James Coe Workshop at Audubon Bent of the River 9/27-9/29

Last Fall I was lucky enough to see not one show but two shows of Jim's work, one in New Milford at the Gregory James Gallery and a second show in Windham, New York.  Jim's plein air pieces struck me as fresh, lively and the work of someone worth studying.  Jim will be teaching a workshop at the Audubon Bent of the River in Southbury CT the week end of September 27th, open to all levels of painters, oil preferred.

The weekend will begin with a meet and greet on Friday, 9/27 at 6:30 then Jim will follow up with a lecture on plein air methods and materials.  On Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting, artists will set up outside at the Bent  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a break for lunch at 12:30 p.m.  Jim will do a demonstration of his approach to plein air to start,  and will then help painters with their chosen subjects.  In the event of rain, students will move inside the large Bent barn and work from photo reference materials provided by Jim or their own photos.  Don't miss this great opportunity to learn and improve your skills with a master.  Limit:  12 artists.  Cost:  $250 non-members, $210 Bent members.  Membership: $35.  Download Info and Form

Daffodil Hill Growers Paintout: Saturday 6/29 and Sunday 6/30

A rustic working farm awaits with crops in the field, flowering annuals, interesting sheds (some with chickens), and old farm equipment, classic farm trucks, tended by Sarah Blersch and her husband Dan Slywka family. The property is located at 124 Horse Fence Hill Road in Southbury, off Route 172.  At Exit 14 on I-84 in Southbury, travel .6 mile North on 172.  Turn left on Horse Fence Hill and go up a steep hill .2 miles.  Property will be on right.  Pull down dirt driveway past green house on right (don't park there), continue down hill and look for parking on right side in grassy area.  Don't block dirt road please.
Brief slideshow of property:

In addition to Saturday, 6/29 from 9-4, painters and friends are welcome to join the Southbury Land Trust geology hikers and learn about the rocks under our feet, including fossilized wood found near the property.  Please see geology hike info below.

Info for Sunday's SLT Geology hike:

For those interested in local geology, history, agriculture, flowers and plants, this Southbury Land Trust “hike” has it all. 

On Sunday, June 30, Yale Professor Brian J. Skinner will do a walk and talk about the new genus of petrified wood discovered in South Britain.  Dating from the late Triassic age, this silicified conifer wood is unique, impressive and aptly named by Dr. Skinner, Pomperaugoxylon connecticutense, after our wonderful Southbury River.  The Southbury Historical Society has graciously offered to open its Old Town Hall Museum in South Britain for extra hours so participants may see their geology display, as explained by Professor Skinner. 

Next, attendees will car pool up Horse Fence Hill Road to Daffodil Hill Growers Farm.  This lovely hilltop farm is where Southbury’s own petrified wood was discovered.  Daffodil Hill Growers Farm is also fully and permanently preserved and protected.  In late 2010, the Southbury Land Trust acquired the conservation easement on the farm with assistance from a U.S. federal farmland grant and a Connecticut environmental protection grant. 

At this point, hiking will commence on the 15-acre Daffodil Hill Growers farm worked by the Blersch family since the 1940’s.  The hiking terrain is level and gently sloped with verdant woodlands and old stone walls – which are often the host of petrified wood. 

The hike will culminate at the Daffodil Hill Growers greenhouses.  Once again, the Southbury Land Trust has lucked out because the Blersches will open their nursery for participants – perfect timing for polishing off the home gardens and patios with a selection of beautiful Daffodil Hill Growers hanging planters, perennials and annuals.

To be a part of this fascinating journey, participants should meet at the Southbury Town Hall lower parking lot at 1:30 p.m.     From there, hikers will carpool the short distance to the SHS Museum and then on up to Daffodil Hill Growers.  The event will conclude with refreshments around 4:00 p.m.  The Southbury Land Trust welcomes the general public to this free event.  Appropriate footwear is encouraged for the hike.  There is no rain date, heavy rain cancels the event.  For further information, please telephone the Southbury Land Trust office at (203)264-4441.