MAAd Men of Mystic Celebrates the Abstract
“The Mystic Art Association (MAA) was known for quaint impressionist paintings of life along the shore, until mid-century when it was invaded by Modern artists. They pushed their art — and the MAA with it — into a new direction.”
MAAd Men of Mystic is an historic exhibition featuring three artists; John Gregoropoulos, Anothony Terenzio, and Paul Zelanski, whose abstract art, while gaining national and international recognition, was also exhibited at MAC and in the region during the 1950’s and 60’s. During the 50’s and 60’s abstract art began to appear in galleries, much to the consternation of those who believed art should represent something tangible. Rifts developed between these different schools of thought and some artists, feeling unwelcomed, stopped exhibiting in the gallery. In 2014 their work may even appear tame but back then they were considered MAAd Men.
This exhibition ran at MAA from September 26, 2014 to November 8, 2014.
I studied painting at the University of CT under these three men, and I consider Paul Zelanski as one of a few of my greatest teachers. Bravo, sir.
Tom Bennett, class of 1982