5AM at the J Gallery

The current group show produced by the 5AM Studio — the Norwalk collective known for its lively artist community and 24/7 creative ethos — brings a refreshing and engaging cross-section of contemporary work to The Faye & Ben Manger Gallery at the Stamford JCC. The exhibiting artist roster includes Devan Markiewicz, Katie Sprules, Carolyn Childs, Maya Santangelo, Karen Schlansky, Virginia Juliano, and Meghan Gardner.

Upon entering the Gallery, which is located in the front lobby, visitors are greeted by a diverse range of visual languages: from a touch of Neorealism, to bold abstractions, and tactile explorations with media. This exhibit feels like a dialogue between individual practices

A number of the works reflect the distinctive creative voices nurtured in the 5AM Art Studio community, where artists experiment without restraint. Artist and Gallery Manager Sarah King curates a wonderful show that resonates with art appreciators of all ages.

Pieces grounded in traditional technique — take muralist Maya Santangelo’s The Bluejays — sit comfortably beside more experimental abstractions, like the two paintings below by Katie Sprules inviting viewers to consider both craft and concept.

The show’s strength lies in its sense of breadth: there’s room for contemplative, restrained pieces as well as energetic, gestural statements.

For example, Caroline Child’s encaustic work Sacred Alchemy on display resembles an ink painting, while abstract pieces play with vibrant color and gestural freedom. While the curatorial thread isn’t strictly thematic, the assembly reflects a shared generosity of vision — a hallmark of 5AM’s communal studio environment back in Norwalk.

This exhibition is timely given Stamford’s evolving but often under-represented arts ecosystem; opportunities like a JCC Gallery show, (along with Loft Artists Association, Ferguson Library and Stamford Art Association) give nearby creatives visibility outside more traditional gallery circuits. For the participating artists — many of whom maintain active practices and workshops at 5AM Art Studio — this kind of institutional exposure is a meaningful bridge between studio life and public engagement.

The exhibition succeeds as a snapshot of a vibrant local collective: varied yet coherent, intimate yet generous in scope. The overall experience is one of enthusiastic artistic exchange — a testament both to the talents within 5AM Art Studio and to the value of community-driven exhibitions in regional arts programming. Exhibit reviews are now on Art Critic in 1 Minute on Instagram and YouTube.