- The gallery at Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens, right in the heart of the Depot
- Group shows at Washington Art Association
- Art classes and great annual events at WAA
- Plein air painting the unsurpassed views around town
Vincent Giarrano
OCCUPATION: Fine Artist
YEARS LIVED IN WASHINGTON, CT: 18
We sat down with Vincent Giarrano to learn about his life in Washington and get his insider picks for favorite things to do here.
What brought you to Washington?
We landed on Washington after an exhaustive search for the best place to bring up our family. Coming from suburban Fairfield, and Brooklyn before that, we wanted a place that offered an interesting lifestyle, good school system, and the rich cultural climate we needed after living in the city. We looked as far as Vermont and New Hampshire, but happily found our home here. It’s funny, after a couple of years we felt completely at home, as if we had always been here.
Tell us about your life here.
We have a very rich life, surrounded by the spectacular natural environment, a nurturing community, and so many creative people. My wife Kathy and I both work from a restored farm outbuilding on our property and have enjoyed the inspiration and support to grow our respective careers here. We are very active in the community and partake in the nonstop culture and events throughout the year.
We have been very happy with the education our two children have received through the local schools. They were both very involved in the terrific ASAP! program, have done local public service and volunteering, and took part in so many enriching programs at the Gunn Memorial Library. Washington really is a wonderful place to grow up.
How has Washington shaped your career?
The town had provided an incredibly nurturing environment for growing my career as an artist. The Washington Art Association has been a great asset, both for classes, teaching stints, and for the many art shows from which I’ve gained wider exposure. People here are great patrons of the arts, and that has boosted my artistic growth enormously. Washington has been a springboard from which I’ve launched my artistic career – and now have shown my work in New York City, London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
“Washington offers the best of both worlds – a small town vibe with a rich cultural life.”
ART PICKS
LOCAL EATS
- Real character at the legendary GW Tavern and White Horse Tavern Pub
- Norimaki for sushi that’s up there with the best of them
- The Hopkins Inn for traditional Austrian fare
- The Pantry is always serving up something delicious
MUST SEE
- The Institute for American Indian Studies Museum
- The exceptional art shows at Washington Art Association
- Averill Farm Orchards in autumn
- The view from a kayak on Lake Waramaug
- The amazing trails in our local preserves
MUST DO
- Take in some live music at the Hopkins Vineyard
- Visit the farmers market at the Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens, spring through fall
- Check out the Elephants Trunk giant flea market in nearby New Milford
- Have a cocktail and enjoy David Grausman on the piano at the Grace Mayflower Inn’s Tap Room
- Browse the Hickory Stick Bookshop, a gem much appreciated in town
To learn more about his work, visit Vincent’s website.
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