Connecticut Postings

Greenwich landscape artist Ernest Garthwaite, a master of the centuries-old technique of applying gold leaf, will be feted at a reception on Friday (Feb. 5) to mark the opening of his exhibit at the new Southport Galleries in Fairfield.

Garthwaite will be on hand from 5 to 8 p.m. at the gallery reception, which is free and open to the general public. The show will be on view through March 3.

As readers of Pulse, the Connecticut Post’s Sunday arts section,may remember, Garthwaite’s work was the subject of a major one-artist show last summer at Fairfield University’s Thomas J. Walsh Art Gallery.

Garthwaite often embeds gold leaf, a foil-like substance that glimmers when struck by light, in his oil and acrylic paintings  — all to dazzling effect.

Southport Galleries, which opened a few months ago, is housed in a landmark building from the 1920s that for decades served as the home of Village Hardware. The gallery, which specializes in American masters and contemporary artists, is at 330 Pequot Avenue in village center (off Exit 19 of Interstate 95). It’s open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. 

For additional information, visit www.SouthportGalleries.com.

Phyllis A.S. Boros

I got an offer to watch the Ct United 9/11 Motorcycle Riders ride below one of two huge American Flags strung between FD hook and ladder trucks from the Fairfield FD. Once on the truck a voice from the Milford FD hook and ladder across the street yelled, “Phil, wanna go up in our bucket”. I had no choice the bucket was too enticing .It would be a great view from above. It was a great idea until I was getting a safety harness on. I’m not afraid of heights. I climbed a mast or two at sea on a few aircraft carriers but I’m not 20 anymore. Anyway, I said I would so off I went. I was fine until 3/4 of the way up I stopped and looked up and out ..dumb..my stomach went one way and my head the other. It took a second but finally I reached the top. Thank You FF Dunn and all the guys who gave me the chance to see the beauty of a thousand motorcycles riding below Old Glory. Thanks to all the unknown riders who waved, gave a thumbs up or a peace sign. Thanks to all those who took a picture of the day or the flags. Thanks to the heroes of 9/11 and to days heroes the PD and FD guys and gals. If you have a picture email me at pnoel@ctpost.com and I’ll try to add it..