PAINTED LADIES ART EXHIBIT 2021
PAINTED LADIES ART EXHIBIT: Ellie Bender, Bonnie Potter, Rita Sarris
OPENING RECEPTION: August 14, 2021 / 1:00 - 3:00 PM
ON EXHIBIT: August 7 - August 28
ON EXHIBIT: August 7 - August 28
A month-long exhibit dedicated to 3 very talented G53 artists: Ellie Bender, Bonnie Potter, and Rita Sarris.
Below is a selection of pieces from this show. All work is for sale. Visit the gallery to see the entire exhibit.
Below is a selection of pieces from this show. All work is for sale. Visit the gallery to see the entire exhibit.
ELLIE BENDER instructs the next generation of artists!
ABOUT ELLIE BENDER . . .
Ellie Bender, is a G53 Signature Artist and a native of Meriden, who trained at The Art School of Fashion in Hartford, CT and studied oil and watercolor painting at Hartford Art School. She also studied Pastels with Claudia Post, Alan Flattmann and Elizabeth Mowry. People are a central focus in her work and she creates settings to develop and enhance each subject. “Contemporary Realism” best describe her style, which entails applying pastel in a layered technique to create intense color and strong contrasts, Ellie Bender has won many national and regional awards, conducted workshops and demonstrations, taught classes for children and adults, and is a member of many art organizations. She has exhibited in galleries in Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. Commissioned portraits are her specialty. She photographs her subjects in an appropriate setting, developing an excellent likeness while bringing a painting to a professional finish. Ellie’s portfolio also includes landscapes, animals and still life. |
BONNIE POTTER: the master at work in her studio!
ABOUT BONNIE POTTER . . .
Bonnie Potter is an award-winning painter who shows extensively across New England. Originally a native of Maine, that state’s natural beauty strongly influences Ms. Potter’s paintings. Her love of art and nature combine to create harmonious settings that provide a resting place for the viewer. “My passion for painting has brought me great joy and fulfillment. As I have extended my boundaries of knowledge and skill in the arts, I have found a deep sense of fulfillment. I take great pride in my accomplishments and pleasure in bringing beauty to the canvas,” Bonnie says. Bonnie studied extensively with Bruce Raven and attended Lyme Academy of Fine Arts. Many of her paintings hang in private collections from New Jersey to Main. She's also painted numerous commissioned works for clients. Her subject matter covers a broad-spectrum including landscapes, still life and portraits. Ms. Potter has competed in local and national shows, winning numerous awards locally, including best in oils as well as pastel awards. On the national level, she has won awards for her pastel works and exhibited in galleries throughout Connecticut. Ms. Potter previously sat on the Board of the Connecticut Pastel Society. She is currently a member and instructor at Gallery 53. |
RITA SARRIS, artist & arts administrator extraordinaire!
ABOUT RITA SARRIS . . .
Rita Sarris is an outstanding fine artist as well as arts administrator. Rita studied oil painting with Bruce Raven and Pastels with David Cain and Mally DeSomma. She is currently a member of Gallery 53, Cheshire Art League, and the Watertown Art League where she served as treasurer in the past. Her art has been exhibited in shows at Goldsmiths in Cheshire, Waterbury Hospital, Cheshire Academy, at The Orchards, in Watertown and at Gallery 53. Additionally, Rita was director of Gallery 53 from February 2006 to December 2019. As Director she oversaw both the business and artistic administration of Gallery 53. Rita was responsible for scheduling art classes, workshops, and demonstrations. She coordinated exhibits, supervised volunteers, and arranged monthly art shows. Previously Rita was owner and office manager for Sarris Real Estate in Cheshire where she oversaw every aspect of the business. She studied business law, economics, and accounting at Quinnipiac University. As Director of Gallery 53 Sarris combined both her business skills and her love of art. |
