First Bank of Greenwich Hosts Art Show for Local Artist Carolyn Gamanos
Several of Gamanos’ paintings on display inside the First Bank
On Wednesday, June 7th, The First Bank of Greenwich hosted an art show – putting on display the work of local artist Carolyn Gamanos. Collaborating with The Greenwich Arts Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of art, the bank was able to showcase Gamanos’ paintings to the community. With pieces of hers placed inside the First Bank of Greenwich itself, the open and free event lasted for 3 hours, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, while music and food accompanied the art. The event was all within the First Bank’s location at 444 East Putnam Avenue in Cos Cob.
The art on display was part of Gamanos’ ‘local scenes’ collection, which depict views of areas familiar to Greenwich residents. Pieces include “Byram Pool” and “A Morning at Tod’s Point”. Others show glimpses into moments in child-raising, such as “Morning Drop Off” and “Karate Belt Test”. Gamanos’ stylistic depictions of daily life in the area were nearly all made with the medium of gouache, a paint akin to watercolor, but more opaque.
Asked about her work, Gamanos stated that she feels “really honored that I was chosen” to have her art be displayed at the event. Describing her story, Gamanos explained that her idea for the style seen in the ‘local scenes’ came from a French art book, in which she encountered depictions of a boy at various locations in France. The boy reminded her of her son, and she was inspired to make similar art of scenes from around the Greenwich area, with her son in every piece. Now, Gamanos says her son can be found in almost every work.
Gamanos’ artwork seen in the exhibition can be purchased through the Greenwich Arts Council, which partnered with The First Bank of Greenwich and their “Art to the Avenue” program to host the event. The Arts Council describes their mission statement as working “to promote the visual, performing, and literary arts in our community by encouraging artists and building audiences.” In buying Gamanos’ art from the Greenwich Arts Council, prices of work displayed at the event ranged from $200 to $800, while greeting card versions sold for $25 for a 5-pack. She can also be contacted on her website, carolyngamanosart.com, for purchase.
The First Bank of Greenwich’s art exhibition featured not only art, but also music and catering. The music was performed on piano by Al Dimarco, a Greenwich resident who can be seen performing at Marianacci’s Restaurant in Port Chester on Fridays. Food and drink was also present, including sushi from Greenwich establishment Fjord’s Fish Market, charcuterie from Captivating Charcuterie, and alcohol from both Val’s Putnam Wine & Liquors and Randy’s Wines & Spirits. In total, the local food and music enriched the experience as members of the community got a chance to come together and view the unique work of artist Carolyn Gamanos.
The First Bank of Greenwich on the day of the art show.
(Article & photos by Leo Boksner for The Greenwich Sentinel)