Join us in the Bellarmine Hall Galleries and Great Hall from 6-8 p.m. for live music and conversation as we celebrate the opening of Ink and Time: European Prints from the Wetmore Collection!

This exhibition, curated by Michelle DiMarzo, PhD, presents a group of woodcuts, engravings, and etchings from the late 15th through late 18th centuries drawn from the Wetmore Collection at Connecticut College. The collection was assembled in the early 20th century by New London, CT native Fanny Wetmore, and bequeathed to the College in 1930.
Although little is known of Wetmore herself, her collecting activities place her within a tradition dating back to the rise of printmaking in early modern Europe. The surging production of prints by the beginning of the 16th century represented a sea change for both artists and consumers. For artists, prints provided additional revenue, increased their personal fame, and offered greater latitude for experimentation outside the traditional patronage structure. For consumers, prints represented access to visual art on an unprecedented scale; even those who would never have been able to commission an independent work from a great artist could now readily obtain an engraving or an etching. Prints were easily transported, could be pasted up on walls or into albums, and even large collections of them took up relatively little room. And, with the rise of reproductive printmaking, even geographically distant or physically inaccessible artworks could be added to the collector’s “paper museum.”

This exhibition is the second in the Museum’s history to have been co-curated with Fairfield University students, and has been supported by generous funding from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation. Learn more at the website here.

Image: Giovanni Antonio Canal, called Canaletto, Market on the Molo, ca. 1735-46, etching. Courtesy of the Wetmore Collection, Connecticut College

From kindergarteners learning basic techniques to seniors taking advanced courses, students across Connecticut are returning to art classes this fall. The 24 member museums and cultural sites on the Connecticut Art Trail are proud to partner with local schools to strengthen arts education through field trips and family programs. Art fosters creativity, critical thinking, and cultural understanding, and Connecticut is fortunate to have a rich tapestry of artistic venues for students to explore.

Read our latest newsletter to learn about the latest news and upcoming events on the Connecticut Art Trail, including:

• A profile of the Housatonic Museum of Art
• An honor for a Weir Farm National Historic Park Artist-in-Residence
• A new cafe at the Mattatuck Museum
• A new blacksmithing course at the Silvermine Arts Center
• Featured family activities at the Bruce Museum, Fairfield University Art Museum, and Florence Griswold Museum

Don’t forget to pick up a Passport-Journal to see all that the Connecticut Art Trail has to offer!

Late summer is a popular time for planning events, from weddings to family reunions to corporate gatherings. Check out the 24 member sites of the Connecticut Art Trail and discover amazing options for your next event. These venues provide a wide range of choices for event hosting, from cozy private spaces to gorgeous sculpture gardens. It’s also the perfect time for an enriching family outing before school starts; pick up a Passport-Journal and start your adventure!

In our latest newsletter, we explore some of the upcoming events and exhibitions on the Connecticut Art Trail. You can also learn more about a recent art restoration project at the Hill-Stead Museum, and read in-depth profiles about the Carousel Museum and Lyme Art Association.

The official arrival of summer brings with it the unshakeable desire to get out of the house and do something — especially when the kids are out of school. Whether you’re looking for a weekend adventure to explore new destinations or want to take a day off to enjoy some of the summer break with your children, the Connecticut Art Trail has plenty to offer. Visit any of our 24 member museums and you’ll find awe-inspiring exhibitions, family-friendly festivals, artist talks, and much more. Don’t forget: there’s still time to make it the start of a longer adventure when you pick up a Passport-Journal for free admission to each site on the Trail!

In our latest newsletter, we take a look at some of the great exhibitions and events you can visit with your family this summer. We also take a look at what you can discover at two of our member sites: The American Mural Project and Five Points Arts.

School is nearly out, the days are still getting longer, and everyone’s eager to get out of the house and enjoy the season. The Connecticut Art Trail is happy to help you make the most of your summer weekends and vacations. Our 24 member sites offer a full range of activities, ranging from guided tours in air-conditioned galleries to summer concerts and festivals on well-kept grounds. There’s still time to pick up a Passport-Journal to get free admission to all of these sites and qualify for our grand prize giveaway. Enjoy the season; make it a creative one!

In our latest newsletter, we take a look at upcoming events and exhibitions as well as special promotions available this summer. We also look into the fascinating histories of the Yale Center for British Art and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.

The sun is lingering a little longer each day, the days are getting warmer, and the beautiful gardens at the Connecticut Art Trail’s historic sites are coming into bloom. What better time to get out and explore all there is to see at our 24 member museums and cultural sites? Many members of the Connecticut Art Trail are taking advantage of the pleasant late spring conditions with extended hours, exhibition openings, festivals, and other terrific events to make your evenings and weekends better. Check out our full list of upcoming exhibitions and events to see what’s happening near you, including registration information for upcoming summer camps. Don’t forget to pick up your Passport-Journal for free admission to every site!

In the May 2024 newsletter, we take a look at the upcoming exhibitions and events on the Connecticut Art Trail as well as some of the summer art camps available at member museums. We also take an in-depth look at the history and collections of two members: the Lyman Allyn Art Museum and the Weir Farm National Historic Park.

Whether you’re in search of new inspiration or just looking for a way to get out of the April showers, the Connecticut Art Trail has something for you this spring. Check out the full lineup of exhibitions and events at our 24 member museums and cultural sites to discover fascinating opportunities. And for this season’s gift-giving needs, consider the Connecticut Art Trail Passport. This purchase opens the door to adventure for new graduates, teachers, brides and grooms, and everyone else on your list!

The Connecticut Art Trail newsletter for April includes a list of upcoming events and exhibitions at member sites, some exciting news from the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, and profiles of the Mystic Museum of Art and The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art.

The reawakening of the landscape in spring has long been an inspiration for artists. From the emergence of early flowers to the appearance of buds on tree limbs, the season signals a time of renewal and vibrancy.

In our March newsletter, we take a look at how the 24 member museums on the Connecticut Art Trail are embracing the new season. Find information on upcoming exhibitions and events, news from the Trail, and profiles on two members: the Bruce Museum and Slater Memorial Museum.

Does the winter season have you feeling blue? Our latest newsletter shows how you can escape the dreary weather to discover inspiring works by world-renowned artists as well as local and regional talent.

The newsletter features current and upcoming exhibitions and events from the 24 Connecticut Art Trail museums, as well as profiles of two member sites: Hill-Stead Museum and the Greenwich Historical Society / Bush-Holley House.

The year is still young, so pick up a Passport-Journal to enjoy free admission to all Connecticut Art Trail museums and be eligible for a grand prize giveaway!

In our latest newsletter, we invite you to make a resolution to explore the 24 members of the Connecticut Art Trail in 2024! From contemporary art havens to historic houses, craft centers to maritime museums, every stop on the Connecticut Art Trail promises a fresh spark of inspiration this year. This year-long adventure grants you ultimate flexibility. Plan a museum marathon or savor each experience slowly; there’s no wrong way to explore the Trail. 

Ready to begin your artistic odyssey? Purchase your Connecticut Art Trail Passport-Journal online or at any participating museum!

The January 2024 newsletter also features information on upcoming exhibitions and events, news from the Connecticut Art Trail, and features on two members museums: the Center for Contemporary Printmaking and Hartford Art School Galleries, University of Hartford.