Artist of the Month: Thommy Birk

TORRINGTON » Charlotte Hungerford Hospital’s (CHH) Auxiliary is featuring the artwork of Torrington resident Thommy Birk including watercolors, gouache-acrylic and pen and ink. This special show is on display now through early July in the hospital’s main lobby hallway, 540 Litchfield Street, Torrington.

The public is invited to view and buy the works during regular visiting hours as part of the auxiliary’s ongoing Artist of the Month program.

A portion of the proceeds from sales of the artwork support the CHH Auxiliary and CHH.

Birk grew up in Litchfield and enjoyed painting and drawing at a very young age after being influenced by many instructors beginning in grammar school. He was then directed in the knowledge of fine art and design by Bob Dublac at Litchfield High School, and went on to study at the Art Institute of Boston.

Birk says he is influenced by artists Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth, and has shown his works at county fairs and town greens. He is active in social media, and works at Mindscape Industries as a job coach where he uses art to assist clients with traumatic brain injuries.

The Auxiliary’s Artist of the Month program has been featuring paintings, photographs, and artwork each month from local artists for over 25 years. Their over 200 member supporters assist in raising money for the hospital through dues, donations, volunteering at the gift shop, and a variety of events including an annual fashion show.

Birk says he is influenced by artists Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth, and has shown his works at county fairs and town greens.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Paintings by Torrington artist Thommy Birk, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Auxiliary’s Artist of the Month, are on display at the hospital through early July.