A Million Thanks letters

Part of the exhibition Noelle Carr: A Veterans Memorial Garden, is a box for guests to leave their own letters of thanks to the troops that will be sent via the A Million Thanks organization. I displayed some letters made by local children at the exhibit. Their drawings and letters are so special, and so touching, and I hope they bring a smile to a soldier far away from home.

"Artistic Tribute" story in Arts & Leisure section of Hersam-Acorn newpapers on November 5, 2009

The November 5, 2009 edition of Hersam-Acorn newspapers ran a story about the Noelle Carr: A Veterans Memorial Garden exhibit in the Arts & Leisure section. The writer, Jeannette Ross, did a wonderful job capturing the mission of the show, and I hope the story will help raise awareness about Veterans Day, our troops fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the global war on terror, as well as the non-profit organizations Wounded Warrior Project and A Million Thanks. Please click here for the story.

Lions Peace Poster Contest

This week I had the privilege once again to be a judge for the Ridgefield Chapter of the Lions International Peace Poster contest, along with artist and writer Emelie Howard, and Paul Gervais, owner of the Paul Gervais Gallery and Building Blocks Art Supplies. Each year, Lions Clubs around the world proudly sponsor the Lions International Peace Poster Contest in local schools and youth groups. This contest encourages young people worldwide to artistically express their visions of peace. The contest is open to children ages 11-13, and the young people created beautiful, inspiring posters based on the theme "The Power of Peace." For more information about the Lions Club and the Peace Poster contest please visit the Lions Club website.

Noelle Carr exhibit "A Veterans Memorial Garden" at Ridgefield Library

A Veterans Memorial Garden is an exhibition to honor American Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the global war on terror. My intent is to express gratitude to our troops and their families and remember all of the men and women who have served in America's Armed Forces, especially our fallen heroes.

The opening reception is Saturday, November 7 from 3-5 pm, and the show will run through November 29. A Veterans Memorial Garden will include an A Million Thanks receptacle for visitors to leave their own letters of thanks to the troops that will be sent at the close of the exhibit.

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." - Elmer Davis

If you value your freedom, thank a Veteran this Veterans Day.
Please join me in my efforts to support Wounded Warrior Project and donate by clicking here.

Noelle Carr to exhibit in Ridgefield Art Walk

The Ridgefield Art Walk is Saturday, October 3 from 1-6 pm. This is a great event, with dozens of artists exhibiting in stores and on sidewalks along Ridgefield's beautiful historic Main Street. Please drop by and say hello, I'll be showing at Lucy's.
At the same time, the Ridgefield Arts Council is holding its first Cultural Festival in Ballard Park on Main Street, with information on local arts and performances throughout the day. If you love the arts, Ridgefield will be the place to be October 3. I hope to see you there!

Noelle Carr in Art of Caring Juried Show at Boehringer Ingelheim

On Friday, June 12 four of my paintings were exhibited in The Art of Caring 2009 Juried Show at Boehringer Ingelheim. It is an evening featuring work by more than 100 prominent artists, with live music and a wonderful buffet donated by some of the area's finest restaurants. The featured artist this year was Tarol Samuelson, an award-winning self-taught painter, graphic designer, and trouve objet artiste. Proceeds from the evening benefit Regional Hospice of Western CT, an organization I am happy to support. This is my second year participating in this event, and it is truly a wonderful night. Thanks to Boehringer Ingelheim for hosting, and all the volunteers and artists who made the event possible.

Noelle Carr painting "Peaceable Hill" at Jesse Lee Day School auction

My painting Peaceable Hill (on left) was sold last night during the live auction Spreading Our Wings to benefit Jesse Lee Day School. This painting was in my "Flowers of Ridgefield" show in 2008, part of Ridgefield's 300th Anniversary Celebration. I was happy to donate the painting to benefit the school. Jesse Lee has been an amazing place for my family, and the staff and teachers are wonderful. Thank you to everyone who made the auction a success, and the staff of Jesse Lee!

Noelle Carr in Bedlam Show at Ridgefield Guild of Artists

Bedlam opens Saturday, April 4 at the Ridgefield Guild of Artists. This show is a members show that is meant to showcase the creativity of the guild membership as a whole. My new painting "A Mother's Love" will be on exhibit at the Bedlam show until April 18. Pink carnations represent the pure love a mother has for her child, and that is why they are known as the Mother's Day flower. I painted this flower with that symbolism, and my love for my own children, as my inspiration. The flower was so soft and pure that I chose to stay in that theme throughout the work. There will be an opening reception and party on Saturday, April 4 from 5-7 pm.

Noelle Carr Art Class at Ridgefield Library

This week I taught a class in acrylic painting to a group of 1st - 3rd graders at Ridgefield Library. I love working with kids, and really enjoy their creativity. It is amazing to see a group of children, in the same class, given the same instruction and materials, and how they are each uniquely inspired to create their own work of art. Some were very thoughtful, watching the snow-covered trees through the window and painting a similar scene. Some were thinking about their favorite sport, baseball. Two young girls painted lovely colorful butterflies, while another carefully painted blue curving waves across her canvas. Watching these young people was just another reminder of how much I love art, and all its possibilities.

Lions International Peace Poster Contest

In November I had the opportunity to be a judge for the Ridgefield Chapter of the Lions International Peace Poster contest, along with Emelie Howard and Paul Gervais. Each year, Lions clubs around the world proudly sponsor the Lions International Peace Poster Contest in local schools and youth groups. This contest encourages young people worldwide to artistically express their visions of peace. The contest is open to children ages 11-13. I was very impressed with the works created by these talented young people, and their interpretation of the theme "peace begins with me." There were more than 350,000 participants in the contest worldwide and it was a pleasure to be part of a program that encourages artistic expression in young people. To view the winning work, and that of the 24 finalists, please visit the Lions Club website.