Essex Art Association Opens 80th Anniversary Season with “Now & Then”

The Essex Art Association (EAA) launches its 2026 exhibition season, and its 80th anniversary year, with the Spring Open Show, “Now & Then.” This opening exhibition invites artists to explore connections between past and present, setting the tone for a celebratory season that reflects both the organization’s rich history and its continued evolution.

Founded in 1946, EAA remains a cornerstone of the Connecticut shoreline arts community, providing inclusive exhibition opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers.

This Spring Open Show’s juror is Eddie Hall, who is a self-taught abstract artist based in Berlin, Connecticut, known for creating vibrant, geometric works using recycled windows as his canvas. Drawing inspiration from architecture and design, his art transforms discarded materials into bold visual narratives. Hall is a member of the Kehler Liddell Gallery and the Silvermine Guild of Artists, and his work has been featured in solo and group shows. He has received numerous awards, including the Artist Respond grant from the Connecticut Office

of the Arts, and his work is held in the permanent collection of the New Britain Museum of American Art and currently on display at the Connecticut State Capitol Building. https://www.eddiehallart.com/about

Our Gantner Gallery featured artist is Alex Wetmore, who is a contemporary collage artist based in Madison, Connecticut, known for vibrant, painterly works created from hand-torn magazine swatches. The intricate and imaginative collage compositions are easily recognizable and award-winning. Her work frequently celebrates the landscapes and shoreline of coastal New England and has been featured in art exhibitions around the country. https://www.acwcollages.com/

“As we celebrate 80 years, this season is about honoring where we’ve been while creating space for new voices and fresh perspectives,” said Sarah Grote, EAA Gallery Director. “Now & Then perfectly captures that balance, bringing together tradition and innovation in a way that reflects our community today.”

Spring Open Show – “Now & Then”

Entry Date: April 13, 2026

Opening Reception: April 24, 2026

Show Dates: April 17 – May 9, 2026

Essex Art Association10 North Main Street, Essex, CThttps://essexartassociation.com/