Art Exhibited in Danbury City Hall

photo by Carol Kaliff

"Danbury City Hall frames itself as an art gallery!"

"DANBURY -- Local artists have another place downtown to showcase their work.

The first exhibit of what officials hope will be many lined the walls of City Hall on Monday -- an effort to make art more accessible to the community.

"It sends a message that we value art and culture," said Mayor Mark Boughton. "It's also a great way for local artists to share their talents."

I'm very grateful for being the first artist to showcase their artwork in this venue. Click on the link to read about this incredible opportunity for artists and the public. ~Laurie Klein

For more information, visit www.hvculturalarts.org.

I'm back from ALASKA!!!!

What an amazing trip I had to Alaska! I'm busy editing the hundreds of photographs I took last week and hope to post them in the next few days. If any of you ever have a chance to go to Alaska, make it a priority. More photos to be posted this week!

Summer Photographic Workshops

The Laurie Klein Experience

Come Join Us
Create! Grow! Nurture!

Summer Creative Workshops ~ 2009

Photographic Workshops

Basic Camera Handling
You will have fun learning what makes a great picture, and how to use all the features on your camera whether it is digital or film.

4 weeks, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Tuesday evenings beginning June 2nd . $195.00
1-day class, 10:00 - 4:00 pm
Saturday, June 20th . $165.00


Portraiture
Learn about composition, posing, lighting, equipment, and how to create ideal situations for you and your subjects. Models will be available.

2-day course, 12:00 - 4:00 pm
July 25th and 26th . $165.00


Hand Coloring Photographs
This wonderful 1-day, hands-on class is a favorite of so many of my students, no matter what age! Come and explore various hand coloring techniques, concentrating mainly on the use of color pencils. You will also explore toning and paper choices.

1-day class, 10:00-4:00 pm
Saturday June 13th, $165.00

Call today, class size is limited.



Young Adults Retreat

Are you ready for a memorable and totally unique summer experience? Join Laurie Klein and let her foster the artist within.

This intensive, fun 3-day workshop is for young adults ages 17-24 who have an unrelenting passion for the creative arts. Our medium will be photography so the student should have some photographic experience.

Activities will include:
• Daily creative assignments
• Camera handling techniques
• Nature photography
• Self portraits
• Art of posing

Group Discussions:
• Objective critiquing
• Developing a personal style
• Learning from the masters
• Portfolio development

3-Day Workshop, June 29th - July 1st
10:00 - 4:00 pm .. $295.00
Plus materials fee.

Call today, class size is limited.



Mixed Medium Photography Retreat

Come and nourish your creativity, uplift your soul, and embrace your talents. Bring your enthusiasm and be open to having a great time. Laurie Klein will deepen your understanding of the creative process, and show you how to cultivate your inner artist.

Our starting point will be the photographs you will take at our beautiful setting on Candlewood Lake in Southwestern Connecticut. This is a hands-on retreat and will we experiment with a variety of techniques and treatments to add to your photographs.

You don’t have to be a professional artist or photographer to produce works that you can be proud of.

When you have the right guide, a dynamic group chemistry, and a beautiful environment to work in, you can’t help but be transformed.

Activities will include:
• Individual time with Laurie, basic camera handling, hand coloring techniques and developing collages.
• Exploring the different aspects of critiquing
• Applying the creative process to everyday activities
• Previsualization exercises
• Examining how other artists use their art as metaphor
• Selecting and enhancing your images for hand coloring and collaging
• Exploring your own inner visions
• Journaling to tap into your clarity.
• First evening cocktails and meet and greet at the hotel
• Picnic-style delicious lunches are provided.
• Sunset, happy-hour cruise of the lake
• Art models will be available, as well as an abundance of other natural subjects for photography

3-Day Workshop, July 10th - July 13th
10:00 - 4:00 pm .. $495.00
Plus materials fee.

Call today, class size is limited.


10% of tuition will be given to a creative scholarship program.


“Her style is unique, combining a wonderful ability for composition and a sensitivity to her subjects that will carry her to the top of her field. I can’t teach the way she sees and feels.”
–Ansel Adams

The whole experience
was amazing and magical. Thank you Laurie!
- Donatella P., NYC

“It was way too much fun!”
- Helena K., Naples FL


Call today, class size is limited.
To register please call 203-740-1110
More information and a materials list are available upon registration.

Laurie helps the arts reawaken in Danbury

(Exerpt from front page of the Danbury News Times, May 1, 2009)

They see the arts reawakening in Danbury
By Dirk PerrefortStaff Writer

Residents gathered at the Palace Theater on Thursday to celebrate a reawaking of the arts downtown.

The three-day celebration, called "Accessible Art," includes a live theater performance on the Palace stage -- the first in decades for the historic building -- and a workshop Saturday by noted photographer Laurie Klein, whose works are being exhibited at the Palace throughout the weekend.
"Many people go to New York City or southwestern Connecticut for cultural offerings, but there is so much here that people don't know about," Klein said. "There are so many talented people in the area."
Nicole Cudzilo, 18, of Bethel, is one of several students of Klein's who have their work displayed at the event.
"I've always like the idea that I could convey an idea with an image," she said, adding there seems to be emerging support for area artists. "A lot more people are starting to realize that art is important to have in the

Lisa Scails, executive director of the alliance, said its goal is to connect artists with each other and ultimately with the community.

"There's been a reawaking on so many levels," she said. "There is a very active arts community that would like to be a greater part of the downtown. It's the economic center of the region."
Not only do the arts improve the quality of life, she said, they also bring more people from the area into Danbury. Last year alone, the arts and tourism brought more than $14 billion into the state.

Michelle Azzollini, who moved back to the area from New York City about five years ago, said Danbury has been missing that "artistic, cultural flare."

For more information, visit the Web site at www.hvculturalarts.org.