By Jill Roberts / February 28, 2020
Michele Murelli is the Director of Art Tripping, a non-profit organization she founded in 2018. A former art therapist/art teacher at the Wellspring Foundation, Michele planted her idea for Art Tripping back in 2006 with a desire to grow art in the community. Since then, she’s organized several pop-up art shows and art workshops in the Litchfield area that offer artists an opportunity to display and sell their creations. Her desire to develop art centered and community-based fundraising events is taking shape.
I met Michele Murelli this past summer while checking out a new coffee shop at Litchfield Commons. I noticed an artist selling their wares outside the plaza, and curiously roamed over to admire. I was first drawn to her landscape paintings for their simple elegance and bright colors, but soon discovered her many other creative talents. From her altered books (a form of mixed media artwork), to hand created ponchos with beautifully knitted collars, Michele is a unique and talented artist.
We quickly struck up a conversation and connected over our interest for inspiring creative expression. I learned that she was developing a non-profit agency and she shared some of her ideas for Art Tripping. It was evident that passion was fueling her momentum, and it was electrifying. Our journeys were similar, in that we were both venturing down a new career path, and we related to the excitement and challenges.
That serendipitous encounter led Michele a few weeks later to offer me a seat on the board of directors for Art Tripping, along with three other women from the area. Laurie Murphy, who has over 40 years as an international arts and antique dealer; Lisa Huebenthal, an artist, teacher, and Director of Resident Life at Pomperaug Woods in Southbury, who is also the creative director of the largest seventy and over art show in Connecticut; and Ellen Murphy, who spent her career in banking in Manhattan, and “brings a savvy business style” according to Murelli.
Murelli organized the upcoming Art Tripping Salon event to be held this Saturday, February 29th. The event is hosted by artist John Kane whose work will be on display and available for sale. As a cultural art novice, I asked Murelli to explain what the term “salon” means in the art world: “Salon is a term that was coined when individuals put on art shows in private homes. Think Gertude Stein, Alice B. Toklas, Paris, outsider artists. The word salon indicates that it is more than just viewing art; it is experiential.”
In keeping with the term, there’s a neat array of interactive art forms planned for the upcoming Art Tripping Salon. From leaving your mark or words on an interactive group art piece; To an open mic where anyone is encouraged to tell a story or read a poem; Or, simply enjoy the funky vibe with live music by singer/songwriter Hindsight, while admiring the extraordinary photography by John Kane.
The venue is at the private studio of John Kane at his farm in New Milford Connecticut, which Murelli describes as “bucolic and lovely.” Valley Spirit Wellness Center, Byrd + the b, and The Owl are businesses from Washington Depot Connecticut that have joined in the event. Proceeds from the collaborative art piece will benefit the Susan B. Anthony Project. There will be light refreshments, nibbles and wine. It’s a free event, but donations will be accepted. Come experience art in our community.
Link to Art Tripping website:
https://www.arttripping.art/?fbclid=IwAR1B2KPO6cJjLIoYcCjt0smshiDlSGTy2-hMnhyFmXXUd-mGIdoutzYTs50
Link to John Kane’s website:
http://johnkanephoto.com