MERIDEN — Gallery 53’s 96th annual fall art show runs through Nov. 5. 

The show, which opened Saturday,includes drawings and photographs from artists throughout the region. 

“It’s amazing, despite CO-VID-19, this is the biggest show we’ve ever had,” said Sandy Goodyear, gallery director. “Typically, there’s usually about 40 pieces and we have 63. The quality is absolutely amazing so we’re very excited about it. 

“A lot of new artists….People that have never entered in our shows before, so that leads me to believe that more and more people are aware that downtown Meriden has an art gallery,” she added. 

Gallery 53 is located at 53 Colony St.

John Massimino, a Connecticut artist, is judging the contest. Massimino taught at Paier College of Art in Hamden for over 20 years and is now a visiting professor. He also is the past president of the New Haven Paint and Clay Club. Nine cash prizes will be awarded. 

The fall art show is also exhibited online. Artwork for sale will be in the Gallery 53 store while the exhibit is in the gallery.

Every Thursday until Nov. 19 soups prepared by Paul’s Deli & Catering will be available at Gallery 53. 

Last year, Gallery 53 held this fundraising event for the first time by collaborating with Gary O’Neil, a teacher at Washington Middle School.

“... (Gary) has the kids from the middle school make the bowls,” Goodyear said.

Due to the pandemic, Gallery 53 has not been able to host any of its big fundraisers. However, Paul Dominello, owner of Paul’s Deli & Catering, helped Gallery 53 figure out a way to host a fundraiser that is COVID-19 friendly. 

“This year, because of restrictions on gatherings, I kind of realized they weren’t possibly going to be able to have their Bread & Broth event at the level they did then with everyone was gathering,” Dominello said. “So I just happened to think about possibly doing a virtual style where people can order online and I presented the idea to them and said that instead of having the event one day … So I figured we should do an eight week period.” 

The soups are available in 12 ounce containers. Each order includes bread, a dessert snack and a ceramic bowl. 

Order by 2 p.m. on a Wednesday to pick up the soup on Thursday at Gallery 53 between noon and 5:45 p.m. 

jsimms@record-journal.com203-317-2208Twitter: @jessica_simms99