By Jude Mead

When Hilary VanWright sees an opportunity that will benefit her community, she goes after it. That is exactly what happened when she learned about a grant from the Artist Fellowship Program. Fellowship awards provide recognition and funding support for Connecticut artists and are highly competitive. VanWright, however, was confident in her idea of opening an art space in Norfolk to pursue new work and hold workshops for children and adults. “Funding from this grant allows me to bridge my passions in a single place and create an exciting new presence in Norfolk. I can set up shop as a fine artist, graphic designer and community educator,” said VanWright.

VanWright became interested in art at a very young age. Her mother, a graphic designer herself, influenced and encouraged her to study art. She even set up a space in their home where VanWright could sketch, paint or experiment as she pleased. “I enjoyed watching cartoons at the time and liked drawing portraits. I also learned that anything is possible in the world of art and try to teach that to my children and my students,” she said.

VanWright spent two decades living in New York City as a graphic designer for Vanity Fair and New York Magazine before moving to Norfolk. “A motivating factor that brought me to the region was the space and time I’d be afforded to integrate with my daughters’ daily lives. I joined the Parent Teachers Organization at Botelle Elementary and took on the role of afterschool programs director. I’ve taught bookmaking classes, plein-air drawing classes, self-portraiture and puppet making to name a few.” 

There are many other mediums, such as acrylics and pastels, where she uses the maple burl as her canvas. “I find painting on wood very natural. I feel at one with wood rather than paper because it comes straight from the earth,” said VanWright.

Another favorite art form is the cut paper design. She uses patience and precision to create pictures inspired by Navaho art and sand paintings. “Mostly I use desert colors and duplicate each piece. They are very spiritual for me,” said VanWright.  

VanWright hopes to bring all her expertise to her new workshop where her priority will be to organize a variety of enriching experiences. “I am very excited about the potential for this space and the opportunity for children and adults to explore various mediums of creation.” 

This summer VanWright hosted a bookmaking workshop at the library and a painting and drawing night on the village green through Botelle’s PTO. VanWright says many people inquired about when she would be able to offer something like this again. “I was so happy that I actually had this workshop vision in mind and that there was interest. I love how this role will allow me to interact with so many community members.”