PUTNAM --- The recent opening night of Pomfret School’s first alumni art show was a memorable tribute to an outstanding alum, Patrick Wood, who passed away in 2006. Pat’s twin sister, Libby, brought his spirit to life at the Silver Circle Art Gallery on their birthday Oct. 29 through the donation of art from his classmates. 

Pomfret School’s Director of Advancement, Melissa Perkins Bellanceau attended the event and came away with a piece of jewelry made by Chelsea Weiss Baum ’03. “Wednesday’s Alumni/ae Art Show celebrated the very best of the Pomfret School community. Alumni/ae showcased their talents, many of which were inspired when they were students on the Pomfret hilltop, by donating their works in support of the Patrick D. Wood Memorial Prize. Faculty, past parents, current parents, alumni/ae, and friends of the school filled P.S. Art at the Silver Circle Gallery to support the cause and celebrate Patrick’s life.” 

The opening night filled the gallery. Friends, family, and fans of admired the 24 pieces of art donated by alumni from various parts of the country and Hong Kong. Pomfret’s Head of School, Tim Richards said, “Libby Wood’s effort to bring her artist friends together was a huge success. The artwork was both eclectic and impressive, and a good crowd of people was treated to a fun show supporting the Patrick D. Wood ’01 Memorial Prize, a wonderful cause that is near and dear to many people at Pomfret.” 

The Wood Prize helps to make a Pomfret School education possible for a talented student from Windham County who might not otherwise be able to come to Pomfret School. 

“It was a tremendous outpouring of support,” said Bellanceau. “I am touched and inspired by the dedication of Patrick’s family to keep his memory alive and to honor Patrick’s legacy with this event and others they put on during the year. We at Pomfret remain incredibly grateful to the Wood Family for their generosity, thoughtfulness, and friendship to Pomfret School.”

Four recent “Wood Scholars” were in attendance: Caed Jones ’15, Evan Clarkin ’16, Dylan Clarkin ’16, and Gregory Rice ’17. 

The artwork includes photographs, papercutting, woodblock prints, and jewelry and can be purchased online at www.patrickwoodprize.org. Contributing artists include Rob Campbell, Jared Vincent, Casey Arbor, Lilly Rand, Alexandra Sweet, Alex Arguimbau, Anthony Luckino, Joanne LaComb, and Libby Wood from the class of 2001, along with Ritsuko Hirai ’98, Amanda Schoppe ’99, Bennett Konesni ’00, Elaine Chen-Fernandez ’03, Chelsea Weiss Baum ’03, and Poon Watchara-Amphaiwan ’03. 

The show runs through November. 

More information about Patrick Wood and the Prize is available on www.patrickwoodprize.org or by contacting Libby Wood at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

 

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