The latest news for you from Gallery 53

GALLERY 53 NEWSLETTER | May 2026

gallery news & updates

Dedicated to keeping art ALIVE in Meriden . . ..

April & May Exhibits: all ART, all the time!

2026 Abstract Art Exhibit BEST IN SHOW

In Memory of Mike Rhode

Distant Lights by John Lanzl

2026 Fiber Art Exhibit BEST IN SHOW

In Memory of Jane Ashton

Savages by Lynn Power

Our 2026 Abstract Art Exhibit featured more than 70 works ranging from purely non-objective to abstract realism. Judged by Alex Ranniello, the exhibit was in the gallery through April 30^th and can now be viewed as a virtual exhibit.

Visitors to the gallery this month can see our 2026 Fiber Art Exhibit. The exhibit explores how regional artists exploit the creative potential of textiles to create new, exciting and meaningful works. Thank you to Karen Bergeron and Sharon Lee for judging the exhibit. In the gallery through May 28^th.

AMERICA 250: a celebration of our nation!

New Window Mural for 53 Colony Street!

If you're driving down Colony Street, check out our new window mural painted by Michael Miller of Miller Art and Murals. It’s a celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary, featuring icons like the Liberty Bell and an American Eagle. Kudos to Michael for bringing this vision to life! You'll also see this celebration of our nation reflected in our upcoming themed exhibits!

STUDENT ART EXHIBIT

Who: Students 10 - 18 years old who live in Meriden, Wallingford, Berlin, Cheshire, North Haven, Southington, Durham or Middlefield

What: Student exhibit celebrating America - its culture, history and heritage

When: June 19, 2026 Entry Deadline

Awards: $300 in cash awards

info

Student Artists: This is your chance to have your art seen and recognized!

sponsored by Meriden Rotary Club

RENOVATIONS UPDATE

Day by day, our third floor is getting closer to being finished! The Air Conditioning and HVAC are in the final stages, the third floor has been inspected and approved, and sheet rock is in place. As of Tuesday, painting is almost complete and the beautiful hardwood floors should be finished in a week or two. After working towards this goal since 2020, we literally can’t wait to start using this additional space!

l to r: Executive Board Member Janet Gawlak inspects work on the 3rd floor, new 3rd floor studio space, mezzanie above the 3rd floor

GALLERY NEWS

ELEANOR BENDER

October 11, 1928 - April 19, 2026

We’re deeply saddened to share that our fellow artist and dear friend, Ellie Bender, passed away on April 19th. Ellie was an extraordinarily talented portrait artist and professional illustrator, as well as a longtime member of G53. Her creativity, warmth, and unique spirit touched so many in our community. If you would like to honor Ellie's memory, her family has set up a memorial fund.

RAY GAWLAK: on exhibit at Meriden Public Library

Ray Gawlak, professional photographer and G53 Member, has an exhibit at Meriden Public Library this month. Be sure to check it out!

Ray has also shot some incredible photos of local sports events, like the 2025 Maloney vs. Platt Thanksgiving Day Football Game. See those images here.

Left: Donors came in all shapes, sizes . . . and species, like Henry and Oscar Carr

Rigth: Event Chair & Co-President Kathi Gorman

We Crushed It! THANKS, everyone!

We had perfect weather for our Can & Bottle Drive on May 16th! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we collected bags upon bags of cans and bottles.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who supported this fundraiser. We’re already looking forward to our next Can & Bottle Drive in September, so please start saving those empties now!

CHERYL NAPOLITANO is offering two upcoming fine arts classes - drawing & watercolor

CHERYL NAPOLITANO:

New Instructor

Please give a warm welcome to new instructor Cheryl Napolitano! Cheryl holds a Bachelor's Degree of Fine Arts from Paier College of Art. She brings a strong background in classical art, drawing and painting, as well as color theory, perspective and composition to her workshops. Besides pursuing creative expression through pottery, cake decorating and fine art, Cheryl uses her artistic talent as a tattoo artist. She is the owner of Time & Tide Tattoo in Downtown Meriden, specializing in fine line designs.

Left to right: Executive Director Sandy Goodyear, Ariana D'Avanzo, Vice President Maureen Harry

THANKS, Burns & McDonnell!

On May 21st, Burns & McDonnell, an engineering, architecture, and construction firm in Wallingford, welcomed Gallery 53 as the featured nonprofit at their employee breakfast. Employees purchased freshly made breakfast sandwiches, with all proceeds benefiting Gallery 53.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone at Burns & McDonnell for their generosity and support, and especially to Ariana D’Avanzo, whose efforts were instrumental in adding Gallery 53 to the company’s nonprofit donation program

WANTED: Your Donations!

WANTED: Gently Used Handbags, "Junque" Jewelry, Wine & Paper Goods!

Donate your gently used handbags, “junque” jewelry and unopened bottles of wine and we’ll put them to good use in our upcoming events! PLUS, we always need paper goods. THANK YOU for your support!