And that is not just the books

Some of the area's "most stunning and important artwork" will be on display at Pequot Library’s 13th Annual Art Show Gala Fundraiser, "Unlocked: Masterpieces of the Private Collections" on Oct. 15.

"A diverse and deep collection of European and American Masters and Contemporary fine art will be on loan from prominent, local collectors who are generously unlocking the treasures of their collections to support the Pequot Library," library officials said in a statement.

The gala kicks off the weekend art show, which helps underwrite the wide range of programs offered by the library throughout the year, the statement said.
During the Art Show weekend of Oct. 16-17, there also will be an extensive show of art for sale to benefit the library from some of the best galleries in the region, along with “The Best Sellers List” - artists whose work has proven the most popular in past Pequot Library community art shows, the statement said.

“The Art Show is wonderful event where the community can see fabulous art, meet the artists, and support both the arts community and the Library at the same time,” Sissy Biggers, chairwoman of the event, said in the statement.

The galleries that will be part of the show are: the Cooley Gallery of Old Lyme; Southport Galleries, ARC Fine Art LLC; and Barrett Fine Art.

"All are well known throughout the region for offering the very best art in a wide range of styles and taste. There will be surprises and visual treats galore, as their displays will be filled with fine works by both historical and living artists," the statement said.
Among the “Best Sellers” are long time favorites at previous Art Shows such as Miggs Burroughs, Elizabeth Gaynor, Jill Kelly, Jak Kovatch, Karl Soderlund and Eve Stockton, among others. All of the Galleries and ‘Best Sellers’ donate a percentage to the Pequot Library.

“The Art Show Committee has outdone themselves in putting together an ambitious and unique gala on Friday night, selecting our partners from the regional galleries and by inviting community’s most exciting artists,” Dan Snydacker, library executive director said, also in the statement. “The rich and vibrant collections, like so many things at Pequot Library, will pull together diverse interests in the community.”

Members of the committee include Sissy Cargill Biggers, Shawna Barrett, Heather Carey, Phillip Eliasoph, Pina Ferlisi, Allie Kagel, Deborah Foote Kouzoukian, Edward V. Lahey III, Samantha Mooney, William P. Russell, Jr., Courtenay Sicre, and Gertrude Grace Sill.

Also, at 1 p.m. Saturday, a Sculpture Workshop for ‘Tweens and Teens, presented in collaboration with the Fairfield Arts Council, will feature renowned Assemblage Artist, Nina Bentley, the statement said.

Participants will work to produce a unique, sculpted piece by the end of the program. The program is for children fourth grade and up, and registration is required, the statement said.
At 7 p.m., the Greens Farms Academy Jazz Combos and the Julliard Concert Jazz Ensemble will perform the inaugural concert marking the new collaboration between Greens Farms Academy and Julliard, the statement said. This event will take place in Pequot’s Auditorium and the seating area will be surrounded with art from the four galleries participating in the show.
Sponsors of the event include: The Russell Agency, and Petra Construction of North Haven, additional special support has been provided by Mumm Napa, California Caviar, Isabelle et Vincent Fine French Pastries, Connecticut Cottages & Gardens, Diageo, Miller/Coors and Macallan Single Malt.
The show and sale ends with sherry in the library at 2 p.m. Sunday.

“This delightful gathering is now a tradition on Sunday as a social way to end the weekend and a last look at the artworks before they move onto their new homes and, of course, a last chance to buy the remaining art—to support the Pequot Library,” Biggers said, also in the statement.

For more information about the Art Show and Sale, call the Library at 203-259-0346, or visit the website at http://www.pequotlibrary.org/ where tickets for the Gala Fundraiser, priced at $125 per person, can be purchased directly. The rest of the Art Show is free and open to all. Hours for the weekend show are noon to 9 p.m. Oct. 16 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 17.

The library is at 720 Pequot Ave.

Photos: "Penny Candy" by Stevan Dohanos of Westport for the Saturday Evening Post and “Reflections on the Scream” by Roy Lichtenstein