Flying into Hartford

For most of her fine arts and licensing career, Karen Rossi has been more than content to establish her studio space on the east side of the river. It's just been within the past several months that she's begun to feel the itch to explore the Hartford arts scene.

Once the idea of Hartford popped into her head, the brainstorming quickly began. How could Rossi Studios expand in a way that would allow for a presence among the talented and thriving artists that have made their mark in the various art spaces in Hartford? She heard of an opening at the 30 Arbor Street Studios and jumped at the chance to learn more. Not only would a space there allow her to be surrounded by the creativity of many artist friends, but it would also give her the opportunity to participate in the gallery shows and Open Studio opportunities that Hartford has developed over the years.

As it turns out, things fell into place in perfect timing. Earlier this month, she dove right into this exciting new scene by participating in Hartford's annual Open Studio Weekend on December 3rd and 4th. She transformed the empty studio space into a "Rossi Land" filled with licensed product as well as the originals that have been in such high demand recently. She hopes that this new gallery will provide a place for her fans to find the sculptures that they've been seeking. As a result of her art tag sales this past summer, she found that many people are on the hunt for original pieces.

In taking this leap to "the other side of the river," Karen hopes to bring together the two communities that she loves so much. She can't wait to embrace the arts scene in Hartford while keeping her roots in the place she's called home for so long.

Directions: From I-84, take exit 46. Take a left onto Sisson Avenue, a left onto Capitol Avenue and then a right onto Arbor Street. (Take the right just before the Uhaul building.) The first big factory building on the left is 30 Arbor and Karen's gallery is on the North side, 2nd floor. North is written on the outside of the building on the top front. There is a small lot there in front, and there is additional parking past the building on the left. If the North door is locked, proceed through the front doors marked south where you see the Japanalia sign. Pass Japanlia's door and take the stairs on the left to the 2nd floor. Go left into the North side of the building (the building is an H shape). Karen's doorway is at the end of the hall.