In a quiet classroom at Five Points Center for the Visual Arts, a group of teenagers lean over their work, using brushes dipped in graphite and sharpened lead pencils to create a still life scene.
Inside the circle of small tables, a collection of objects — a coffee pot, a bird cage, a vintage typewriter, glasses, bowls and other items — were the focus of the group’s attention. Each child’s work reflected their interpretation onto sheets of white paper. Teacher Mari Skarp, a local artist and instructor, with assistance from Sydney Samele and Kai Kai Mussulin, walked from table to table, speaking softly to the students intent on their work.
This week marked the art center’s first of its summer art labs, open to ages 13 to 17, with instruction on drawing, painting, printmaking and photography. The next session begins July 18; spaces to that session, as well as other classes being offered in July and August, are open for enrollment.
The center is coming to life, one class and event at a time. The Northwest CT Chamber of Commerce held its Celebration of Success on the grounds a few weeks ago. An outdoor sculpture exhibit has been installed, and the staff also is busy with the downtown galleries, bringing in new shows every month.
The Five Points Center for the Visual Arts opened to the public in 2020 in the former home of UConn Torrington on University Drive. Since purchasing the University of Connecticut’s 90-acre property in July that year, Five Points Executive Director Judy McElhone worked alongside gallery curator Karl Goulet and board members Marcia Furman, Bill Haygood, facilities manager, project manager Pam MCann, center administrator Noel Croce and her husband, IT director Marc Croce, and librarian and City Council member Sharon Waagner.
The building has been renovated and the former classrooms and meeting spaces converted into studio spaces for painting, graphic design, digital and film photography and printmaking.
The equipment, much of it donated by loyal supporters of the Five Points Gallery and Annex on Water and Main streets downtown, is in place to provide students and working artists a place to do their work.
Students on Tuesday included four Riley siblings — twin brothers James and Jack, Thomas and sister Vivian, all from Torrington — along with Felix Brunello of Southwick, Mass., Hannah Valdespino of Winsted and Elsa Gianfagna of Litchfield.
Hannah and Elsa, both 14, want to study art in college. Both girls said the arts center was “pretty cool.”
“It’s nice here,” Elsa said. “I like drawing and painting the most. We worked outside yesterday and that was fun.”
The Riley brothers also were enjoying the class. James, who will begin eighth grade in the fall, said he took the class for fun. “It seems like everything’s really new inside here,” Thomas said, adding that he draws a lot and likes animation.
Skarp, who teaches drawing, painting and sculpture at local universities and colleges, has known McElhone for many years. “We have amazing teachers here, and so many people have contributed to make this place work,” she said. “Spreading creativity is one of the greatest feelings in the world.”
The arts center is also offering classes and activities for adults: drop-in figure drawing every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. through August; a “visible mending” fiber weaving class on July 21; Drawing from Nature on July 23; and Mezzotint Engraving and Printing on July 30-31. Young people’s classes also continue with Introduction to Origami Corrugations on July 30, and Exploring Abstraction for Teens Aug. 5.
The programs are supported by grants from the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation and the Edward W. Diskavich Fund. Scholarships are also available from the Donald A. Pels Charitable Trust; email [email protected] for information on how to apply.
The second summer art lab begins July 18, with painting from 9 a.m. to noon, and photography from 1-4 p.m. Students can register at www.fivepointsarts.org. In addition to the teen classes, Five Points is enrolling students in its Art & Nature outdoor labs for children age 4-10 and their caregivers, and Tween Week, for ages 10-13.
For information, contact Jenni Freidman, education director, at [email protected]