Exhibit – ‘The Dreamland Circus Tarot Artisan Deck & Book’ by Patti Newton

‘A photographic Fusion of the Past and the Present’. The festive installation in the Historic Latchis Hotel and Theater Gallery, 50 Main St. Brattleboro Vermont, features large high quality color images from ‘The Dreamland Circus Tarot’ 100 card artisan deck and book. The artwork is a striking combination of beautiful vintage photographs from the 1800’s/early1900’s, and Patti’s own photographs taken at a nearby contemporary amusement park; originally known as ‘Gallup’s Cove’ c. 1840 located in Agawam MA.

“The Dreamland Circus’ Tarot deck and book was a submersion project that lasted seven years beginning in 2015 when I first set off to ‘6 Flags New England’; camera in hand, to investigate my theory about the profound connection between the archetypes in the Major Arcana of the Tarot and amusement parks. I was seeking to unveil – ‘The Midway Mystery’ as it was written over the entrance to ‘Dreamland’ * In Coney Island, N. Y. The deck and book were both completed in Nov. 2022.

Patti (Smyth) Newton was born in Brooklyn, New York near Coney Island, and grew up on the South Shore of Long Island, NY. She has lived in Brattleboro, Vermont since 1987 and is the owner of ‘Silver Moon Adornments’, a retail business since 2000. Patti is a Life Coach, professional Tarot reader, Feng Shui Consultant, Chinese Astrologer, teacher, writer, and graphic designer. She is a 5th year graduate student from the ‘School of the Museum of Fine Arts’ in Boston MA, and has an associate’s degree in Graphic Design.

“This is not an Ordinary Tarot Deck…It is not a typical ‘Theme’ deck depicting Amusement Parks, Circuses, and Carnivals… It is a profound tool for: self-empowerment, development of Higher Consciousness, and a reminder of how our ‘shadow choices’ may take us to the ‘Lower’ Road of Consciousness. I never read cards predictively, as I believe the future is a proactive process that combines making personal decisions, taking action at the right time, embracing opportunities when they are presented to us, and navigating unexpected challenges successfully. A Tarot Reading is best utilized for gaining clarity, guidance, and inspiration – not for fortune telling!”

View the exhibit 24/7 through the large Main St Windows and into the well-lit gallery. Interior viewing and ‘Meet the Artist’ Saturdays 11-1 pm February 11th – March. View or purchase the deck and book or visit Patti’s website www.silvermoonvt.com for Reading options and to shop in the online store.

• Dreamland was an amusement park at Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City, which operated from 1904 to 1911. It was the last of the three original large iconic Amusement parks built on Coney Island, along with ‘Steeplechase’ and ‘Luna Park’. It was located between Surf Avenue to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.