Opening Reception: Saturday October 23, 2004 from 6pm-10pm

Honoring the 85th year of Pulitzer Prize winning poet William Meredith, with great esteem the Hygienic Art Galleries presents: the masterful work of internationally renowned painter, printmaker Stoimen Stoilov and the elegant poetry and voice of William Meredith.

Event: 7 PM Poetry Reading by William Meredith under the patronage of His Excellency Anton Karlov Acting Consul General of the Republic of Bulgaria in New York.

Upon his eighty-fifth year Mr. Meredith could fill a book with his accomplishments. Born in New York City in 1919 and earning a degree from Princeton in 1940, Meredith continued to serve as a naval aviator during the Second World War and the Korean Conflict. Since then, Meredith has been primarily associated with Connecticut College where he worked and inspired students from 1955 up until his retirement in 1984.

Meredith having been granted senior fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1984 had the unfortunate reality of a stroke effecting his life for the next two years. Left with virtually no speech or movement, he proved to be an unstoppable force, yet again showcasing his dedication to the literary arts. Following his remarkable recuperation Meredith's last two books have won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. Meredith has been awarded honorary doctorates from many universities throughout the world, and because of his work within the Bulgarian culture, Meredith was made a citizen by presidential decree in 1996.

With great pleasure, the Hygienic presents the the Poetic skill of William Meredith along with colleague and friend, printmaker/painter Stoimen Stoilov. These two men have collaborated in numerous venues both locally and nationally, displaying the power of collaboration in a mixed media event. Both artists present work of unmistakable aptitude. The artistic wealth and knowledge is evident and undeniably fluid in their collaborative efforts. It is this connection that the true message of art crossing boundaries and unifying cultures is presented . Stoilov and Meredith have both, individually and collectively crossed waters, cultures and together mediums thus, enriching the lives of many.

Stoimon Stoilov a Bulgarian artist born in Varna and a graduate of the National Academy of Fine Arts in Sofia, leads his visual articulations with a Surrealist nature. With much affection, Stoilov believes line to be a justified dominating force. It is with this joy and dedication to line that Stoilov's visions rich with symbolism and indigenous history produce poetic visions and encourage viewers to imagine mythic traditions and lore. Stoilov spent time living among the Aborigines in Australia one of the many cultural influences depicted in many of his pieces.

At the peak of his career, Stoilov’s studio burnt to the ground along with his life's work. But much like Meredith, driven by an indomitable force Stoimon seems artistically unaffected by ill will. In 1991 The University of Vienna awarded Stoilov the Gottfried Von Herder prize for completed works. His work resides in the collections of many museums around the world. His work can be seen at The National Museum of Art in Columbia, Museum of Art Villa Merkel in Germany, National Gallery of Art in Norway, Pushkin Museum of Art in Russia, Museum of Art in Switzerland and Here in the US at the Library of Congress.

The Hygienic with great admiration and respect encourage all to attend this event of great distinction. With support from our local community and funding from Ken Kitchings of New London, the Hygienic Art Galleries welcome all to hear the words of New London's legendary poet William Meredith who will be speaking at 7pm. The event will be catered by The Thamesport Beanery and Internet Cafe 262 Pequot Ave in New London. Please direct all inquiries to the Hygienic Gallery Manager at 860.443.8001. For more information regarding William Meredith please visit www.conncoll.edu/meredith.