A sculptural art tradition is being revived in Bethel.

Bethel Arts and the Sustainable Bethel Commission will present Our Power, Our Planet - Sculptural Reflections, opening on Bethel Community Earth Day, April 26. The juried exhibition will run for almost a year until April 5, 2026 and Bethel Arts hopes for it to be an annual event featuring new sculptures each year.

This year’s event features large-scale sculptural works from eight artists, selected by a panel of three Bethel-based judges. This marks the third time a public sculpture display has graced downtown Bethel, with the last occurring in 2017.

Exhibition Chair Patricia Voorhees, secretary of the Bethel Arts Board of Directors, has long advocated for the return of outdoor sculptures, believing that accessible art enhances the community. She recalls seeing families, children, and visitors enjoy past installations.

“I want to return sculptures to the existing platforms,” she said, emphasizing that these installations add “vibrancy and vitality” to the community.

The first exhibit featured seven sculptures. “Post-pandemic, with our new board, mission, and nonprofit status, we’ve been eager to bring sculpture back to downtown Bethel,” Voorhees  said.

“I remember the last exhibit—seeing people interact with the art, families taking walks, and children skipping around the sculptures. It reinforced how important art and culture are to a thriving community.”

The seven sculptures will be displayed downtown, in front of the Municipal Center and at the Bethel Library.

A call for artists was issued in October, inviting submissions that could incorporate elements from the earth or recycled materials but were not limited to these. Bethel Arts and Sustainable Bethel sought diverse sculptures in both material and style.

Voorhees outlined the selection criteria: the works needed to relate to sustainability, evoke the power of the earth, highlight human interaction with the environment, and raise awareness about sustainability. Artists could also use sustainable materials or practices in their creations.

The seven selected sculptures were chosen from 38 submissions by 17 artists.

Bethel Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, aims to provide accessible public art, aligning with the outdoor exhibition’s mission.

“Nurturing art in our community is our passion,” Vorhees said. “We believe the arts are essential for Bethel’s growth and cultural diversity.”

The judging panel, all from Bethel, includes Bethel Arts board member Diana Gubbay, Jim Felice, and David Gesualdi. Submissions were evaluated based on quality and adherence to the theme.

The Sustainable Bethel Commission, which earned Bronze-level certification from Sustainable CT in 2024, is co-sponsoring the exhibit with Bethel Arts. The collaboration emphasizes the role of public art in sustainability.

“The Sustainable Bethel Commission is thrilled to partner with Bethel Arts on this exhibit,” said Commission Chairman Kathryn Hebert. “This project enriches our town’s cultural landscape while fostering environmental awareness, economic vitality, and community engagement.”

Public art enhances Bethel’s walkability and attracts visitors, benefiting local businesses and artists. “We hope these sculptures ignite conversations about art, sustainability, and community,” Hebert said.

Whether running errands, dining, shopping, or simply strolling downtown, residents and visitors will encounter the sculptures, reinforcing Bethel Arts’ mission.

“Art is a powerful draw to Bethel’s vibrant downtown,” Vorhees said. “We plan to host exhibit tours, artist talks, and related events throughout the year to encourage engagement.”

While not an artist herself, Voorhees, married to photojournalist H. John Voorhees III, has a deep appreciation for the arts and their role in a thriving community. She recalls how Bethel Arts was revitalized during the pandemic with a new board, mission, and nonprofit status, all dedicated to reintroducing sculpture to Bethel.

The selected sculptures showcase a range of materials and artistic styles. Artists were required to use durable materials suitable for year-long outdoor exposure. One sculpture, for instance, was crafted from leftover electrical and utility wire.

“The goal is to evoke a response—whether admiration or contemplation,” Voorhees  noted. “Art encourages new perspectives.”

The exhibition will display a diverse array of materials, colors, and sizes. Additionally, Bethel Arts will recruit community and high school docents to lead tours and organize artist discussions. An opening  celebration is planned for Earth Day on April 26.

Fundraising & Sponsorships

Bethel Arts aims to raise $15,000 for the installation through a matching grant through Sustainable Connecticut, requiring $7,500 in contributions. Donations can be made at Patronicity. To qualify for the grant, they need 75 distinct donations—every contribution counts, including a $10 donation or a ticket purchase for the Fool for Art fundraiser on April 1 at La Zingara. Tickets are $45 and will include food tables, a magician, music, and a silent art auction. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. Sponsorships start at $100. For details, contact patricia.voorhees@gmail.com.

Featured Artists & Sculptures

David Skora (Roundabout). Photo by David Skora
Inez Andrucyk (Positive Power). Photo by Inez Andrucyk
John Bonsignore (Toe Dancer – Moment of Movement). Photo by John Bonsignore
Carlos Davila (Tangent). Photo by Carlos Davila
Justin Perlman (Spring).  Photo by Justin Pearlman
Bob Keating (Host and Guest). Photo by Bob Keating
Francis Patnaude (The Universe). Photo by Francis Patnaude

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Additionally, there will be one smaller sculpture from Bethel-based artist Wayne  Ritter (Electric Man) displayed in the Municipal Center Lobby.

Artist Perspectives

Sculptor David Skora, whose work Roundabout will be displayed, was eager to participate in a local exhibition.

“I am involved in sculpture lease programs nationwide, so it’s great to be part of a show closer to home,” he said.

Skora, a professor of Art and Graphic Design at Western Connecticut State University, describes his piece as reflecting “the dynamic relationship between humanity and the Earth, weaving together themes of sustainability, energy, and environmental consciousness.”

John Bonsignore, sculptor of Toe Dancer – Moment of Movement, shared his artistic vision:

“As an art form, I envision the toe dance as an interpretive composition that provides insight into underlying structures. The stainless steel medium enhances the fluidity and elegance of each motion.”

For more information, follow Bethel Arts on Facebook and Instagram (@bethelartsct).

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