Torrington’s future in the arts draws new business
Republican-American

Torrington – The possibility that downtown Torrington might emerge as an arts community is what drew Fine Arts Ltd., a Farmington-based auction house, to the city.

Gallery on The Main at 73 Main St. opened recently in the former Penny Back Outlet next to Chiane’s and will offer free appraisals, among other things, on Thursday evenings, starting April 6.

The new store joins a growing list of arts outlets and organizations downtown, such as the Warner Theatre, Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, Artwell, Greene Fox Gallery and American Artisans.

“We definitely see that a critical mass is forming in Torrington for the arts. Torrington is building an arts community,” said Jon crane, a spokesman for Fine Arts Ltd.

“It’s a higher end art gallery. It’s a positive addition to Main Street,” said Christina Emery, the city’s economic development coordinator. “It’s the type of store we like to see on Main; it’s a very attractive addition,” she said.

The Gallery on The Main will serve several purposes, Crane said. It will be a collection center for northwest Connecticut. Clientele from southwestern Massachusetts, New York State and other parts of Connecticut will be able to drop off items for consignment. The center will also have an in-house collection for sale. Conservators and researchers will work out of the center as well, Crane said.

Fine Arts LTD, started by a group of collectors and sellers, offers international art work and old regional and New England paintings at auction.

“Torrington is becoming a hub for the arts,” said JD DeMatteo, founder and Chairman of the Board of Fine Arts LTD. “We feel it’s important to have a presence here as the momentum continues to build,” he said. Lamont McEvitt, co-founder of Fine Arts, will be stationed at the store. He will offer free fine-arts and antiques appraisals to the general public. McEvitt is president of the New England Chapter of the International Society of Appraisers.

The new store will be open Wednesday through Sunday. Free art appraisals will be offered Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

www.fineartsltd.com