WILTON, Conn. Dont miss Scenes of Wilton Through the Years, which is currently on view at the Wilton Historical Society. Pieces of artwork from Wilton, previously kept within private homes, have been generously loaned by their owners for the new display.
The exhibit includes nearly 100 works of art and showcases the splendor of Wiltons ever-changing landscape and buildings. A guidebook explains the many forms of art represented: Some is from the 20th century and some are from the more distant past. Paintings of familiar Wilton landmarks such as Orems Diner and the Village Market show how they appeared in their original locations. From old photographs of Merwin Meadows, you can envision how the area once looked with a farm and gristmill on the property.
Also on view are paintings of historical houses, important pieces of Wiltons history that remain on the towns older roads, juxtaposed against newer homes and not always noticed by people driving by. One such residence is the Westcott-Olmstead House on Ridgefield Road. Built in the 1790s, it was previously occupied by Benjamin Prins, a well-known artist and illustrator for the Saturday Evening Post. The homes current owner, Lynda Campbell, a member of the Wilton Historical Societys Board of Trustees, says she was unaware of the paintings existence until a friend noticed it in an art exhibit at a bank in town. Campbell contacted the artist, Gay Lynch, and bought the oil painting, which now hangs in her home.
The show is a must-see for anyone who loves Wilton, and it is a great way for children to learn more about their town. The curator, Harriet S. "Scotty" Taylor said she is "impressed and moved by the spontaneous generosity of the people who entrusted us with their treasures. Any resident wishing to share information about their Wilton art may contact her at the Wilton Historical Society.
The exhibit continues through Oct. 30 and is free for members and $5 for non-members. The Wilton Historical Society is at 224 Danbury Road and is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.wiltonhistorical.org or call 203-762-7257.
The Wilton residents who loaned their art for the exhibit are: Bill and Nancy Brautigam, Paul Chelminski, Marie Donahue, Corey Greenberg and Lynda Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. Hal Higby, Ann Klotz, Judith Lavin, Mary Lou Logan, Nea and Todd Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Jason Monteleone, Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Offinger, Lynda Pattee, Margaret A. Prezzano, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Russell, Beth Schneider, Jen Shelley, Mr. and Mrs. Walter R.T. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Ross Tartell, Mr. and Mrs. John Taylor, Joan Waldie and Gretchen Yengst as well as Orems Diner, the Wilton Fire Department and the Wilton Library Association.
Some of the current and former Wilton residents whose artwork is included in the show are: Marie Donahue, Judy Higby, Warren Kimble, Mary Kumpf, Ed MacEwen, Dale Murena, Robin Sherman and Henry Thompson.
Dont forget to vote every day for Wiltons schools in the Better Schools Bonanza Contest. It only takes 500 votes to win $500!
To include your social event, honor, or announcement in Wilton Neighbors Notes, email Aileen at [email protected].
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