An exhibit opening at the La Grua Center in Stonington, Connecticut, celebrates the work of local artists Dennis Sirrine and Tom Frohnapfel. The show, which runs through the end of February, features their representational and abstract paintings, mixed media, glass works, and furniture, reflecting over four decades of creative exploration. Both artists moved from the Midwest to New York City in the 1980s before settling in Stonington in the 2000s. Sirrine, who manages the Velvet Mill Gallery, presents works ranging from early cityscapes to recent abstractions, while Frohnapfel, a Pratt Institute graduate, showcases his design-and-build furniture, glass blowing, and paintings.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the role of local artists in fostering community and sustaining regional art scenes. Sirrine and Frohnapfel have been instrumental in supporting art spaces and connecting with fellow artists, demonstrating how small-town galleries and centers like La Grua contribute to cultural vitality outside major urban hubs. The show underscores the value of long-term artistic practice and community engagement in the visual arts.