On Exhibit at the Garde

This inspiring exhibition will unite the work of over 40 women artists of all ages and backgrounds from across our region – each sharing her unique perspective, passion and truth through art.

Like threads in a living tapestry, their voices will be intertwined to reveal a powerful portrait of connection, resilience, and belonging. From bold color and striking form to quiet reflection and subtle gesture, this exhibit honors the many ways women shape, strengthen, and enrich the creative landscape of our communities.

DANEEN ROTH

I grew up in Waterford and went to school in New London, where I have lived for over fifty years. A retired educator, I use photography to express the eloquence of the everyday. I want my images to delight, move, intrigue, amuse, or provoke the viewer into an appreciation of seeing the ordinary in an extraordinary way. My work has appeared in local publications and exhibits. I provide images for various volunteer organizations and participate in the 365 Picture Today project on Facebook. For me, photography is serious fun!

DAS BUTTS

Das Butts is a multimedia artist based out of Norwich, CT. Das loves to experiment in different art forms, adding her unique personality into all modalities of art she explores. Das’s photography focuses on the beauty of nature. Das is a longtime member of Artreach, Inc.

DEBBIE MCGRATH

I am a community-driven leader and lifelong learner with a background in service and corporate leadership. My passion for the arts, veterans’ advocacy, youth programs, and community well-being informs both my creative work and daily life, inspiring me to give back with purpose, gratitude, and heart. Alongside my work and community involvement, I am developing a new book “Other People’s Chairs” and have just released an original song “Don’t Let the Hard Days Win” on Spotify, using storytelling and song to connect, heal, and inspire.

DIANE BARCELO

Diane Barceló is an artist whose work examines language as a bridge and a barrier to communication and as an inadequate negotiator between cultures. She is best known for her sculptural installations using words constructed from copper wire that also appear in her two-dimensional work.

LnK

Something within and beyond pulls me to create. I seek to express through fiber art, with a style that combines hand stitching, folk art, figurative elements, personal and generational family stories, mixed media, my heritage, words, and whimsy. I love colors. I strive to pause my overactive left brain, so that I can be inspired by the fabrics, open to the materials, and let the artwork emerge through me. Creating is one of the few paths that stills my internal clock and allows me to reveal the self that is not usually visible to others.

FAITH SATTERFIELD

I am a strong woman and female entrepreneur raising my children and continuing our education simultaneously. I earned my BA Illustration at the University of Lincoln in the UK and am currently a grad student at Teachers College at Columbia University. I began my business By Faith in 2012 and I have been creating custom murals and commissioned artwork parallel to teaching community and creative workshops ever since

GRACE ZAZZARO

Grace Zazzaro is an American iconographer specializing in traditional, classical, and contemporary portable icons. Rooted in historic materials and methods, her practice centers on egg tempera painting, gold leaf gilding, and iconographic design.

With over two decades of formation through apprenticeships and international study in Russia, Italy, and Greece, Zazzaro works within a living lineage of iconographers, merging historical continuity with contemporary interpretation.

An award- and grant-recipient artist, she is also an educator and public speaker whose lectures explore iconography, theology, traditional materials, and the cultural and spiritual life of sacred images especially devotion and sacred space beyond institutional walls.

Founded in 2003, her studio Athella Icon Studio, now operating under her name is based in New London, Connecticut.

gzazzaro61@gmail.com 860 978 8262 New London, CT.

http://www.gracezazzaro.com https://instagram.com/@grace_zazzaro

GWEN BASILICA

A professional glass artist, she owns Gwen Glass Custom-Stained Glass and Mosaics in New London, CT. She incorporates leaded, foil and fused techniques into her stain glass panels and has created custom pieces for clients throughout the United States. Gwen also enjoys creating mosaic works of art that include framed art ready for hanging and custom backsplashes. Her work can be seen throughout the Mohegan Sun, Tony D’s, Fat Tuna, and the Parade Plaza in downtown New London to name a few. She has been featured in The Day, Norwich Bulletin, Ink Magazine and Glass Craftsman magazine. Gwen is always available to discuss creating the next custom piece for home, office of public venue.

