Hopko Performance Hall Gallery Exhibits

Currently On Display

CT Pastel Society 38^th Annual Members Exhibit

Connecticut Pastel Society
38^th Annual Members Show

Image: Romeo Cortez Jr, Seven Golden Fish
CPS Best in Show Award, 2024

Previously Participating Artists & Organizations

SoCCA All Access Art Program presents 

Hu(e)man Voices: Communicating with Color 

An exhibit of Artwork by the Artists of the All Access Art Program at SoCCA. Featuring the paintings, drawings and collage artwork of the Marrakech, Inc. Oak Tree Day Program in Waterbury. 

March 13 - 30, 2024 

Opening Reception: Thursday, March 14, 5pm-7pm 
For more information contact: James Brunelle, Director All Access Art, 860.276.1581 

Stop by our Hopko Gallery to view the artwork our Veteran's have been creating.
We welcome guests for the artist reception on Veteran's Day, Saturday, November 11 • 2:00pm-4:00pm.

Fine Art/Painting & Kimono Auction

. 

SoCCA Celebrates PRIDE 2023 Exhibit

June 1 - 30, 2023, Artists' Reception June 8, 5-7:00pm
Hopko Performance Hall/Gallery, SoCCA, 93 Main Street, Southington, CT 06489

SoCCA invited community Artists and Members to submit work for the 2023 PRIDE Exhibit.  The exhibit features artwork in any medium relative to topics related to PRIDE 2023.

PRIDE 2023 explores LGBTQIA+ themes, same-sex attraction, related feelings, and issues of our recent social landscape including issues, monuments, and identifying challenges.  Artists need not be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender to participate.

Left - Spectrum Symphony, Hand Dyed Wool, Jennifer Lynn Bethke

CHESHIRE ART LEAGUE: 31st Spring Art Show & Sale

Recent Works by Necla Balasaygun

An exhibit of Oil Paintings and Mixed Media works in the Hopko Performance Hall Gallery.

March 1 - 25, 2023

Artist's Opening Reception - Saturday, March 4 • 3:00-5:00pm

Left: Grazing By The River, Oil on Canvas

Artist Statement
I work in oil and mixed-media.  A unique feature of my mixed-media works is the use of cantaloupe and pumpkin seeds to add dimension to the canvas. To my knowledge, no other artist utilizes this technique in this way. I draw inspiration from nature and my travels throughout the United States and Turkey.

Recent Awards and Exhibitions
2019 Rembish and LaSaracina Award, Southington Arts and Crafts Association Juried Show
2018 Dick Blick Award for Oil Painting, Southington Arts and Crafts Association, Annual Art show, judged by Zufar Bibkov
2016 Artist of the Month at the Southington Library
2015 Rembish and LaSaracina Award, Southington Arts and Crafts Association Juried Show

In 2014, Necla exhibited fifteen of her works at Waterbury Hospital. She has had solo exhibits at the Orchards in Southington and the Southington Community Cultural Arts Center (SoCCA) and has exhibited at other venues throughout Connecticut.  Vist Necla Balasaygun's website HERE

Aim For The Stars!

The All Access Art Program at SoCCA is hosting a holiday exhibit in the Hopko Performance Gallery from December 1, 2022 - January 31, 2023.  Join all at the Opening Reception on December 15, 5-7:00pm, and/or the Closing Reception on January 28, 12 - 2:00pm

Aim For The Stars!, Is a collection of mixed media paintings centered around the theme of the star.  Through recent years at SoCCA, the artists of the All Access Art Program have practiced the shape of the star for many of the Organization’s annual events.  Sketches, drawings, screen prints, and group paintings are included with individual art elements from each of the participants.  The exhibit also includes individual mixed media paintings appropriate for holiday decorating or to honor a loved one that has achieved a special milestone in their life.  Our All Access Artists Aim For The Stars in the New Year and wish all a special holiday sea

SOCCA Hosts Veterans’ Art Exhibit

Southington Community Cultural Arts (SoCCA) will exhibit the artwork of local Veterans in the Hopko Performance Gallery from November 1 - 26. An opening reception to meet the participating artists will take place November 5, from 1-3:00pm.  

The exhibit includes works by Southington Veterans who have been working with instructor Susan Brereton. SoCCA’s Veterans’ Art Program is a drawing, painting and collage course that is a unique offering in that it provides veterans their own space to explore artistic interests in three different mediums.

