Current Exhibitions

Shared Sensibilities: The Art of Sol Lewitt and His Friends
October 14, 2011 – April 29, 2012
Exhibit Opening: Thursday, October 13 5:00-7:00pm


During the early 1960s, Sol LeWitt (1928-2007) was prominent among a group of artists who searched for alternatives to the long-established conventions of traditional painting and sculpture. He helped establish Conceptual Art and Minimalism by creating works that reduced art to the most basic shapes and colors. This exhibition includes both the work of Sol LeWitt and the work of contemporary artists who were his friends and co-workers. Among the 20 works by LeWitt in this exhibition are a structure from the Incomplete Open Cube series and colorful works on paper that demonstrate the tactics LeWitt used to define and push the limits of art-making, among them, Full Cube (1974) and Dancing Lines, 1997. Selections from the LeWitt collection feature more than 40 works by 17 artists, including paintings, sculpture, photography, and works on paper by artists Alan Cohen, Charles Gaines, Arlan Huang, Julie Moos and Richard Ziemann among others.

Distorted Cubes, by Sol LeWitt, LeWitt Collection

Toys: Treasures From Long Ago
November 25, 2011 – February 26, 2012





The Mattatuck Museum welcomes in the holidays with a whimsical exhibit of toys from Connecticut’s past. TOYS! will bring back fond memories of your childhood and create new memories for your children and loved ones. Visit the museum to see the William Brinley hand carved miniature circus on loan from the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, CT and delightful and fascinating vintage dolls, toys and games from the Mattatuck’s collection.

Many Visions/One Community
February 14, 2012 – June 1, 2012
Exhibit Opening: Tuesday, February 14 5:30-7:30pm


The Mattatuck Museum, is pleased to announce a donation of contemporary art by collectors Benjamin Ortiz and Victor Torchia, Jr. Given at the time that Marie Galbraith is stepping down as director of the museum and moving to Director of Education and Public Programming, the donation reflects Marie's outreach to the various communities that make up our audiences.

The gift of paintings, sculpture and works on paper by 31 artists celebrates each year of Marie's tenure. It includes works by artists of diverse backgrounds, some well-known and others just emerging. Galbraith, who is stepping down in February to work on the more creative aspects of museum programming and education, is delighted with the gift which represents multicultural diversity in both its creators and its subjects.

The donation contains a variety of art forms including painting, photography, watercolors and etchings. It represents such movements as figurative realism, feminist art, abstraction, and conceptual art. Included in the donated is a 1955 black-and-white photograph, Grand Central Station, by Larry Silver, Antonio Frasconi's colorful woodcut Sioux Chief, 1971, and a mixed media work, Esperanza, 1995, by Yolanda Vasquez Petrocelli.

This contribution by Benjamin Ortiz and Victor Torchia is important as it significantly increases the museum's holdings in 20th century art. Their desire to share their remarkable collection reflects their philosophy that art reflects our culture and that art can inspire us. Additionally, this gift can be used for teaching as well as the enjoyment of our audiences.

Image:
Alberta Cifolelli, Making Waves #3, 1979
Mixed media, 23 1/2 x 17 3/4

Innovations for a World Market: Manufacturing in the Naugatuck Valley
March 2011 - March 2012
Opening Reception: Friday March 11, 5:30-7:30pm
Members: No charge Non-members: $5.00
Register for the Opening Reception or call 203-753-0381 x 10

Fifty years ago metal manufacturing was the lifeblood of the Naugatuck Valley. As global economies changed, the largest corporations left the region, creating a popular misconception that the industry is gone. In truth, numerous metal manufacturers are still based in the Valley.

The Platt Brothers & Company: In 1822 Alfred Platt diversified his business on the Naugatuck River by manufacturing metal buttons. Today, this company makes a variety of zinc based products, terrazzo flooring and medical equipment. Their zinc coatings, zinc liners, and anodes protect dams, pipelines and bridges across the country and the world.
The Eastern Company in Naugatuck: It began in 1858 John Howard Whittemore joined Bronson Beecher Tuttle in making iron parts for railroads, carriages, agricultural tools. Today this multinational company makes diverse products including roof anchors for mining, locks and latches for trucks and busses, and sleeper cabs for trucks and military vehicles.
Stewart EFI in Thomaston: One of the largest international suppliers of precision progressive die and deep drawn metal stampings, their products are used in battery cases, automotive air bags, and salt shaker tops.