A display of artistry

College hosting pottery show, paper-cutting exhibit

MIDDLETOWN — Two art shows opened this week at Middlesex Community College, one by Wesleyan Potters students and the second, a college professor who specializes in paper-cutting.

The show, “The Possibilities Are Endless” is on view in The Niche through May 3.

This nonprofit school and cooperative guild offers courses, workshops, and demonstrations in pottery, jewelry, weaving and sewing, according to a press release. It was founded in 1948 to promote crafts education in Middletown, and is the oldest school for crafts in Connecticut.

The Potters is located at 350 S. Main St. and features studios and a gallery shop.

The exhibition was organized by Lynne Scullion, and includes ceramic works created with traditional and experimental techniques and approaches, according to the news release.

Artists include Evelyn Abernathy, Steven Bernard, Rebecca Brewer, Cricket Carufe, Paula Dennen, Elisa Eaton, David Frank, Pat Gatzke, Anne Graebe, Shawn Hansen, Beth Hargett, Lyn Harper, Adam Hart, Patrick Herzing, Cindy Koniushesky, John Lipsky, Annamaria Moran, Steve Picano, Natalie Pittman, Jackie Rome, Melissa Schmitt, Lynne Scullion, Linda Sershen.

For information, visit wesleyanpotters.com.

The Niche, in Founders Hall across from the registrar’s office, is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Also, in the Pegasus Gallery, a show by Landi Hou, “The Art of Papercutting” will be on view through May 3. The opening reception is March 28 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Hou practices this traditional art form of “meticulous” cutting images from paper with scissors or a knife, the news release said. “The craft of papercutting is practiced by diverse cultures globally and ranges from simple designs to intricate and detailed patterns and scenery,” it continued.

This artist’s approach to papercutting blends the characteristics of Eastern and Western techniques to craft her own unique designs. Her works emphasize “sophisticated details and dynamic compositions.”

Hou has led workshops and participated in major cultural events in Connecticut and Massachusetts. In January, she was awarded the Outstanding Chinese Heritage Advancement Award by the Chinese-American Heritage Association for her contribution to the community. One of the state senators attended the ceremony to present the award, the statement said.

Hou holds a master’s degree in computer science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She is on the staff and among the adjunct faculty at the educational institution.

“Her commitment to paper cutting serves as a reflection of her deep affection for this distinctive art form,” the release said.

Pegasus Gallery is located within the library on the first floor of Chapman Hall. Hours are Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The college is located at 100 Training Hill Road. For information, visit mxcc.edu/artexhibits.

Photo courtesy Matthew Weber Landi Hou, who specializes in paper cuttings, has her work being shown in the Middlesex Community College Pegasus Gallery in Middletown. The show, which runs through May 3, will have an opening reception March 28 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Photo courtesy Middlesex Community College Middlesex Community College is hosting a Wesleyan Potters show at The Niche gallery in Middletown through May 3.