Buddha Bamboo + Violet Sage
Buddha Bamboo + Violet Sage
While A Mano Gallery is known for our art and community gatherings, we’ve also become known for our clean, meditative scent. Many of you have commented on the sensory experience when you are at the gallery so we decided to bring the experience to you with a collaboration with The Lovely Haze.
Hand-poured in Philadelphia, these candles are made with clean-burning natural hemp soy wax and crackling wooden wicks. The roll-on fragrances are made with coconut oil.
Our signature scent: Buddha Bamboo + Violet Sage surrounds you with a peaceful blend that calms the mind and soothes the soul, reflective the connection that we have to art.
Fragrance Notes:
Top: Casaba Melon, Cactus Flower, Fresh Sage
Middle: Dark Violet, Gurjun Balsam, Eucalyptus
Base: Buddha Bamboo, Cashmere Musk, Amber
December 19th
The Weight of Small Things, a solo exhibition by Scott Vaisey.
These works rise from a practice of release, of letting the day fall onto paper, and then turning it over to see what might be waiting on the other side.
Light shifts.
Fragments rearrange.
Meaning opens itself.
This exhibition is about the small things we carry and the spaciousness that follows when we let them go.
This is Scott’s first full exhibition, and it is a powerful beginning.
I hope you will join us.
December 19th 5:30-8:00
The Weight of What We Carry (part three)
There is a moment, after learning how Scott creates his work, when the process falls away and something quieter rises to the surface. The work begins to feel less like a collection of pieces and more like a practice of living. A way of making room. A way of letting go. A way of allowing what is no longer needed to fall away so something else can enter.
The modest fragments seem to hold a private kind of weight and draw you in without insisting. They ask you to move slowly. They feel like the parts of a life that normally go unspoken, yet somehow hold the center of the story.
Knowing the contours of Scott’s history created a softer space around all of this. It asked me to slow down and notice the interior rhythm of his practice. Each page feels like a clearing-out, a small act of unburdening that happens one day at a time. Not in dramatic sweeps, but in steady, human increments. He sets down what he has carried, and in doing so, he opens a little more space for whatever might be next. There is lightness in that. There is care in that. And there is a kind of courage in refusing to hold what no longer feeds him.
What continues to move me is his openness to the possibility that every story has another side. When he turns the image over, when he looks at the negative form of what he has released, it is not a technical step. It is an act of curiosity. A question. A willingness to see familiar feelings rearranged into something unexpected. The finished work holds that sense of discovery. It feels like a reminder that even the heaviness we carry contains more than one truth.
There is a sense of recognition looking at the work. Not a specific memory, but the familiar experience of sorting through a day or trying to understand something that once felt too large to hold. The images carry both energy and stillness. They open rather than close. They offer a gentle suggestion that meaning is not fixed or final. It shifts. It reshapes itself. It reveals different truths depending on where you stand and what you bring with you.
What is most striking is how naturally this all unfolds. The analog pages hold the immediate weight of a life being lived. The inverted works reveal the possibility that rises after release. Both are necessary. Both are true. The spirit of the work rests in the space between them, in the balance of letting go and looking again, of setting something down and remaining open to what might appear on the other side.
This exhibition is Scott’s first full showing of his work, and yet it feels like the beginning of a much longer conversation. He is already discovering new ways to respond to the inverted images, layering paint and oil stick and new gestures as if following a thread into the next chapter of his own story. The work is still becoming. Still unfolding.
The Weight of Small Things is not a conclusion.
It is an invitation.
A way of witnessing how one person moves through the world by releasing what he cannot keep and making space for what he does not yet know.
A quiet map of what it means to lighten the self so something new can enter.
Meet Scott and see his work at the Opening Reception for “The Weight of Small Things” Friday, December 19th 5:30-8:00
**More about the Exhibit and Reception coming soon.
The Weight of the Evidence (part two)
When I finally sat with Scott’s raw analog pages and his finished inverted works together, something important became clear. The two stages do not resemble each other in the way you might expect. The raw pages feel physical and immediate. They carry scraps, spills, fragments, torn images, marks that come from instinct rather than planning. They hold the weight of a day, the noise of memory, the quiet chaos of a mind sorting through feeling.
