The Color of Joy – Opening Reception

What does red feel like? Can optimism have a shade?

This exhibit brings together visual artists and writers who’ve spent lots of time asking those types of questions — in brushstrokes, in verse, and in the sounds words make when they’re chosen just right. Come, explore with us.

Thursday, April 16, 6 – 8pm, Firehouse Gallery

Coming Friday, April 17, 3-9pm

• Free / Open Viewing all evening
• Artist Panel Discussion – 7pm
  • Join us in conversation about the “Color of Joy” show, discussing inspiration, process, and of course, color.

Meet Our Judges

Art Judge – Eileen Carey

Education / Professional Career
Eileen Carey is a Connecticut-based artist and art-educator. She received her BS and MS degrees in Art Education from SCSU and has taught art at Joel Barlow High School, Redding and Woodhouse Academy, Milford.

Exhibitions
An active painter, Eileen has exhibited her work in a variety of Connecticut and New York venues including the Ely Center For Contemporary Art New Haven, Artspace New Haven, Creative Arts Workshop New Haven, Five Points Gallery Torrington, Zahn Gallery Westbrook, Nelson Gallery Cheshire, Bowery Gallery NYC, Open Studios Chelsea NYC, Leo Hotel NYC, Monastery Gallery Of Art West Hartford.

Affiliations
Eileen has been associated with some key local art organizations:
– Board Member of New Haven Paint And Clay Club,
– Exhibiting Member of the Rowayton Arts Center
– Member of the Connecticut Women Artist Inc.

Written Works Judge – Elaine Nadal 

Professional

• Elaine Nadal is Poet Laureate of Milford, Connecticut.
• She is the author of When and Sweat, Dance, Sing, Cut, published by Finishing Line Press.
• Elaine’s new book of poetry,  The Undressing of a Moon, described as “a lullaby for the brokenhearted”,  will be released on June 19, 2026. A special  preorder discount is available until April 24th.  See full details here. 
• A Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net-nominee, her work has appeared in several journals. 
•   www.elainenadal.com

Education / Experiences

• Elaine holds a master’s degree in liberal studies from Wesleyan University
• She also earned in Spanish secondary education and fine arts (music).
• She has studied in Spain and Puerto Rico
• Elaine has delivered a TEDx talk on hope, poetry, and music. 

In Her Own Words

• Writing is a way of making sofrito out of the experiences and varied truths of life.
• It is also a way of honoring the memory of her Abuela Flor, from whom she learned about struggle, determination, compassion, and love.              

Many Thanks

We wish to acknowledge the people who contributed time, talent and support to help make this exhibit come to life.

Tap each image to get more info on the group.

MAC’s Artist-2-Artist Group

Special thanks to Olive Lagace!

MAC’s Written Word Group

Special thanks to Laura Garrity

MAC Volunteers

Thanks to our volunteers who helped to hang the show, print the labels, manage the refreshment table and who act as hosts for every viewing hour of the exhibit.

More Arts & Entertainment Choices from MILFORD ARTS COUNCIL

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