HEATHER O’CONNOR

This painting began when I was sixteen years old, created from a National Geographic photograph while I was building my high school portfolio for college. Now, at forty-five, I still hold this work close- not only as one of my earliest expressions of artistic talent, but as the moment my world opened to art. This painting earned me a full scholarship to the University of Hartford’s Hartford Art School, a moment that challenged years of being told I lacked talent – most painfully, by my own mother. Bonita became proof that those doubts did not define me. By sharing this work, I hope to remind other women to trust their gifts, honor their journeys, and believe – without hesitation – in their own worth.

KAREN RICCIARDI

A retired Interior Designer, enjoying the time now to paint and explore all forms of artistic expression, involvement in community theater, and the great honor to serve as Secretary for the Garde Arts Center Board of Trustees.

KATHY DIAZ-SAAVEDRA

In life and in art I am a messy perfectionist. My process is not refined, but my finished pieces are clean and representational. I find joy in oil painting, from the fluidity of the paint to the ways the colors blend and how the brush strokes create dimension. I dream of color combinations and wake to capture them on canvas in rich and interesting layers. Painting allows me to calm my busy mind by focusing on creating a feeling or emotion. I enjoy painting fruits and vegetables in interesting ways. The colors and textures make me happy. I also have a passion for painting buildings and their surroundings, and I try to depict a feeling of what’s important to me about their architecture. I live in New London CT with my husband, daughter, two cats and a snake. Instagram kdiazsaavedra artist

KATIE FOGG

Katie Fogg is a visual artist whose work bridges classical observation with visionary inquiry. Classically trained, she earned her BFA from the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts and her MFA from the New York Academy of Art. Her foundation in traditional draftsmanship and painting informs a practice that moves fluidly between plein-air, abstract figurative, and visionary work. She is a recipient of the John Stobart Fellowship Award and has been recognized for her dedication to observation, travel, and her distinct color-driven visual language.

KIM ABRAHAM

My artwork is medicine for myself and for those who live with it. I was drawn to art and nature from an early age, and I create as a way to restore balance in a world that is often overstimulating and unkind. I am guided by beauty, order, and collaboration, and inspired by dreams, meditation, and poetry.

KIRA SEAMON – Stained Glass Sky

Kira Seamon is a multifaceted artist known for her captivating blend of traditional and experimental photography, with a unique focus on kaleidoscope imagery. Born and raised in Hawaii, Kira has spent much of her life immersed in the world of visual and performing arts. As a former national and two-time regional dance champion, Kira’s early career in dance led her to significant recognition in major publications like Dance Teacher and Dance Spirit magazines as the editors’ choice for video of the month. She was lauded for her innovative approach to movement, a creativity that seamlessly carried over into her visual art.

KY CONNAL-NICOLAOU

I am a non-binary woman finishing my final year of college. My focus on conservation is supplemented by my animal and macrofloral photography. My photography is my way of sharing the natural beauty of the world with the everyday person.

LEE PALOMBO

There are 2 great passions I have in my life, one is “Capturing Evaporative Moments” and the other is sharing those “Through the Lens” photos with others. With my photography, I seek to document my own personal experiences and capture those scenes and events which allow me to share with others the beauty and diversity of the world we live in. Some of my clients are Yale New Hospital, L&M Hospital, Westerly, CMEEC Electrical Company, Thames River Properties, Randall Realtors, The Day Paper, Dutch Point Credit Union, SE CT Bank, and a number of private homes and businesses. You can follow me on Flickr, Instagram, FB and on my website www.LeePalomboPhotography.com

MARTHA WAKEMAN

Sunset, Pastel

Martha Wakeman studied at Tyler School of Art in Rome and holds a B.S. in Art Education from Skidmore College and an M.A. and an M.F.A. from Villa Schifanoia-Rosary College Graduate School of Fine Art (Dominican University) in Florence, Italy. She has exhibited her paintings and pastels in Florence, Milan, Connecticut and New York. Her work is in collections in the U.S. Europe, New Zealand and Canada. She has taught in the summer session at the Umbra Institute in Perugia, Italy, at Gonzaga University and Palazzo Rucellai in Florence and at Connecticut College. Her work has been featured in the Pastel Journal. She has also created Art and Study Retreats in Italy, one of which was a nine-day drawing and pastel workshop at the Pensione Bencista in the Fiesole hills above Florence in May 2014.

