As autumn peaks in Northwest Connecticut, Litchfield’s visual arts scene is offering two compelling reasons to engage with contemporary fine art: An opening reception for Mia Eriksson’s abstract paintings in Litchfield center and an insightful artists’ talk inside the Bantam Arts Factory.
Mia Eriksson: Holding the Line at Alofft Gallery
Alofft Gallery presents Holding the Line, a solo exhibition of new abstract paintings by artist Mia Eriksson. Known for her rich, multi-layered approach to abstract expressionism and mixed media, Eriksson uses color and texture to examine emotional, ethical, and creative boundaries.
The exhibition takes its conceptual anchor from the physical and symbolic concept of a line—from finish lines and blurred lines to ethical lines in the sand, bloodlines, and timelines. Embedded within every canvas in the series is a “holding line,” sometimes hidden within dense layers, sometimes starkly overt.
“Within each painting in Holding the Line, I have placed a holding line, sometimes subtle, sometimes overt, and sometimes hidden within layers of color and texture. For me, it represents the place where we refuse to give up ground, compromise our principles, or surrender under pressure. The holding line is an ethical anchor and an emotional boundary. It is also a place of shared sacrifice, support, and commitment for people, nature, beliefs, and things we love.”
— Mia Eriksson
Exhibition Details
- Opening Reception: Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
- Exhibition Dates: October 10 – November 1, 2026
- Location: Alofft Gallery, 41 West Street (on the Litchfield Green)
- Learn More: Visit alofft.com or call 860-361-6389.
Artist Talk & Reception: Second Cutting at Friday Arts
In Bantam, nomadic gallery-turned-permanent satellite space Friday Arts hosts a special Artists’ Talk in conjunction with their autumn group exhibition, Second Cutting. Founded by filmmaker Justin Schwarz and former Guggenheim Head of Digital Laura Kleger, Friday Arts recently established its permanent physical gallery inside the historic Bantam Arts Factory to complement its digital storytelling platform.
Second Cutting features work by painters Rachael Catharine Anderson, Ryan Steadman, and Annika Tucksmith. The exhibition explores themes of iteration, harvest, materiality, and the physical act of making. The Saturday afternoon panel discussion offers an intimate look into the artists’ creative processes, technical choices, and the formal dialogues running throughout the show.
Event Details
- Artist Talk: Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM (followed by a reception with the artists)
- Exhibition Dates: On view through October 24, 2026
- Location: Friday Arts, Bantam Arts Factory, 931 Bantam Road (Suite 2-3), Bantam, CT
- Learn More: Visit friday-arts.com for gallery hours and appointments.
