Local News

‘Business Card Art: The Art of Networking’ exhibit at Grounds Café 

New London, N.H. — The Center for the Arts (CFA) is thrilled to announce its upcoming Gallery Stroll on Sept. 6, featuring the “Art of Networking,” a new exhibit by local emerging artist and entrepreneur Chris Bent. 

Chris Bent, founder of Piccles, a company leveraging digital art for crowdsourcing and interaction, has transformed business cards into unique art pieces. His collection, now on display at Grounds Café in New London, highlights the supportive community in rural New Hampshire and offers a captivating experience for visitors and art enthusiasts of all ages. 

Bent shares, “Two things I love most in this world are art and entrepreneurship. Both involve the process of taking ideas and giving them energy to make them exist in the world. I did not go to art school, so I felt like an imposter when first making art, but I kept trying and experimenting without knowing where it would go. And now it’s led to the world’s largest business card art collection, and it’s hanging at Grounds, my favorite coffee shop! I hope it inspires others to start something, anything, without an end destination or goal.” 

In addition to Chris Bent’s exhibit, the Gallery Stroll will feature the work of Ruth Wynn, an esteemed artist whose legacy continues through her daughter Allison. Ruth’s artwork, cherished in the New England area for years, will be displayed at Whipple Hall for viewing and purchase through October and will be part of the Gallery Stroll’s opening reception. 

The event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. The following artists will be on display at the following locations: Reiko Seymour at Bar Harbor Bank; Peter Anderson at Blue Loon Bakery; 

Chris Bent at Grounds Café; Art Café (Peter Anderson, Ana Maria Ash, Carol Belliveau, Elizabeth D’Amico, Loren Howard, Barbara Hunting, Penny Koburger, and Lucy Mueller) at New London Barn Playhouse Flemming Center; Penny Koburger at New London Inn; Kim Schusler at Tatewell Gallery; and Ruth Wynn (in memoriam) at Whipple Hall. 

Additional works by local artists will be displayed at the New London Hospital during business hours.  

This free event is open to the public and promises a delightful evening with emerging artists, a variety of artistic styles, and exceptional talent. Enjoy appetizers and wine at all locations, fostering an atmosphere of contemplation and sophistication while engaging in discussions within a creative environment. 

The Center for the Arts (CFA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives by supporting, promoting, and connecting literary, performing, and visual artists of all ages to our community. By joining us, you become part of shaping a vibrant future where creativity thrives. 

For more information or inquiries, please contact [email protected].