Take a break and visit the Piedmont Art Show
By Dan Cassano, a Somers resident
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision”, a quote from the bible came to mind as I observed the many different paintings that came through the Piedmont Gallery door in late August.&nbsp; According to Show Chairman, Neil Connell there were over 159 submissions for this year’s 33rd Regional Juried Piedmont Art Show.&nbsp; The space can display up to 100 paintings depending upon their size.&nbsp; From a firefighter walking tall on a 6 foot canvas to a small color pencil sketch of toy animals; it was a tough call for Juror, Ted Fijal to decide what will be included in this year’s Art Show presented by the Somers Cultural Commission.&nbsp; I dropped by a week ago as Neil Connell began hanging the 93 paintings that Juror Figal selected.&nbsp; I was surprised and intrigued by what I saw.&nbsp; 
“Inviting interiors”Quiet strength emanates from a golden-haired sailor in the center of a nice sunny space, entitled “Daughter of the Wind”. My guess, artist Stephen Andwood’s subject has weathered many challenges at sea. (and you will have your own interpretation)For now, she is at rest enjoying a cup of Joe on a personal retreat. Her other home at sea is docked - land legs are fully back.







Explore spaces sacred to the individual.&nbsp; In Jack Broderick’s Oil, “Early Morning” there is a predominantly blue-colored, morning-lit kitchen.&nbsp; Everything is clean and orderly:&nbsp; plates, utensils hanging on the wall, and a teapot on the stove.&nbsp; A woman sits at a small table, covered in blue linen, her elbows resting on the table, cup and saucer of tea nearby, hands relaxed together in prayer or contemplation – her face hints at a sense of contentment and gratitude for a moment of peace. 
It feels like late autumn or early winter inside of a church.&nbsp; Three members of a family lighting small white votives appear in Laurie Pibble’s oil painting, “Thoughts and Prayers”.&nbsp; Candle light washing their faces warm.&nbsp; If this was a movie, you could connect this interior to an Exterior shot/winter: old white house just before nightfall, snow-covered ground.&nbsp; 14 candle lit windows illuminate Guy Blair’s Pastel painting, “Christmas Eve, Edgewood St”.
 “All Creatures Great and Small” In the spirit of James Herriot’s memoir, you can sense the love and respect the artists have for various animals from their lively portraits.


•&nbsp; A family of Gallus gallus domesticus.&nbsp; Two proud roosters protect a recent hatchling in Karen Burke’s Acrylic, “My Two Dads”.&nbsp; I found myself coming back to look at this true, classic family portrait.&nbsp; “Regal Rooster” by Ron Kirchbaom is another standout to check out. 
• You will get “Jack”, in this Pastel Portrait of a Jack Russell Terrier.&nbsp; His personality is ever-present.&nbsp; He is ready and willing to participate in anything you throw to him.
•&nbsp; A white-faced calf saying “hello”.&nbsp; In Karen Israel’s Pastel, “Udder Foolishness”, you can almost feel the strands of hair on its forehead 
There is gratitude and appreciation the artists have for their animal friends and the love they return.&nbsp; These animal’s expressions and personalities are remarkable! 
Artist Steve Wilda’s “Lost Soul, South of France, 1917” exemplifies the nature of “impermanence” as symbolized in objects most worn from a long life.&nbsp; On top of a small trunk from the early 20th century is a pair of brown tattered (depression era) work shoes.&nbsp; Next to the trunk is a Christian–themed ceramic (one of the stations of the cross?) that appears to have fallen.&nbsp; Below the shattered pieces on the floor lies a necklace of thorns and dried leaves.&nbsp; Emotions and conjecture tug from the human heart.&nbsp; Is this what remains when a spirit departs from our world?&nbsp; Does the painting convey hope or despair?
I learned at the gallery opening on Sept 13, I wasn’t too far off.&nbsp; The objects were from World War I.&nbsp; The boots may have belonged to a soldier.&nbsp; The thorns I saw were actually barbed wire.&nbsp; Juror Fidel described the work: “ A tour-de-force w/ thought provoking iconic images of war and religion”
I have many more notes, but hope what I was able to share for now may peak your interest.&nbsp; I wondered about what inspired several artists to paint winter scenes or another to imagine an unseen world of lost souls before they can ascend?&nbsp; When you stand in the middle of the Piedmont gallery, you can sense a “collective consciousness” of all the artists representing nearly a 100 different paintings. 
I felt awakened and inspired to be here on Main Street Somers.&nbsp; Take a break to nourish your mind and spirit.&nbsp; There are 85 more masterfully painted artworks for you to discover.&nbsp; See which paintings received awards.
The gallery will be open Thursday thru Sunday for 2 weeks beginning Sept 17.

Local Event: 33rd Regional Juried Piedmont Art Show

Tolland County

Ellington-Somers

Connecticut

33rd Regional Juried Piedmont Art Show

Take a break and visit the Piedmont Art Show
By Dan Cassano, a Somers resident
     “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of...

