It has been a delight to take part in the I-Park residency program. The house (an 1850s homestead), the amenities, my studio, the grounds and the staff were exceptional. I-Park allowed me to paint without any restraint and I was able to complete twelve large 48x36" paintings and over 30 drawings. I feel as though I have advanced my skills and grown as an artist. I benefited greatly from the frequent exchanges with the diverse array of fellow residents and I enjoyed our occasional excursions. I also took great pleasure in wandering off alone into the forests and into the mythic mysteries of Connecticut. There was plenty of natural beauty and wildlife to admire along the Eight-Mile River and beyond. I caught a glimpse of a coyote twice and encountered deer, rabbits, wild turkeys, hummingbirds and, on one fateful occasion, a rather obstinate dog tick on my arm. The staff-guided field trips were historically informative, revealing cemeteries, ruins and masterfully constructed 17th century stone walls. All in all, my stay at I-Park has been a wonderful, enriching experience that I will forever value.