But once these pages are scanned and flipped into the negative, an entirely different world appears.
Textures that seemed flat suddenly glow.
Small marks turn into bright lines.
Barely visible elements become central forms.
Color shifts in ways he could never predict.
Sitting with the two versions side by side, you realize that some of the most striking parts of the finished image do not exist in any obvious way in the raw version. They reveal themselves only through inversion. They emerge only when the image is reorganized in a way the human eye cannot do on its own.
This is the part of Scott’s process that fascinates me.
He never knows exactly what he will get.
There is no way to plan the final piece.
There is no guaranteed outcome.
There is only the daily act of showing up, making the raw page, responding to whatever he has carried that day, and allowing the inversion to show him something new.
It is a journaling practice.
A somatic record.
A ritual of making without expectation.
And then, a moment of discovery.
When he flips the image into the negative, he sees the piece for the first time exactly as the viewer will. The finished work may hold energy and intensity, or it may open into something spacious and tender. He does not control that part as much as he witnesses it. The inversion becomes a collaborator. It brings clarity to the chaos. It highlights what was subtle. It reveals what was buried inside the raw page.
The more I learned about Scott’s life, the more this transformation made emotional sense. The raw pages hold the immediacy of experience. The inversion gives those experiences shape, space, and a form that can be shared.
Raw truth.
Then revelation.
A daily practice of turning what is lived into something visible.
In the final chapter, I will share what these images hold. The homes, the memory, the tenderness, and why these small things matter so much.
More soon.
**Next: “ The way meaning gathers in fragments. The way memory survives in ordinary objects. The way art can hold what life leaves behind.”
The Weight of Small Things (part one)
I’ve written about artists for years, always from the familiar vantage points of curator, maker, and occasionally from a therapeutic perspective. But rarely do I encounter work that touches all three of those identities at once. When I first came across this artist’s work online, I was drawn to the intriguing images.
It wasn’t until Scott walked into the gallery, carrying the analog originals; the scraps, the recycled paper, the spills, the fragments of his days, that something inside me shifted. As someone who works with analog processes in art therapy, I recognized it instantly. This wasn’t just a technique. It was evidence.
Evidence that art as therapy is real. Evidence that it works. Evidence that what begins as release can become a catalyst, and then, remarkably, a fully resolved piece of art that feels positive, relatable, and deeply human.
Scott’s work lives in this rare intersection: the therapeutic act, the intuitive process, and the final, refined image. This exhibition, The Weight of Small Things, is built from that intersection.
I first found Scott’s work the way so many of us find things now, quietly, on a screen. His images had a softness to them, a sense of atmosphere, like something was humming underneath the surface. They stayed with me. So I reached out, and we began talking.
When he walked into the gallery for the first time, he brought a stack of finished prints, the same kind of work I had admired online. One by one, they were even more intriguing in person. There was a depth in the color shifts, an odd luminosity in the lines, a feeling that the work was holding something I couldn’t yet name.
We talked easily and naturally. He mentioned scanning “his originals,” but in such a small, passing way that it felt more like stating a simple fact than revealing something important. I didn’t yet understand what an “original” meant to him.
What I did understand was that something in this work asked me to slow down, to look a little longer, to listen differently.
I didn’t know then that this was only the surface, the finished layer of a much deeper process.
That would come next.
More soon.
** Next: “The raw analog pages.
Scraps and spills. Torn photos. Fruit stickers. Bits of paper and ash.
He saw them as the messy beginning. I saw them as something more.”
Earth & Sky
Leslie Landau and Pietro Spagnulo in Earth & Sky
November 1 - November 21
Amid the shifting horizon, Leslie Landau and Pietro Spagnulo find dialogue in the shared language of nature.
