Childhood Unmuted

UNVIELING AND OPENING EVENT

On Zoom: 3 August 5-6:00 PM

The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut celebrates a collection of works that captures moments and memories inspired by childhood, with particular attention to the unique ways children see the world, across time, culture, economics and varying aesthetics.

Meet with artists and join this timeless conversation as the exhibition strives to challenge viewers to reconnect with our inner child and perhaps unlock imagination.

Guest Speaker

Betsy Franco Feeny

“A Passionate Artist with a Keen Eye”

Participating Artists

Check back soon!

Betsy Franco Feeney

You know what they say… If you love what you do, it’s hard to call it work!

I’ve been fortunate to feel that way for most of my working career. My training includes classes at School of Visual Arts and at Fashion Institute of Technology, I received my degree along with the highest illustration award. At the time, art and design was taught the traditional way. Later on, when I added computer graphic skills, I began building a photography portfolio. Now, my Canon 5D Mark II is another tool in my tool box, as are my Wacom Cintiq Tablet and Photoshop.

Here are some things you might like to know about me… I love singing show-tunes, drinking iced mochas, riding bikes and skiing cross-country (not downhill – too cold!). I’m a history buff and a perfectionist with a messy desk. Overly empathetic, I try not to freak out about global warming.

Although I’ve traveled the world and been inspired by many beautiful locations, I’m a life-long resident of the Lower Hudson Valley. The river and its beauty hold me here.

I’m just as passionate about creating children’s books as I am about taking photos. I am most proud of my collaborations with award-winning singer/songwriter Christine Lavin. When illustrating her imaginative songs, our goal has been to encourage students to pursue a career in science. Along the way, Amoeba Hop garnered a “Best Books” award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Hole in the Bottom of the Sea earned an awesome Kirkus review: “If the fate of the planet is in the hands of our children, reading them books like this one might be a wise idea”.

My latest book is also science-based, and I believe the timing could not be better. While we are all affected by an unseen virus, Jewels of the Sea…The hunt for floating treasure will introduce children to the breathtaking and extremely important microscopic plant-like organism, the diatom. As tiny as they are mighty, diatoms make life on earth possible.

Lisa D’Amico

Curator

My life and career have been dedicated to the arts and education. I am an independent curator with fifteen years’ experience. During that time, I have managed exhibition programs which included juried, curated and invitational exhibitions, featuring the work of regional, national and international artists. Many of these exhibitions were often augmented with lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and interdisciplinary events. I am also the co-founder of The Bluefield Artists and the creator of the annual small works exhibit, Inside Small. My educational background includes Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Fine Arts and Education in addition to a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. I am a NY, CT and NJ certified art teacher with over 20 years teaching experience.

As an artist, I believe every new work is a deep breath. A new beginning to tell a story using creativity. Translating and provoking emotions are the primary focuses of my artwork. I have been exhibiting my artwork since childhood and have received numerous awards and accolades along my journey. My most recent honors are the Weir Masterpiece Award and the Visual Artist of the Year Award from the Arts Council of Rockland.

Email: lisapainting@outlook.com