5 minute read
Meet the artists
Meet the artists at Shoreline Arts Trail Open Studios
By Cris Cadiz
Oil painter Eileen Eder considers it an honor to host visitors during the annual Shoreline Arts Trail Open Studios Weekend. She is one of 45 artists from Guilford, Branford, and Madison to welcome guests into their usually private workspaces for this event.
“After working all year alone in my studio or out in the landscape, having the public come in and compliment my work is a gift that energizes me through the year,” says Eder.
The Shoreline Arts Trail comprises professional artists who work in a variety of media, including painting, ceramics, glass, jewelry, sculpture, textiles, collage, and woodworking.
“Our select, juried group is not overwhelming,” Eder says, comparing the event to similar area open studio events. “The public can be assured they are visiting artists with a track record of quality work. Most of our members are full-time artists or artisans who exhibit locally and nationally. Several are also art teachers.”
Now in its 24th year, the Shoreline Arts Trail Open Studio Weekend has become a popular way to explore the Connecticut shoreline’s artist community, drawing hundreds of art lovers each year. Visitors can meet the artists, ask questions, see works in progress, and purchase local art ahead of the busy holiday shopping season. Though the event happens in November, artists from this collective are available by appointment throughout the year. Contact information is available at shorelineartstrail.org.
Eder’s Guilford studio (eileeneder.com) has had many repeat visitors over the years.
“The event inspires me to have new and interesting paintings. I want my studio to be worth the time to visit, especially now that so much is online,” she says. “Many of us will have work in progress so the public can see our process. We also are happy to have families with children come and learn. If people can’t make it to an artist’s studio, they can contact the artist and visit anytime during the year. Often, I have visitors make a date to come back before the holidays for a gift for their spouse or for themselves.”
Robert Parrott and Anita Griffith of Griffith & Parrott Pottery (potteryct.com) are a married couple with adjacent studios in Madison. They are both full-time studio potters with very different styles. Parrott’s pottery is primarily high-fired stoneware glazed with a landscape motif using wax resist. His work is widely exhibited and held in private collections throughout the United States and abroad.
“Our work is completely different from one another’s,” says Griffith, whose pieces are whimsical, colorful, and functional. Griffith encourages open studio visitors not to feel self-conscious about engaging with the artists: “Remember, we invited you in and will be very happy to see you.”
Fiber artist Carol Grave of Branford weaves on a large floor loom, creating fabric landscapes inspired by the works of “the Masters” and local artists. She is also an art quilter who makes textiles and recycled-material collages.
“I believe in happy accidents and mixing elements; some of my works combine fabric, yarn, found objects, and paint,” Grave says. She urges visitors to explore the open studio’s website ahead of the Arts Trail to see which artists or art forms intrigue them.
Watercolor painter Steve Plaziak of Guilford (splaziak.faso.com) enjoys the open studios weekend as a time to reflect on his work and view it objectively. As a “spur-of-the-moment” painter, he captures ephemeral moments such as “diamond light on the water” or “a burst of color from autumn leaves.” He participated in the tour as a visitor for a few years before joining the Shoreline Arts Trail collective.
“Speak to the artists, learn more about their process,” Plaziak advises visitors. “It’s an impressive community and a fun weekend.”
Nikki Travaglino’s hyper-realistic acrylic paintings are inspired by her experience growing up as a mechanic’s daughter in a family that owned gas stations.
“I was always around cars… specifically hot rods and muscle cars. I saw the beauty in the shapes and lines of the cars and began to appreciate and draw them,” Travaglino says. “Over the years, I’ve captured thousands of photos at car shows and enjoy painting the chrome and reflections in the paint.” Travaglino’s studio is in Madison, and her website is chromeandcoastlines.com
Even with a curated group of just 45 artists, having a plan is helpful for the two-day event. The Shoreline Arts Trail website includes artist bios, images, and links to artists’ websites. Google Maps for each town with studio locations are also available to help visitors plan a driving route. Visit shorelineartstrail.org for more information.
