Rediscovering Jenny Simont Ireland
Provided

Rediscovering Jenny Simont Ireland

Curated by her son Sumner Ireland, the upcoming show “Jenny Simont Ireland: A Painter’s View,” opens Saturday, May 25 (and runs through July 6) at The Cornwall Library, offering viewers a glimpse into the treasure trove of work that the artist created over her long life.

Ireland was born in Paris in 1919 to Catalan parents. Guided by her father, José Simont Guillen, an esteemed illustrator and recipient of the French Legion of Honor, Ireland honed her craft at the renowned Académie Julian and Studio Bornet in Paris. Her talent was recognized early on, with an exhibition at Gallerie Charpentier at the tender age of 18.

Living interchangeably in Paris, Barcelona, and New York, Ireland’s artistic pursuits intertwined with her diverse experiences. While she rarely exhibited publicly, her paintings found homes among family and friends, spanning continents and cultures. Notable exceptions include showcases at the Friends of Rose Algrant Show in Cornwall and a memorable exhibition at The Cornwall Library in 2013.

Sumner Ireland fondly remembers his mother’s artistic milestones, from celebratory Italian dinners to exhilarating go-karting adventures in Torrington. “I have taken around 30 plus painting down to the art show and they’re ready to be hung…I don’t have that many left, actually,” said Sumner from his home in Sharon. While he shared that he has mixed feelings about parting with his mother’s work, he added, “My idea is that these things have been following me and my mother around for many years. They’re on people’s walls and the rest are in the basement. We have dehumidifiers going all the time but even so, I’d much rather have them on people’s walls than in my basement.”

Ireland’s passion for painting remained unwavering throughout her life. She died peacefully in 2014 after a short stay at Noble Horizons in Salisbury.

All paintings displayed are available for sale, ensuring her artistic legacy endures for generations to come. An opening reception will be held May 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. Registration is requested for the reception on www.cornwalllibrary.org.

Latest News

GNH wins Turkey Bowl

WINSTED — Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football ended the season with a 44-8 win against St. Paul Catholic High School Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 28.

Cold, rainy conditions made for a ground and pound game with GNH scoring five rushing touchdowns. QB Owen Stimpson completed three passes, two of which were caught for long-distance touchdowns.

Keep ReadingShow less
Catherine Jazzo

BANTAM, Conn. — Catherine Jazzo, 77, of Bantam, Connecticut, passed away Nov. 18, 2024, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital surrounded by her family.

Catherine was born Jan. 6, 1947, in Yonkers, New York, to the late Joseph and Edythe (Parry) Jazzo.

Keep ReadingShow less
House of Books
Provided

10 N Main St, Kent, CT | (860) 927-4104 | www.houseofbooksct.com | Social: @Housofbooksct

Almost 50 years old the House of Books occupies its freshly renovated traditional home at 10 North Main Street. The building and book store which has been a cultural anchor in the center of Kent for almost 50 years is now owned by Kent Center LLC and plays a vital role in the Kent Barns district. With over 10,000 books on display it remains first and foremost a book store responding to the interests of its community. They are open every day until 5 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday until 8 p.m.

Keep ReadingShow less
100 Main
Patrick L. Sullivan

100 Main St., Falls Village, CT | (860) 453-4356 | www.100mainst.com | Social: @100mainst

Discerning shoppers can find unusual and unique items, most of them made by local artisans, at 100 Main in Falls Village. Owned by designer Bunny Williams, the store is overseen by the knowledgeable and affable Tracy McCarron, who took a reporter through some of the many options on a recent visit.

Keep ReadingShow less