Leslie lifts our gaze with quiet studies in atmosphere and emotion, of places where light drifts, dissolves, and reforms. Her pastels capture that elusive threshold between stillness and change, where air seems to hold memory. This body of work invites the viewer to linger in the luminous softness between earth and sky.
Rooted below, Pietro works with the weight and warmth of locally sourced wood. Through hand carving, torching, and the patience of craft, he transforms raw material into furniture, sculpture, and vessels that hold both function and poetry. Accents of metal, stone, and sand echo the landscapes they came from; the quiet persistence of the earth.
Together, their works breathe in balance, one of lift and air, the other of grounding and form. Earth and Sky is a meditation on connection: a reflection on the tension and harmony between weight and weightlessness, presence and possibility and between what grounds us and what carries us forward.
Friday, October 3rd
Creative Community at The a mano. drop in between 6-8 bring something you’re working on or use materials in house and create an epic collage, doodle on the paper cover tables, have some refreshments and enjoy conversations with other local creatives, Its all free and at the heart of Torrington, downtown.
Contact us for more info
✨ Grand Opening Reception ✨
✨ Grand Opening Reception ✨
The a mano Gallery & Riverton Frame Company
Friday, September 12th, 5:00–8:00 PM
17 Water Street, Downtown Torrington, CT
Join us for a vibrant evening celebrating the launch of a unique artistic collaboration. The a mano gallery, a hub for fine and functional art in the historic Water Street district, now expands to include a dedicated showroom for Riverton Frame Co.’s handcrafted frames, in addition to their workshop located at 49 Main Street.
About Riverton Frame Company
Based in Torrington, framing artisans David A. McKay and Leo MacDonald bring together over a century of American frame design; from the Arts & Crafts and Prairie styles to Jazz Age and early modern innovations. They craft bespoke frames using reclaimed woods. They have often used salvaged wood from 150 to 300 year old structures and preserve their rich grain and patina rather than painting over it. Their meticulous craftsmanship ensures that “when excellence in framing matches excellence in art,” the result elevates both medium and message.
Why this partnership matters
The a mano creates a welcoming space for emerging and established artists to exhibit fine and functional works, with an emphasis on process and community.
Riverton brings artisanal framing rooted in history and sustainability. This new showroom in the gallery makes it easier than ever for artists and patrons to see how artwork is elevated by thoughtfully crafted frames, all under one roof.
Opening Reception Details
When: Friday, Sept 12th 5:00–8:00 PM
Where: The a mano gallery 17 Water St., Torrington
Artist Jenna Gonzalez will exhibit paintings and sculptures, available for sale.
Light refreshments and a chance to meet the artists and framers in person.
This opening is more than an exhibit—it’s a cultural moment in Torrington’s downtown revival. Water Street is part of a historic district dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By situating this collaboration here, you’re further enriching the neighborhood’s artistic identity.
Friday Night Around the Table
Pull Up a Chair at The Artist’s Table – This Friday!
Last week marked the very first gathering of The Artist’s Table at the a mano gallery—and what a lovely night it was. A small circle of creatives came together to share stories, snacks, laughter, and inspiration. It was cozy, meaningful, and full of possibility. So let’s do it again.
This Friday, The Artist’s Table opens once more—an open invitation to artists, makers, writers, thinkers, and curious minds to gather, connect, and create. Whether you’re deep in a project and looking for feedback, want to meet other local creatives, or just need a little spark to get the ideas flowing, this is your table too.
✨ This time, we’ve got some light creative activities planned for anyone who wants to play.
🍓 Bring a snack to share—light refreshments will be available.
🖌 Bring your sketchbook, a piece in progress, or just your lovely self.
👯♀️ Bring a friend!
Drop in anytime between 6–8 PM. Stay a while or just pop in for a doodle and a chat.
