Farmington Artists’ Circle completes successful first year

Significant accomplishments forbudding organization

Gathered by the Farmington Library fireplace at the time of the “Wonderland” exhibit and holding the event poster are, from left: Charlene Kilcomons and Kate Emery, members of the Farmington Artists’ Circle.

Story and Photos by Maria G O’Donnell

Staff Writer

After its formation one year ago, the Farmington Artists’ Circle (FAC) has become a new home for the town’s creative people of all stripes. 

Those who live or work in Farmington and Unionville are   eligible to be part of the dynamic organization, which consists of artists who produce sculpture, pottery, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, 2-and 3-dimensional art, jewelry, mixed media, photography, and felting. 

According to FAC founder and painter Kate Emery, there are 50 members on the mailing list, and 15-20 people attended the inaugural meeting. Members meet every third Saturday of the month from 11-12:00 at the Barney Library branch. She said, “We have a show and tell after with what they want to share.” Additionally, there are no dues or obligations.

With Farmington and Unionville newly designated as two cultural districts, Emery joined the Farmington Cultural District Advisory Committee as vice chair as a way to “try and figure out how to support the arts,” she said. Emery founded FAC because, after paining part-time for 30-35 years (up until five years ago) she realized, “I love being in the studio by myself, but wanted to connect with other artists in town – that was the impetus for starting [FAC].”

Emery noted that there used to be a Farmington art guild operating out of a building belonging to a local church, but the church needed it back, ending the guild.

Fellow FAC member and painter Charlene Kilcomons noted, “This is sort of a rebirth of that. We’re trying to build energy around arts and culture. The support we’ve had from the town and libraries has been immense.” 

Emery credited the founder of the Farmington Cultural District Advisory Committee (who is also director of economic development) Rose Ponte as “incredibly helpful in getting connections,” as well as executive director of both library branches and chair of the Cultural District Advisory Committee, Jocelyn Kennedy. “Both are focused on community; they’ve been wonderful,” said Emery, noting that Kennedy presented 2-dimensional artworks in the “Wonderland” exhibit.

Kilcomons also appreciated their interest in Emery’s goals for FAC, to start a “community of artists that make connections with people.” Kilcomons went on to describe FAC’s accomplishments since the beginning of 2025, including an Art Walk along Main Street in Farmington Center in June, Open Studio in September, and Art Exhibit in November. 

Passage, photography, by Steve Silk.

The exhibit was held at the Farmington Library’s Main Branch and featured 17 artists and over 50 pieces of artwork. With the theme “Wonderland,” artists were invited to interpret what that personally meant to them through their works. “We plan to have something every season,” Kilcomons said, and Emery added, “A new one we’re doing will be an art fair.” 

On the wish list is for FAC to have its own space. Emery said, “If I had a space, I’d do exhibits, workshops and events of all different types.” Kilcomons added, “To spread energy, expertise and interest – that’s what people are looking for.”

“An important piece,” Emery noted, “is connection to the land and history. We’re partners with the Farmington Land Trust. They raised a couple of thousand dollars from [a portion of] the sales of artwork at their fundraiser” last fall. She added that FAC does “joint projects in partnership with organizations already here, including kids.”

“High school students want to become involved,” Kilcomons noted. “We have a link to their group because the students want to build connections and help us with social media.” In fact, they set up FAC’s Instagram page, “and we’re able to spread news electronically – that’s very important,” said Kilcomons. “We’re also trying to discover different venues to show work outside of the library. Maybe a winery? Hopefully, others will reach out to us.”

For those interested in becoming members of the Farmington Artists’ Circle or for venues interested in offering their space, please visit their website: FACarts.org, and look for the “Get in Touch” button. FAC can be reached on Instagram: @Farmington_Artists_Circle. VL

Magical Birds by Sandhya Paladugu.

: Top: Flocking to the Hillstead, pastel, Karen Israel. Bottom: Still Morning, watercolor, by Oli Pinunsky.

: From left: Winterland, photography, by Joyce Baldwin; Winter Wonderland, acrylic on canvas, by Linda Reynolds; Teeter-tottering, digital, by Joyce Baldwin.