Emerging Artists Exhibition at the Maritime Gallery

rung in the new year by showcasing the talents of .  Now on display is work by emerging artists from Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts and , as well as a couple of self-trained independent artists. The media displayed includes paint, clay, mixed media, print making and more.

Katie Fogg, a former student at the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, is now the manager of The Gallery at Firehouse Square. She understands the difficulties involved in breaking into the creative world and wanted to curate an exhibit at the gallery dedicated to supporting these artists.  The gallery also wants to make sure to show work by artists of all skill levels and have an eclectic set of work, not just the maritime theme usually espoused by the gallery.

“Emerging Artists” is the first show of this type for the gallery but they would like to have a show related to up and coming artists at least once a year.

The opening reception was “different from most,” says Fogg, because the young artists brought their peers to the show.  “Overall there was a broader spectrum of ages attending the show,” she said, which is good for the gallery because many new art appreciators are now aware of an awesome new art space.

As part of the opening reception a couple of the artists spoke about their work. “We always make sure that some of the artists are present to talk about their work…you don’t always get to meet the artist in the bigger galleries in New York or locations like that.” This is a personal touch, characteristic of most New London galleries.

Present to speak were Christina Finch of Connecticut College and Christopher Martin of LACFA.  Finch’s work consists of a colorful and imaginative array of fine clay pottery and Jewelry. Martin's work depicts male figures and portraits illustrated in oil and graphite on wooden boards.

“I'm learning one of the most important aspects of an artist’s life is belonging to a creative community. The energy that comes from working around other artists is hard to generate on your own,” says print making artist Leah Albert.  Having group shows like this with artists from so many different backgrounds not only gives the public a chance to see a great variety of work but also allows artists to learn from one another and gain inspiration for future individual or collaborative efforts.

The exhibit runs through March 25th at the Maritime Gallery at Firehouse Square.  Make sure to visit and support these budding artists.