Press Release

For Immediate Release:
100 PEARL STREET GALLERY TO SHOWCASE LOCAL ‘TV STAR’ ARTISTS
Dateline: Hartford Connecticut, March 24, 2009
On Thursday April 30, the Gallery at 100 Pearl Street will host a reception, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM, marking the opening of a new VIP Group Show featuring an unique cluster of Connecticut artists.
The works on exhibit shall incorporate an unconventional variety of materials; carved brick, sequined plaster, feathers under glass. But they all share a rare distinction: recent exposure on a nationally syndicated TV series. Specifically, on HGTV’s 'That's Clever!', which profiles outstanding crafters from every part of the United States. Each artist’s ‘star’ project will be on display, along with other works in their medium of expertise. Streaming videos of their ‘That’s Clever!’ episodes, demonstrating how each artwork was made, will be available for viewing. The exhibit is scheduled to run from April 2 to May 29. Gallery Hours are from 8am - 5pm Monday through Friday. There are limited weekend hours, so please call 860-293-3374 before visiting on Saturday and Sunday.
Additional receptions and opportunities to meet the artists and view their inspiring work will be held on "First Thursdays" , including Thursday April 2, and Thursday, May 7, both evenings are from 5pm to 7pm.
The April 30 artists reception will be the finale event for Arts Week at 100 Pearl, a building-wide campaign in support of the Greater Hartford Arts Council's annual United Arts Campaign that is a vital source of funding to more than 150 community arts and heritage organizations, arts education programs, community events, and individual artists throughout the Greater Hartford region.
Judy Weinstein, Workplace Giving Director for the Greater Hartford Arts Council, had this to say about the show: “For a community our size, the Greater Hartford region has an extraordinary cultural community with not only institutions, their performances, and their arts education programs, but wonderful individual artists as well. What perfect timing, that Karen Rossi and 20 other talented Connecticut artists will have their work on display in a convenient downtown location, just as the warming weather invites us to take a break from our desks and do something to reduce stress and put smiles on our faces!” Karen's star project, one of her well known whimsical kitchen witch portraits, sported a basket of eggs and a
wine opener. The feature shows Karen creating the piece from a blank sheet of metal to handpainting and attaching the charms in 6 quick minutes of fame.
Elizabeth Marsh, the concierge at 100 Pearl who is employed by The Silverman Group- the building owner- says, ”We are excited to be able to offer this viewing opportunity to Hartford residents; to make them aware of the talent that exists in our own state, and to promote the arts in this region.”
The Home and Garden Network, America's leader in Home and Lifestyle programming, is one of cable’s top-rated networks. A premier showcase for programs focusing on home acquisition & improvement, tours of distinctive dwellings, and general creativity, HGTV is distributed to over 89 million U.S. households. ‘That’s Clever!’- formerly titled ‘Crafters Coast To Coast’- has run nearly 500 episodes (and counting!), spotlighted real-life artisans and their creations. This informative series can be viewed Monday through Friday, at 8:00 AM.
Karen Rossi is the founder and owner of Rossi Studios in Meriden , CT. She is recognized worldwide for her charming, highly original portraits and metal sculptures of people, places, and lifestyles. Recently unveiled have been several large-scale commissions. In November, a 24-foot weathervane sculpture was installed at Evergreen Walk, a specialty mall in South Windsor , CT. In addition, South Windsor Library became home to two large, whimsical flying characters. Most recently, Karen has been working on a wall sculpture commission for the neonatal unit of Saint Francis Hospital , along with murals for the Children’s Hospital of Boston . Her work is represented internationally in many public and private collections.
For further information, contact:
Karen Wassmer, Whispering Angels® Art Studio, Wallingford, Ct has been creating and selling art and fine craft for 10 years in New England and NYC. As a crafter she was in fine arts and crafts shows throughout
Connecticut. In NY sold her art at Crafts on Columbus, and Lincolon Center American Crafts Festival. Her award winning unique, one-of-a-kind sculptures have now been featured on HGTV's "Thats Clever" to air April 6th at 8am. She is currently creating larger, public art, for numerous venues including Downtown Stamford, Long Branch, NJ, Block Island, RI, and now for the summer her "Seal" will be on exhibit in Terminal A, Bradley International Airport with "The Art of Oil" exhibition.
Karen J Wassmer
Whispering Angels® Art Studio
Wallingford CT
203-265-1040
http://www.whisperingangelsart.com
w.angel@snet.net
Judy Weinstein at the Greater Hartford Arts Council
Hartford, CT
860-525-8629 ext. 225
judywsings@aol.com
Elizabeth Marsh, Concierge at 100 Pearl Street
Hartford, CT
860-293-3374