"Neptune Rising" Awarded in Kent CT & Other News August 12 2016

It's been a busy summer at Kent Art Association this year where Lacey and I have been spending time as volunteers. There have been many successful shows, new artists, & judges! We've had wonderful discussions with people at the openings, and  each show I feel the community of artists has grown & learned something new from each other.  Kent Art Association's next opening is tomorrow August 13th, and I am very excited to tell you that "Neptune Rising" will be receiving an Award of Excellence!!  All are welcome to join us in celebration as the KAA Opening Reception is 2-4PM.  There will also be live music too for the first time at KAA in years.  It should be interesting to see art and music filling the halls with artists & patrons coming together to enjoy our members' hard work & the community's cultural celebration.

In other recent BA Wygant Studio news international art writer M. Khalid Rahman at IRIS Art Magazine has decided to feature me in their publication.  I'd like to take this opportunity to thank them for sharing the message. I'd also like to thank my daughter Lacey for helping me put together another calendar for 2017.  The sales from this calendar go directly back into my projects.  Consequently I would like to thank each and everyone of you who have helped support my work through purchasing the calendars over the years.  Maybe some day I will be able to do a coffee table book, but until this this is the best way to grab the best of my collection of work in one spot is the 2017 Calendar.  

Each year there are new paintings added, and of course we keep some of our symbolic favorites like "Unity" for March.  As Many of you know, this is when I was inspired to capture the power of hope and healing through Daffodils.  I would see them  on sale in the community to support cancer research.  So every year "Unity" is featured in March as a reminder to go get those beautiful flowers from your local cancer fundraisers; each of us doing our part to keep the hope alive through the beauty of flowers.  That's some serious flower power. In fact each month's selection has a little story. Feel free to reach out to me on Facebook if you would like to find out more stories about each month's selection.  I look forward to continuing the discussion with you www.fb.com/bawygant

 

Lastly I would like to acknowledge that this week is a special week for my family as we celebrate the lives of our family in Heaven.  Both My Grandfather Floyd and my Brother Bill have birthdays and I'm especially feeling thankful for their presence in everything I do this week.
I know my Sister & I were so blessed to have had them in our lives even for the short time that window was.
They continue to inspire me everyday, and though the pain of loss is deep, I've learned to focus on the love they instilled in me.  Their energy, even today, goes on in my work in many ways.

A Message to Share Through My Recent Painting "Celebration of Life" September 04 2015

I am a painter with a message to share, through my work and my vision.
I look forward to meeting new people at all the Art shows that I exhibit.  In fact this weekend you can find me at BA Wygant at Meet the Artists & Artisans 

My goal is to plant the seeds of Faith and Hope and Brotherhood. We are so blessed to be here now. Each of us has an opportunity to plant the seeds in this glorious garden for the evolution of life on this beautiful planet.  "We can still plant a smile" Dr Ahmed from Syria can't practice in Lebanon, but he still does what he can to help those in need. Each and everyone of us can do our part - even here and now we can share their stories.  Here is his: Lebanon: The Natural Humanitarian

Be here now in this moment, within your surroundings & community.  Immerse yourself in the natural world- It is around you everywhere, be still and listen. Hear your mind and soul drink in the bird's song, the crickets laugh, feel the gentle breeze on your face. Shine in God's loving embrace. We are one in this eternal journey through life, connected by His Light our species will evolve- together! 

I do my best to capture this in "Celebration of Life" my latest oil painting on sculptural base, you can currently see it on display at The Gallery At Kent: 

 

Danbury News Times Interviews BA Wygant | Buy The Sunday Paper! January 30 2015 5 Comments

Last week I had the chance to sit down and talk with Linda Koonz, the features editor of The News Times, and share my journey into artistic expression.  For over 48 years (photo on the left is from my old studio in Candlewood Isle) I have been exploring the link between the physical and spiritual world and that energy that connects us to each other and to God.  

