"As I juried this exhibition, I searched for work that combines technical and aesthetic development with a memorable image, a specific message, or a particular insight into the historic nature of 2020. I put together an exhibit that highlights the vibrancy of Connecticut Women Artists as a whole, and celebrates the many ways art can transcend genres and help us to see the world anew. This exhibit provides a bright and hopeful note during this difficult time. I salute all the artists who submitted, including but not limited to, the artists whose works are shown here. Thank you all for making your art, and sharing it with the world.

Making art strengthens one’s sense of agency and action. The process slows us down, helps us to see with greater precision, and fortifies our critical thinking -- as well as our intuitive senses. This experiential “toolkit” of our art process serves us well in life. Whether you are
new to art, or have been honing your vision for decades, I wish you a healthy year of art viewing and art making. I hope you continue to be curious and adventurous as an artist. Perhaps art will help us rebuild our fractured world. As frightening and uncertain as these times can be, I trust artists to continue to nourish humanity by providing spaces for ambiguity, beauty, power, and courage.”

- Carol Padberg

Note: Ms Padberg is a multimedia artist and the director of the Interdisciplinary MFA at the Hartford Art School, University of Hartford. For the last twenty-five years Carol Padberg’s art has been exhibited in a variety of settings, from museums to community centers in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.