MAURENE KENNEDY

Maurene Kennedy works in various media and mixed media combinations. She studied at; Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, Lyme Art Association, Mystic Museum of Art, and Three Rivers Community College and earned a certificate in Graphic Arts and Communications. She was Artist in Residence under the Urban Artists Initiative, Institute for Community Research, Connecticut Commission on the Arts. She received awards, grants and scholarships. Maurene has been involved in arts fundraisers for Hygienic Art Galleries, New London Landmarks, New London Maritime Museum, and National Coast Guard Museum. She was involved in the planning of In The Pink Regional Exhibition as well as an exhibiting artist over many years. She participated in community art installations; New London Christmas Tree, Stonington Lobster Trap Tree, The Nutcracker Trail. Maurene worked in the arts field as Gallery Manager/Programming Manager, Hygienic Art Gallery; Director, Gallery Manager, Arts Educator, The Tsetse Gallery; Art Teacher Garde Arts Center Institute For Creativity; Gallery Manager, Curator, Graphic and House Artist, Photographer, and Custom Picture Framer/Designer, Studio 33 Art & Frame Gallery, New London and Stonington Borough. She is an active member of the New London Arts Council, currently participating in the NLAC and Explore New London NLCT Photo Art Show at New London Community Recreation Center through March 2026, and has art on display at Studio 33 Art & Frame Gallery through April 2026.

MELODY SMITH

My name is Melody Smith, I am a Colorblind artist who lives in Norwich, CT.   I work with lots of Geometric shapes.  A few years ago, I was written up in the Day paper.   Doing my Art really helps me deal with my chronic pain, it helps me to refocus my brain.

NANCY GLADWELL

Nancy Peel Gladwell has been an active artist, working in CT for over 40 years. After earning a BFA from George Washington U, Gladwell continued her studies in Florence, Italy, at the Academia del Belle Arte.  After returning to the states, Gladwell joined the greater New York Gallery scene exhibiting her work at the Forum and other galleries. She began her teaching career at Long Island University. Her MFA is from Harford Art School, University of Hartford. She taught painting and drawing at Lyme Academy College of Fine Art as Associate Professor for 28 years and is now at the University of New Haven. She is passionate about using the visual experience and its mysteries to deepen the human experience and forge compassionate connections.

NICKI ARCIOLINDA BONANNO – Custom Art Textiles

Nicki Arciolinda Bonanno is a Production and Wardrobe Technician, master seamstress, and ambiance specialist with a background in fashion, interior design, and real estate. She’s a multimedia artist specializing in couture textiles and accessories. Her current project involves producing a moving art/fashion show that integrates custom textile art, performance, and collaboration with other artists.

NORA TAYLOR

Nora Taylor was born in Niantic and raised in Groton.  Photographing the beauty of the outdoors and nature has been a passion since her teen years. She is retired from Pfizer and is active in local community groups concerned with environmentally sound and appropriate land use and development. She volunteers at the local food pantries/kitchens in Ledyard and New London. Nora also paints rocks as part of the “Kindness Rocks” movement and has recently begun to paint with watercolor

PAMELA GORDINIER 

Pamela Pike Gordinier is an artist, educator, and activist who uses her work for social change. Her artwork has been collected by Fortune 500 companies, museums, and private collections. Artist memberships have included CT Academy of Design, Copley Artist Society, CT Watercolor Society and Mystic Museum of Art. lordshillstudio@gmail.com

PAULA CHRISTINA

I feel so grateful to have had a career that involved more than 35 years of worldwide travel. This opportunity fed my passion for photography. I never left home without my camera. Through my travels, I expected to see how much the world differed but as I immersed myself in the various cultures, I realized that we have much more in common. We share joy, struggles, celebration, devotion and nature’s beauty. As a photographer, I quickly became aware that I wanted “Our World” to be my subject. In my retirement, I continue to follow my passions with travel and devote more of my time to photographing “Our World”.