Artwork on display will include drawings and paintings in graphite, acrylic, pen and ink, watercolor, colored pencil and mixed media. 

The exhibit is free and open to the public during gallery hours, Tuesday through Friday, noon-5 p.m., and Saturday noon-3 p.m. Additional hours by appointment.

Ms. Brereton, daughter of Adam Palta of Southington - a career officer in the Navy from 1931-1956 - reserves a sincere responsibility to the group offering arts instruction in a variety of media.

“This is the best class I ever taught. They arrived with no experience in art, and are now bringing in new tools, materials and techniques to share with everyone. The class is more of a family, supporting each other and sharing many laughs,” she said.

Participants include Cliff Ongley (U.S. Army 1968-1970) who works in graphite and said he looks forward to class each Tuesday, claiming it’s very relaxing. Bill Bowden (U.S. Navy 1963-1967) works in pen and ink. Pauline Woodeshick (U.S. Air Force 1953-1956, Korean Conflict, Communications Specialist) works in mixed media and mentions sessions are very rewarding in a congenial group guided by a special instructor.  The exhibit also includes works by Fred Gohringer, Dave Imarisio, and Joe Woloszyn.

The Veterans Art Program at SoCCA began in 2019 and was made possible in part by initial funding provided by the American Legion of Southington and the American Legion Auxiliary. SoCCA also extends thanks to the additional funding provided by The United Way of Southington, Main Street Community Foundation, Greater Hartford Arts Council, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, and private donations.

Southington Community Cultural Arts strives to create a welcoming environment where people of all ages and abilities are free to imagine, create, exhibit, and welcome the arts into their lives. An open door for all local cultural activities and art organizations, we seek to provide a place for the sharing of artistic talent and enriching the quality of life in our community.

Image above by Cliff Ongley, Starry Night, Colored Pencil.

Human Nature - Taylor LePage

An exhibit of oil paintings by Taylor LaPage that engage the thrill of rock climbing. Artwork on display October 18 - 29, in the Hopko Performance Hall/Gallery with an Artist’s Opening Reception October 19, 6-8 pm.  Artwork submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Art Education Central Connecticut State University - New Britain, CT.

Volya: Free Will, a Ukrainian Women’s Art Exhibit in the SoCCA/Hopko Performance Hall Gallery.
An exhibit of paintings, and handcrafted objects made in Ukraine by women who have fled their country with the current war on Ukraine.
September 6 - October 10, 2022
Artists Opening Reception - Saturday, September 10, 6-9pm

Proceeds from the sales of artwork and crafts will go directly to the artists, and the commission on sales of the works will generate scholarship funding for SoCCA’s educational programming.

Made possible with generous donations from Kathleen M. Hopko, and the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain.

Cheshire Art League - 50th Annual Members' Show and Sale

      

SoCCA Student & Faculty 2022 Exhibit

 

Recent Works - Sketchbook Project Exhibit

The All Access Art program at SoCCA presents an exhibit of artwork and sketchbooks in the Hopko Performance Hall Gallery, January 4 - 29, 2022.  More than 35 artworks mounted in the gallery and among the collection are twenty-five individual sketchbooks with hundreds of pages of drawings in a variety of media.  

This exhibit launches the 2022 Sketchbook Project - a community project offering Artists of all levels of experience the tools and support to keep active sketching practice.  With support from the The Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust and Jerry’s Artarama of West Hartford the All Access Art program invites family, friends and members to register and create in a sketchbook of their own.  The project includes an agenda of activities, a social media platform for virtual interactivity with community, and an exhibit of content artwork into late 2022.

All framed wall mounted artworks are available for sale with proceeds supporting the Access Program with gallery hours:
Tuesday - Friday, 12 - 5:00pm, Saturday, 12 - 3:00, and by appointment, 203.276.1581.

SoCCA’s All Access program is a creative arts program dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults with neurodiversities and intellectual disabilities through artistic expression and exploration. A thriving multi-faceted program that reaches more than 50 individuals weekly, All Access engages professional artists who connect participants to their community, provide creative skills training, produce meaningful income and enhance their quality of life through the creative process.

SoCCA 2021 PRIDE Exhibit

June 1 - July 2, 2021. Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 12 - 5:00pm, Saturday 12 - 3:00pm, and by appointment: 860.276.1581

Artists’ Opening Reception is on June 12, 1-3:00pm in the Hopko Performance Hall/Gallery at SoCCA. The exhibit will feature artwork in a variety of medium created by area Artists and Members of SoCCA.

