Suffield Woman’s Club hosts art show

(L-r) Joan Bedard, Pat Griffin, Alice Bottiglieri and Vicki Markowski at the Suffield Woman’s Club’s Arts and Crafts Show. Photos by Kathryn Elliott.

On snowy winter days, gray skies and dreary forecasts can darken even the most artistic of souls. Shaking off the cold weather blues, the Suffield Woman’s Club – a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Connecticut – hosted its annual Arts and Crafts Show on March 8 at the Suffield Senior Center.

Featuring various media including photography, painting, pencil sketches and needlework, the SWC took great care in creating a showcase of local talent.

“We had some lovely entries this year,” said event organizer Vicki Markowski. “All of the women who brought in their projects are very talented.”

Several pieces displayed much more than artistic ability, and spoke right to the heart of the artist. Lisa Pepe created a colored pencil sketch entitled “My Hero’s Helmet.” The picture, depicting a fireman’s helmet, has significant meaning to Pepe. “It is a gift for my father, Nick Pepe. He was a firefighter for 30 years. The picture took 33 hours to complete,” she explained.

Alice Bottiglieri, a life-long knitter, contributed hand-crafted children’s hats and specialty items. Bottiglieri knits for relaxation, but also for a purpose. “I donate a lot of my work to Emergency Aid here in town. They work with families in need,” Bottiglieri said.

Quilter Lorna Knudsen contributed a multi-color submission entitled “Walk About,” and a white stitched pillow - both stitched by hand. Knudsen said that quilting is her therapy.

Joan Bedard, current SWC president, added an oil-on-velvet painting and Pat Griffin entered an Erin Go Bragh-themed counted cross-stitch.

Crossing media to photography, Renee Wood, a 25-year amateur photographer, entered three photos, the most eye-catching of which was of her grand-dog, Bowser.

Members of the SWC were invited to view and vote on all artwork. Taking the top honors of Best in Show was Vicki Markowski for her colored pencil sketch, “The Chickadee.” Markowski is now eligible to enter her drawing into the district-wide competition in April.

After a light lunch, area fine arts teacher Lynda Montefusco provided a program entitled “A Stroke of Color” and took questions from the club members.