Past Exhibitions
One River Adult Students Exhibition
EXHIBITION DATES
May 26th- June 6th
We are thrilled to present the Adult Student Show, an exhibition celebrating the creativity and talent of our adult students. This show highlights the diverse range of work created in our adult art classes, from traditional painting to digital art, and everything in between. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see the dedication and growth of our students as they explore their artistic practices.
This exhibition is a testament to the passion and hard work of our adult community, showcasing pieces that reflect the creativity, exploration, and personal expression of each artist. Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting to discover your creative side, this show celebrates the progress and artistic journey of all participants.
Westport Art Teacher Exhibition
EXHIBITION DATES
May 12th- 23rd 2025
The Westport Art Teacher Exhibition is an exciting and inspiring showcase of the artistic talents of local educators who are dedicated to fostering creativity in their students. This exhibition brings together the work of Westport’s most talented art teachers, providing a unique opportunity to see the personal and professional side of those who inspire and nurture the next generation of artists.
Staples High School AP Student Show
EXHIBITION DATES
April 21-May 9th 2025
The AP Student Show features the exceptional work of Staples High School’s most dedicated and passionate visual art students. These artists are enrolled in the Advanced Placement Studio Art program, a rigorous course that challenges students to develop their own artistic voice while refining their technical skills and conceptual thinking.
The visual arts program at Staples High School offers a wide range of courses designed to engage both the most committed young artists and those exploring creative expression for the first time. Through a strong foundation in drawing from observation and a deep understanding of the elements and principles of art, students are encouraged to explore a variety of mediums—ranging from painting, printmaking, and sculpture to digital media and photography.
Kindness Project
EXHIBITION DATES
April 1st - April 30th
The Kindness Project is a community-driven initiative designed to inspire creativity and compassion through art. Students at One River School create artwork that spreads messages of kindness, positivity, and connection. The Kindness Project coincides with Autism Awareness Month, and student artwork will be on display throughout April at SoNo Collection. As part of this initiative, students in Kids Art Shuffle K-2 and 3-5 will create original paintings inspired by Romero Britto’s Happiness Movement—embracing his bold, colorful style to craft bright and joyful works that encourage optimism and positivity. We are also proud to partner with STAR Inc., a wonderful organization dedicated to supporting individuals with learning differences. Through this collaboration, we will help raise funds to support STAR’s incredible work within the community.
Leah Guadagnoli
EXHIBITION DATES
Feb 17 - April 21 2025
Incorporating elements of sculpture, painting, graphic design, and architecture, Leah Guadagnoli’s whimsical, idiosyncratic works defy easy classification. The artist’s work expands on the Pop tradition by making use of readymade imagery and quotidian materials. Often drawing on the aesthetics of her Midwestern upbringing, the artist appropriates designs and patterns from the 1980s and ’90s—often considered kitschy—presenting them in fresh and dynamic ways. Guadagnoli’s creations are inherently accessible, referencing public spaces such as waiting rooms, movie theatres, bus seats, and casinos. A clear aesthetic descendant of Ruth Root and the Memphis Group, Guadagnoli reinterprets this imagery through a lens that is both nostalgic and forward-looking. Her work strikes a balance between hard-edged geometrical precision and free-form patterns. The result has a certain levity, as disparate materials transform and come together.
Pequot Library Select Student Show
EXHIBITION DATES
March 1st - March 31st
Transforming Art Education is an exhibition showcasing the work of One River students, highlighting their unique approach to art-making through the lens of contemporary art. Rooted in a curriculum that emphasizes modern artists, One River’s programs blend technique and material exploration with creative expression, encouraging students to develop their own artistic voices. This exhibition celebrates their journey, offering a glimpse into how young artists engage with and reinterpret the world around them.
January Student Show
EXHIBITION DATES
Jan 13 - Feb 7th
The January student exhibition will showcase the talents of all our students, Pre-K through advanced teens, Studio & Digital. Join us in celebrating our amazing artists and take part in a scavenger hunt and light refreshments. Staff will be on-site to answer any questions.
STAR Inc. Exhibition
EXHIBITION DATES
Dec 23rd - Jan 10th
This inspiring exhibition showcases the artwork of adult students from STAR Inc., a program that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Guided by One River instructors, these talented artists explore contemporary art through engaging lessons and creative projects.
STAR Inc. provides residential support for adults with IDD, helping them live independently in STAR-managed group homes, personal residences, and apartments. By offering training, supervision, and support, STAR empowers individuals to take control of their lives, make meaningful decisions, and embrace their independence.
Southport School Winter Exhibition
EXHIBITION DATES
Dec 2nd - Dec 20th
The Southport School, located in Southport Connecticut provides transformative educational experiences for students in 2nd through 8th grade with language-based learning differences, like dyslexia, and ADHD/ADD. They are an amazing organization and we are thrilled to showcase the work of some of their talented students!
