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CHH Auxiliary September Artist of the Month Now Showing

September 09, 2019

The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital (CHH) Auxiliary is featuring the artwork of Jim Koplar now through early October 2019 in the hospital’s main lobby hallway, 540 Litchfield Street, Torrington. The public is invited to view and buy the works during regular visiting hours as part of the Auxiliary’s ongoing “Artist of the Month” program. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the artwork support the CHH Auxiliary and Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.

As a Connecticut native and Collinsville resident since 1992, Jim Koplar has always been at home with the changing seasons, and most of his work reflects scenes from New England’s surroundings. After earning his degree in Visual Fine Arts in 2004, Jim was awarded a scholarship to attend The Greater Hartford Arts Council’s week long HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Schools) seminar. The experience provided a “launch point” for Jim to begin his teaching avocation. Since then, he has taught in various venues from inner city elementary schools and summer camps to adult education and college campuses.Jim’s teaching methods have been very successful with older students and others who would consider themselves “non-artists.” His encouraging spirit and practical approach to teaching students about “Right Brain” awareness as it applies to drawing, and what each student sees in the world around them, has produced many successful professional and recreational artists.

Jim’s latest works and the works displayed at CHH have been executed in the pastel medium, which allows him to work quickly and affords immediate results. He strives to engage viewers to look closely and consider a deeper meaning and a personal connection to his work. “I hope my work speaks to you in a personal way and connects you to your own sense of self and story,” says Koplar.

The Auxiliary’s “Artist of the Month” program has been featuring paintings, photographs, and artwork each month from local artists for over 25 years. Their over 200 member supporters assist in raising money for the hospital through dues, donations, volunteering at the gift shop, and a variety of events including an annual fashion show.