Daniel Cassano

Jay Kenney

Hartford Metropolitan Area

Chris Dehnel

Tolland

Hartford County

Enfield

Stafford-Willington

Vernon

Windsor Locks-East Windsor

South Windsor

Suffield

Manchester

Windsor

Mansfield-Storrs

Saint Martha Roman Catholic Church

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1B2jAhxteZ/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">K of C Council 14600 Annual Outdoor Craft Festival &amp; Car Show</a>
Ordinary people with extraordinary talents!!
Rain Rain or Shine
65 Unique &amp; Talented Crafters
Custom Tees 
Art Easy to grow plants in decorative containers 🪴.&nbsp; 
Face Painting &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hand made rosaries 📿&nbsp; 
Hand-beaded items Candles 🕯️&nbsp; 
Skin Care Products Glass blowing demonstration &nbsp; 
Baby items – Knitted &amp; Crocheted Stained Glass&nbsp; Permanent Jewelry Hex and Honey baked goods bakery 🧁&nbsp; 
Precious Stones&nbsp; Wooden door signs 🪧&nbsp; 
Paper Flowers 💐&nbsp; 
Soap 🧼&nbsp; Seasonal Silk wreaths and arrangements And much more!!!!&nbsp;

Local Event: K of C Council 14600 Annual OUTDOOR Harvest Craft Festival & Car Show

K of C Council 14600 Annual OUTDOOR Harvest...

K of C Council 14600 Annual Outdoor Craft Festival & Car Show
Ordinary people with extraordinary talents!!
Rain Rain or...

K of C Council 14600 Annual OUTDOOR Harvest Craft Festival & Car Show

Jay Heritage Center

The Jay Heritage Center (JHC) is proud to welcome educators and the general public to our site during September 2026, Constitution Month, to commemorate our nation’s journey towards independence and democracy. The free program is co-sponsored by the Mid-Hudson Social Studies Council. The event will be the first of many lively conversation about America at 250 with some of our country’s leading history scholars. It is open to teachers throughout the Mid Hudson and Sound Shore communities as well as Fairfield County.
Professors David Blight, Frank Cogliano, Joanne Freeman and Beverly Gage will take the stage at the new Wachenheim Center to examine the history of the nation-state and the contested nature of American national identity. The panel will discuss what the United States and the Constitution have meant to citizens over time and how that vision has changed or stayed constant. &nbsp;The event is FREE but registration is required. RSVP to Suzanne Clary at <a href="mailto:jayheritagecenter@gmail.com">jayheritagecenter@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://jayheritagecenter.org/2026/08/31/america-at-250-panel-for-educators-september-19th-2026/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">READ MORE ABOUT THE EVENT AND SPEAKERS HERE.</a>

Local Event: America at 250 for Educators

Westchester County

New York

America at 250 for Educators

The Jay Heritage Center (JHC) is proud to welcome educators and the general public to our site during September 2026,...

Tolland Green

🌿 Rain, rain, go away… we want YOGA on this day! 🧘‍♀️☀️
This Sunday is our Natural Health &amp; Wellness Market at the Tolland Green Market, and we’re bringing together local farms, healthy foods, natural wellness, movement, and community for a feel-good morning on the Green!
Start your Sunday with Be Love Yoga of Tolland for Yoga on the Green from 9–10 AM. Bring your mat and a $5 donation, stretch out under the morning sky, and then stay to shop the market from 10 AM–1 PM.
🌱 Stock up from your local farms
🥤 Grab fresh-pressed juices, ginger shots, kombucha and other gut-friendly goodies 
🥖 Pick up sourdough breads and treats
💆 Enjoy chair massages and connect with local wellness professionals from Revival Room 
🩺 Take advantage of blood pressure screenings and health education from Collaborative Natural Health of Manchester
🧴 Shop naturally made soaps, skincare, botanicals and other wellness products
☕ Grab a coffee from Travelin’ Tom’s and lunch from Saults
It’s the perfect Sunday to move your body, eat well, shop local and learn a little more about taking care of yourself naturally—all while supporting the farms and small businesses in our community. 💚
📍 Tolland Green Market
🧘 Yoga: 9–10 AM
🌿 Market: 10 AM–1 PM
📅 Sunday, September 20th
And as always, we accept WIC, SNAP &amp; FMNP, and you can DOUBLE your benefits at the Community/Ag Table!
Come join us in supporting your local farms and getting healthy this weekend! 🌱💚

Local Event: Tolland Green Market Natural Health & Wellness Market

Tolland Green Market Natural Health & Wellness...

🌿 Rain, rain, go away… we want YOGA on this day! 🧘‍♀️☀️
This Sunday is our Natural Health & Wellness Market at the Tolland Green...

Tolland Green Market Natural Health & Wellness Market

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Daniel Cassano, Neighbor

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33rd Regional Juried Piedmont Art Show

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10:00 AM

604 Main St, Somers, CT

K of C Council 14600 Annual OUTDOOR Harvest Craft Festival & Car Show

33rd Regional Juried Piedmont Art Show

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Tolland Green Market Natural Health & Wellness Market