Is this a mirage?

Could this be a real or is it all in our minds? A mirage? The heat and humidity makes you wonder what is and what isn't! Imagine walking down this path and taking a dip in the cold ocean water! Invigorating! Get to meet Stephen DiRienzo, artist of "Narragansett Beach" at an exhibit reception on Thursday August 15th...Yes, that is right the next 3rd Thursday Walnut Beach Art Stroll! See you soon.....stay cool!

Sneak peek about August

With the hot humid days of summer upon us one is always looking for ways to be refreshed. Keep that thought. Here's a sneak peek to what is in store at Sobobo for August by featured artist Stephen DiRienzo. You can hear the cork pop, the cold wine pouring into an iced wine glass, and see the water droplets on each strawberry after they have been taken from the fridge waiting to hit your tongue, feel the cold...wow how refreshing!

 

 

July 18th - Walnut Beach 3rd Thursday Art Stroll

Walnut Beach 3rd Thursday Art Stroll is the hot spot of Milford! Come walk with us as we stroll down the Avenue at Walnut Beach enjoying the celebration of Illumination Night lighting our way as we take in the culinary arts, visual arts, performing arts, music and enjoying the company of friends and acquaintances! Come early enjoy the culinary arts at Lazy Lobster, Alfa's Pizza, Costa Azzura, New Town Market and Aldario's.

As you walk off that full feeling you will see a wonderment of light : Beginning at 6:00 pm!

Firehouse Gallery, 81 Naugatuck Avenue will be hosting its opening reception for its new themed exhibit "Sunrise/Sunset" a juried show. Juror Hedi Minow-Pike will have the honor of the difficult task to chose which works are accepted and which works will win.

When you are done admiring the works at Firehouse Gallery, meander on down to Sobobo Gallery at 42 Naugatuck Avenue and meet up with July's Artist - William Ahern as he takes us on a "directional inspired journey" starting at 6:30 pm...a Master Brewer will also be on hand for you to taste his creations. . .You will find yourself in a world of amazing art done by over 60 amazing artists!

Head to Seaside Wines & Spirits three doors down from Sobobo and see what distinct flavor will be yours. . .perhaps a drizzle of Schnapps, or Brandy over your dessert? Hmmmm....

Scoot & Paddle will be guests this evening as they join in walking the Avenue. But return on Friday to see their utilitarian art! Totes made from old sails and sneakers hand made by artisans in Peru.  And make sure to reserve a kayak, a scooter or the bicycle built for two.

When heading back to Broadway, stop in Beach Gallery and join in their hands on event! Featuring SPOILED products, sea scrubs under Beach Gallery name - samples and scrubbing will be happening! Check out all of the local artists works from photography, to paintings and more!

Get back on Broadway and head down to Wild Expressions! The scents of the floral artistry will envelope you with grace! Your senses become heightened listening to music by The Captain Rocks - Tom Ferraro and back by popular demand The Venetian Vegan - old world Italian recipes created into vegan dishes - delectable!






   Now that you feel a little lighter and have  
   room for dessert....head across the street to

Walnut Beach Creamery and Taste & See Gourmet Cupcakes...(don't forget to bring that Schnapps or Brandy to drizzle over your dessert)  and enjoy decadent desserts!

It's not over yet! The lights will cast a glow for you to follow heading over to the Walnut Beach Park on the corner of East Broadway and Naugatuck Avenue to end the evening with a Salsa dance! Enjoy the music! Enjoy the movement and watch DJ Brian Smith spin the vinyls!

So join us, see what's happening and enjoy!

July's Artist William Ahern : "A Madness with Meaning Takes on a Directional Inspired Journey"

"In 2009, I was in the art supply store to purchase supplies for my custom jewelry.  While passing the paint supply section, I was suddenly overcome with an urge to also purchase some paint, canvases, and brushes.  It felt like a calling.

As I was off for that whole weekend, I went home to begin my new endeavor.  I didn’t have a clue of where to begin; therefore, I decided to proceed in whatever direction fate were to direct me. From the time that my brush first touched the canvas I found myself on an unstoppable course.  I quickly developed my own rhythm.  At this time, I realized that painting and I was a perfect match.  My personal strength is painting abstracts.

Oftentimes, while staring at a blank canvas, I feel uninspired. Yet, almost immediately after applying a base/background color I am provided the inspiration to begin.  However, to acquire just the right flow for the direction of the work’s completion, the color has to be just right for my directional inspiration.

Some have commented that my work is similar to that of Jackson Pollack and Matt Roe. Personally, much of my work is derived from the “madness with meaning” that emerges from within.  This madness truly allows for my escape to an expressional place within.

The increased interest of others in my art only enhances my interest in sharing and revealing me to those who share my appreciation for personal expression through various aspects of art.
With each piece, I am further pushed to reveal myself to the world."

