Estate Sale Marks End of a Bethel Artist's Era

It's been a nearly 3-year process, but on Saturday, artist and art collector Noel Edwards will finally leave the building.

Edwards, who died on March 19, 2010, was a science teacher, naturalist and member of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Audubon Society. A resident of Redding, he co-owned and operated Consignart, an art and antique shop at 226 Greenwood Ave.

Much of his work focused on nature -- specifically birds.

"Noel Edwards developed an interest and love for birds while going to college," said his artist's statement. Some of his most notable work focused on bald eagles. He would spend hours, according to his artists' statement, searching for wintering eagles, watching them and observing their habits. The Consignart space is full of the fruits of these labors -- see the photos above. 

That statement was written while he was still alive. Since his 2010 death, Consignart has technically been closed since then, and liquidation agent Charles Noe has manned the site. The estate sale runs through Friday. On Saturday, Noe will have select guests over for a private reception, then lock the door and leave Consignart to the ages.