Work That Is Deeply Grounded in Nature
Work by Don Bracken, including Out of the Ashes  will be featured in a show at the Hotchkiss Library of Sharon, Conn. Photo submitted​

Work That Is Deeply Grounded in Nature

The inspiration for Donald Bracken’s paintings made a 360 degree turn when he lost his studio on the 91st floor of the World Trade Center (where he was an artist in residence) and he came home to West Cornwall, Conn.

He had been painting New York City from hundreds of feet in the air, and studying the clouds that were sometimes below his feet. Now he is literally creating work from the ground up, and using dirt, stone and river sand from Litchfield County, mixed with acrylic gels. 

The resulting paintings are, of course, earthy — featuring trees and ponds and fields. 

The Hotchkiss Library of Sharon, Conn., has a show of his work that opens with an artist reception on the lawn on Saturday, Sept. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. Small groups may enter to see the work inside.

The show will remain up until Oct. 31. Call the library at 860-364-5041 or email request@hotchkisslibrary.org to make an appointment to come in and see the show.

To see a broad view of Bracken’s work, including his sculptures, go to www.donaldbracken.com.

Latest News

Pirates go back-to-back as league champs

The Canaan Pirates pose as champions after defending the Northwest Connecticut District 6 Majors Little League title.

Photo by Riley Klein

THOMASTON The Canaan Pirates are champions once more.

In the Northwest Connecticut District 6 Majors Little League title game Friday, June 13, the Pirates defeated Thomaston JRC Transportation by a score of 6-2.

Keep ReadingShow less
Red Sox end season with comeback win

NORTH CANAAN — The Canaan Red Sox ended the season with a thrilling 14-13 win over the Tri-Town Phillies Thursday, June 12.

Canaan trailed for most of the game but kept it close. Ultimately, the Red Sox secured the victory with a final-inning comeback in front of the home crowd at Steve Blass Field.

Keep ReadingShow less
State Rep. Horn injured in running accident

State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) was treated for her injuries at Sharon Hospital.

Photo by John Coston

The day after concluding what has been described as a grueling legislative session, State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) had a running accident, leaving her with a broken pelvis and collarbone among other more minor bruises and abrasions. Despite the injuries, she is in good spirits and recuperating at home, eager to get back on her feet.

Horn said after spending weeks in the assembly hall, she was eager to get some outdoor exercise in, but perhaps pushed a little too hard too soon. She said she was excited to get a run in on the morning of Friday, June 6, but was still exhausted from her time in Hartford and in the final stretch of recovering from a meniscus repair surgery in December.

Keep ReadingShow less
Walk-off win sends Pirates to championship

Milo Ellison sends a fly ball to left field, bringing home Brody Ohler and Sam Hahn in a walk-off win for the Canaan Pirates June 11.

Photo by Riley Klein

NORTH CANAAN — The Canaan Pirates advanced to the league championship after a comeback victory over the Tri-Town Red Sox Wednesday, June 11.

Down 3-2 with two outs and two on in the bottom of the 6th inning, "Mighty" Milo Ellison stepped up to the plate and launched a fly ball deep to left field. The single brought home Brody Ohler and Sam Hahn for a walk-off Pirates win.

Keep ReadingShow less