-- William Ahern, 2013

William Ahern's art draws you in. Each piece pulls you one way and pushes you into another direction causing a sense of "madness with meaning". Each direction of his paint strokes has a statement; not only creating his own "escape to an expressional place within" but helps you to escape finding your own expression/impression of what is being seen.

"Madness with meaning" are words that can be taken to have so many different meanings for each of us; however, William Ahern has found a way to put all of those meanings you have thought of into a "tangible vision." One can see their own thoughts emerge as the deliberate placement of color reaches out to you. But one asks is the placement of each color, each stroke, each splatter as deliberate as one would think? 

William feels when inspiration is achieved, he deliberately adds the colors of choice to take the work on a "directional inspired journey." Often more so than not, these "choices" seem to have a life of their own and are truly not choices but "inspiration", as William states, that allows his artistic talent to flow. The vivid colors catches your eye causing you to stop and become one with the flow of the direction the art work takes you. As seen in "Emerald Galaxy"

When you stop to think, you find thoughts are clearer or may have a "mind of their own" that becomes that "madness with meaning".  A more controlled thought is seen in "Mind Trap"

Looking at "Happier Times" you see fluidness but at the same time there are abrupt paint strokes that start diverting you into another direction, happenstance? or deliberate?

"Happier Times" - acrylics - by William Ahern

He has brought you in, he has brought you on a "directional inspired journey". To continue on this journey, visit Sobobo Gallery during the month of July to see William Ahern's exhibit. An exhibit reception will be held on Thursday, July 18th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.  Come see how "madness with meaning" can take you on a directional inspired journey.

"The Way We Were. . . "

Sobobo Gallery is going back to "the way we were. . ." Change is abound at Sobobo Gallery! New or it should be said Old . . . . only you can tell the difference. If you are new to visiting Sobobo then the changes are new; if you have visited when we were located at 17 Broadway then they are old - it does makes sense.

Changes to take place with the new exhibit installation for July! Perhaps a preview before the 3rd Thursday Art Stroll?

See you soon . . . .

If you count today, it is 4 DAYS away!

If you count today, it is 4 DAYS away! Wondering what it is? It is the 3^rd Thursday! 3^rd Thursday means only one thing . . . . Walnut Beach Art Stroll is happening!

Come early and enjoy the culinary arts of:  Lazy Lobster, New Town Market, Alfas, Aldarios and Costa Azzurra.

Afterwards walk down the Avenue and check out each venue; One can get a glimpse of the evening’s affair, Firehouse Gallery “Flowering” exhibit has one wanting to stare;

Sobobo Gallery’s prelude to the night’s events will have you gazing at Ivan Tirado working on a sculpture that will form to make sense; Enjoy the sounds of saxophonist Addison and bass player Morris; The constant flow brings one from a still coolness to an emotional soulness; Heightening the senses to enjoy Andrew Hungaski’s, “A Tangible Vision” that guides you to three doors down with precision.

To enjoy another “tangible” experience at Seaside Wines & Spirits; A wine tasting that will tantalize your taste buds, This experience will have you continue on the stroll seeking out more;

Beach Gallery showing art with found objects; Wearable art by artisans Judy Fryer Thompson, Cathy Nolan and Kim Fleming, for their jewelry is truly worth seeing!

Scoot & Paddle has utilitarian and wearable art as well! When you enter, you surely are under their spell, because whether it be a bicycle, kayak, or scooter you will end up having to schedule a rental;

Continue down Broadway and stop in front of old Ortiz’s spot and check out the store front! You will see the “Tangible Vision” of an historical sense designed by Tyyne Catapano and Elizabeth Wright that you will hear yourself say “A beautiful display! One that makes the area so bright!”

Two doors down to Wild Expressions you should go, where a Tangible Vision titillates your senses! You  find yourself surrounded by music by “The Light Hearts” Brian and Susan; Enveloped with the scents of Floral Art and the hint of the culinary art by The Venetian Vegan who has put a new twist on grandma's Italian recipes! Taste it! Hear it! Smell it! Feel it! The Tangible Vision explodes so much so!

Across the street to Walnut Beach Creamery and Taste & See you should go to bring home with you their hand made gourmet treats! Tangible Vision continues to tease and in the end you find yourself saying “I must have that one, please!”

An end to the evening must take place; so meander over to the corner of Naugatuck and East Broadway where you will find DJ Brian Smith in the Park space playing a medley of Salsa music and Art, will demonstrate the dance!  An evening one would say of extravagance!

Come and join us, enjoy the 3^rd Thursday Walnut Beach Art Stroll filled with art, food & drink, dance and lively discussion!

The Jazz Duo : Addison & Morris

 

Playing at Sobobo : Thursday, June 20th