Art, Culture & Community
Educational Programs & Artist Talks
Connecting artists and the community through history, culture, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Sherman Artists Association’s commitment to the arts extends beyond exhibitions and community events. Through guest speakers, educational presentations, artist demonstrations, and collaborative discussions, we create opportunities for artists and the public to learn, exchange ideas, and explore the many ways art enriches our lives.
Our programs celebrate regional artistic heritage, introduce diverse cultural perspectives, explore the creative process, and provide practical education that supports artists at every stage of their development.
These gatherings also strengthen connections among artists, cultural institutions, and community organizations throughout Sherman and the surrounding region.
Presentations take place at our monthly meetings, held in person and on Zoom so artists and community members throughout the region can take part.
Art, History & Cultural Heritage
Exploring the people, places, traditions, and stories that shape our cultural landscape.
The Practice of Practice: Calligraphy, Culture & Creative Expression
Alibaba Awrang | November 2025
Afghan artist and master calligrapher Alibaba Awrang shared his artistic journey and creative practice, exploring the relationship between language, imagery, and cultural identity. Following his evacuation from Afghanistan in 2021 and resettlement in Connecticut, Awrang continued developing work rooted in artistic traditions and personal experience.
His presentation offered insight into the connections between art, cultural heritage, displacement, and creative expression. Awrang was also recognized with Best in Show at SAA’s August Light exhibition in 2025.
A Century of Community: Inside the Sherman Playhouse
Missy Alexander | April 8, 2026
Missy Alexander, President of the Sherman Playhouse, explored the history of one of Sherman’s longstanding cultural institutions. From its origins as a church to its transformation into a community theater, the Playhouse reflects generations of dedication to preserving local history and the performing arts.
The presentation examined the challenges of sustaining a historic arts organization, the importance of community participation, and the role of theater in bringing generations together through storytelling.
Preserving an Artistic Legacy: The Martha Graham Archive
Oliver Tobin | February 2024
Oliver Tobin introduced participants to the process of organizing and preserving artifacts associated with pioneering modern dancer Martha Graham, and the importance of documentation, conservation, and safeguarding artistic legacies for future generations. Preserve & Protect: Approaching an Art Archive
A Century of Regional Art: The Kent Art Association
Debbie Schiflett-Fitton | September 2023
In celebration of the Kent Art Association’s centennial, Debbie Schiflett-Fitton presented the organization’s history and the notable artists who helped establish it, exploring the artistic heritage of the Litchfield Hills and the region’s historic artist communities.
Regional Art: Washington Art Association
Nathaniel Cardonsky | July 2025
Nathaniel Cardonsky described how he manages fundraising and programming for the Washington Art Association, a nonprofit dedicated to art education, exhibitions and special events. He also shared his hands-on creative role in jurying and curating the organization’s prominent group exhibitions.
Preserving Local History Through the Arts: Merwinsville Hotel Restoration
Jeremy Ruman | September 2023
Jeremy Ruman explored the history of the Merwinsville Hotel and efforts to preserve this historic landmark, highlighting how community art exhibitions and fundraising contribute to historic preservation.
Landscape, Memory & the Language of Place
Bill Gore | February 2026
Photographer Bill Gore explored the relationship between landscape, memory, and human experience, and how photography can communicate a sense of place and preserve personal and collective memories.
Artists, Ideas & Creative Expression
Discovering the experiences, techniques, and inspirations behind artistic work.
Exploring Artistic Materials and Creative Inspiration
Wendy Shalen | October 2025
Multidisciplinary artist and educator Wendy Shalen shared her work in glass, drawing, painting, and handmade paper, along with her creative process, influences, and exploration of materials and techniques.
The Photographer’s Journey
Jane Haslam | March 2024
Photographer and LAND Gallery owner Jane Haslam shared her development as an artist, the evolution of her photographic practice, and her experience establishing a presence in the regional arts community.
Painting Outdoors: The Plein Air Experience
Doreen O’Connor | April 2024
Artist Doreen O’Connor introduced plein air painting, sharing her portable setup and practical techniques for working in watercolor and acrylic outdoors, with direct observation and natural light.
Meditative Art and Creative Exploration
Amber Vlangas | January 2024
Amber Vlangas introduced meditative art practices through discussion and creative exercises designed to encourage reflection, self-expression, and creative exploration.
