Art Auction To Benefit Statewide Environmental Education

NEW MILFORD — On Saturday, April 2, from 4 to 7 pm, at The Silo Gallery in New Milford, a variety of artwork from the “Art from Connecticut Forests Exhibition” will be auctioned.

“Art from Connecticut Forests” is a collection of pieces from Connecticut artists that has been traveling the state for the past nine months. The Silo is the final exhibition site and the location of the live auction to benefit environmental education projects around the state. All the works were made using the wood from a single white oak tree as part of the Centennial Celebration of Forestry in Connecticut.

In 1903, the first parcel of land was purchased in Portland to become the first state forest. At the time, the forests of Connecticut were being misused to the point that only 20 percent of the state had forest cover. From the time on, land has been purchased and donated for the purpose of conserving forestland to enhance the health of our state’s environment.

In 2003, the first 100 years of forest management was selected by selecting the Centennial Oak from the original parcel of land now known as Meshomasic State Forest. This tree was then divided among 47 state artists and artisans to develop works that would illustrate the many uses of wood and forests.

The beauty and importance of the state’s forests is illustrated through the exhibition “Art from Connecticut Forests.” Through the collective display of work the public has been able to see the volume of wood a single tree could produce and the variety of ways it is used to create useable and artistic items.

Sculptures helped to illustrate the role forests play in providing for wildlife, habitat diversity, watershed protection, food products, and recreation. Over 4,000 people have taken part in gallery talks, programs and tours of the exhibit since its debut in July 2004 at The Charter Oak Cultural Center in Hartford. The closest presentation for Newtown residents was in December and January, when the exhibition visited the Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby.

At its final location, The Silo Gallery in New Milford, a selection of pieces will be auctioned during the closing event on April 2. Litchfield County Auctions will conduct the live auction.

Viewing of the pieces will begin at 4 pm and the program and auction will follow at 5. Refreshments will be provided by local chefs and restaurants, along with the final tasting of the Centennial Wine produced by Jones Winery of Shelton. Registration is required for the free event with donations greatly appreciated.

Proceeds from the evening event and sales will be used to support forest conservation programs offered statewide by the CT Department of Environmental Protection and the CT Forest and Park Association. A portion of the sales will also go to The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm for their continued support and work in land conservation in New Milford.

Call 734-2513 to make arrangements to attend the auction. To view the art works, visit The Silo Gallery Wednesday through Monday from 10 am to 5 pm and online at www.depstate.ct.us/educ/art.