We spoke about my interpretation of our travel through time and space, the concept of the earth being one seed in a vast cosmic infinity & our life here on this planet as just the first step in an infinite journey home.
 It was an interesting discussion spanning a few hours.  We also touched on the need to care for our planet, and the need for human kind to do our part in helping to stop the decline of its health.  I hope my work
inspires this in people and I'm looking forward to this Sunday's paper where this vision may reach others! The published article is below- I look forward to your comments:

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

Art in Public Spaces: A Final Show for 2014 December 22 2014

Hope to see you at the Library for my exhibit up through 2/15/2015 in New Milford, CT (Date extended).  Call us for details or for a personal tour at (203)770-2230

Pratt Center Fundraiser, Sag Harbor Fest, & Unveiling New Work September 12 2014 1 Comment

This weekend if you are in New Milford, CT please support the Pratt Center on Paper Mill rd and attend their annual auction & fundraiser Under the Harvest Moon .  Here you will be able to bid on BA Wygant's donated 14x11 double matted print of "Spring Symphony" that has been signed numbered and dated.  The original painting is 48x36:

Bette Anne's Description:  In ”Spring Symphony” I share my impression of a moment in time. While I was riding in my car, I glanced out the window as the Sun peeked out of the dark raincloud to reveal an intoxicating sea of wildflowers, while listening to the Brandenburg concertos. I was overwhelmed with the beauty of the moment.

Also this weekend 9/13-14 at the Sag Harbor Festival we are proud to be unveiling of "Awakening".

BA Wygant's most recent work:

11th Sep 2014:

 

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything."
-- George Bernard Shaw,
Irish playwright

 

After reflecting on this quote & having just finished "Awakening" I can't help but wince when I think about sending my youngest off to school in the Middle East this semester in the midst of such turmoil. 

"Progress" in this context is not enough for me.   Really "Survival" would be a more accurate term for our society.  Whether we want to admit the reality of our changing world or not, our survival will depend on our "Awakening" and flexibility in our world. The governments must cooperate, and work together to help solve the problems we are now facing. Our own leaders must overcome the petty differences reflected in the constant childish bickering.  We must begin anew.

Our precious Humanity, our beloved Earth, our children, when will it be too late to speak with one voice? Peace and respect for Life will determine the balance of our Extinction, or our Salvation.  This is why it is important for our communities to come together and support each other, I hope to see you this weekend so we can make this change happen!!  

 

-BA Wygant

The 2014 SoNo Arts Celebration 8/16-17 & #SeaTrashTransform : Beach Cleanup 9/27 August 12 2014 1 Comment

Lots of things going on this week including the kick off of a beach clean up with Unity.Gallery & the SONO Arts Celebration this weekend.

And the People's Choice Award Winner is.... July 28 2014 1 Comment

2014 Golden Thread Gallery People's Choice Award Winner is BA Wygant for  "And the Light Was Good".

An Art Fair-y-Tale | How Helping My Mom's Studio With Art Shows Made Me A Better Artist July 09 2014

Recently we were asked to join a live radio show to discuss BA Wygant Studio's experience in the art show/ art fair market.  As we have worked together on the booth now for a long time- here is my account of the art fair process and how important it is:   

I started going to outdoor art shows when I was 6. My Mom (Bette Anne Wygant) is a painter, and at one point she was also showing some fiber work too. I loved the atmosphere at art shows from the start- the hustle and bustle of setting up your own mini gallery is electric. I remember her conversing with other artists, and telling people about her work- I was as proud of her as I am today. Some of my favorite memories of my grandmother were of her joining us at the fair. She was so happy to be there supporting my Mom, she often walked with me through the show explaining different art and engaging me at a very young age. It is because of these trips that I have such a profound love of art in my life. 

The community standing side to side with their art in the natural light also helps to unite artists, it's really an unparalleled experience. I carry these interactions with me today and they keep me going when we come across a bad show (or having to chase away digital cameras). I remember the new art I see around me, the things I learned, people I met and the new friends we have made~ I always walk away with a positive experience.

Times have changed a bit. For instance now we use more digital tools to engage people, we have better tents and panels, and we sell a lot more prints in tough times because of the price point. However things remain the same in many respects. Art has always been about sharing your vision and bridging vulnerability through connection and interaction with people. That's why I say the shows are worth the time and money you put into them. -What's better than connecting with people in the community and their environment directly?!  

So what is you favorite part about outdoor art shows?  

 

See you at the next show!!

 

-Lacey Wallace