From Picture Books to Fine Art
Michael Garland | May 2024
New York Times best-selling author and illustrator Michael Garland has written and illustrated 44 children’s picture books and illustrated more than 50 others. Garland traced his evolution as an author, publisher, illustrator, and fine artist, and shared how he moves between illustration and oil painting. He has also taught at Marist College and Mount Saint Mary College. garlandpicturebooks.com · michaelgarlandfineart.com
Supporting Artists Through Education
Providing practical knowledge and resources that help artists develop, present, and share their work.
Writing an Effective Artist Statement
Debra Rose | June 2024
Debra Rose guided artists through developing clear, meaningful artist statements: organizing their ideas, describing their creative intentions, and communicating the significance of their work.
Fine Art Printing and Reproduction
Mark Savoia | Still River Editions | August 2025
Mark Savoia introduced professional printing options and reproduction services, helping participants understand the technical considerations in preparing and presenting artwork.
Turning Your Art into Products: Sublimation Printing
Christina Maschke | July 2024
Christina Maschke showed artists how to extend the reach of their work by printing it on everyday products using sublimation printing, including a live demonstration of printing artwork onto a mug. View the presentation handout
Photographing Your Artwork
Linda Hubbard | November 2023
Linda Hubbard shared practical techniques for photographing artwork, including lighting, composition, reducing glare, choosing backgrounds, and keeping documentation consistent.
Exhibition Preparation and Artwork Labeling
Linda Hubbard and Tony Gomez | March 2026
Participants explored practical methods for organizing exhibitions, preparing artwork labels, managing artist information, and coordinating registration and volunteer sign-ups with common digital tools.
Community Connections & Creative Partnerships
Introducing artists to regional organizations and opportunities for collaboration.
Expanding Access to Arts and Crafts Education
Liza Liebowitz | Brookfield Craft Center | September 2025
Liza Liebowitz, Executive Director of the Brookfield Craft Center, introduced the center’s educational programs, exhibitions, and craft disciplines, highlighting the value of accessible, lifelong arts education.
Sherman Radio & The LOFT: Opportunities for Community Creativity
Chris Lois Vlangas | January 2026
Chris Lois Vlangas introduced Sherman Radio and The LOFT, highlighting opportunities for artistic collaboration, community participation, and creative expression through local initiatives.
Creative Collaboration with the Sherman Players
Jessica Durdock Moreno | March 2024
Jessica Durdock Moreno, Artistic Director of the Sherman Players, discussed how visual artists can contribute to local theater through set design, painting, props, and costumes.
Connecting Artists with Regional Exhibition Opportunities
Kelly Edwards | Arbor Gallery | February 2025
Kelly Edwards introduced Arbor Gallery in Carmel, New York, and opportunities for regional artists to exhibit their work, take part in creative events, and reach new audiences.
A Hidden Gem for Creativity and Connection: Hudson Valley InterArts
Kelly Daley | Hudson Valley InterArts | March 11, 2026
Kelly Daley, Manager of Hudson Valley InterArts in Patterson, New York, introduced the creative and healing arts center, with studios for ceramics, painting, sound recording and digital media, a gallery with rotating exhibitions open to artists in any medium, and inclusive classes where beginners and experienced artists create side by side. Read more about the talk
Our Speakers
Presenters have represented organizations across the region, including the Sherman Playhouse, the Sherman Players, Kent Art Association, Washington Art Association, Brookfield Craft Center, the Merwinsville Hotel restoration, Arbor Gallery, Hudson Valley InterArts, LAND Gallery, Still River Editions, Sherman Radio and The LOFT, and the Martha Graham Archive.
Continuing a Tradition of Learning and Collaboration
Sherman Artists Association believes that meaningful engagement with the arts extends beyond creating or exhibiting artwork.
By bringing together artists, educators, historians, cultural organizations, and community members, our educational programs encourage curiosity, preserve knowledge, foster creative expression, and strengthen the cultural connections that enrich our region.
We invite artists and community members to join us for future presentations, conversations, and creative experiences.
Monthly Meetings
Second Wednesday of every month · 6:30 pm
Sherman Senior Center, 8 CT-37, Sherman, CT, or attend via Zoom. Members can find the Zoom link on the Members Only page.
Each meeting features a guest speaker, artist demonstration, or hands-on workshop. Members and artists interested in joining are welcome.
Upcoming Speakers
Speakers are announced each month by email. Join our email list to hear about upcoming talks.
Questions? Email shermanartists@gmail.com
