Jerry’s Artarama celebrated its 30th anniversary with a 30-artist exhibition.

Jerry’s Artarama. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

Jerry’s Artarama has been a staple in the West Hartford community for three decades, and celebrated its 30th anniversary this fall with an exhibition of the work of 30 artists – one for each year they have been open – at the iconic shop at 1109 New Britain Avenue in West Hartford.

As befitting an art store, the exhibition included notable works from a wide variety of artists, in an array of styles, chosen by jurors Maggie Nowinski, Jenni Friedman, and Power Boothe. The 30 artists were chosen from among the 97 that applied to be part of the exhibition.

Artists, and their artwork, represented in the Jerry’s Artarama CT 30th anniversary exhibit at their West Hartford store.

“It really was an extremely rewarding experience of bringing together not just our customers, but people from our community, restaurants from the Elmwood section, and people and organizations we’ve helped and worked with over the years,” said AJ Shoham, who has taken over the Jerry’s Artarama West Hartford store operations from his father.

Jerry’s Artarama of CT 30th Anniversary celebration. Courtesy photo

When it first opened, Jerry’s Artarama of CT sold fine art supplies and framing, but over the years has evolved into a community treasure visited by professional artists, thousands of schoolchildren working on art projects, and the needs of area residents who might be search of a special pen or marker, looking to have something framed, or in search of a unique gift.

“Year after year we have been dedicated not only to offering the widest selection of art supplies at the best prices and the highest quality custom framing, but we have also focused our energy into supporting our community and surrounding schools,” the Jerry’s Artarama of CT website states. “Whether it was donating awards to countless art shows; supporting local events for both the arts and more; supporting awards, scholarships and advancement opportunities for grade levels ranging from elementary to collegiate masters’ programs; assembling class kits for various surrounding high schools and colleges; collaborating with countless individuals and nonprofit organizations to help them offer successful and beneficial community and awareness events; working with teachers, professors, and faculty to provide the best materials and experience for their students … it might actually be easier to list the ways we’ve been an art store over the past 30 years rather than trying to remember and list all of the ways we’ve worked tirelessly to be and stay involved with the people, group, organizations, and institutions both near and far.”

Jerry’s Artarama has evolved, and plans to continue to be a place “that cultivates a joyful, safe, inclusive, and fun experience where you can find the materials to feed your creativity, share ideas to collectively create beauty and to learn how to become better artists and individuals, more skilled, more creative, more fulfilled.”

Jerry’s Artarama of CT 30th Anniversary celebration. Courtesy photo

At the anniversary celebration, there was food for guests courtesy of Elmwood area restaurants include The Fernwood, Frank Pepe’s Pizza, Frida’s, Café Louise, and Taste by Spellbound.

Winners in the exhibition included:

• Best In Show – Barbara Timberman, “Gratitude”
• Second Place – Sophia Singer, “Arm Tree”
• Third Place – Chris Baskerville, “Stevie Wonder Vinyl”
• Honorable Mention – Michael Sacks, “Rock of Ages Quarry”

There were raffle baskets with donations from MacPherson’s, ColArt (makers of Winsor Newton, Liquitex & More), and Dixon Ticonderoga. A total of $300 was raised and donated to The Bridge.

“This event, and the past 30 years, would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the art community behind us, which includes individuals, schools, teachers, faculty members, non-profit organizations, community volunteers, and too many more to mention. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to provide the supplies and service needed to support the visions and dreams of our great and diverse artistic community in the state of Connecticut,” Shoham said.

Jerry’s Artarama of CT 30th Anniversary celebration. Courtesy photo

Jerry’s Artarama of CT 30th Anniversary celebration. Courtesy photo

Jerry’s Artarama of CT 30th Anniversary celebration. Courtesy photo

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