An Artistic Gem

In 1973, at its foundation, the Arts of Tolland, Inc. had a simple mission: "provide supplemental fine arts programs in the local public schools."

Since then, the nonprofit arts organization can list several accomplishments, including the restoration of the original Tolland Town Hall on the town green into an arts center that provides a place for artists of various mediums to show their talents. It has also grown to the point where it can offer a to a graduating high school senior who will pursue higher education with the focus on fine arts. 

Yet, the group is struggling with how to keep itself and local artists in the public's eye.

"We have an identity crisis," Jackie Thompson, an administrator for the organization, said this week.

Thompson and board member Pat Scholz said many residents still do not know about the nearly monthly gallery openings, café nights and annual juried art show. Some are not even aware that the small, tan building, originally constructed in 1879 and lovingly restored with the help of $250,000 in grants, loans, donations and sweat equity, is occupied.

The mission now, in addition to showcasing the best artists in the area, including the performing arts, is to reintroduce themselves to Tolland residents and schools and make them aware of the vibrant arts community within their grasp.

"I want people to have an appreciation of art," Scholz said. "I want people to know that it is here, they should know of its existence, they should support the artists"

Thompson noted that it is not necessary for parents and school officials to bring children on field trips to museums outside of the region, when most could walk to the center on the green.

On April 30, the group opened the 8th Annual Juried Art School. Scholz, the chairwoman of the event, said 92 pieces - from landscapes and portraits to graphite and watercolor - were submitted and are currently hung in the center.

Vermont resident Robert O'Brien, the juror, noted in the show's program that there were "many, many, fine pieces represented in this show..."

Artists delivered their pieces three days leading up to the show. Unlike in previous years, none were rejected; all were hung. The lot includes professional artists and those that are not, but are certainly worthy of display.

Those chosen for awards include Enfield resident Douglas Gillette who won best in show for his graphite piece called Power of the 3B and Windsor resident Rosalie Gustafson who took home an honorable mention for her watercolor titled Strung Out.

The center is open in March through June for various art shows, whether they be by individual artists or the juried show, and then again from September through November. All paintings, sketches and drawings are reviewed before they are hung, Scholz said. The building is closed during the height of the summer months because temperature inside the non-climate controlled building.

During the months it is open, the group host regular café nights when they invite a musician to play, set up tall café tables and serve coffee and cakes.

Several private groups take advantage of the facility, including the Tolland County Art Association and upon occasion the Tolland Junior Women’s Club. Residents have also used the building, with its antique backdrop and original paintings lining the walls, for bridal or baby showers and once or twice as for small wedding receptions.

The current juried exhibit runs through May 22. The hours are as follows: May 12 & 13, 18-20 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., May 14 and 21 from noon until 4 p.m., and on May 22 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.