Upper School students looked at the paintings by contemporary artist Carly Waito and referenced pictures of real crystal clusters. 4th and 5th Grade students looked the paintings by contemporary artist Kurt Pio and referenced pictures of real gems. 2nd and 3rd Grade students looked the paintings by contemporary artist Maryna Salagub and referenced pictures of real agate rocks. Students learned all about different watercolor techniques and analogous color combinations to create our very own crystal painting!
Paula Brett
EXHIBITION DATES
Sep 30th - Nov 27th
As both an artist and teacher, Paula’s muse is the authentic voice, for herself, her students, and the art. This commitment is an ongoing journey, unfolding from one moment to the next. Following sacred intuitive impulse and expression is a practice she embodies and teaches.
Paula holds an BS in Art Education from the University of Georgia and an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts and Media from Columbia College Chicago. She is also a Master Expressive Arts Facilitator and regularly hosts “Paint Medicine” classes. She currently resides in Roswell, Georgia where she creates and teaches art, mothers two little boys, tries to keep up her yoga practice and be a good friend to her husband. https://elisacontemporaryart.com/
Deborah Weiss
EXHIBITION DATES
Aug 19th - Sept 27th
Deborah Weiss is a visual artist creating both works on panel and paper. She has exhibited throughout the United States and has been included in several international exhibitions taking place in China, Sweden, Italy, England and Denmark. My work has always been nature based. “Blooms” is a celebration of the contemporary botanical image. I have used my own dyed and painted papers for these hand cut collages. Choosing to interpret the textures and organic shapes in blue and white is in reverence to the rich history of this color pairing. First in China and later in Europe, blue and white wares were treasured. Taking the bloom formations a step further, I am also pursing multiple color palettes and the inclusion of vintage papers. https://www.deborahweiss.com/
Staples High School AP Student Show
EXHIBITION DATES
May 20 - May 31st 2024
The visual arts program at Staples High School offers an extensive selection of rigorous courses for both the most serious art students as well as those who want to experience visual art media. All courses expand on a concern for drawing from observation, and build on how the elements and principles of art apply to a student’s chosen medium.
Ellen Ehli
EXHIBITION DATES
May 2nd - May 16th 2024
Ellen is a self-taught abstract artist who works primarily with acrylic paints, pastes and other mixed media to create abstract pieces. Influences are natural settings, peeling walls and harmonious colors abstracted into art for both residential and commercial settings. Her artwork has been recognized by numerous juried shows both locally and regionally. Willing to take risks through experimentation and new techniques is essential to her process, Ellen has effectively and enthusiastically been able to work with acrylic, oil pastels, glass, pastes and other mixed media that transform into unique, one-of-a-kind artworks. It is here that she strives to create pieces through the exploration of depth and texture. Ellen resides with her family in Westport, CT.
https://ellenehliart.com
Alicia Gibson
EXHIBITION DATES
March 4th - April 29th 2024
Alicia Gibson was born in Manhasset, NY. She received her BA from Boston College, a PostBac from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, and an MFA from Hunter College. Solo exhibitions have included Backronym in a Sentence at Grifter Gallery, NY, NY, Friend from Foe at Loyal Gallery, Stockholm, Sweden, Backseat Bingo, Marvin Gardens, Ridgewood, NY, Not in a Million Beers, Real Estate Fine Art, Brooklyn, NY, Purgatory Emporium, CANADA Gallery, NY, NY, and Flip the Script turn the Tide, Julius Ceasar Gallery, Chicago, IL.
Winter Student Show
EXHIBITION DATES
Jan 22nd- Feb 19th 2024
The Student Show highlights the artistic achievements of all the One River School studio and digital art students. Students explored a variety of art materials and expressed themselves freely on an array of unique surfaces.
Southport School Student Show
EXHIBITION DATES
Dec 26th - Jan 12th
The Southport School, located in Southport Connecticut provides transformative educational experiences for students in 2nd through 8th grade with language-based learning differences, like dyslexia, and ADHD/ADD. They are an amazing organization and we are thrilled to showcase the work of some of their talented students!
Students looked at the work of contemporary artist Jen Aranyi and designed their own landscape scene using a variety of perspective drawing tricks. They learned about background, middle ground, and foreground elements, as well as different color combinations before adding a galaxy sky or sunset with different watercolor techniques.
