Photo by Al Malpa
David Rau, Director of Education and Outreach at the Florence Griswold Museum, created “As Seen From Above” for the Chester Historical Society’s Unearthed in Chester Challenge & Reception. Using the rusted Es found buried in an early Chester property, David says his answer to the challenge is “a bird’s-eye view of the earth from above. As soon as I saw the shapes, I saw the openings as small doors. You can imagine the scene as a setting for an interesting archaeological dig, which might unearth more Es.” David is known far and wide for his fairy house creations for the museum.

Dipping back into Chester’s roots as a manufacturing town, the Chester Historical Society has created its fourth challenge for area artists, sculptors, photographers, engineers, and all others with a creative mind.

This spring’s creative challenge is named “Unearthed in Chester,” because it is based on flat, rusted iron pieces found buried in an early Chester Center property – one of the oldest houses in Chester.  These rusty pieces measure 1 ¼ by 2 inches and look like the capital letter E.

The finished pieces of art, jewelry, sculptures, photographs, etc. will be exhibited and sold by silent auction at the Historical Society’s Unearthed in Chester Reception on Saturday, March 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the historic Chester Meeting House.

“The Society has staged similar challenges over the past ten years.  In 2004 we started with Brooks for Hooks, which used hooks and screw eyes manufactured by M.S. Brooks & Sons,” said Skip Hubbard, Historical Society president. “Our last two challenges utilized 2-inch-square knitting gauges made by C. J. Bates & Son and bone handles from Bishop & Watrous.”

There is still time for artists and other creatively minded people to get involved in this year’s Unearthed Challenge. Call Sosse Baker at the Chester Gallery, 860-526-9822, for details.

To attend the reception, which will feature hearty hors d’oeuvres and white wine, tickets are $30 and can be purchased at Chester Gallery and Ceramica, both in the center of Chester, or by calling Sosse Baker at Chester Gallery.

All the proceeds from the event will benefit the Chester Historical Society and its programs, including Chester Museum at The Mill.  Information is available on the Society website, www.chesterhistoricalsociety.org or at Facebook.com/chestercthistoricalsociety.