Garth Kobal and Hunt Library’s ArtWall

Garth Kobal and Hunt Library’s ArtWall

Sergei Fedorjaczenco, Garth Kobal, and Zoe Fedorjaczenco of the David M. Hunt Library’s ArtWall Committee, standing in front of “Works on Paper” by Rika Laser and Gail O’Donnell which continues through Oct. 17.

Robin Roraback

Arts advocate Garth Kobal leads the ArtWall Committee at David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village.

“We aim to engage and inspire individuals of all ages in the creative process through art exhibitions, art talks and workshops,” Kobal explained, “in a welcoming public space.”

Kobal schedules the shows, serves as artist liaison, writes the press releases and manages promotional materials.He shares curating duties with fellow committee members Zoe and Sergei Fedorjaczenco, who also install the shows. Rika and Sara Laser, Yonah Sadeh, Caitlyn and Brent Jenkins, and David Noonan complete the team.

Kobal grew up in North Plainfield, New Jersey, were he spent hours going through art books at the local library, his “imagination leaping higher and higher.”

“I came to Falls Village in 1983 to work for Edward R. Hamilton Bookseller. That is where my knowledge of art and the art world exploded.”

He moved to New York City in 1987. “It was at Jersey City’s Grace Church Van Vorst where I began curating art exhibitions,” Kobal said. Working there, he learned how to organize large group shows.

He moved back to Falls Village in 2006 and began volunteering at the library in 2009. He served a year as board president.

Sergei Fedorjaczenko came up with the idea of a permanent exhibition space in 2011, expanding the size and frequency of the library’s exhibits.Art Talks, which give the exhibiting artists a chance to explain their work, were added in 2024.

Kobal observed, “The Hunt ArtWall has become a cultural hub in the Northwest Corner.”

The library often collaborates with the Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society on exhibits. The nearby Lee H. Kellogg elementary school visits frequently.

Students will meet with artist Vincent Inconiglios, whose show “Face Time” opens on Oct. 25 and runs through Nov. 21. There will be an art talk on Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m. The students will make their own face collages, which will appear this January in the library’s annual Emerging Artists show.

Kobal remarked, “The exhibition that generates the most significant community engagement is 12x12, our annual year-end fundraiser often featuring up to 50 artists and 70 pieces of art.12x12 is a great opportunity for talented self-taught artists to show their work alongside well-known professionals.”

This year’s 12x12 show opens Dec. 6 with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Artists who'd like to participate should write HuntArtwall@gmail.com for information by Oct 24.

With the guidance of Kobal and his team, Hunt Library’s work for the arts continues to expand. Kobal stated, “We want to add a film component to our arts programing so film and video artists can show their short works on a video monitor accessible to library visitors.We also hope to have screenings where filmmakers can present their work and discuss it with the audience.”

To find out more about Hunt Library’s ever-changing shows and art talks, go to: huntlibrary.org/art-wall/

Latest News

Fire crews respond to reported explosions in Kent

Kent Volunteer Fire Department and mutual aid crews responded quickly to contain the fire on North Main Street late Sunday night, Nov. 16.

Photo by Bernie Meehan

KENT — A fire broke out inside a downtown general store in Kent Sunday night, prompting reports of explosions and drawing a swift response that prevented wider damage, according to authorities.

Kent Fire Marshal Timothy Limbos said Monday that the blaze erupted at 4 North Main Street — home to Woodford’s General Store — and was first reported just after 11:30 p.m. when Litchfield County Dispatch received 911 calls about flames and explosions in the area.

Keep ReadingShow less
Man, 60, dies in single-car crash on Route 272 in Norfolk

Norfolk fire and ambulance crews responded to a one-vehicle crash on Route 272 (Litchfield Road) shortly after 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14.

Photo provided

NORFOLK — A 60-year-old Oregon man is dead after a single-car crash Friday, Nov. 14, according to Connecticut State Police.

Kevin Scott, of Portland, was driving a Ford Escape southbound on Route 272 (Litchfield Road) when he exited the roadway while negotiating a curve and struck a utility pole. The Ford rolled onto its side and the airbags deployed. No other vehicles were involved in the crash and there were no passengers in the car.

Keep ReadingShow less
GNH collides with Holy Cross
Dae'Sean Graves and Owen Riemer brace for impact Saturday, Nov. 15.
Photo by Riley Klein

WINSTED — Holy Cross High School won 36-20 against the Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team Saturday, Nov. 15.

The hard-fought contest was won in the air. Holy Cross QB Brady Lombardo completed 16/31 passes for 309 yards with five touchdowns and one interception.

Keep ReadingShow less