| The Howard Whittemore Memorial Library is proud to feature a vibrant new art exhibition showcasing the work of local instructor Fred Baselice’s students throughout August 2026. The exhibit, on display on the Whittemore Gallery Wall, includes a diverse variety of acrylic, watercolor, and mixed-media paintings. Visitors can expect a dynamic collection depicting landscapes, wildlife, and floral subjects. Baselice, a retired kitchen designer who has been an artist his entire life, began teaching at the Naugatuck Senior Center in March 2025. What started as a class of just four students has quickly blossomed into a thriving community of 15 participants meeting twice a week. “Many of them came into the class saying that they can’t draw a straight line,” Baselice said, “so I’d hand them a ruler. And look at what they’re creating now. It’s heartwarming to know that I can make a difference in their lives.” Library staff are pleased to welcome back this talented and inspiring group of local artists and invite members of the community to view their work. |
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Display CaseThe Howard Whittemore Memorial Library in Naugatuck is pleased to feature in its main level display case an exhibit honoring Revolutionary War veterans and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The exhibit was put together by Naugatuck residents Katharine Gabrielson and Joy MacDonald on behalf of the Trumbull-Porter Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) of Watertown. |
More About Our Featured Artist Program
The purpose of the Whittemore Library Exhibit Program is to provide creative persons with the opportunity to share their talents with the public and to share their talents with the public and to contribute to the cultural and educational well-being of the community.
Exhibitors: Preference is given to Naugatuck residents. Groups are invited to display artwork on the condition that a representative of the group is selected to coordinate the exhibit with the Library Exhibit Coordinator. The library will feature classroom artworks from within the Naugatuck school system; however, the library will not feature of promote the artwork of an individual student.
Exhibit Period: Art exhibits are scheduled in accordance with the library’s Calendar of Events and run for approximately one month.
Setting up the Exhibit: The Library Exhibit Coordinator is responsible for all artwork in the public display area. Each exhibit will be set up and taken down by the artist and/or the Library Exhibit Coordinator or a library staff representative at a mutually agreed upon time during regular library hours. All exhibits are scheduled through the office of the Exhibit Coordinator. Interested artists are encouraged to contact the Exhibit Coordinator to discuss exhibit opportunities.
Insurance Forms: When the exhibit is set up, the artist will be required to complete and sign a loan form listing each piece by title/description, medium, and dollar value. Any piece of artwork that is valued at $500.00 or more must be accompanied by a formal written appraisal at the time of submission. The loan form will also be signed by the Library Exhibit Coordinator or a library staff representative, and it will be retained for insurance purposes. At the close of the exhibit, the artist will be asked to sign this form again indicating that all artwork was returned in its original condition.
Publicity: All public relations will be handled by the library’s Publicity Coordinator. Press releases are routinely sent to area newspapers and television and radio stations through the office of the Library Exhibit Coordinator. News releases are composed based on information supplied by the artist.
Exhibit Sales: The library is a non-profit organization, and therefore cannot be involved in the sale of any exhibit item. No prices or price lists will be displayed during the exhibit, nor will library staff give an indication as to the value of an exhibit item. The exhibitor’s name and address and/or telephone number and email contact information will be made available to interested parties. Artists are welcome to provide business cards for take-away.
Please note: The exhibit wall measures 7’6” high and 20’ long. All art exhibits hang for approximately one month, in accordance with the Library’s Calendar of Events. For more information, please contact Karen Petersen, Library Exhibit Coordinator at hwladcirc@biblio.org.