Portraits At Ely House Gallery

NEW HAVEN — There has recently been a widespread resurgence of interest in portraits old and new. It is possible that even more people would commission portraits, of themselves or their family, if they could see the chosen artist’s work in advance without being committed in any way. With this in mind the Brush and Palette Club of New Haven is presenting an exhibition called “The Portrait” from February 11 to March 4 in the John Slade Ely House Gallery.

The exhibition is a competitive portrait show with entries in every medium except photography. The works will be judged by Everett Raymond Kinstler, the eminent portrait painter of five United States Presidents, fifty United States cabinet officers, and celebrities such as John Wayne, Alan Shepard, Tom Wolfe and many others.

There have been unusually numerous requests for entry forms, and the club is expecting to have a large number of works on view for the special exhibition.

All visitors will be welcome to not only browse the presentation, but those interested in contacting one of the artists in order to discuss the possibility of commissioning a portrait for themselves, will be able to read more about the artist in a file of resumes.

There will also be a reception on Sunday, February 18, when prizes of over $3,000 will be awarded, and many of the exhibiting artists will be attending. The Brush and Palette Club will also host portrait-painting demonstrations on Sunday, February 25.

The John Slade Ely House is at 51 Trumbull Street; telephone 203/624-8055. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday 11 am to 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday 2 to 5 pm. Entrance is free.