Oxford Illustrator to Exhibit at Southbury (CT) Women's Club Fall Fine Arts Festival at the Southbury Green on Saturday, September 25th from 10 am - 4 pm

SOUTHBURY, CT, August 24, 2010 (Press-News.org) Award winning wildlife artist, Dorie Petrochko (www.doriepetrochko.com) will be showcasing her masterpiece paintings at this year's fine arts festival. The Southbury Women's Club hosts this artisan event annually. This year's festival is Sat. Sept. 25th from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the Southbury Green rain or shine. Talented artists, crafters, and jewelers will be showcasing their products for purchase. Stop by to meet her as well as other jewelers, sculptors, and crafters at this year's big event.

Dorie is an accomplished painter, illustrator and teacher who has lectured and taught drawing and painting from nature in local schools and Audubon centers. Her most recent venture is focused on the launch of a new educational program entitled Connecticut Natural Science Illustrators. Classes for students of all levels will be offered at the Yale Peabody West Campus Community Center (www.ctnsi.com) in Orange, CT.

Interviewer: What is your educational background?
Dorie: "I was raised in Staten Island, New York where I received my Bachelors degree in Fine Arts from Wagner College in Staten Island. I advanced my studies in the art of puppetry in France and travelled with a Parisian Marionette Theatre. Upon returning to the U.S., I began my own traveling puppet theater in Boston. I eventually turned to teaching art where I attended graduate school at Southern CT State University, receiving my masters in Art Education. I have been happily teaching art in schools and universities for 20 years."

Interviewer: How did you become interested in natural science illustrating/painting?
Dorie: "I have always been passionate about painting natural science subjects but after attending the program at the NY Botanical Garden I was convinced that this would be my life's work. In 2007, I received my certification in Botanical and Natural Science Illustration from the New York Botanical Garden."

Interviewer: What inspires you?
Dorie: "The intricacy of detail and color in nature is so inspirational. I am particularly passionate about drawing and painting birds. I spend much time observing, sketching and photographing birds in preparation for my paintings."

Interviewer: Any goals or hopes for the future with regards to your art / new initiatives?
Dorie: "We hope to draw a wide audience of students from CT and surrounding communities for the Connecticut Natural Science Illustrators program. My personal artistic goal is to gain acceptance into the prestigious Birds in Art exhibition at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, Wisconsin for 2011."

Additional fine artists and hand crafters are being sought for the 6th Annual Fall Fine Arts.
Festival hosted by the Southbury Women's Club and generously sponsored by ShopRite and Newtown Savings Bank. Vendor positions are assigned on a first come, first serve basis.
SWC expects between 40-60 artisans to be exhibiting this year.

The Southbury Women's Club is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, a member of the Connecticut Junior Women and has been serving the Southbury community since 2001. In addition to Backpacks, past projects include donations to the Fuel Bank and Southbury Needy Fund, the Southbury Food Bank, Audubon Society at Bent of the River and Safe Haven. Every year the club provides two scholarships to graduating high school seniors. We encourage good works within our community as well as foster friendships among our members.

Club membership is open to women ages 18 and older who are interested in serving our community. There is also a Juniorettes club for girls ages 9-18. General meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month. For more information on membership or our next meeting, please contact our Membership Chairperson, Lauren Brenneman at 203-405-3204.