RENEE McGEE

Renee McGee is a New London-based visual artist specializing in traditional media. Her style as a painter is heavily influenced by the American Impressionists, and many of her landscapes were painted “plein air,” or from life. She also regularly creates portraits on commission through her business, Renee McGee Fine Arts LLC. Renee is an active member of the Coast Guard Art Program, New London Arts Council, and Lyme Art Association, and has shown her work in local galleries around Southeastern Connecticut. In addition to her visual arts services, Renee McGee is also a professional trumpet player and member of the New London-based U.S. Coast Guard Band. For more information on her musical activities, please visit reneemcgeetrumpet.com.”

S.A. SCHAUB MACKAY

Susan Schaub MacKay (b. 1964 Mystic, CT) is an American artist based in New London, CT. After receiving world-class instruction from renowned artists in both portrait and figure painting and sculpture (1982 – 1988) at the Lyme Academy of Fine Art, Old Lyme, CT, earned a BA in Studio Art/Art History as well as Museum Studies Certificate from Connecticut College. Steadily commissioned portrait artist since 1986 as well as en plain air landscapes, she has begun experimenting with large, mixed media works incorporating materials on hand. These large land and seascapes strive to capture the beauty of the world and the importance of reuse and recycling in all aspects of our lives including art.

She is Art Director/Curator and owner of The Local Gallery, New London, Connecticut.

THERESA BROACH

Growing up as a reluctant resident of gritty Detroit neighborhoods, Theresa Broach gravitated toward the magical window displays in downtown department stores, the scenic layouts of historic sites in area museums and the beautiful paintings and sculptures inhabiting art galleries. Her artistic journey began with crayon, pencil and charcoal drawings. Later, she auditioned acrylic, oil, watercolor, and pastel before casting encaustic in a starring role. Encaustic allows for the use of multimedia elements infused in heated wax. The wax provides depth and a subtle glow that elevates the visual senses. Her current work restricts the painting to a 4-color palette (red, yellow, black and white). Locally, Theresa has exhibited in the Artist Cooperative Gallery of Westerly and the Hygienic Art Gallery.

VERONICA TRIPLETT

I currently reside in the quaint village of Pawcatuck and have maintained an art studio at the Velvet Mill in Stonington for over 14 years! I work in media of all types and continue to learn and grow in my Black Star Studio 6! The piece I chose for the women’s voices show is an acrylic painting titled ‘featherlight’ in remembrance of my mother Barbara who passed Oct 2025 and I found out afterwards that peacock feathers are one of the symbols of the name Barbara! My mother‘s voice was quiet, but her life was powerful… her actions were of love and kindness which speaks more volumes than words!  860-885-9169 or veronicasblackstar@gmail.com

HEATHER FLYNN

Emerging artist Heather Flynn serves as the Box Office Ticket Services Manager at the Garde Arts Center, where she is often the first welcoming voice and face patrons encounter. With a passion for the arts and a deep commitment to community service, Heather plays a vital role in creating an accessible, inclusive, and positive experience for every guest who walks through the Garde’s doors. Her work supports the Garde’s mission to connect people through live performance, film, and education – ensuring that the arts remain welcoming and reachable for all.

SARAH STIFLER LUCAS

Award winning artist, Sarah Stifler Lucas, has been painting all her life. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Washington University in St. Louis, MO in 1970 and has maintained her studio in CT since 1973, living currently in Stonington. Sarah works in oil. She is known for her moody cafe and street scenes and her delicate renditions of children at play as well as for her commissioned portraits. They include Medal of Honor recipient Captain George Street whose command was the inspiration for the novel Run Silent, Run Deep and Sidney Frank, founder of Grey Goose Vodka. Sarah’s work is exhibited nationally. Among her many honors are awards from Allied Artists of America, National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society, Salmagundi Club, NYC, Lyme Art Association, New Haven Paint and Clay Club and the Mystic Museum of Art. Sarah is an Elected Artist Member of many organizations which include Lyme Art Association, Salmagundi Club, NYC, CT Academy of Fine Arts and the Mystic Museum of Art where she has been on the faculty since 1988.

