PRESS RELEASE
April 1, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Peter Greenwood
3 Robertsville Road, Riverton, CT 06065
(860) 738-9464
www.petergreenwood.com
Artist Glass-Blower, Peter Greenwood, Announces New Studio and Gallery Opening in the converted 19th Century Union Church of Riverton, CT
Grand Opening Date: May 13th & 14th 2006
Sat. 10:00am- 6:00pm
Sunday 10am - 5:00 pm
As the Hitchcock Chair Company of Riverton, Connecticut is closing its doors after 181 years of business, Peter Greenwood, an Avon artist glass-blower is opening his new studio and gallery in the 19th century Union Church-- just steps from the quaint village center. Greenwood bought the church, listed on the national register of historic buildings, in January 2005. Inspired to preserve its charm and integrity, Greenwood has also kept the original organ, the oldest playable organ in Connecticut.
Built in 1829, the Old Union Church closed in 1966, but later re-opened as the Hitchcock Museum, exhibiting original stenciled Hitchcock chairs and other artifacts. "This building is an outstanding setting for a gallery and glass blowing studio." shares Greenwood.
Peter and his wife Christine (a fine art painter and teacher) intend to extensively research the history of the church and its founders, and will make this information available to visitors. Greenwood explains, "The Old Union Church is a remarkable reflection of the legacy of Riverton, and we feel very fortunate to have acquired it." The interior has been converted to showcase Greenwoods high-caliber works on the upper-level showroom gallery with a viewing area where the visitors can observe the glass blowing, while the lower level has been transformed into the workspace.
Mr. Greenwood is currently working on numerous orders for art galleries and private commissions from all over the country. Recently commissioned by a Manhattan consulting firm, Greenwood just completed a contemporary sculptural piece scheduled to be exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France in April 2006. He specializes in making chandeliers, wall sculptures, glass furniture, vessels and accessories, which can be seen in the showroom gallery.
The Grand Opening is scheduled for Saturday May 13th & 14th 2006, from 10:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday. 10:00am to 5:00pm on Sunday. (wine tasting courtesy of Haight vineyard of Litchfield, CT from 4:00 to 6:00pm on Saturday). "There has been a lot of hard work to get to this point," explains the artist, "Sadly, a page in history is about to be turned with the closing of the Hitchcock furniture factory. However, I'm very excited to start a new chapter in the history of the church with the opening of Greenwood Glass."