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New In

Dates: March 14 – April 26, 2026

Reception: Saturday March 14, 4 – 6 PM, public invited

Gallery hours: Thursday – Saturday 11:00 – 5:30, Sunday 12:00 – 4:00

Kenise Barnes Fine Art Presents New In

An exhibition showcasing selected new work from our talented artists.

Matt Barter David Collins Tristan Fitch Catherine Latson

Margaret Neill Melanie Parke Sally Maca Julie Maren

Eve Stockton

Kent, Connecticut — Kenise Barnes Fine Art is pleased to announce New In, an exhibition highlighting paintings, drawings, and mixed media works arriving directly from the studios of the gallery’s represented artists. Opening this spring at the gallery’s Kent, CT location, the exhibition offers a first look at recently completed pieces that reflect the ongoing evolution, experimentation, and material refinement within each artist’s practice.

New In brings together a curated selection of contemporary works—abstract, figurative, and process‑driven—chosen for their craftsmanship, conceptual clarity, and resonance with the gallery’s longstanding commitment to presenting thoughtful, original art. The exhibition provides collectors and visitors with an intimate view of what artists are making now, emphasizing the vitality and immediacy of current studio production.

“Each season, we look forward to sharing what our artists have been creating,” says founder Kenise Barnes. “New In is a celebration of fresh ideas and new directions—an invitation to experience the energy of work that has only just left the studio.”

Please contact Lani Ming Holloway, Associate Director, Lani@kbfa.com, 860 560 3085 with inquiries or to arrange a preview of the exhibition.

Kenise Barnes Fine Art
7 Fulling Lane, Kent, CT 06757
Gallery hours: Thursday – Saturday 11:00 – 5:30, Sunday 12:00 – 4:00
www.kbfa.com
(860) 592-0220
https://www.kbfa.com/exhibitions/300-new-in/overview/

a Studio Affair

A Studio Affair
Saturday, April 18th
6:30–10:00 PM
Ages 21+

Step away from your screen and into the studio. A Studio Affair is a chance to unplug, slow down, and reconnect with yourself, with others, and with the simple joy of creating.

As a nonprofit, we’re dedicated to offering adults a relaxed, welcoming space to unwind and explore the arts with no pressure, no expectations, and no experience required.

Whether you’re meeting new people, taking time to creative , or just craving a phone-free evening, this is time well spent. Creating art has a powerful way of calming the mind, boosting well-being, and helping you feel present and this night is all about that.

This is a great time to work on your junk journal – or that craft you haven’t
had time to finish. Bring a project you’re already working on!

We’ll be spinning vinyl to set the vibe, and it’s BYOB if you’d like to sip while you create.
a Studio Affair is a free community event
Held every 3rd Saturday of the month.

Village Center for the Arts is located at 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT

(860) 354-4318

12 Main Street , New Milford, CT

2026-04-18

https://www.villagecenterarts.org/eventscalendar

Art Therapy for Adults

Village Center for the Arts in New Milford, CT is proud to introduce two new ongoing Art Therapy Group series led by Jessica LaBarca, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, a board-certified art psychotherapist and licensed professional counselor with over 15 years of clinical experience.

Beginning evenings in April, these two monthly groups will provide structured, professionally guided support for adults (18+) navigating:

Chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, or physical disability

Grief and loss following the death of a loved one

Each group meets separately and is designed to offer a safe, creative space for emotional exploration and community connection.

The Chronic Illness Art Therapy Group begins Wednesday, April 22 and will meet on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:30–7:30 PM.

The Grief and Loss Art Therapy Group begins Wednesday, April 29 and will meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 6:30–7:30 PM.

No prior art experience is required. Participants will be guided through art-making processes using drawing, painting, collage, journaling, or mixed media as tools for reflection and emotional discovery. The focus is not on artistic skill, but on expression and shared experience. Art can provide a powerful way to explore emotions, build coping tools, and strengthen social support.

Sessions are $50 per meeting. Receipts for insurance reimbursement available upon request. Interested participants are asked to email arttherapywithjess@gmail.com to schedule a consultation prior to joining.

All sessions are held in person at Village Center for the Arts. The facility includes accessible parking, and handicap accessibility via a chair lift. VCA is located at 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT. (860) 354-4318.

For more information about Jessica LaBarca or art therapy, visit arttherapywithjess.com.

12 Main Street, New Milford, CT

2026-04-29

https://www.villagecenterarts.org/eventscalendar

Art Therapy Group

Village Center for the Arts in New Milford, CT is proud to introduce two new ongoing Art Therapy Group series led by Jessica LaBarca, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, a board-certified art psychotherapist and licensed professional counselor with over 15 years of clinical experience.

Beginning evenings in April, these two monthly groups will provide structured, professionally guided support for adults (18+) navigating:

Chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, or physical disability

Grief and loss following the death of a loved one

Each group meets separately and is designed to offer a safe, creative space for emotional exploration and community connection.

The Chronic Illness Art Therapy Group begins Wednesday, April 22 and will meet on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:30–7:30 PM.

The Grief and Loss Art Therapy Group begins Wednesday, April 29 and will meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 6:30–7:30 PM.

