The Chase Family Gallery presents six to eight major exhibits each year, with works ranging from contemporary to classical to avant garde. Opening reception parties allow members to meet the artists, mingle with their friends, and get a sneak preview of the pieces on display. Our beautiful Gallery is a treat for the eyes and nourishment for the soul, presenting the works of local, national and worldwide artists and craftspeople. We proudly present art in all forms: painting, sculpture, photography, glass and ceramics.
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Upcoming Gallery Exhibits |
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Defining Moments: Karen Israel July 3-August 21, 2026
Artist Reception: Thursday, July 9, 5:30–7:00pm
Karen Israel is an award winning West Hartford artist. Whether she is exploring
landscape, figure or still life, her passion for design and creating a narrative is evident
in her work.
She strives to create a sense of discovery for the viewer. Karen’s paintings tell stories
that resonate deeply with her own experiences and reflections. It is her hope that the
work serves as a mirror, reflecting the diverse
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Light Travelers September 16-October 26, 2026
Artist Reception: Wednesday, September 23, 5:30-7:30pm
Light Travelers brings together, for the first time, three experimental photographers - Ellen Carey, Robert Calafiore, and Liz Nielsen - whose distinctive image-making practices capture the immaterial nature of light, the indexical qualities of the photographic medium, and the expressive power of color through their unique creative visions. As photography celebrates its 200th anniversary (1826–2026), this exhibition highlights the enduring innovation of the medium and its profound impact on global culture. Through their individual practices, these artists remind us that although light cannot be held, it can be transformed into a compelling visual language. Their works function as contemporary “light drawings,” echoing the Greek roots of the word photography-“drawing with light.” Together, these artists open the door to new possibilities in photography-as-art.
Artist Talk: Light Travelers: Three Views Sunday, October 25 | 1:30-3:00pm | Mandell JCC Light Travelers: Three Views brings together artists Ellen Carey, Robert Calafiore, and Liz Nielsen in conversation with curator Adam Chau to explore photography through the language of light. While each artist employs a distinct experimental practice, all three use light not simply to describe the world, but as a creative medium for exploring color, abstraction, perception, and process. Together, they will discuss the ideas that connect their work, the unique paths each has taken, and photography's enduring capacity to surprise, transform, and expand our ways of seeing. The program concludes with a moderated audience Q&A. Free and open to all. Registration Required. |
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Under One Roof Diversity: Beauty and Strength November 1, 2026-January 3, 2027 Community Reception: Thursday, November 12, 5:30-7:30pm Under One Roof is a collaborative art experience. This extraordinary project brings together, for the fourth time, diverse community partners and organizations from across greater Hartford to share their mission, perspectives, and stories through art and words inspiring meaningful conversations and strengthening our community. This year we celebrate Diversity as both a source of beauty and strength within our community. Rooted in the Mandell JCC's core value of Human Dignity (Kavod Habriyot), this theme reflects our commitment to treating everyone with respect, dignity, and kindness while actively working to combat prejudice, antisemitism, and hate through education and engagement. This year’s theme: Diversity: Beauty and Strength Diversity brings both beauty and strength to communities by weaving together different perspectives, identities, and experiences into something greater than individual parts. Like threads in a tapestry, our differences create resilience and richness when honored inclusively. By fostering belonging, empathy, and open dialogue across cultures and backgrounds, we build more creative, compassionate communities. Through Under one roof, we discover that our collective diversity makes us whole. |
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On Stage at The J - Herbert & Evelyn Gilman Theater
The JCC's 400-seat Herbert & Evelyn Gilman Theater hosts dozens of performances annually, including: the annual Hartford Jewish Film Festival and our renowned youth and teen musical productions. Its lobby is home to the Ann Randall Art Gallery which features select small art collections each month.
The theater is also available for rentals. The space features a Proscenium stage suitable for rehearsals, productions, concerts, dance presentations and speakers. There is a professional lighting and sound system, as well as support from the Mandell JCC technical director.
The theater is equipped to accommodate people with physical disabilities and/or the hearing impaired, and there is a Green Room located backstage with dressing rooms and restrooms.
Get ready to turn the pages and dive into the next chapter
of the Mandell JCC Jewish Book Festival!
