Hunt Library to host artist reception

FALLS VILLAGE — In July and August, the David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village will host artist Robert Cronin’s exhibit, “Imaginary Paintings” featuring a selection of his still life oil paintings from 2006-2009, many of which have not been shown since their debut at Zabriskie Gallery, New York City in 2007. A reception with refreshments for the artist will be held on Saturday, July 21, 4-6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. The exhibit will be in on display through Saturday, Aug. 11.

Working with oil on canvas, Cronin has created imaginative still lifes that are buoyant arrangements of fictional objects. Traditionally, a still life has an academic stasis because it is arranged expressly for the artist’s observation. The term is a paradigm because it is easy: inanimate household objects make simpler subjects than buildings or people because they do not demand the artist leave the studio to deal with changing lighting or shifting expressions.

But Cronin has foregone these conveniences opting instead to just make the whole thing up. The result is comic: where traditional still lifes are weighty and anchored, Cronin’s objects seem ready to drift away. Where objects are usually familiar, Cronin gives us strange inventions and juxtapositions: a glowing booklight emanating from a fleshy green fruit; a stack of gooey pastries next to notes pierced on a spindle.

Along with a tiny man boating in a shallow pot, Cronin includes amorphous lumps and purely sculptural elements, testing what objects are allowed in a still life. At bottom they are funny and engaging because of their whimsical and mysterious nature. There are a lot of empty boxes and one wonders if the objects came out of or are going into them.

Cronin often works exclusively on a subject or style and then takes a turn toward a new commitment influenced by the previous work whether in painting or sculpture. It’s a recurring cycle. This concentration on imaginary still lifes followed a twelve-year commitment to narrative figure painting. The still life paintings gave way to abstracts: circles, squares, and frames. The artist said the changes are “like taking a vacation. To my surprise, toward the end the still lifes became more abstract, more about color, and flatter. In other words, I ended up with a new embrace of my many early years’ commitment to lyric abstraction in both painting and sculpture.”

Cronin received his degrees at RISD and Cornell University and has taught at Bennington College and Brown University. His work is in the collections of many major museums including the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the National Academy Museum, New York, the Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Robert Cronin’s work can be seen at robertcroninart.com and on Facebook. The David M. Hunt Library is located at 63 Main Street, Falls Village. To reach the library, call 860-824-7424, or visit www.huntlibrary.org

Berkshire Taconic grant deadlines

SHEFFIELD, MA — Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation has announced summer deadlines for competitive art-related grants. The funds support regional artists and nonprofit arts organizations.

For artists: The Martha Boschen Porter Fund supports emerging artists in all media who reside in Berkshire, Columbia, northeast Dutchess or northwest Litchfield counties, as well as artists who plan to take their work in a different direction. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded. Applications are due July 15. View photos of previous grantees at www.berkshiretaconic.org/BoschenGrantees.

The Artist’s Resource Trust Fund for Individuals provides grants to support the creative work of mid-career visual artists. Applicants must be age 35 and older and reside in New England or New York’s Columbia and northeast Dutchess counties. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded. Applications are due Aug. 1.

For nonprofits: The Artist’s Resource Trust Fund for Organizations provides grants to regional nonprofit organizations to purchase, exhibit or commission work created by mid-career visual artists who reside in New England or New York’s Columbia and northeast Dutchess counties. Grants of up to $7,000 will be awarded. Applications are due Aug. 1.

The application process for all grants is online at www.berkshiretaconic.org/SearchGrants.

Now in its 30th year, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation builds stronger communities by inspiring charitable giving in northwest Litchfield County, CT; Berkshire County, MA; and Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County, NY. A nonprofit public charity with $150 million in assets, the foundation distributed a total of $6.5 million through grants and scholarships in 2017 to nonprofits and individuals in the arts and education, health and human services, and environmental protection. Learn more at www.berkshiretaconic.org.

Roxbury church invites vendors

ROXBURY — The Roxbury Congregational Church is holding its 15th annual tag/bake sale, Saturday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

A light lunch will be available. It will be outside unless it rains, in which case it will be inside. It has only rained twice, members say.

The church is located at 24 Church Street (Rt. 317), Roxbury, and can be reached at 860-3551978.

Vendors are wanted. A table is $25 or a space (bring your own table) is $20. Since there is less room inside (in case of rain) than outside, spaces are on a firstcome, first-serve basis. Reserve early. Payment holds the space.

Flea market welcomes vendors

The Drakeville Volunteer Fire Department will be holding its annual Flea Market on Saturday, July 21, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the event field across from the fire house located at 1349 Marshall Lake Road in Torrington. Vendors are still sought; if interested in reserving a spot as a vendor should contact Nikki Maccalous at drakevilleladiesaux@gmail.com or 860-307-9044 for more information.

For information and sign up, call Sue at 860-354-1274 before 8 p.m.