Kershner Art Gallery Opening Reception: "Into the Light"

The public is invited to a reception for the latest Bruce S. Kershner Art Gallery show, Into the Light, featuring the paintings of Laura Barr, Jim Fiora and Suzanne Heilmann.  The artists will speak about their work at 6:00pm, and light refreshments will be served.

Laura Barr studied at Tyler School of Art in Rome, Italy, and earned a BFA from School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and a B.A. in fine arts from Tufts University.  Her work is in many collections including Yale and Wesleyan, and she currently works as a fine artist in Branford, CT.  Laura says, "My work explores color, transparency, reflection and light.  I am interested in the theme of impermanence...and am drawn to water and its preservation and protection.  It's a common thread in my painting, whether in a glass, a pool, a river, quarry or sea."

Jim Fiora is a self-taught artist who has been creating photographs for fine art and commercial clients for over 30 years.   His work has been exhibited in art centers throughout Connecticut, and is included in many private collections.  Jim says, "I am drawn to the constructs and quirks of the built environment...in my imagery, I am attracted most to scenes with strong color and bold graphic forms; I love creating colorful juxtapositions and balance through asymmetry."  

Suzanne Heilmann currently lives in Ridgefield, CT, but grew up in a number of countries, including South Africa, Denmark, England and Mexico before settling in the U.S.  She has attended the Maryland Institute of Art, American University, and the School of Visual Art in Manhattan, where she received er BFA in design. She previously had her own packaging design firm in NYC and has exhibited her work in many galleries throughout Connecticut.  Suzanne states, "Having come from a design and packaging background, I've been able to transition into a broad array of art styles using a wide range of mediums.  I am fascinated with texture, 3-D layers, light, space and shadows...and often integrate recycled material into my work."

Into the Light can be viewed from November 8, 2025 through January 3, 2026 during regular Main Library hours.