In September of 2005, I enrolled in a basic drawing class with Alex McFarlane at Silvermine School. Having never taken an art class before, I was completely green and didn't know what I was doing. I quickly got the "art fever". By 2007, I was enrolled in 6 classes at Silvermine, as well as painting with a group I met through Silvermine, which met twice a week for portrait/figure with a model. During my time at Silvermine, I was fortunate to be taught by Kirill Doran (still life) and Jesus Emmanuel Villarreal (portrait/figure). I studied with Kirill for 8 years at Silvermine, taking both his morning and afternoon classes year-round. I also studied for 8 years with Jesus through classes and workshops at Silvermine and later in his Bridgeport studio engaged in independent studies until 2017. Silvermine has been a very large part of my life for many years and was instrumental in my artistic growth.
Pam Ackley was born and raised in New York City. After receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Marymount Manhattan College and a Master's in Clinical Social Work from New York University, she began her artistic journey at Silvermine School of Art in 2005. Pam was co-founder and model coordinator for the New Street Guild of Artists in Bridgeport, CT. NSGA was a private Guild of representational women artists who painted the model from life twice weekly, year-round, in their Bridgeport, Connecticut, studio. The Guild had been in operation since 2009 and ended with COVID in 2020. Pam co-founded North Light Studio in Bridgeport, CT, where she painted still life and non-model related work with her colleagues. Currently, Pam Ackley resides in Killingworth, CT, where she works in her private studio. Pam has had several solo and group shows in Connecticut, including Wilton, Greenwich, Norwalk, Fairfield, Stamford, Darien, Ridgefield, and New Canaan.
Since I believe there is an unseen quality in all things, an emotional undercurrent in all consciousness and its physical expression, I strive to capture that essence on my canvas. Painting has been a journey in self-discovery. Bringing forth the inner reality of my subject through light and shadow helps me bring my truest nature to my work. It is what makes the process of art, whether satisfying or frustrating, so exquisite. - Pam
Pam Ackley is represented by Silvermine Galleries, George Billis Gallery in Fairfield, CT, as well as Geary Gallery in Darien, CT, and is an elected member of the Silvermine Guild as well as Connecticut Women Artists. Her work is in several private collections.
To inquire about the availability of Pan Ackley's work, call Silvermine Gallery at 203-966-9700 x 220
Credits:
Silvermine Arts Center