Former New Berlin teacher exhibits at CCCA

NORWICH – After 31 years of teaching students art at New Berlin Central School, Carl Houghton will now get the chance to be featured in his own art show at the Chenango County Council of the Arts.

Houghton, a New Berlin resident, father of three and grandfather of five, presented his art work in the CCCA’s Members Show in 2005 and was awarded the honor of “Best in Show,” an award that carries with it the promise for an individual exhibit in the future. Houghton knew he would like to have many new pieces to display at his individual show, so after undergoing back surgery, he began painting again as soon as he was able.

Houghton works with a wide range of subject matters. “I have a tendency to work with figures, religious subjects, woodlands, landscapes and seascapes and I’ve done a few portraits,” he said. “Since I taught art, I am familiar with a lot of different styles.” Houghton explained that some of his works are painted in a traditional style and others he uses everything except a paint brush to create.

Houghton is different than many other artists due to the fact that he is completely color blind. “As an artist who is considered a colorist, I had to work with the disability,” he said. Houghton explained he has to see his work in sections and draw it out all in line form at first, to see where everything goes. He works with a very organized palette, so he knows where each color is.