New Britain Creative Opportunities with Adrian Elliott
the High Voltage Project, Art Street Mural, and Gallery 66 shows
One of the major catalysts for my creative opportunities came from Gallery 66 and curator extraordinaire, Adrian Elliott. I started entering shows and artist talks this year there which brought me to a whole new level in 2023. There are many talented artists in Connecticut, however, a rare occurrence is for incredible artist advocates that not only promote creative possibilities but also bring out an artist’s inner creative voice and value. She is a true artist hero.
Certain creative projects came to fruition this season. The first was a show featuring a focus on mental health-themed “You are Enough”. My entry was one of the first paintings I did post-pandemic titled “Regrowth”. It was the first painting I wanted to do - COVID depleted my urge to create and wanting to create again was a major milestone for me. I almost entered a page from my journal but decided that I wasn’t ready to share my revelations on a larger scale. Adrian has a way of encouraging, supporting, and validating with each and every artist in the gallery. A true gift to artists.
Adrian also encouraged us to participate in the Arch Street beautification project. This was the first outdoor mural street project I’ve ever been a part of and was so touched to be included. My fellow artist James D’Amore was also pivotal in this project.
The current project I am working on was also encouraged by Adrian and is the High Voltage Art Project which is also meant to be part of a New Britain Beautification Project. My sketch was approved focusing on the beauty of Walnut Hill Park.
The October rains have proven to be preventative for major progress with an added delay with the top varnish. Also, each box has its own dimensions and features which all prove to modify the initial creative sketch plan. However I am now 99% done and incorporating a new top varnish to complete the project.
If you are a fellow artist interested in artist opportunities in New Britain including the High Voltage project, please let me know and I’d be happy to help!