PRIDE 2021 explores LGBTQIA+ themes, same-sex attraction, related feelings and issues of our recent social landscape including issues, monuments and identifying achievements and challenges.  Artists need not be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender to participate.

Additionally, SoCCA has installed a painted crosswalk mural participating in Southington PRIDE - A crosswalk with pattern of pride colors painted over Main Street, Southington.  Check it out on the town green at the American Legion, 66 Main Street, Southington!

Cliffs of the Heart, by Greg Ray Dunnett - Exhibit & Book Signing

April 1 - 30, Author/Artist Reception, Sunday, April 11, 2-5pm

Paintings by Clinton Deckert

Gallery Hours, Tuesday - Friday, 12noon - 5:00pm, Saturday, 12noon-3:00pm , and by appointment 860.276.1581

On every page of Greg Ray Dunnett’s beautifully inspired book, Cliff Of The Heart, there are reminders that magic is everywhere.  He says, “you know you’ve got something if it wakes you up and makes you happy as a fool for the silliest of reasons.”

‘Buy his philosophy, read his words, and you too will wake up happy as a fool for the silliest of reasons!’ Nancy Slonim Aronie

Greg is a nature photographer - commercial painter and writer who has honed his voice from living in East Granby, Connecticut in New England proper. He’s been a nature and beach enthusiast since being raised on the Jersey shore in the early 70’s. For the last decade he’s lived in the US Virgin Islands and become a blogger with a website to accompany his recently released book - Cliffs of the Heart. The book is a collaboration of verse and witticisms as daily guideposts to better living, illustrated by Southington, Connecticut artist Clinton Deckert. After releasing this book to wide acclaim in the Virgin Islands, SOoCCA Arts will be the first book signing event in New England to accompany Clinton Deckert’s fine art originals for the month of April.

Clinton Deckert is an award-winning American painter from Southington, Connecticut. He has had a solo exhibition in the New Britain Museum of American Art’s “New/Now” and is represented in the museum’s permanent collection. His work was shown at Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, Société des Beaux Arts international exhibition. On radio, he appeared on WNPR’s panel of artists and critics for the “Ebb and Flow of Dada”. In Deckert’s early carrer, he served two terms as president of Artworks Gallery, Hartford, CT. Clinton’s artwork was included in the Art Palm Beach International Art Fair. He has internationally exhibited and his art is privately collected, including the acclaimed Jack & Susan Warner Collection - considered by many to be one of the world’s greatest privately held collections of American art. Deckert remains an art advocate throughout the Northeast.

Women Photographers of Connecticut

December 1 - January 16, 2021

“Women Photographers of Connecticut” was envisioned by Geneva Renegar in 2015 as a creative endeavor to collectively bring together female photographers of the Nutmeg State, a group of amateur, professional and new photographers. It has been a vision fulfilled as the group comprises 900 women and growing.  Since our inception we have exhibited as the group “Women Photographers of Connecticut” at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, Wauregan Gallery, La Grua Center, Spectrum Art Gallery and Madison Outdoor Arts Festival. Members have conducted workshops, led field trips and have traveled to various locations for photo shoots. The group continues to be active and engaged and are continually adding new members.

Gallery hours: Tuesday - Friday 12 - 5:00pm, Saturday 12-3:00pm, and by appointment, 860.276.1581

November 2020 - Naturally Beautiful

An exhibit in the Hopko Performance Gallery November 4 - 27, 2020.

The exhibit includes artwork created by the All Access Artists while working from home during the recent isolation period of the COVID 19 pandemic. 

Program participants have been meeting twice weekly with virtual sessions since March 2020.  Demonstration and instruction is offered via Zoom while artists create with materials provided by SoCCA with support from the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain.  Topics of sessions have included inspiration from animals, fish, landscapes, still life, and nature.  View the artwork in the exhibit HERE:

All works are available for sale with proceeds supporting the Access Program with gallery hours:

Tuesday - Friday, 12 - 5:00pm, Saturday, 12 - 3:00, and by appointment, 203.276.1581.

SoCCA’s All Access program is a creative arts program dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities through artistic expression and exploration. A thriving multi-faceted program that reaches more than 50 individuals weekly, All Access engages professional artists who connect participants to their community, provide creative skills training, produce meaningful income and enhance their quality of life through the creative process.

