GALLERY 53 NEWSLETTER | March 2026 | | Dedicated to keeping art ALIVE in Meriden . . .. | | NEW ELEVATOR: a dream realized! | | l to r: THE DREAM TEAM - Dave Cooley, Bruce Burchsted and Executive Director Sandy Goodyear - shepherded this project from start to finish - including sleepless nights! | | New Elevator Ribbon Cutting! | |
On February 25th, a decade-long dream became reality at Gallery 53! Our newly installed elevator was officially certified — and we took the very first ride together.
What a journey it has been. From funding applications and countless construction meetings to unexpected challenges and delays, this project tested our patience and perseverance. Through it all, an incredibly dedicated volunteer committee and a team of highly skilled vendors carried us forward.
We celebrated with a champagne toast and took a moment to reflect on what this truly means. This elevator changes EVERYTHING for Gallery 53. It allows full use of every floor in our building and, most importantly, opens our doors wider than ever before — welcoming community members who haven’t previously been able to access our programs.
THANK YOU, everyone, for your support!
| | BREAD & BROTH: a delicious FUNdraiser! | | |
WHAT:
2026 Bread & Broth Supper
WHEN:
March 26, 2026 l 5:00 – 7:30 PM
WHERE:
First Church of Meriden
62 Colony Street, Meriden, CT 06451
| Meriden art teacher Gary O’Neil, along with local students and potters, has teamed up with Gallery 53 to bring you a one-of-a-kind community FUNdraiser — Bread & Broth! Each guest will receive a handcrafted ceramic bowl made by a student and enjoy a delicious selection of homemade soups, plus fresh bread, beverages, and desserts.We keep adding to our menu, which right now includes Butternut Squash Bisque, Corn Chowder, Clam Chowder, Minestrone, Tomato Bisque, and Chicken/Sausage/Kale/Vegetable created by: | | | |
TICKETS ARE LIMITED! Don't miss out!
Buy your tickets TODAY!
| | 2026 EBONY & IVORY ART EXHIBIT | | Congratulations to Jonathan Crosby, whose piece "Revolt" was awarded BEST IN SHOW, In Memory of Mike Rhode, in our 2026 Ebony & Ivory Art Exhibit | | In February, we showcased 57 outstanding works of art in balck & white - with a pop of color. Judged by Bonnie Potter, G53 Member Artist and former instructor, the exhibit included an eclectic mix of drawings, paintings, photographs, collage - and even acrylic prints backlit by LED lights as well as pieces incoprorating embroidery. The exhibit is no longer in the gallery, but can be viewed online. | | | | One of Executive Director Sandy Goodyear's long-term goals is to establish "Irma's Kids," a dedicated children's art center. We're taking the first step in getting this initiative off the ground by scheduling two "Read & Stitch" Classes for 4 - 7 year olds in our 2nd floor art studio. Register your child today! | | Front, l to r: Lynn Keeler Fisher, Stefany Kahle,Hollie Randall. Back, l to r: Noelle Talmon, Gayleen Rand Plakunov, Lenore Mehr Kalotai, Amanda Saccente | | IN THE GALLERY: Women Photographers of Connecticut | |
We are *DELIGHTED* to welcome the Women Photographers of Connecticut for their 7th exhibit! Women Photographers of CT is a Facebook Group with over 2,200 members. With this exhibit, the group leaps off the screen and into the gallery. See the exhibit in the gallery through April 2 or online:
VIRTUAL EXHIBIT
| | WANTED: Gently Used Handbages, "Junque" Jewelry & unopened WINE! | | | | We know they're there - lurking in your closets, jewelry box, kitchen cabinets – those handbags & jewelry you never wear and the wine you got in the office grab bag. We're here to help by taking them off your hands! Donate your gently used handbags, “junque” jewelry and unopened bottles of wine and we’ll put them to good use in our upcoming events! It’s a win-win: you’re decluttering AND donating to a good cause! | | | | Can & Bottle Drive - April 18th | |
Date: Saturday, April 18 l 9 am - 1 pm
We’re getting ready to FILL A PICKUP TRUCK WITH EMPTIES for our Spring Can & Bottle Drive! Start saving your empties now and help us make a big impact!
check our webpage for more info!
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FUSED GLASS SUNCATCHERS WORKSHOP
March 28 l 1:00 – 2:30 pm
HAND BUILT POTTERY Mornings
SESSION 2
10 sessions - Tuesdays & Thursdays
3/24 - 4/23 l 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
INTRO to SEWING WORKSHOP
5 sessions / evenings
4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/5 & 5/13 l 6:30 -8:00 pm
ICE DYE WORKSHOP - March
2 sessions - evenings
3/24 & 03/26 l 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
EMBROIDERY FUNDAMENTALS - April
4 sessions - evenings
4/9, 4/16, 4/23 & 4/30 l 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
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CREATIVE EMBROIDERY - May
4 sessions - evenings
5/7, 5/14, 5/21 & 5/28 l 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
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NEW!!! CHOOSE YOUR OWN DATES
FUSED GLASS JEWELRY - Afternoons
3 Wednesday Afternoons l 2:00 - 4:00 PM
MOSAIC WORKSHOP - Afternoons
6 Tuesdays l 2:00 - 4:00 PM
MOSAIC WORKSHOP - Evenings
6 Tuesdays l 6:00 - 8:00 PM
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Online Entry: March 31, 2026
Opening: Thursday, April 9 l 6:00 - 7:00 PM
On Exhibit: April 9 - April 30, 2026
Judge: Alex Ranniello
info . . .
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MAY
Fiber Art Exhibit
Entry Deadline: 04/28/26
JUNE
Birds & Blooms Art Exhibit
Entry Deadline: 05/26/26
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JULY
America the Beautiful Art Exhibit
Adult Exhibit & separate Student Exhibit
Entry Deadline: 06/23/26
SEPTEMBER
From Sea to Shining Sea Photography Exhibit
Entry Deadline: 08/18/26
| | 53 COLONY STREET . MERIDEN, CT 06451 . (203) 235-5347 . GALLERY53CT@GMAIL.COM | | | | |
