April Art: Skyler Santos: Behind the Ears: A Photo Essay by a Shepaug Equestrian
2026-04-01 | The Burnham Library, 62 Main Street South, Burnham Library, Bridgewater, CT, 06798, United States
On view during library hours
April 1 – April 25

Tiny Art Show Viewing Reception & Auction Opens
2026-04-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Tiny Art Show & Auction Reception
All are welcome to attend the Tiny Art Show & Auction Reception.Come view dozens of original tiny artworks created by local artists and community members.
Bidding begins today and will remain open throughout the exhibition. Light refreshments will be served.
Proceeds from the Tiny Art Auction support Burnham Library programs and services and help celebrate the library’s Centennial Year.
This event is generously supported by Hacer, a Burnham Library Centennial Sponsor.

May Artist: Joan Anthony
2026-05-02
During library hours this May, Burnham Library is delighted to showcase works in watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media by Joan Murray Anthony, featuring botanical art and birds.
An artist for over 30 years, Joan’s current work was inspired at the start of COVID, when she spent time at Hollister House Garden in Washington, painting there. When many places were closed down, the garden offered a welcome refuge and offered new subjects. Working in plein air, she lightly sketches flower subjects, then freely applies watercolor. As the painting progresses, she adds more detail, lines, and complementary colors.
Additionally, the exhibit will include closely observed botanical drawings and birds, collaged over an acrylic background painted to suggest a landscape. The natural elements appear to float, suggesting the interconnectedness of all life. She has incorporated leaf printing in several of the works.
Her work has been exhibited at P.H. Miller Gallery, Westover School, Washington Art Association, the Six-Pack Art Collective, Woodbury Public Library, Howard Whittemore Library, Flanders Art Exhibits, and Arts Alliance of Woodbury shows.

A Walk Down Main Street
2026-05-16 10:00 - 12:00
A Walk Down Main Street
Guided tour begins at 10:00 am. Reservations suggested, RSVP below
In partnership with the Bridgewater Historical Society and T2studio
Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 – 12:00 (Rain date TBD, only in the event of heavy rain.)
A guided tour of our beautiful downtown Main Street featuring 14 historic sites and the stories that bring them to life. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Peck House and Captain’s House, with BHS volunteers on hand to welcome you. A reception with light refreshments will follow.
Folks are invited to enjoy a self-guided tour; marker posts will remain in place through Memorial Day.
Questions? Email jkallay@burnhamlibrary.org

June Artist: Edward Muszala
2026-06-02
Burnham Library Presents Paintings by Edward MuszalaExhibition on View June 2 – June 26 During Library Hours
Burnham Library is pleased to present an exhibition of paintings by artist Edward Muszala from June 2 through June 26 during regular library hours.
Muszala’s work explores atmosphere, light, and the subtle interactions of color found in the natural world. Drawing inspiration from his experiences as a pilot, he paints the ever-changing qualities of air, clouds, sunlight, and landscape. Through soft edges and nuanced shifts in color and value, his work conveys feelings of calm, openness, and awe.
“As a pilot, I was aware of the constantly changing play of air and light in the atmosphere, the warmth of the sun, the speed of the wind, the water in the clouds,” Muszala writes in his artist statement. “Those subtle changes are the elements that I portray in my paintings to convey feelings of calm and awe.”
Working primarily in oil and encaustic on panel and canvas, Muszala creates landscapes and atmospheric studies that celebrate the beauty and spontaneity of nature. His paintings invite viewers to pause and appreciate the quiet transitions of light and color that often go unnoticed.
Mostly self-taught, Muszala has continued his artistic studies through courses at institutions including the Art Students League of New York, American Folk Art Museum, Washington Art Association, and Fabrica Aurora in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
His work has been featured in juried and solo exhibitions throughout Connecticut, including recent exhibitions at the Washington Art Association, Minor Memorial Library, Gunn Memorial Library, and Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens.
The public is invited to visit the exhibition during regular library hours. For more information, please contact Burnham Library.

July Artist: Carol O'Toole "Panoply" Reception
2026-06-28 15:00 - 17:00
Carol O’Toole “Panoply”
On view during library hours.
Reception, Sunday, June 28 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm
“Panoply,” an exhibition of paintings by Carol O’Toole, whose vibrant works reflect a lifetime of creativity, travel, and artistic exploration. The exhibition runs June 28 through July 30.
O’Toole began her creative journey in ballet and modern dance — disciplines whose sense of movement and flow continue to influence her visual art. Working in acrylics and pastels since age 20, she creates landscapes, floral studies, wildlife scenes, and village settings inspired by her travels.
The collection captures the sparkling colors of Florida, the tropical beauty of St. Croix, and the vivid streetscapes of Mexico, where she spent several winters immersed in local culture. Through her work, viewers are invited to experience the beauty and energy of these places.
“This collection invites viewers to share the journeys, experiences, and inspirations that have shaped my art,” says O’Toole.
O’Toole’s paintings have been exhibited in libraries, galleries, and outdoor venues throughout Connecticut and St. Croix. She and her husband, Larry, have called Washington Depot, Connecticut, home while also living in Florida, Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Washington, D.C., and aboard a sailboat in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together they raised three daughters and have nine grandchildren.
O’Toole holds degrees in art education and holistic health and is licensed in acupuncture and massage therapy.
Carol O’Toole at cotoolelac2@gmail.com

Centennial Commemorative Photography Exhibit
2026-08-01 09:00 - 13:00
Centennial Commemorative Photography Exhibit
August 1 – August 28, 2026 • During Library hours
In honor of Burnham Library’s Centennial, we’re hosting a special month-long photography exhibit throughout August 2026 (our birthday month!) This exhibit celebrates 100 years of Burnham Library through photography and highlights the creativity of participating photographers. More information to follow ….
