Dear Friends:

Don't forget to come visit us this weekend at our NEW STUDIO located at 181 Main Street, Branford (across the street from Richlin). Kristin  and I  are two of the 47 artists from Branford, Guilford and Madison that are participating in the Shoreline ArtsTrail Open Studios Weekend, November 17 & 18. Please join us in our from 10 am to 4 pm each day.  We are #1 on our brochure map. Artists will be showing works in cut paper, engraving, fiber, found objects, glass, goldsmithing, jewelry, metal, paint, pastels, photography, pottery, printmaking, sculpture, stained glass, and textiles in their studios. 

During Open Studios Weekend, the distinctive yellow “Open Studio” signs will point you to all of these artists and studios. For specific locations and more information about events, discount offers and participating artists, pick up a copy of the Shoreline ArtsTrail map, available in libraries, town halls and visitors’ centers in Branford, Guilford and Madison, as well as at the Guilford Art Center and the various studios or email me and I will mail you a copy. Visit  www.shorelineartstrail.com and its sister blog for more information.

We hope to see you! Owen

Thomas W Luckey -Obituary

Thomas Walker Luckey, an artist, sculptor and architect renowned for his one-of-a-kind climbing sculptures, died Sunday, August 19 at Yale New Haven Hospital at the age of 72 from complications of pneumonia. A graduate of the Yale School of Architecture, Tom’s fascination with movement and his desire to create positive spaces inspired a diverse portfolio including merry go-rounds, a convertible staircase/slide, and the iconic “Luckey Climbers” that have delighted children and adults alike, in cities across America and the world.

Tom Luckey was a visionary, a creative genius, a legendary optimist, an exuberant showboat, and an infamous fun-maker. He was an avid collector of friends, regardless of age; all that mattered was whether you were willing to take a leap with him towards his ultimate goal: superlative joy.

Tom was born on January 6, 1940 in Quantico, VA, on the Marine Corps base where his family was stationed. His parents were Cary Dabney Walker and Robert Burneston Luckey, Lt. Gen. USMC. His grandparents were General Merriwether Lewis Walker and Edith Colby Carey (maternal) and George B. Luckey and Alice Owens (paternal). Tom was the quintessential military brat, moving frequently throughout his childhood.

Even in those early years, Tom showed a unique ability to envision and bring to life imagined forms. He was always working with his hands and led by his dreams. From simple carvings, he built up to larger projects including a little cottage on Martha’s Vineyard, which he built when he was 16. He eventually settled in Branford, CT, where he subjected his house to imaginative additions and modifications for more than 35 years.

Throughout his career, Tom welcomed challenges and was stimulated by obstacles. He embraced uncertainty in his art and adapted to unanticipated hurdles. Most recently, he suffered a tragic accident that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down.  This was a change in his life most would find impossible, but Tom was often heard to say that “falling on my head was the best thing that ever happened to me.” It was a brave statement that he somehow made believable with his remarkable wit and optimism. Indeed, his career took off and his social life flourished during the final chapters of his life, testament to his remarkable talent and insatiable curiosity.

Tom leaves behind his second wife, Ettie Minor Luckey, and their children, daughter Kit and son Walker, as well as two older children, daughter Owen and son Spencer from his first marriage to Elizabeth M.Possidente. He is also survived by his sister, Laura, brother, William, and three grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 8, 3:30 p.m. at Battell Chapel, Yale University, New Haven, CT, followed by a reception at 200 Meadow Street, East Haven CT. All are welcome.

Check out the Shoreline paper article!!

Thank you Susan !

http://www.shorelinetimes.com/articles/2012/01/17/life/doc4f16138c0ca0c761085303.txt

Art 4 the body + 4 the soul at the Willoughby Wallace Library

The Branford Artists Cooperative is pleased to announce 4 the body + 4 the soul, an art exhibition with member artists Rita Brieger and Owen Sea Luckey at the Willoughby Wallace Library in Stony Creek. Sponsored by the Friends of Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, the exhibit runs from January 1 through January 25, 2012, with an Opening Reception on Sunday, January 8 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. (Snow date: January 15, same times)

Together, Rita and Owen present a collection of work that defines the figure in bold and abstract impressions. But their use of color and pattern reach beyond the physical confines of paint and textile, creating movement, feeling, and soul.

Rita is an abstract painter who combines color, texture and emotions on canvas. Working in both acrylic and oil, she uses her craft to present the soulful contradictions of life. The bright colors, bold movements and layers of intentions communicate to the viewer in ways words cannot. “A work of art is a reflection of the soul print of the artist,” she says.

Owen is a textile artist who combines hand knitting and sewn accessories to create one-of-a-kind pieces using sumptuous yarns, custom dyed wools, silk velvets and beaded trims. While the lines and structure of her creations are familiar—a sweater, a scarf, a hat—she pushes the boundaries of what you expect, incorporating holes, bright pops of color, and funky embellishments. “I love to create one-of-a-kind pieces that people can’t wait to wear,” Owen says. She is a founding member of the Branford Artists Cooperative, which supports emerging and established artists and promotes the arts in the town of Branford.

The Friends of the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library is a non-profit volunteer organization that actively promotes community participation in library programs and supports the library’s growth and development.

The Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library is located at 146 Thimble Islands Road, Stony Creek, CT. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit www.wwml.org or www.branfordartistscooperative.com

Annual Holiday Trunk Show!

December 7, 8, 9 & 10

Presented by the Branford Artists Cooperative

FEATURING

Kristin Merrill, jewelry

Owen Sea Luckey, textiles

Visit the BAC gallery as part of Erica's e-list Branford Girls Night Out on Wednesday December 7 from 5 to 8 pm. Then join us for a Party on Thursday, December 8 and Friday December 9 from 5 to 8 pm. The Open House takes place on Saturday, December 10 from 10 am - 4 pm. Free and open to the public.

The BAC gallery is located at 211 Montowese Street in Branford, and open Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and other times by appointment.

Branford Artists Cooperative supports emerging and established artists and promotes the arts in the town of Branford. We encourage greater appreciation and awareness of the arts among businesses, organizations and the general public. The Branford Artists Cooperative and its membership of artists and supporters aspire to illuminate, educate and entertain.

Visit www.branfordartistscooperative.com or call 203-589-6995 for more information or to become a member.

Please join me in my studio this weekend November 19 & 20 for the Shoreline Arts Trail !!

10 years in the making and we keep making it happen!!!

Check out the website for more info & more artists www.shorelineartstrail.com.

Come join 5 @BAC and celebrate Mother's Day!

Paintings: Hannah Baldwin

Textiles: Owen Sea Luckey

Jewelry & Sculpture: Kristin Merrill

Ceramics: Pat Rist

Ceramics: Pat Rist

Opening Evening: Friday May 6, 6-9pm

Saturday May 7, 10-4pm