Art Collective Expands In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Studio Fairfield, a women-owned art collective at 43 Ruane St. in downtown Fairfield, has expanded, and marked the happy occasion with a ribbon-cutting on Friday.

First Selectman Christine Vitale, Community and Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart and state Rep. Jennifer Leeper took part in the ceremony at the business, which is owned and operated by Christine Orlando and Priscilla Igram.

Orlando and Igram opened The Studio Fairfield in 2008 in Fairfield’s Stratfield Village and have relocated several times to accommodate growth. The new space next door at 43 Ruane St. will be used for adult art parties and events, including clay, painting and drawing classes. The loft area also includes a showroom open by appointment to the public, private clients, interior decorators and designers.

"Our space downtown allows us to offer classes in many different mediums to adults and children in grades 1 and up, as well as memberships in pottery, painting and drawing," Orlando said. "At our core we are dedicated to bringing our community together through a passion for creativity and self-expression."

— The Studio Fairfield. Photo credit: Alfred Branch/Patch

The Studio Fairfield now includes 12 pottery wheels and two kilns.

Member benefits include:

• A keyless entry code for use during ADULT studio open hours from 6am-midnight
• Use of wheels any time during open hours, except when classes are full
• Their own 3'x2' shelf, on which to store works in progress
• The opportunity to participate in at least one sale per year
• A discounted rate of 20 percent OFF some classes and workshops
• The opportunity to sample new clays several times a year (The Studio uses B-mix stoneware, cone 6, and speckled clay.)

Both owners have lived in Fairfield for more than 20 years and have been active in local arts and school organizations. Orlando also currently serves on the Fairfield Arts Commission.

The Studio is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information is available at 203-514-4360 or by email at admin@thestudioffld.com.