‘Paper Dolls’ will open on Sept. 13, at the West Hartford Art League’s Clubhouse Gallery.

Submitted by Roxanne Stachelek, Executive Director

The West Hartford Art League will be holding an exhibit of collage and mixed media by the Paper Dolls, from Sept. 13-30, in the Clubhouse Gallery.

The public is invited to an opening reception on Thursday, Sept. 13, from 6-8 p.m. where they can meet the 10 artists: Vibeke Dressler, Tobey Gitelle, Cecilia McCulloch, Barbara Ross, Jane Shaskan, and Susan Spaniol of West Hartford; Jennifer Glick of Wethersfield; Jill Pasanen of Burlington; Lonny Wilhelm of New Hartford; and Diane Zibell from Prospect.

The Paper Dolls meet at the West Hartford Art League weekly to create and share their enthusiasm for the genre. “We’re always looking for new techniques, new products and invariably, someone has just taken a class or workshop and shares the latest,” said Lonny Wilhelm.

The group has found a comradeship that fuels their energy. “I can come to the studio lacking any sense of creativity,” said Vibeke Dressler, “and soon be inspired by a fellow artist. And when that doesn’t happen that’s okay, too. I always leave in a better frame of mind.” The entire group echoes that sentiment.

The artists decided to call themselves the Paper Dolls, in a humble nod to paper and because the name “just made everyone smile,” said Jane Shaskan. “I’m not sure how many people remember paper dolls,” said Jill Pasenen, “but you could cut out paper and design their clothes. Now we ‘dress’ a canvas instead.”

“The quiet of our individual creativity, and our personal conversations, about life outside the group, creates a wonderful balance,” said Jennifer Glick.

The Paper Doll artists have independently exhibited at numerous juried shows, art galleries and museums, among other venues. This is their first show as a group.

The West Hartford Art League is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 1934, and exhibits work of local and regional artists in its two galleries.

The Clubhouse Gallery is located at 37 Buena Vista Rd., at the top of the driveway, in West Hartford. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday or by appointment. Call 860-231-8019 or visit www.westhartfordart.org for more information.

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