No prior art experience is required. Participants will be guided through art-making processes using drawing, painting, collage, journaling, or mixed media as tools for reflection and emotional discovery. The focus is not on artistic skill, but on expression and shared experience. Art can provide a powerful way to explore emotions, build coping tools, and strengthen social support.

Sessions are $50 per meeting. Receipts for insurance reimbursement available upon request. Interested participants are asked to email arttherapywithjess@gmail.com to schedule a consultation prior to joining.

All sessions are held in person at Village Center for the Arts. The facility includes accessible parking, and handicap accessibility via a chair lift. VCA is located at 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT. (860) 354-4318.

For more information about Jessica LaBarca or art therapy, visit arttherapywithjess.com.

12 Main Street, New Milford, CT

2026-04-22

https://www.villagecenterarts.org/eventscalendar

Gallery Opening

Gallery Opening
“Evoking Contrast”
Ceramics by Matt Denning
Paintings by Beatrice Rossi-Landi

Opening Reception
Friday, April 4th
6:30–8:00 PM
12 Main Street, New Milford
Free and open to the public

This two-person exhibition brings together the elemental presence of clay and the luminous quality of paint in a dynamic exploration of contrast.

Matt Denning, a Bridgewater-based ceramic artist with over 40 years of experience, presents wood-fired and salt-glazed works shaped by flame, texture, and tradition.

Beatrice Rossi-Landi, a Roxbury painter with an international background in design and fine art, draws inspiration from the landscapes of Litchfield County, capturing color, atmosphere, and subtle shifts in light.

Together, their work creates a compelling visual dialogue within our gallery space.
The exhibition will remain on view through April 26th.
We hope you’ll join us for the opening and experience this powerful pairing in person.
This is a free event open to the public. Refreshments will be served

12 Main Street, New Milford, CT

2026-04-04

https://www.villagecenterarts.org/eventscalendar

Women, Wine, & Wheel

Women, Wine, & Wheel
Saturday: April 18th
6:30-9:30PM

Ready for some serious fun with friends? Picture this: laughter, creativity, and a pottery wheel at your fingertips!
Join us for a super fun 2-day pottery adventure.
What could be more fun than a bunch of friends laughing and learning the pottery wheel?
Add a little wine or beverage of your choice – you are making memories and a functioning piece of art with your own hands!
This is a two-day course – you will throw one piece of pottery on the wheel, & trim the base during the second visit. Your third visit you can glaze your piece at your leisure once it’s out of the kiln. $129 Each.
You must pre-register for this event.
Village Center for the Arts
12 Main Street, New Milford, CT
(860) 354-4318

12 Main Street, New Milford, CT

2026-04-18

https://www.villagecenterarts.org/eventscalendar

Clay Play

Clay Play
Saturday: April 4th
1:00 – 3:00PM
Grab your friends and have fun with clay! This class is for all ages!
(7 and under can sit on parents lap and join the fun!)
This is your chance to try the pottery wheel and get your hands in some clay.
We show you how, then you get on the wheel right away. This class is perfect for all ages. $50 ea.

Pre-registration and payment is required.
Needs a minimum of 4 people to run this class.
Village Center for the Arts
12 Main Street, New Milford, CT
Call us for more information or to register (860) 354-4318

12 Main Street, New Milford, CT

2026-04-04

https://www.villagecenterarts.org/eventscalendar

Plein Air Practice @ The Warner

On April 9, 7:00 pm, Art Tripping/Plein Air Litchfield is hosting a Plein Air Practice session featuring
Zufar Bikbov, master painter of Nocturnes, at the Warner Theatre while the marquee is lit up for a performance. Zufar will begin around 7:00 pm. Plein Air Litchfield Practice Sessions are free & Artists are welcome to come and paint alongside Zufar. www.zufar.com
Bad weather cancels, rain date is April 10. Register @ pleinairlitchfield@gmail.com
Plein Air Litchfield 2026, September 12 – 20, is a week long, outdoor painting competition featuring artists from around the country. www.pleinairlitchfield.com

Warner Theatre, 68 Main Street, Torrington

2026-04-09

https://www.pleinairlitchfield.com/post/more-practice-sessions

Litchfield Jazz All Stars

Frederick Gunn School &
Litchfield Performing Arts
Present
Litchfield Jazz All-Stars
FREE CONCERT – FRIDAY APRIL 3

Join us for a night of world-class jazz in Washington!

Litchfield Jazz Camp is collaborating with The Frederick Gunn School to present the Litchfield Jazz All-Stars. This free concert showcases the exceptional talents of the distinguished Litchfield faculty. They are world-class musicians who inspire and teach at one of the most celebrated jazz camps in the country on one of the most beautiful campuses. Enjoy the music of Don Braden and Albert Rivera, saxophones, Jen Allen, piano, Ryan Berg, bass, Richie Barshay, drums, Peter McEachern, trombone, and Mike Godette, guitar. Curtain time, 7:00 PM in the Thomas S. Perakos Arts and Community Center’s Tisch Family Auditorium.

Thomas S. Perakos Arts and Community Center (TPACC)
The Frederick Gunn School
22 Kirby Rd Washington, CT 06793

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/frederick-gunn-school-lpa-present-litchfield-jazz-all-stars-tickets-1984494197566?aff=oddtdtcreator#location

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