Fairfield University Student Show
EXHIBITION DATES
Dec 4th- Dec 22nd 2023
This exhibition showcases Fairfield University’s Studio Art majors and minors, from first year students to seniors. Their work in media such as acrylic, graphite, watercolor, and photography ranges in subject and style, reflecting the diversity of approach that the program encourages. In their art, students’ fulfill the university’s mission to develop creative intellectual potential and to foster a sense of social responsibility through the power to imagine, to intuit, to create, and to appreciate. Fairfield U. is grateful to One River for showcasing our students’ talent.
Lewis Huffman Exhibition
EXHIBITION DATES
Sept 18 - Nov 25
Lewis Huffman is a painter living in Fairfield Ct, and working from his studio at the Metro Arts Studio in Bridgeport CT. His painting style is a blend of cartoon-like representations and abstraction featuring bold color and gestural drawn lines. With a focus on the anthropomorphizing of animals to convey impressions of human conditions, with a sense of mischievous humor.
Huffman received a Masters degree in architecture from The Ohio State University and practiced in CT and nationally for many years before turning his focus to painting with study at Silvermine Arts Center and self-directed exploration.
His work hangs in private collections throughout the United States.
Roe Halper & Cara McCabe Exhibition
EXHIBITION DATES
July 10- July 30
We are thrilled to showcase work by artists Roe Halper & Cara McCabe. CARA MCCABE is a CT based painter. She paints mostly from live models, en plein air (outside) and a mixture of different photographs to translate various colors, moods, and textures into an artistic experience. Her goal is to capture the myriad of emotions and beauty around her. Roe Halper is a CT based painter. She has been working as a professional fine artist since 1960. Her work reflects her reaction to world events including the flowing movement of dance, abstract movement and nature. She works across multiple mediums including pen & India ink, low relief wood carvings, acrylic painting and clay sculpture. She is most excited in the process.
Student Spring Exhibition
EXHIBITION DATES
June 17- June 30
Please join us for a special evening showcasing the art & digital work of One River School's students.
Student Winter Exhibition
EXHIBITION DATES
January 23- February 13, 2023
Please join us for a special evening showcasing the art & digital work of One River School's students.
Zuriel Waters
EXHIBITION DATES
October 5 - December 3, 2022
Zuriel Waters was born in 1984 in Philadelphia, PA, and lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. He received an MFA in Painting from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2010 and a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from San Diego State University in 2007. He has shown work in group exhibitions throughout New York City at galleries such as Underdonk, Safe Gallery, Regina Rex, CANADA, Orgy Park and others and has also had a solo show at Left Field Gallery in Los Osos, CA.
Rachel Domm
Object Meditation
EXHIBITION DATES
April 5 - April 26, 2022
Rachel Domm’s intimate renderings investigate the physical boundaries between our bodies and the objects we buy, wear, consume and inhabit. Curves, folds, mounds, cavities, and shadows all suggest analogous corporeal forms. Depictions of innocuous, familiar objects are enlivened through larger-than-life proportions and luminous hues. By lingering on quiet, grounded moments, the work also communicates the need for respite from the dizzying proliferation of products and images vying for our attention.
Chuck Webster
Pantheons
EXHIBITION DATES
October 9 - December 19, 2021
Chuck Webster is a versatile artist working across mediums of painting, drawing, collage, and printmaking. His work merges abstract and realistic forms, allowing them to take on a whole new meaning. Pantheons in particular references Webster’s time at the Nation Academy in Rome. For this body of work, Webster looks closely at the Pantheon, as well as the Contarelli Chapel at the Church of San Luigi di Francesca in addition to many other famous architectural spaces. His premise was to “find a delicate place of tension between the pure plastic form and surface of a picture and a sense of story, a larger drama and figuration.”
Kat Evans
EXHIBITION DATES
February 1- 28, 2020
Inspired by Josef Albers and the Color Field Movement, Kat (Katherine) Evans creates vibrant paintings with luminous hues and raucous color. Using bold brush strokes and often collage effects, she masterfully explores the interplay of color and texture to evoke an emotional response in each composition. Her artwork has been shown in numerous juried solo and group exhibitions, and Evans’ paintings can be found in collections throughout the U.S. and Europe.
Adult Student Show
EXHIBITION DATES
January 25-28, 2019
Please join us to celebrate the hard work & dedication of One River's adult students during the Adult Student Show!
Kids & Teens Student Show
EXHIBITION DATES
January 11- 21, 2020
Please join us for a special evening showcasing the art & digital work of One River School's students. Enjoy interactive projects, music, and more.
JJ Manford
EXHIBITION DATES
June 15 - October 15, 2019
These works stem from a larger body of work made during Manford's recent transitional period, conjuring images of landscapes, mountains, trains, and semi-abstract fields. These colorful paintings will transport you into a dream-like space. Manford states, "For me, a nighttime effect is deployed for symbolic purposes; 'night', in this case, represents a re-awakening and a time for spiritual and physical renewal."