Newtown, Connecticut – Fred Bonilla, a seasoned photographer and former photo retail salesman and educator with over four decades of experience, found himself at a crossroads after retiring. With an abundance of spare time on his hands, he contemplated his next photographic pursuit. The question remained – what should he focus on?
A versatile photographer with knowledge spanning various photography disciplines but no particular expertise in one, Bonilla’s journey took a new direction in 2014 when he hosted a seminar alongside renowned nature photographer Roman Kurywczak. It was during this event that Bonilla discovered his newfound passion: capturing the intricate beauty of flowers.
The result of his photographic exploration is now showcased in the exhibition titled “Flowers and Other Beautiful Things,” currently on display at The Newtown Municipal Art Gallery. This captivating exhibition will run until October 31, offering visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the captivating world of Bonilla’s floral artistry.
The Newtown Municipal Art Gallery, situated within the central corridor of the municipal building at 3 Primrose Street, warmly welcomes visitors on weekdays from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Additionally, it opens its doors during evenings when Town board and commission meetings are convened.
Managed by the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission, the gallery serves as a platform for local and regional artists to showcase their creative expressions.
Fred Bonilla is not only a prolific photographer but also an active participant in En Foco & Help Portrait. He also contributes his insights as a writer to Photoinduced.com. His captivating floral imagery has previously graced exhibitions in Trumbull in 2019 and the Norwalk Art Space in 2022.
Bonilla’s photographic prowess has earned him recognition on an international scale. His work was selected for exhibition at the 2009 Look 3 Festival of the Photograph in Charlotteville, Virginia, and The Musee de Lysee in France in 2011.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Fred Bonilla is committed to giving back to his community. He has served as a teaching assistant at the esteemed International Center of Photography in New York City and generously volunteers his services at the food pantry and clothing center of Person to Person, a charitable organization in Fairfield County.
As you explore “Flowers and Other Beautiful Things,” you’re invited to immerse yourself in the exquisite world of flowers through the lens of a seasoned photographer who has dedicated his retirement years to capturing their timeless allure.
