Art gallery and wine bar open in Union Station

Oil paintings, watercolors, landscapes and sketches filled the upper level of Union Station in North Canaan, Conn., for the grand opening of Art Bar & Cafe on Friday, Oct. 27.

Works by area artists lined the corridors with even more Northwest Corner creations hanging within the new wine bar above Great Falls Brewing. 

Chris Tripler, owner of both the Art Bar & Cafe and Great Falls Brewing, said the inspiration to open a community art gallery arose from the unexpected success of a pop-up gallery at the brewery earlier this year.

“We were amazed by the number of people who showed up,” said Tripler. “It was largely folks that never come to the tap room.”

With so many art lovers in the area, Tripler felt the Community Gallery seemed like a perfect fit for North Canaan. After getting a few tips from a nearby art critic, including the ideal height to hang art in a gallery (the center of the image should be 57 inches from the ground), the gallery at Art Bar & Cafe was born.

Melanie Teardo, manager of the Art Bar & Cafe, said the addition to downtown North Canaan brings “something unique to the area. Definitely nice to have a little bit of night life around here.” 

On the new gallery, she said it creates “a sense of community” among local artists. “You don’t have to be an expert painter to be a part of it.”

On Oct. 27, work from several featured artists was on display, including ink and watercolor art from Jean Saliter of Salisbury. Saliter holds a photography degree with a minor in painting and said her interest in watercolor developed while at home during the pandemic.

“There was just so many hours in a day, so I thought ‘why not teach yourself patience?’ and I got some watercolors,” said Saliter. “I just sat down and painted day in and day out. I taught myself from YouTube tutorials and books and mimicry.”

Many of the pieces on display by Saliter showed intricately inked outlines of insects that were brought to life by an overlay of bright watercolor highlights. 

At the Art Bar & Cafe, paper and pencils were placed on each table to keep the creative juices flowing, along with cocktails, wine, and beer, all sourced within Connecticut. Appetizers from Freund’s Farm were also on the menu.

Saliter and fellow featured artist Lynn Fowler, along with a Lakeville Journal reporter, collaborated for a blind multi-artist sketch during the grand opening. Fowler drew the head, then folded the paper to allow Saliter to independently draw the torso. The reporter then poorly added legs and feet to complete the haphazard portrait of what looked to be an overweight beach bum in a feathered cap.

“Come to Canaan and have fun,” said Fowler.

Visitors can tour the Community Gallery on the second floor of Union Station each day and the art on display is available for purchase. The Art Bar & Cafe will be open on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 9. p.m.

Featured artists Jean Saliter and Lynn Fowler attended the grand opening of the Art Bar & Cafe. Photo by Riley Klein