their own writing as a path through grief. New participants welcome.
$10 per session (12 People Limit)
Drop-In Sunday Morning Writing
Inspiration abounds in the artwork on the walls, art books, in shared experiences with other writers, and in our everyday experience of the world around us.
Whether we write poetry or prose, it isn’t always easy to carve out time for ourselves to write. Sunday mornings provide an opportunity for writers of all skill levels and genres to simply write, and have time to share a new work or work in progress for peer review and feedback, as well as find encouragement and support to progress our own craft and our goals as fellow writers.
Come write your poems, your personal stories, your children’s stories, your memoir by joining us on Sunday mornings for guided writing prompts and focused writing time.