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Arts & Entertainment

Beaches, Babies & Botanicals: Art Show & Sale

Works of fine art by ShawnaLee W. Kwashnak on view now through June 28th through The Gallery at Shutterspeed photo in Middlebury CT

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ShawnaLee Kwashnak, Community Contributor
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Soccer players enjoying fresh air as seen by artist, ShawnaLee W. Kwashnak during the pandemic. At Middlebury Recreation Area, Middlebury CT. (Soccer players at the MRA during pandemic. Photo of the oil painting by ©ShawnaLee W. Kwashnak )
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Professor Thaddeous of Sniffology is hand drawn in Charcoals by ShawnaLee. This drawing was a demonstration piece for the Watertown Art League. He's an expert sniffer ya know! (Professor Thaddeous of Sniffology, a charcoal portrait by ©ShawnaLee W. Kwashnak.)

Beaches, Babies & Botanicals

Just in time for Mother’s Day!

Middlebury artist, ShawnaLee W. Kwashnak, will exhibit a collection of beach paintings, fur-babies, children and botanical fruits and fauna from May 1st—June 28th 2025 at Middlebury’s Art Gallery at Shutter Speed Photo, 564 Middlebury Road. The Art Gallery at Shutter Speed Photo is open Thursday, Friday - 10-1, then 2:30-5, Saturday - 10-1, then 2:30-4.

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ShawnaLee, a lifelong artist, specializes in portraiture of pets, children or homes in either charcoals or oils. Her studio, Portraits by ShawnaLee, offers classes year round through local venues or privately. The majority of her work is contemporary realism with a touch of impressionism. Her attention to detail breathes life into every work.

Each beach painting, whether fashioned in oils, watercolors or pastels, was created en plein air during many wonderful family days enjoying Middlebury’s own Recreation Area on Lake Quassapaug. Some of the paintings even have bits of the sand incorporated into the paint for that authentic touch that gives each piece an historic place in time.

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Charcoal portraits of the artist’s own children, each when they were two years old, will be on display. Other children, of the fur-baby variety, will also be on view. Nestled among tots, portraits of adorable kittens, guinea pigs, horses and dogs will greet viewers and invite them to remember the pure joy of cuddly moments or how important it is to truly Master the art of Sniffology.

The Botanical watercolor paintings—so real looking they literally pop off the fibers of the paper, were created as demonstrations during online classes. Inspired by Early Renaissance illuminations, each brushstroke was meticulously painted and explained while students followed along together.

Whether reminiscing fresh breezes at the MRA, capturing the grand exuberance of childhood, or indulging the senses with stunning blossoms of summer, this family friendly show will awaken your curiosity and invite warm memories and great conversation into your home for years to come.

Details: 203-598-3933; For more information about the artist: www.shawnalee.com artist@shawnalee.com

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