The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Thomas Franken to exhibit paintings in May, June
KENT >> South Kent artist Thomas Franken will have a retrospective of over 50 years of his artwork displayed in the he Kent Memorial Library Gallery in an exhibit titled, Then and Now, beginning May 1 until June 30.
Franken is an innovative and imaginative artist and designer. His portfolio encompasses oil paintings, silk-screen prints, collages, greeting cards, designs in wood, and graphic arts.
Oil paintings on canvas have been the primary medium for his art. The inspirations for his paintings have largely come from his travels throughout the United States and Europe, and from his local surroundings in the northwest corner of Connecticut. His interpretations are abstract and impressionistic and incorporate the use of bright, strong colors. There is a lively aspect to his work offering the viewer to have a positive interaction.
“I want my work to be enjoyed and to enrich the lives of people who come to view it. Since much of my work is abstract, I like when people have differing interpretations of what they see in my art,” said Franken.
The quality and richness of the silk screened print attracted Franken to this medium. He began by creating exclusive card designs for The Metropolitan Opera, Georg Jensen, and UNICEF. Later he expanded to include larger scale works. Woodworking is another artistic medium that he has used to create decorative and functional one-of-a kind constructions.
A native New Yorker he now lives and works in South Kent. His art has been acquired by collectors and exhibited in a variety of galleries. He is on the Board of Directors of the Kent Art Association and a member of the Washington Art Association. Come meet the artist at an opening reception on Saturday, May 13 from 2-4 p.m. in the gallery. It is free and open to the public. For more information, call 860-927-3761 or go to kentmemoriallibrary. The public is invited to attend. The Kent Memorial Library’s mission is to enrich the lives of individuals and the community by providing materials, programs, and services to encourage reading, learning and imagination. The Kent Memorial Library is located at 32 North Main Street, Kent, Connecticut. Visit www.kentmemoriallibrary.org for more information.