Let’s keep growing this creative circle—one Friday at a time. Check our Instagram page @Theamanogallery for weekly updates
The Artist’s Table
The Artist’s Table
Conversation, Community, Creative Camaraderie
Join us for The Artist’s Table, a salon-style gathering for artists of all backgrounds to connect, unwind, and spark new ideas. Held at the a mano gallery in downtown Torrington, this ongoing series creates space for meaningful conversation and shared creative energy.
Our next drop-in evening is Friday, July 11th from 6–8 PM. Whether you’re a painter, poet, sculptor, performer, or just curious about the arts, all are welcome to pull up a chair. Bring a snack to share; we’ll have light refreshments on hand.
This event celebrates the vibrant and growing artist community in and around Torrington. It’s a chance to meet fellow makers, swap stories, share resources, and build the kind of connections that make art—and community—thrive.
Come as you are. Stay as long as you like. Leave feeling inspired.
I’ve Been Here Before
This exhibition brings together eight women artists, each tracing the invisible threads that connect us across time, place, and memory. In their varied practices spanning paint, photography, sculpture, and textile—they call forth moments of recognition: the quiet knowing, the flicker of familiarity, the sense that we have stood here once before, even if only in a dream. I Have Been Here Before invites you to step into these layered worlds, where personal stories unfold into something universal. Through landscapes, figures, fragments, and forms, these works create a shared space of reflection—where memory and emotion meet, and where our individual journeys entwine into a collective story of resilience, transformation, and belonging.
Karen Bonanno
Karen Bonanno’s In Dialogue is a conversation—between figures, between past and present, between the work and the viewer. These pieces hold moments of connection, of glances exchanged, of gestures that speak louder than words. In this new body of work, Bonanno literally builds upon her past, turning older paintings sideways or upside down, letting history remain visible beneath the surface. The figures, once locked in private dialogue with one another, now turn outward, inviting us in. Their forms are looser, freer, leaving space for the viewer to step into the conversation and bring their own meaning.
This shift is not just in composition, but in form. Moving beyond the canvas, Bonanno’s work extends into sculpture, where figures emerge into physical space, occupying it with the same quiet intensity found in her paintings. These sculptural pieces deepen the dialogue—gestural and tactile, they bring movement and weight to the themes of connection and presence. What was once confined to a sketchbook, intimate and unfinished, now expands into life-sized encounters. Through painting, drawing, and sculpture, In Dialogue explores the spaces between us—the moments of understanding, distance, memory, and presence. It asks us to pause, to listen, and to find ourselves within the exchange.
E L E M E N T S
Artists Leslie Landau and Suzanne Kirschner merge their perspectives and explore the potent forces of air, water, and ice, to capture the elegance and resilience of these natural elements. Their works create a layered experience of movement, light, and transformation, inviting viewers to contemplate the powerful yet transient qualities that define our natural world.
Landau’s work centers on the ever-shifting effects of light upon landscape, drawing inspiration from atmospheric transformations that render the landscape momentarily visible, only to conceal it again in a new form. Her drawings and torn paper constructions encapsulate these fleeting interactions, offering visual interpretations of nature’s ephemerality.
For Landau, atmosphere enveloping the landscape becomes a metaphor for life’s challenges and shifts in perspective—always evolving, shaping, and inspiring.
Kirschner’s intricate, holistic compositions are informed by the patterns carved by water, air, and light. Her twisting lines and co-dependent layers evoke the rhythmic flow of water, the unpredictable play of air, and the illuminating touch of light. Using aluminum, copper, and gold leaf, she emphasizes memory, connection, and depth, allowing viewers to experience the resonance of emotion and reflection.
Together, Elements provides a powerful space to consider the interwoven beauty of air, water, and ice, encouraging a mindful appreciation of these essential forces as both metaphors for life and sources of artistic inspiration.
A studio visit with Lori Barker
Lori Barker, approaching her 80th year, remains a living embodiment of the artist's spirit, continuing her daily visits to the studio with unwavering passion. Her commitment to her craft speaks not only to her dedication but to an enduring love for creation that transcends time.
