Parkville Art Gallery’s ‘Focus Shift’ opening draws 150 guests, raises 127 pounds of food for Hartford

Frigid temperatures and busy holiday schedules didn’t stop over 150 guests from attending the Focus Shift opening reception at Parkville Art Gallery on Thursday, December 11.

“At one point, I looked up, and all these people came pouring out of the freight elevator and to the Gallery! The turnout and support was really something,” said Gallery Director and artist-in-residence, Miguel Jose Matos. His work is the first each visitor sees, at the entrance. This latest rotation featured a new collection of found object sculptures, alongside a refreshed selection of his signature colorful abstract paintings.

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The Focus Shift exhibition, which spans the 4500 square foot gallery space located at 1429 Park Street in Hartford, features artwork from nine local artists. Scope and perspective contrast with the minute detail in the wood carvings of Robert Loebell to the massive 19’ abstract painting created by Adam Viens. Flow through the soft focus of the water-centric encaustic paper works of Barbara Hocker, into the intense photo realism in the graphite portraits of Christopher Baskerville. The dark, foreboding world of Susan McCaslin’s paper constructions are offset by exploding floral headpieces depicted in the paintings of Jennifer Knaus.

More contrasts are available for exploration in the abstract paintings and sculptures of Miguel Matos and the found object portrait paintings of Antony Zito, Associate Gallery Director. Partners Peter Greenwood and Christine Chaise Greenwood explore glass sculpture and abstract paintings while upcycled mobile artist David Sepulveda fills chosen environments throughout the gallery with spinning leaves of color.

Like previous openings at Parkville Art Gallery, Focus Shift was enhanced by local businesses: Distinctive Ideas created a stunning seasonal charcuterie tablescape courtesy of the Gallery, DJ Reefa curated the perfect selection of music, and Dead Language Beer Project poured their award winning beers for thirsty guests.

In lieu of admission fees, the Parkville Art Gallery team requested that guests bring one non-perishable food item as part of a food drive to benefit Hands on Hartford, a neighboring organization that serves the city’s most vulnerable residents through food access programs. By the end of the evening, the food donations totaled 127 pounds.

“Art connects us. Events like these can be a source of wonder, inspiration, and hope. We incorporated the food drive in an effort to keep our feet on solid ground. To shift focus from the vast world of art and escapism to real needs in our City,” said Managing Director, Meredith Longo.

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December events at Fairfield Theatre Company

Fairfield Theatre Company is ringing in the holiday season with a lively lineup of performances throughout December. Highlights include multiple performances of A Christmas Carol: The Musical on Dec. 12, 13, and 14, a holiday-themed Holiday In The Warehouse show on Dec. 10, and concerts from artists like Bob Schneider and Steve Poltz on Dec. 9, TAB Benoit on Dec. 13, Built to Spill on Dec. 16, and Caravan of Thieves on Dec. 20. Music fans can also catch Yacht Lobsters, The Alpaca Gnomes, The Weight Band, The Crystal Pyramid Band, and CTGB Night, while educational programming features Teachrock on Dec. 17. The schedule promises a mix of festive cheer, rock, and blues to close out the year.

December 2025 calendar of events
12/19 – The Alpaca Gnomes
12/20 – Caravan of Thieves
12/20 – The Weight Band
12/27 – The Crystal Pyramid Band
12/28 – CTGB Night

Click here for more information & order tickets.

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December events at PeoplesBank Arena

12/19 – Syracuse Crunch vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
12/27 – Harlem Globetrotters, click here to purchase tickets
12/31 – Bridgeport Islanders vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets

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Parkville Art Gallery’s ‘Focus Shift’ opening draws 150 guests, raises 127 pounds of food for Hartford