Artists on the Rise is a collection of works from students grades 9-12. While most come from students in the greater Danbury Area, student work from oth-
er parts of Connecticut are represented as well. The exhibition includes works from over one hundred students in a wide range of media including, photography, ceramic, painting, drawing, and more. The inspiration for their works comes from their own experiences reflecting a diverse exploration of creative endeavors. This juried event provides young artists the opportunity to have their work shown to the public in a professional environment. Awards are given across media and for best-in-show.

Brookfield Craft Center would like to thank the Savings Bank of Danbury for their generous sponsorship of the show and all of the volunteers that helped make this show a reality.

Animations

Isabella Norris
Danbury High School
Grade 9
Video
Flower

Jasmine Lopez
Danbury High School
Grade 10
Video
Bite

Keira Chambers
Danbury High School
Grade 10
Animation
Wolf

Brooklyn Testa
Danbury High School
Grade 9
Video
12 Principles of Animation

Ashar Velez
Danbury High School
Grade 9
Video
Cookie

About the Jurors

Lisa Scroggins

Lisa has lived mostly in urban settings; in contrast her creative thinking often turns to nature and organic forms. The artist’s love of ceramics began in high school and progressed through college and beyond. She attended the Rhode Island School of Design, and Parsons School of Design in New York City, graduating with a BFA in graphic design. She currently spends her week working at Silvermine Arts Center, as well as teaching all areas of art to students K through 12th grade, and creates whimsical ceramics at her Connecticut studio.

Shannon Riley 

Shannon has been a resident of Brookfield for many years. She earned her BFA Studio Art from The College of New Rochelle and a MS in Education from Western Connecticut State University. She has been teaching for over 15 years at Brewster High School in Brewster, NY. She works in mixed media and currently serves as a member of the Brookfield Arts Commission.

Melissa Ralston-Jones

Melissa serves as a special appointment professor of Gallery Studies at Western Connecticut State University and has operated as the gallery curator since 2013. She received a BA in American History with a minor in museum studies from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego and an MFA in museum studies from Johns Hopkins University. After working in education in both the primary and secondary systems, Melissa opened a fiscally sponsored non-profit art gallery, Gallery 46, in Vernon Connecticut. She served as a board member and later as assistant director and interim acting director for the newly formed arts organization, Vernon Community Arts Center (now renamed Arts Center East). Currently, Melissa is the interim executive director for the Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden in North Salem, NY.

A Message from the Executive Director

Welcome to Brookfield Craft Center’s Annual Student Art Exhibition – Artists on the Rise! This exhibition showcasing the works of local students, provides you the opportunity to see firsthand the imaginative, inspiring, and creative abilities of local youth.

In 2023, we celebrate our 71st year since Nancy Dubois Hagmayer purchased the mill building, the foundation of what is now the Brookfield
Craft Center. The past 3 years have been challenging, but our team rose to meet the challenges and with the help of our community we continue to honor Hagmayer’s commitment to craft education and historic preservation as we find new ways to support our mission and the community.

You can be a part of that mission by joining a class to explore your own creativity or just to learn more about the creative process, gaining an appreciation for the artistry that surrounds us. We also have many opportunities for you to volunteer in our shop or our studios. And we encourage you to become a member. The support of our members and volunteers is vital to our continued success and every dollar you donate
is fully tax deductible. I invite you to check out our class schedule and explore firsthand your own creativity.

Exhibited, but not pictured:

Emily Silva, Danbury High School, Grade 12, Painting, The Night

Ava Real, Bethel High School, Grade 11, Painting, A Moment in Gold