Bristol Art Museum Opens This Weekend

The Bristol Art Museum finally opens the doors this weekend to its first permanent home: the former Linden Place carriage house. 

A reception for donors and members will be held on Saturday evening, Dec. 7. The public is invited to an open house on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 1 to 4 pm.

The art museum was  founded 50 years ago by three Bristol women: Jill Pardee, Margaret Nerone and Susan Perry, according to Patricia Woods, chair of the board. It has been using space at other locations, most notably the Rogers Free Library, for years for its exhibitions. It now has  leadsed space to call its own, Wood said.

A $1 million renovation of the carriage house has resulted in the creation of a first-floor gallery and second-floor rental studios, a lecture hall and classrooms. The work came in two phases over the past couple of years, she said.

"We've almost completed the renovation," Woods said. "There are still things to be done and money to be raised. We'll have a birthday fundraiser in June."

Woods described the museum as an education and cultural center as well as a gallery for exhibits.

"We don't have a big collection," she said.

After this weekend’s events, the museum will be open next Thursday to Sunday from 1 to 4 pm and each weekend until Dec. 29. Exhibits right now include the works of two local artists: wood sculptures by John Udvardy of Bristol, a former RISD professor, and oil paintings by Penelope Manzella of Barrington. 

Go the art museum website for the schedule of 2014 exhibits.