Gallery 25 rolls out three events for holiday season

[Editor’s Note: Many other holiday events are planned in the coming days. Check back here for stories, and periodically check the town’s community calendar at www.NewMilfordNow.org/events to see what’s happening. New Milford organizations are strongly encouraged to submit their event(s) to the calendar on a regular basis for an extended reach.] 

By Deborah Rose

When it comes to season of giving, Gallery 25 & Creative Arts Studio is giving in a variety of ways.

The three-prong approach reaches a variety of people, but all are focused on one thing – bringing a smile to people’s faces.

Gallery 25 is collecting new, unopened toys for Toys for Tots through Dec. 8 and is presenting its annual holiday art show through Jan. 14, and will host the annual hands-on train display Dec. 15-31.

Toys galore

The toy drive, the brainchild of Christie Bonaiuto, a gallery member and Publicity chair, is a new addition for the gallery’s holiday events.

“We thought it would be great to do a little something gives back and celebrates the season,” said Terry Tougas, gallery director.

Artist Ginny Schaffer contributed the big box in which to collect the toys.

She related how the idea of a toy drive arose at a gallery meeting around the same time she had had a home delivery of a piece of furniture in a big box. 

It was perfect timing, so Schaffer decorated it and brought it to the gallery.

“Already the toys are piling up,” she said. “People are always so happy to give to others.”

Schaffer said the holidays are joyous for many, but can be difficult for others.

The toy drive will provide a boost to those families who are struggling, she said.

Toys will be collected through Dec. 8.

Art show & art as gifts

The gallery’s holiday show is one of six annual events that feature works by gallery members only.

The art is based on “a winter theme and the expression of winter as seen through the eyes of all different kinds of artists,” Schaffer said. “It’s like a kaleidoscope.”

A variety of mediums – photography, watercolor, wearable jewelry art, wood and glass art, pottery, and more – are showcased in the historic Clifford C. Chapin Railroad Station at 11 Railroad St. through Jan. 14.

An opening reception is being held today, Nov. 25, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Tougas describes the works as “stunning, one-of-a-kind artistic gifts” that are available to purchase for the holiday.

Participating artists and patrons are from New Milford and neighboring towns.

Schaffer related the positive connection she feels when patrons come to the gallery and peruse its offerings, and then start a conversation with gallery volunteers.

“Art opens our heart, so there’s a comfort to seeing all different types of people that do different types of art,” Schaffer said.

Chuga-chuga choo-choo

The hands-on train display will return to the gallery Dec. 15 and run through Dec. 31. It will be open Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The popular holiday attraction was started by New Milford’s Al Burroughs 36 years ago.

Over the years, fellow model train enthusiasts – among them, Art O’Connor, Adam Weaver, Fred Marchionna and Pete Woermann – joined in setting up the multiple operating train layouts that draw individuals and families from near and far.

The festive displays change a little every year. But traditionally, faux snow-covered evergreens can be found towering above little villages that resembles a traditional New England small town with railroad tracks running through it.

“Gallery 25 has always been a huge draw,” Tougas said, adding that the train display brings people from far and wide.

“We see a pretty good size crowd check out the trains,” he said, “and we benefit from that foot traffic.”

He cited that many tourists come to see the display, and then discover the gallery itself and other unique offerings around town.

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In addition to the events above, the gallery will also:

• be a stop on the Sip & Stroll Dec. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m.
• offer art workshops, with registration available at www.gallery25ct.com.

The gallery, located at 11 Raiload St. is open Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m.

Courtesy of Gallery 25/"Rose in Winter" by Robert Keating is an appropriately named piece for Gallery 25's annual holiday show.

Courtesy of Gallery 25/Textiles by Leigh Graham are among the items in the gallery's holiday show that make for a seasonal gift.

Courtesy of Gallery 25/Jewelry by Maureen Henriques is featured at the gallery.

Courtesy of Gallery 25/The annual hands-on train display has been a popular holiday activity for 36 years.