Art gallery and wine bar open in Union Station

Oil paintings, watercolors, landscapes and sketches filled the upper level of Union Station in North Canaan, Conn., for the grand opening of Art Bar & Cafe on Friday, Oct. 27.

Works by area artists lined the corridors with even more Northwest Corner creations hanging within the new wine bar above Great Falls Brewing. 

Chris Tripler, owner of both the Art Bar & Cafe and Great Falls Brewing, said the inspiration to open a community art gallery arose from the unexpected success of a pop-up gallery at the brewery earlier this year.

“We were amazed by the number of people who showed up,” said Tripler. “It was largely folks that never come to the tap room.”

With so many art lovers in the area, Tripler felt the Community Gallery seemed like a perfect fit for North Canaan. After getting a few tips from a nearby art critic, including the ideal height to hang art in a gallery (the center of the image should be 57 inches from the ground), the gallery at Art Bar & Cafe was born.

Melanie Teardo, manager of the Art Bar & Cafe, said the addition to downtown North Canaan brings “something unique to the area. Definitely nice to have a little bit of night life around here.” 

On the new gallery, she said it creates “a sense of community” among local artists. “You don’t have to be an expert painter to be a part of it.”

On Oct. 27, work from several featured artists was on display, including ink and watercolor art from Jean Saliter of Salisbury. Saliter holds a photography degree with a minor in painting and said her interest in watercolor developed while at home during the pandemic.

“There was just so many hours in a day, so I thought ‘why not teach yourself patience?’ and I got some watercolors,” said Saliter. “I just sat down and painted day in and day out. I taught myself from YouTube tutorials and books and mimicry.”

Many of the pieces on display by Saliter showed intricately inked outlines of insects that were brought to life by an overlay of bright watercolor highlights. 

At the Art Bar & Cafe, paper and pencils were placed on each table to keep the creative juices flowing, along with cocktails, wine, and beer, all sourced within Connecticut. Appetizers from Freund’s Farm were also on the menu.

Saliter and fellow featured artist Lynn Fowler, along with a Lakeville Journal reporter, collaborated for a blind multi-artist sketch during the grand opening. Fowler drew the head, then folded the paper to allow Saliter to independently draw the torso. The reporter then poorly added legs and feet to complete the haphazard portrait of what looked to be an overweight beach bum in a feathered cap.

“Come to Canaan and have fun,” said Fowler.

Visitors can tour the Community Gallery on the second floor of Union Station each day and the art on display is available for purchase. The Art Bar & Cafe will be open on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 9. p.m.

Featured artists Jean Saliter and Lynn Fowler attended the grand opening of the Art Bar & Cafe. Photo by Riley Klein

Latest News

Amenia board honors employees for service

Long-term town employees were recognized at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 12. Honorees pictured with Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, were Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the Town Garage, center, for her 35 years of service to the town and Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent, for 20 years.

Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Acknowledging the many years of service accumulated by town employees, the Town Board paused to honor that service at its meeting on Thursday, June 12.

“Thank you for making a difference,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman in recognizing Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the town garage, for her 35 years of service.

Keep ReadingShow less
Historic marker dedicated at Amenia Union Cemetery

In anticipation of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in 2026, new historic markers are appearing at each of the local cemeteries where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Unveiling the new marker at Amenia Union Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, were left to right, Town Historian Betsy Strauss, Jim Middlebrook representing the regional chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Gail Seymour, President of the Union Cemetery Association.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — One by one, new historic markers are appearing at local cemeteries where Revolutionary War dead are buried. On Saturday, June 21, community members gathered to see a new marker unveiled at Amenia Union Cemetery on Leedsville Road.

A tent provided welcome shade for the attendees and refreshments as about 30 residents gathered for the unveiling and to share stories of local history with one another.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook Historical Society announces summer Quaker lecture series

The Nine Partners Road Quaker Meetinghouse, built in 1780, will be the site of two summer lectures sponsored by the Millbrook Historical Society.

Photo by Leila Hawken

MILLBROOK — Long in the planning, the Millbrook Historical Society has announced that it is sponsoring two lectures in observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Both lectures relating to Quaker history are to be held in the historic Quaker Meeting House on Nine Partners Road.

For the first talk, scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at 2 p.m., the historical society has invited Sarah Gronningsater, Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, to talk on “Quakers, Anti-slavery, and the American Revolution.” The topic will explore the role that New York’s Quakers, especially in the Hudson Valley, played in the rise of the anti-slavery movement that followed the American Revolution.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton voter turnout declines after 2023 peak

Downtown Millerton

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — Voter turnout in the Village of Millerton dropped sharply in 2025, with just 58 ballots cast in this year’s village election — less than a third of the record turnout seen just two years earlier.

The election on June 17 marked a stark contrast to 2023, when signs littered the intersection of Route 22 and Route 44 and 208 voters headed to the polls to decide a competitive mayoral race between incumbent Jenn Najdek and challenger Kelly Kilmer. That year also featured two contested trustee positions and generated the highest turnout in at least five years.

Keep ReadingShow less