NORWICH – After 31 years of teaching students art at New Berlin Central School, Carl Houghton will now get the chance to be featured in his own art show at the Chenango County Council of the Arts.
Houghton, a New Berlin resident, father of three and grandfather of five, presented his art work in the CCCA’s Members Show in 2005 and was awarded the honor of “Best in Show,” an award that carries with it the promise for an individual exhibit in the future. Houghton knew he would like to have many new pieces to display at his individual show, so after undergoing back surgery, he began painting again as soon as he was able.
Houghton works with a wide range of subject matters. “I have a tendency to work with figures, religious subjects, woodlands, landscapes and seascapes and I’ve done a few portraits,” he said. “Since I taught art, I am familiar with a lot of different styles.” Houghton explained that some of his works are painted in a traditional style and others he uses everything except a paint brush to create.
Houghton is different than many other artists due to the fact that he is completely color blind. “As an artist who is considered a colorist, I had to work with the disability,” he said. Houghton explained he has to see his work in sections and draw it out all in line form at first, to see where everything goes. He works with a very organized palette, so he knows where each color is.
“I have to really focus on color. That is why I became a colorist,” he said.
The artist explained that his philosophy on art is to share his talent with other people, and that he has a desire to teach through his work. “I want them (the viewers) to have to think, to have an appreciation for the arts and to be able to get into a painting and move in it and to enjoy it,” Houghton explained. The retired New Berlin teacher said his art is for the middle class. “I try to reach them with subjects they can identify with,” he said.
With many artists today focusing on strange and different subject matter and mediums, Houghton says he believes if you are true to yourself, your work will always be unique.
“I’m not looking for success in life with this (his art), or for great monetary connections. I do it because it gives me fulfillment, and hopefully the viewers will find fulfillment too.
Houghton’s work has been displayed in numerous one man shows and exhibitions throughout the northeast. He has won several awards.
“This is an opportunity to celebrate an artist who’s spent 40 years painting, creating their art. It’s a nice opportunity for someone to take over the whole gallery, just to show their stuff,” said CCCA Gallery Director Deb Whitman.
A reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday in the CCCA Gallery to open Houghton’s exhibit. The reception will be open to the public. The exhibit will remain in the gallery until May 18. Anyone wishing to view it should visit the CCCA between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by appointment.