November 1, 2023
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mayor Benjamin D. Florsheim, 860-638-4801

Local Wangunk Art Show to Open at Russell Library 

Reception on November 3, 2023

A reception for the art show “Kyle O’Neil: A Retrospective Journey” will be held at the Russell Library on Friday, November 3^rd, with doors opening at 5:30pm. Welcoming remarks will begin at 6:15pm in the Hubbard Room, with commentary from State Senator Matt Lesser and Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim, followed by an award ceremony. Afterward, those in attendance are encouraged to mingle, enjoy some harvest-inspired refreshments, and view Bright Star’s (Kyle) art. 

Wangunk Elder Red Oak (Gary O’Neil) and his daughter Bright Star (Kyle O’Neil) will be displaying Indigenous Wangunk art at the Russell Library throughout the month of November. The collection is a retrospective reflecting Bright Star’s journey as an artist. Media in the exhibit will include terra cotta and white clay reliefs, monoprints, collage and photography. 

The land the Russell Library sits on is Wangunk land, as is all of the Middletown area. In recognition of Native American Heritage Month this November, the Russell Library is partnering with Red Oak and Bright Star to bring awareness and recognition to the Wangunk people, who are sometimes referred to as a “lost tribe.”

Bright Star has exhibited internationally with Angels Fly Together, Down Syndrome Association in Argentina, and with Alexander’s Angels at the United Nations in New York. She has been a part of the Connecticut Women Artists, Annual Open Juried Group Exhibition at the Slater Museum in Norwich Connecticut, and at The Buttonwood Tree and the Free Center in Middletown. 

There will be an opportunity to hear more about the Wangunks with Red Oak (Gary O’Neil) at the Russell Library on Monday, November 20th at 6:00pm. Red Oak will speak about the history of his people, who lived in Middletown and surrounding areas until the early 1800's. Red Oak is a direct descendant of the Jonathan Palmer line of the Wangunks. 

Registration is recommended via the Library’s website at www.russelllibrary.org, under “Events.”