SHEA WILDER DAWIDOWICZ

Shea is a sophomore at New London High School, looking to pursue a career in Music and possibly cosmetology. An avid artist, her favorite medium is acrylic, but she also loves to work with simple paper and pencil. In her free time, she enjoys practicing on her many instruments, reading, and writing poetry. Although she doesn’t take art in school, she tries to sneak it in whenever she can, whether that’s scribbling in a sketchbook or little doodles in her script for the school musical.

SOFY DAWIDOWICZ

Sofy is a 3rd grader attending St. Patrick’s Catholic School in Norwich, CT. Art is one of her favorite school subjects and she constantly comes home showing off her most recent pieces to her family. Sofy loves ice skating and ballet, but often she can be found coloring with her markers in one of her many coloring books, or just on a blank sheet of paper. She also enjoys gymnastics and prefers to spend most of her time upside down!

KARYN DAWIDOWICZ

Karyn is a self-taught fiber artist. 10 years ago, she participated in 365 days of Granny Squares. She started the year late, so she spent her entire work commute catching up by finishing 3-4 squares each day. Right before the end of the challenge, Karyn moved to New London where the many boxes of granny squares have been stored ever since. She is excited to finally put some of them into circulation and would like you to know that these squares were created on the express bus from the Bronx to Manhattan.

DEBORAH FINCO

I am an acrylic and mixed-media artist based in Noank, Connecticut. After a career in science, I turned to painting as a way to process and express life’s complexities, especially during the pandemic and following my recovery from esophageal cancer in 2022. My work explores the tension between chaos and calm, fragility and resilience. Through bold colors, layered textures, and dynamic brushwork, I channel both turbulent emotions and moments of peace—ranging from abstract explorations of struggle to serene landscapes inspired by nature. My reflects resilience and transformation, inviting viewers to consider the infinite decisions, challenges, and fleeting moments of harmony that shape the human experience.  consultant, artist, horse rescuer, dreamer.

JEANNE SIGEL

Jeanne Sigel is the Director of Development at the Garde Arts Center and an emerging artist since third grade… Deeply rooted in New London’s creative community her work is inspired by storytelling, place, and connection, reflecting a lifelong commitment to the arts. Through both her artistic practice and professional leadership, she champions access, creativity, and cultural vibrancy across Southeastern Connecticut.

CHARLOTTE FIELDS

Charlotte Fields is the Hospitality Manager at the Garde Arts Center and a celebrated tie-dye artist known for her vibrant use of color and joyful, expressive designs. Her work transforms traditional textile techniques into contemporary wearable art, celebrating individuality, creativity, and human connection. Rooted in community and inspired by movement, music, and everyday beauty, her pieces bring color and warmth wherever they appear.

VIRGINIA REYES CONDE

I am a bilingual dyslexic mother, illustrator and artist. I live in Uruguay with my husband, daughter (who is now studying at Connecticut College) and Maylo my everyday dog companion. I grew up in Australia, where most of my commission art is for now.  I have always maintained a quirky colorful style and my art is a form of mental peace for me and a way of seeing the beauty of it all. My main goal is to convey that same sense of beauty and peace to the viewer.

KATHLEEN AMREIN

Kathleen Amrein originally from Portland Maine is a self-taught artist painting in oils, acrylics and watercolors. Acrylics became her choice after a respectable time painting murals in and around the Farmington Valley.  She proudly acknowledges studying with Maureen Wilkinson, Janice Loeffler and Jack Flynn.

ALISHA MELLUZZO 

Alicia Melluzzo is a Connecticut artist whose work is inspired by everyday interactions existing in life, nature and the relationships between color, shapes and light. Her work reflects an active playground employing various mediums, textures, styles and scales in exploration of her subjects.

ZOË BANKS

Zoë Banks is an artist based in Waterford, CT. She holds a B.A. in Dance and Psychology from Salve Regina University, where her commitment to exploring the intersections of movement and the mind flourished. Although her artistic background mainly resides in dance, she enjoys conveying silhouettes in motion on canvas. The recycled sea glass in this piece has been sourced on various coasts of Rhode Island.