Her home studio, a haven nestled in seclusion, is a space where creativity flows freely. Surrounded by the tranquility of nature, it is here that the whispers of the earth and the spirits of the forest inspire her evolving work. This intimate environment nurtures her artistic exploration, allowing her to experiment and push beyond familiar techniques.
When I arrive at her property, fresh-picked apples sit in a basket alongside Lori as she works on her front deck under a bright red umbrella. Her eyes sparkle with warmth, and her smile is as welcoming as ever. As we walk toward the labyrinth, Lori pauses to pick up a small treasure—a fallen leaf or a twisted branch—that she envisions weaving into a future piece of art. She walks with a quiet attentiveness, always open to the gifts nature provides.
Recently, Barker has embraced a new chapter in her artistic journey, venturing into uncharted territory with fresh materials and methods. This bold experimentation has infused her pieces with an ethereal, almost otherworldly quality. In her latest exhibition, R O O T E D, we see this transformation come to life in delicate, translucent forms that hover between fragility and expansiveness. Her studio, a place of deep reflection, mirrors the dynamic relationship between her art and the natural world that surrounds it. Here, Barker is in constant conversation with the trees and spirits that shape her creative process, drawing strength and inspiration from the silent wisdom they offer.
During a recent visit, Barker shared the significance of her walking meditation, a daily ritual that invites "spirit" into her work. As she moves through the labyrinth and later transitions into her studio, she enters a flow state where she feels most connected to the spiritual forces that guide her art. This flow state, a merging of mind, body, and spirit, is where her deepest creative energy comes to life. Each brushstroke or sculpted form becomes an extension of this meditative dialogue, a reflection of her communion with nature and the unseen.
A key element of Barker’s practice is the labyrinth she has crafted near her studio—a physical manifestation of her journey. Walking its path daily, she engages in a profound communion with nature, listening to the voices of the trees and the spirits that dwell within. These moments of introspection are imbued into her work, resulting in art that invites the viewer into her quiet world of reflection and connection.
When my visit draws to a close, it is golden hour, and the light on the leaves of a giant Ginkgo invites us both to stand beneath its towering canopy of changing colors. This final moment feels like a shared blessing, a quiet closing to the creative day. Much like the labyrinth, her art is a journey of discovery, leading us to explore unseen threads that tie together the self, nature, and the cosmos.
O P E N P O R T A L S
Artist Micky Jansen showcases a body of work, with her Open Portals series, that has been years in the making.
Open portals explores the symbolic and spiritual significance of life’s pivotal transitions, encompassing illness, recovery, and renewal.
Through bold colors and powerful depictions of female figures, Micky reflects on the strength and resilience that arise from these experiences.
This body of work delves into the interconnectedness of individuals and the moral values that guide us, evoking feelings of integrity, empathy, and a profound connection to the natural world.
Jansen’s artistic journey begins with drawing, which then evolves into various mediums, creating a unique body of work that is both visually compelling and emotionally resonant.
Open Portals channels her personal experience of breast cancer and recovery, using a minimalistic approach to the figure that invites viewers to reflect on their own interpretations. The focus on line work symbolizes life’s interconnectedness, with each piece representing the closing of one chapter and the opening of another.
Through this work, Jansen invites contemplation and introspection, offering a profound meditation on life’s continual cycles of transformation.
We hope to see you at the opening reception.
O P E N P O R T A L S runs September 27 - October 15
Closing reception October 25th 5:30pm
R O O T E D
R O O T E D showcases a series of light, ethereal pieces, inviting the viewer into deeper engagement.
The delicate interplay of form and translucency evoke the whispering presence of nature, rootedness and transcendence.
Come view the new body of work on fabrics, from artist Lori Barker.
With a willingness to evolve and push the boundaries of her craft, artist Lori Barker, ventures beyond her established body of work.
Exploring new techniques and materials that breathe a fresh, experimental air into her work, has resulted in works that feel both delicate and expansive.
