Opening reception and lecture Tuesday evening at Clare Gallery in Hartford

The Clare Gallery
285 Church St., Hartford, (860) 756-4034
Silence Speaks: Paying Homage to Gentle Giants of New England
Through Oct. 4, 2009
Opening reception: Tues., Sept. 29, 6—8 p.m.

Press release

The Clare Gallery is pleased to present Silence Speaks: Paying Homage to Gentle Giants of New England, an exhibition by painter Aleta Gudelski. The exhibition is free and open to the public and extends from August 6 to October 4, 2009. A reception and lecture will be held on Tuesday, September 29 from 6 to 8 p.m., at which time Ms. Gudelski will make a presentation exploring the origins and themes of her art. Her lecture will begin at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to the reception and lecture.

Silence Speaks pays tribute to the vanishing farms and barns throughout New England. The paintings focus on the haunting stillness of these majestic structures as they are being slowly reclaimed by the earth. Ms. Gudelski's work continues to be a journey of letting go and allowing the Divine to work through her and her brush to capture images that reflect peace, at times tension and frequently subtle challenges. Regarding this exhibition she states, "It is my deepest hope that these majestic barns in various stages of struggle yet still standing with profound dignity, whisper to your heart and soul. Perhaps some may be motivated to conserve, to treasure and to be mindful of the majesty of our farms past and present."

Ms. Gudelski has been exhibited nationally and has taught painting, drawing and design at both the secondary and college level for several years. She has also received advanced degrees from Wesleyan University and the Lyme Academy College of Fine Art.

The Clare Gallery primarily features exhibitions that emphasize world religions or interfaith themes, as well as social justice themes, on either a global or local level. The Gallery is housed in the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry at 285 Church Street. The Center is part of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church, a vibrant and active downtown faith community.

The Clare Gallery's hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The Gallery and all related events are free and open to the public. Free parking is available directly across from the church, and the facility is handicapped accessible. More information may be found at www.spsact.org, click "Community Life" and then "Clare Gallery."