located at block 134, Main Street Putnam, ct
Silver Circle Art Gallery was established in 2008 as part of the Downtown Putnam CT Arts Renaissance. It has a large gallery space with expansive views overlooking the river, art studio “pods” for rent, spaces for art workshops and events for all ages, a per diem photography studio space…and more!
Silver Circle Gallery proudly curates its location venue, BLOCK 134, with its ongoing local artist displays.
Keep in touch!
Follow the Silver Circle Instagram for gallery updates
gallery exhibit
contact us to make an appointment for exhibit viewing
“Block by Block” brings together the woodblock artistry of Lynita Shimizuand Shirley Bernstein, celebrated artists whose work captures the spirit and beauty of nature. Lynita draws on her traditional Japanese woodcut techniques with vibrant contemporary expression, while Shirley’s organic abstractions explore the landscape’s movement, light, and energy. Together, their prints form a compelling dialogue that celebrates both the natural world and the enduring craft of woodblock printing.
Since 2008, Silver Circle Gallery is thrilled to celebrate 16 years as a vibrant community art hub, showcasing the incredible talents of local artists across all genres. A space designed to inspire, Silver Circle is where creativity flourishes, connections are made, and collaborations come to life. Join us in supporting and celebrating the arts in our community and these two incredible women who have been with us since the beginning!
About Lynita Shimizu:
Lynita Kagarise Shimizu, originally from Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, has had a diverse and inspiring artistic journey. After studying for a year at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, she earned a Fine Arts degree from Westminster College. Lynita then moved to Japan, where she spent four years immersing herself in the culture and artistry of the region. Her passion for Japanese woodblock printmaking began at the renowned Kyoto atelier of master printmaker Tomikichiro Tokuriki. She later continued her studies in Tokyo under the guidance of contemporary printmaker Yoshisuke Funasaka, with whom she maintains a lasting connection.
Today, Lynita creates vibrant, expressive prints from her studio in Ashford, Connecticut, which overlooks a serene beaver pond at the edge of Yale Forest. Her work is sold through Artelino, a prestigious online auction house in Germany specializing in Japanese art prints and contemporary works by top international printmakers. Additionally, her prints are featured at Yoseido Gallery in Ginza, Tokyo, and Mokuhankan in Asakusa, Tokyo.
Lynita’s prints are celebrated for their energy, vivid color, and striking composition, blending traditional Japanese techniques with a modern sensibility.
Check out “"Joy In Color" || Lynita Shimizu || Woodblock Printmaker” from Asher Brown
About Shirley Bernstein:
Shirley Bernstein was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She earned her BFA at the University of the Arts (formerly Philadelphia College of Art) and earned her MFA from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. She majored in printmaking and minored in painting and drawing.
Shirley describes her work as organic abstractions in response to forms experienced through observation, both visual and emotional, of nature. She spent most of her adult life in New York City. When she moved to the rural northeast corner of Connecticut, she became captivated with the beauty of the land and sky and has been creating oil pastel paintings and prints of all kinds of skies since. Although her focus is primarily looking to the heavens for inspiration, she also enjoys drawing the figure and other natural forms.
Check out “Shirley Bernstein Woodblock Printmaking Demonstration” video
Work on display by EliSabeth McGinn
silver circle Gallery celebrates 15 years of art in putnam
Silver Circle Gallery celebrates its 16th year, and we are thrilled to have expanded our presence in downtown Putnam by relocating to BLOCK 134 Main Street allowing Silver Circle to offer an even more diverse range of creative spaces, art studios, events, and art displays in a larger space.
Since 2008, the Silver Circle Art Center has fulfilled its mission to enrich our area's creative fabric, promote and contribute to its economic viability, enhance the quality of life for our community, support regional artists and art educators, and provide a space for them to engage with the public.
Silver Circle has become recognized as a culturally relevant asset to NE CT by helping to establish and enhance the growing arts district in Downtown Putnam and beyond. Silver Circle has fostered community art appreciation and education with rotating exhibits, demonstrations, gallery talks, events, art classes for all ages, and access to the health benefits of creativity through our past Integrative Therapeutic Arts Program (ITAP). Silver Circle has been awarded Best Art Gallery in 2016 and 2017 by Norwich Magazine for its positive community impact.
gallery Exhibits on display during select hours
Stay connected to Facebook for regularly scheduled exhibit openings and special gallery hours.
All work is available for purchase and private showing appointments.
Contact us with questions or interest.
Submitting Artwork for Shows
email questions to: info@silvercirclegallery.com
Rental Opportunities for artists, photographers, facilitators, &professionals
Photography studio — rent per diem
rent the gallery for art classes or lectures
expressive/therapeutic Arts opportunities
private groups
artist studio pods
Private parties / special events
small receptions
retreats and seminars
email block134community@gmail.com for more info!
If you are looking for flexible hours and a convenient and beautiful (with a view!) downtown location to use, this may be just what you need. Our gallery/event room is full of natural light, historic brick, and a clean, modern, serene, comfortable vibe adjacent to an arts and wellness center offering yoga, health and wellness services, art classes, an art gallery, art studios, events, and a community wifi lounge/waiting area. Flexible terms to suit your needs! Costs include all utilities and access to the restroom and lounge area for personal or business use. Coffee and tea station and refrigerator also available in community lounge space. Be a part of a vibrant downtown community with restaurants, shops, bars, events, and more!
PRESS
Artist studio spaces
Be a part of a creative hub in a vibrant downtown setting close to all the best restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and monthly town events!
Join the artist community at Block 134 and Silver Circle Gallery in your own art studio space! Flexible terms, 24/7 secured access, room for art display, an area to host workshops and other events, and more! Perfect for artists who work in all mediums, and for photographers who are looking for a space to store equipment and have access to the large event room with tons of natural light and exposed brick!
silver circle gallery: An arts renaissance in the heart of downtown putnam since 2008
the arts district of northeastern Connecticut
about block 134
home to silver circle gallery
BLOCK 134 is a beautiful, spacious venue located at 134 Main Street in Downtown Putnam, CT. It is home to the Silver Circle Gallery, a community lounge for relaxing, meeting, enjoying food and beverages, and features local health and wellness facilitators who offer yoga, workshops, events, private wellness services such as mental health counseling, nutrition and integrative health, reiki, and more. Rent out space for your small business, classes, art studio space, or as a venue for your private party/wedding/special occasion! Email us block134community@gmail.com for more info and rental inquiries and stay updated by liking our FB page.
Silver Circle Gallery & Art Center is located in the (not so) "Quiet Corner" of Northeastern Connecticut, New England
in the quaint historic district of downtown Putnam, CT, New England. Putnam has enjoyed a recent cultural renaissance and
is a thriving area filled with acclaimed restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and antique stores.
Putnam hosts annual events such as The Fire & Ice Festival, Road Races, River Fire,
Concerts, Farmers Markets, The Pumpkin Festival, The Car Cruise, Trick or Treat Street, and more.
The Putnam Business Association, The Putnam Arts Council, and other local organization
work very hard to keep our small community vibrant for locals and visitors alike.
See why Boston Magazine named Putnam one of the top 15 small towns to visit...see for yourself why Putnam is the Place to Be!
Visit www.discoverputnam.com for more tourism information.