R O O T E D showcases a series of light, ethereal pieces, inviting the viewer into deeper engagement.
The delicate interplay of form and translucency evoke the whispering presence of nature, rootedness and transcendence.
Soft layers of transparency and texture, enhance the sense of fragility and strength inherent in trees, inviting a contemplative gaze. The interplay of layers foster a sense of depth and movement, mirroring the intricate and often unseen connections between the natural and the spiritual.
R O O T E D runs August 16 - Sept 13.
Closing reception Sept 13 6:00 pm
U N T A M E D
Welcome to UNTAMED, where the female form and nature converge in a celebration of life, freedom, and creativity.
VIbrant, rich colors tell stories of empowerment and sensuality. Each piece is a reflection of a journey, capturing the essence of femininity intertwined with the whimsy and beauty of nature. The florals and birds that populate there work are more than decorative elements; they are symbols of the boundless spirit and grace that is in every woman.
The women; powerful, liberated, unconfined by societal norms. The figures are confident, vibrant, and unapologetically themselves, resonating with the strength that lies within us all.
Explore UNTAMED and immerse yourself in this colorful world where nature and the female form come together in harmony. Here, life is a dance of freedom and beauty, —bold, spirited, and wonderfully untamed.
U N T A M E D runs July 12 - July 26
Artist Spotlight on Micky Jansen
I had the opportunity to visit with Micky at her beautiful Blue Amazon studio, tucked away under wooded canopies in the quiet solitude of Goshen; where her muses are the first thing you see when arriving at the property. Flowering Cherry and early blossoms on Red Maple are right outside the studio windows, as are the occasional bear.
In our commitment to creative community, we invite you to get to know artist Micky Jansen.
A recent studio visit with Artist; Micky Jansen.
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I had the opportunity to visit with Micky at her beautiful Blue Amazon studio, tucked away under wooded canopies in the quiet solitude of Goshen; where her muses are the first thing you see when arriving at the property. Flowering Cherry and early blossoms on Red Maple are right outside the studio windows, as are the occasional bear.
Micky's art with strong female figures, tell stories of power found, of deep healing, and of growth and conviction. She weaves tales of resilience, born from personal triumphs over adversity.
Having survived breast cancer, recovered from a paralyzing injury, and spending two years in total isolation on the Mogollon Rim. Her journey of rising from the ashes infuses every stroke with a profound sense of empowerment.
Sitting with Micky, I’m struck by her quiet strength, the same strength that emanates from her work. Her paintings mono prints, line drawings even sculpture; its clear that she has poured a piece of herself into every square inch of this amazing space.
It’s invigorating and it is inspiring. Mickys work, is a true testament to the transformative power of art and the indomitable strength within us all.
The a mano Gallery is proud to hold several of Mickys works and is excited to announce an upcoming workshop she is offering exclusively at a mano. More details to follow.
Cultivating Connection
Creative community is where it’s at!
There's a unique magic in sitting down with an artist, delving into their creations, and holding space for their portfolios, open to critique and questions. These intimate moments are truly invaluable to me. Each artist's work must speak to me on some level, and these interactions only deepen my experience of their artistry. For me, it's about being present with the work, allowing it to speak and resonate.
Sitting down with the artist or visiting their studios, sometimes intimate home studios that authentically reflect who these artists are, add another layer to the experience. These personal sanctuaries provide insight into their creative processes and inspirations, enriching my connection to their work. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to engage with more artists in this immersive manner, cultivating and fostering more creative connections.
The Creative Community Table
Free Wednesday Collage Club
The Creative Community Table at a mano is where we offer classes to encourage connection and community through the arts.
Currently we are opening the table for Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30 for Free Collage Club. Bring your own fodder and collage materials, even something you’ve been working on, or use the materials we have here at the studio. We’ve got everything you need to get creative.
Come alone and meet new creatives or bring a friend.
Its FREE. Its Every Wednesday, begining on May 8th. and its only for a limited time.
There’s always a seat waiting for you. We hope to see you there.