“Small Town…Big Art!” is the slogan for the eo Art Lab, a quaint, contemporary gallery in artsy Chester, CT. Offering 6 featured artists and 3 group shows per year, eo Art Lab strives to be one of the freshest and unique galleries in the Shoreline area. The gallery showcases artists from all over the world, generally hanging abstract pieces, as the owner, John Schroeder, believes these immediately create an internal dialogue with the viewer.
Currently, the gallery is showcasing abstract works by Massachusetts’s artist, Michelle DeMarco through February 28. DeMarco’s thrilling work synthesizes digital photography and egg tempera and displays her understanding of the natural world with “deeply dimensioned collages of bubbling, bursting, spilling, splashing color and pattern.
eo Art Lab also offers a cozy, entertaining series for the winter season. The Cold Weather Film Series, now in its 4th season, was developed by Schroeder as a way to “break up the monotony of cold weather.” From January 7th through March 14th, every Thursday evening you’ll find, looking through the large windows of the gallery, a projector screen, 30+ directors’ chairs and complimentary popcorn ready to welcome viewers.
John Schroeder has always had a passion for art and film, having grown up in a creative household. A student of the Rhode Island School of Design and architect of 20 plus years, Schroeder continually provides support for outlets of art, science and technology.
Schroeder and Gallery Director, Sherrie Coleman, work together to provide a surprisingly unique array of films to present each Thursday. Over the past seasons, eo Art Lab has shown a mixture of feature length, independent and documentary films, representing a range of genre: drama, comedy, psychological thriller, inspirational, educational, experimental. The Film Series prefers to feature films that have a local connection with filmmakers, actors, location, topic, etc. When possible, the gallery invites Directors, Actors and Writers in for the film, and welcomes interactive discussion afterwards.
Such previously shown films with this local connection include, It Happened to Jane, filmed in Chester, Curse of Micah Rood, a true story based on a Norwich farm and The Big Bad Swim, directed by former Old Lyme resident, Ishai Setton.
When asked how Schroeder chooses the films, he explained either an email suggestion, a local film connection referral or a little personal research helps find unique titles. Last season, Schroeder located the Film Department Director of the CT Commission on Culture and Tourism, A.D. Calvo, who recommended The Other Side of the Tracks, a successful thriller. Schroeder reviews each film before showing, ensuring a certain threshold of quality. He also attempts to choose those limited in violence and sexual content.
Not only can one enjoy a unique, quality film experience, the camaraderie of community members, and the opportunity of meeting local celebrities, Chester restaurants are participating by offering “Dinner & A Movie” promotions before the show. Restaurants include River Tavern, Cabo, Lupo, and Restaurant L & E and the French 75 Bar, contact each for details.
Don’t be surprised if the directors’ chairs fill up quickly. Schroeder and Coleman were delightfully surprised that their idea to create a rewarding event for locals to do during winter, soon began to attract residents as far away as Wallingford, Milford and East Haven.
eo Art Lab invites you to join their email list to receive updates on film showings, as well as other gallery happenings – email chester@eoartlab.com. The gallery also posts weekly info on their Facebook page! To become a fan, click here.
Remaining Films:
February 18th – TBA
February 25th – TBA
March 4th – Various Shorts coordinated by President of SECTFILM, Alec Asten &
Time’s Up, Written and produced by Marty Lang who will be attending
March 11th – Bass Ackwards, recent Sundance Film Festival Film participant
Cold Weather Film Series
Thursdays, 7pm
January thru Daylight Savings Time
Suggested Donation of $7.50
B.Y.O.B.
69 Main St.
Chester, CT 06412
860.526.4833
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