August Burns

The artist, teacher and former women’s health advocate has made a career out of connecting with — and empowering — people from all walks of life. Her portraits and figures are on view through November 21 in “More Than Meets the Eye,” at Axel’s Gallery & Frame Shop in Waterbury. The works illustrate Burns’ ongoing commitment to recognizing individual dignity and the characteristics that make each person unique. Many of her subjects, rendered against solid backgrounds, make direct eye contact with the viewer, ensuring that the focus remains firmly on the story of each face.