Watershed Gallery Releases Ridgefield Posters

Watershed Gallery has released seven WPA-inspired Ridgefield posters showcasing the town’s most treasured landmarks, features and events. Each 12x16” limited-edition poster was created by an artist with strong ties to the community.

“We selected artists and designers across many disciplines for this project,” says Jennifer Mathy, director of Watershed Gallery. “Each poster has a unique aesthetic, and they celebrate everything from Weir Farm to ROAR.  Our hope is to release new posters and highlight new artists each year.”

Renowned French paper cut artist Béatrice Coron contributed to the project with her vision of Weir Farm. Coron expressed great enthusiasm for the project early on, and designed a digital image that depicts the farm’s long-standing history as an artist’s refuge.

Coron’s interest in the Town of Ridgefield began last year, when she created a 16-square foot paper cut inspired by the imagery, folklore and history of Ridgefield.

Ridgefield painter Randi Jane Davis produced a stunning depiction of the annual Memorial Day parade. Leaning on her training as an engineer and mathematician, Davis’ beautifully serene and tranquil paintings examine the pattern and natural rhythms that exist in the universe.

Paulina Connolly, a local graphic designer known for her dramatic use of color, has created a poster inspired by her love of the summer concerts at Ballard Park. Educator and eco-focused artist Jean Linville’s depiction of the Norway maple near the Ridgefield Guild of Artists is meant to inspire others to rediscover the value and beauty of the natural world. The maple tree is designated as a “Notable Tree” by the Connecticut Botanical Society and is a co-champion for the largest of its species in the state.

Illustrator and designer Priscilla Prentice created two pieces for the project. Merging digital skills with traditional mediums, Prentice selected both Lounsbury House and Apple Ridge Farm as inspirations for her posters. Finally, award-winning graphic designer and illustrator Annette Web utilized her love of dogs and cats as inspiration for her poster, which celebrates the “alumni” of ROAR animal shelter.

All limited-edition posters will be available Thursday at Watershed Gallery, 23 Governor Street in Ridgefield.  During the launch weekend, May 30-June 1st, the gallery will donate 10% of the sale of each poster to their respective charities – Weir Farm, Lounsbury House, ROAR, the American Legion (Memorial Day Parade), CHIRP (Ballad Park), Ridgefield Food Pantry (Apple Ridge Farm), and the Ridgefield Guild of Artists (Norway Maple).