October 2020:  What is Color? What is Race? - A Presentation of Black

Art Exhibition, series of Presentations and Performances Produced by Deborah Garner and the Make It Different Foundation at SoCCA in the Hopko Performance Hall/Gallery.  Welcoming ALL with an invitation to experience a community educational opportunity to learn, share, and participate.

This multifaceted October 2020 Presentation and corresponding events will include historical representation  and visual arts exhibits, performance, spoken word and motivational speaking.

Introduction to Jamie Chasse Studio

An exhibit of Paintings by Jamie Casse, August 4 - 28, 2020. Opening Reception TBA.  Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Friday 2-5:00pm, and Saturday 12noon-3:00pm Additional hours by appointment.

Artist Statement - An artist’s work is a reflection of themselves; their past, their present, their fears, their joys, beliefs, dreams, and so much more. It demands emotion and interpretation from the viewer and offers an impression of the artist.

My work borders the two-dimensional and three-dimensional realms, encompassing my life’s experiences to this point.  By offering a simultaneous reflection of my past and present, viewers can see themselves through my eyes, passion, and perseverance. The reflective quality of alloy offers viewers a chance to manipulate the artwork and alter its appearance from where they stand, creating an indirect, vivid interaction between the observer and my works.

The story I tell through my work is: with faith, hope, dedication, and positivity, you can accomplish anything you set out for.  Jamie Chasse

Gratefulness, Acrylic Urethane on Stainless Steel, 24x36". The first in a new series 'The Essential HeARTs Collection'

Veterans of Southington Exhibit

We are proud to present an exhibit of artwork by five area Veteran Artists working in sessions at SoCCA since September 2019 with Instructing Artist, Susan Patla Brereton.  In partnership with funding from The American Legion Auxiliary Kiltonic Unit 72, the individuals were offered to work with instruction at no cost to sessions.  The exhibit is on display through August 1, 2020 in the Hopko Performace Gallery, and is availabe to view Tuesday - Friday, 2-5:00pm, and Saturday 12noon - 3:00pm.  The exhibit features the works of Bill Bowden, Cliff Ongley, Ralph Nardi, A. Raymond and Paula G. Woodeshick.

Me & My BFF A Virtual Exhibit

2020 Student & Faculty Exhibit

February 1 - 29, 2020

SoCCA invited ALL past and current students to submit work for the 2020 Student & Faculty Exhibit February 1 - 29 with an Artists’ Opening Reception on February 8, 1-3:00pm in the Hopko Performance Hall/Gallery at SoCCA. The exhibit features Youth and Adult’s drawings, paintings, prints, photography, ceramics, jewelry and mixed media artwork.

The exhibit is an ideal opportunity to view and appreciate the vast array of talents of Instrucrtors and Students within our current Education Programming.  We encourage all to participate in taking on art classes at SoCCA.  Investing in time to be creative is a journey, and there is no end to being inspired by those we have teaching our audiences.  Let us know what you think of the works! 

12 X 12, SoCCA’s All Access Art Fundraiser

Collect a 12x12" Abstract Mixed Media Painting on canvas to support the SoCCA All Access Art Program!

With more than fifty colorful paintings to choose from, you could freshen up a wall in the new year with an original artwork by the participants to the program.  Each, signed by the artist, are $25 to support the All Access Program.

SoCCA’s All Access program is a creative arts program dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities through artistic expression and exploration.  A thriving multi-faceted program that reaches more than 50 individuals weekly, All Access engages professional artists who connect participants to their community, provide creative skills training, produce meaningful income and enhance their quality of life through the creative process. View a slideshow video of the artwork HERE:

A 501c3 organization with all proceeds supporting The All Access Art Program
SoCCA Hopko Performance Hall, 93 Main Street, Southington, CT 860.276.1581

November 1-30, 2019 - Things Seen And Unseen, Paintings by P.R.Bailey

P.R.Bailey, AKA Abbe Wade, presents award winning artworks in oils, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, pen and ink and graphite. Specializing in portraiture and the landscape Bailey has worked in painting more than six decades with Tom Lynch, Carolyn Jasper, Bob Burridge, John Howard Sanden, Daniel E. Greene and others.  She has established the Farmington River School of Art, Plainville, CT in 2006 offering in-depth instruction to youth and adults, and is also on the rooster of instructors at SoCCA.

October 1 - 29, 2019  Art in Fiber A Duet In Design, Works by Paula Klingerman and Rose Unwin

An exhibit of an exploration in fiber arts evolved from tradition quilting.  The Fiber Artists works express inspiration through fabric and thread informed by the experiences and passions of the artists.  Each using  a variety of fiber media, methods and artistic approaches to stitching.

Rose Unwin, Enigma, Commercial Cotton and Thread

August 28 - September 28, 2019 - Primitive Curiosities, Collaborative Paintings of All Access Artists

The title of the project is “Primitive Curiosities” and focuses on Art History and how symbolism has been used for thousands of years to convey meaning.  Artwork will include large paintings illustrating what is important to the group by using primitive painting techniques and symbolism. The paintings will replicate the style of many of the cave drawing discovered throughout the ages and symbols used in artwork that have existed for thousands of years. Color and design has been implemented but freedom of expression is stressed in all the art pieces.   The exhibit will include a theatre production written and acted by adults with disabilities from the Unified Theater in Southington and will be performed alongside the artwork September 26.  SoCCA has partnered and collaborated with many similar organizations for the past 2 years and this production will be another facet of the arts and the opportunity to experience different avenues for our participants.

‘Collaborating within Community’ comes to mind when assembling a project statement.
SoCCA’s All Access program serves at present six groups in separate working sessions.  Sessions include sketching and painting, demonstrations of techniques, discussions within arts applications, hands-on creative exercises, and physical stretching through guided movement.  Topics including a wide range of focus to capture attention to diverse interests.  Students work closely together in studio spaces set up to accommodate multiple pursuits in creativity with studios supplies stocked with many visual arts media.  Instructors guide exercises for individuals to express imagery through each owns ability, not criticizing nor altering individuals artistic output.  Participants are encouraged to make choices of their own, and are supported through group observations and discussions touching on personal expression.  The collaborative paintings are composed in each group and include elements of each individual participating in the All Access Program.

July 1 - 31, 2019 - Faces of Southington, Photography by John Atashian 

Shooting well know faces of Southington over the past 20 years has been a mission by photographer, John Atashian. Captured during special events and activities throughout town., the exhibit includes 75 different photographs featuring over 100 familiar faces some of which include: John Weichsel, Gail DePaolo, Chris Palmieri, Melissa & Charlie Cocuzza, Julie Wallace, Teresa & Mike Soltis, Andy & Fran Meade, Jim & Rosemary Champagne, Gary Brumback, Jack Eisenmann, John Meyers.  Learn more about John Atashian Photography and to view more of his Southington related images you can visit www.johnatashian.com

Left to Right:  SoCCA Staff Ribbon Cutting: Left to right – Diann Thomson, Paula Knight, Lori Holm, Dawn Miceli, Mary DeCroce, back -Susan Skarvinko, Susan Urillo Larson, Mindy Otlowski, Diana Sheard, front - Linda Deluca.  Southington Fire Department staff members representing Company #2 racing during the Apple Harvest Festival Bed Race event.  Victoria Triano, Lynn Rossini, Gail Depaolo & Moira Meyers dancing and having fun at the Aqua Turf Club.

June 8-28, 2019 - SACA, Southington Arts and Crafts Association 28th Annual Juried Exhibit

An exhibit of members and non-members works selected by Juror, Bill Thompson - Professor of Illustration at the University of Hartford.  Artwork including original paintings, graphics, photography, and mixed media.

May 4 - 31, 2019 - Women Photographers of Connecticut

“Women Photographers of Connecticut” was envisioned by Geneva Renegar in 2015 as a creative endeavor to collectively bring together female photographers of the Nutmeg State, a group of amateur, professional and new photographers. It has been a vision fulfilled as the group comprises 900 women and growing.  Since our inception we have exhibited as the group “Women Photographers of Connecticut” at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, Wauregan Gallery, La Grua Center, Spectrum Art Gallery and Madison Outdoor Arts Festival. Members have conducted workshops, led field trips and have traveled to various locations for photo shoots. The group continues to be active and engaged and are continually adding new members.

We continually seek Artists from the area and beyond to consider exhibiting in our galleries - Please be in touch!

Connect with us here -     YouTube:      Facebook:     Instagram:

For those interested in participation and submitting works to SoCCA for exhibit consideration, please contact us HERE: