Month: December 2014

Get your meerkat fix at the Maritime Aquarium Norwalk

Get your meerkats “fix” in soon because the popular animals will be going on a five-week hiatus beginning Jan. 5 at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.

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“Meerkats” will temporarily close – and the exhibit that houses them, “Africa: From the Desert to the Sea,” ends – Jan. 5 to allow the Aquarium to build its next special exhibit, “Dragons: Real or Myth.”

“Meerkats” returns – and “Dragons” premieres – on Fri., Feb. 13.

Open since May 2010, The Maritime Aquarium’s “Meerkats” exhibit features six active, entertaining sibling meerkats – members of the mongoose family native to Africa’s Kalahari Desert. A viewing bubble lets youngsters pop up within the exhibit and get close to the meerkats.

The animals are so popular that the Aquarium installed a “meerkat cam” so their fans can check up remotely on the meerkats’ activities. To prevent anyone from going through complete meerkat withdrawal, the cam will remain active during the hiatus. Tune in at http://www.maritimeaquarium.org and click on “Exhibits & Animals.”

The Aquarium’s new exhibit, “Dragons: Real or Myth,” will demonstrate that there are dragons living among us today. Visitors will encounter such species as: dragon moray eels; the seahorse cousin called the weedy sea dragon; and terrestrial lizards like black dragons, flying dragons, sailfin dragons, bearded dragons, frilled dragons and more. Besides highlighting the unique characteristics of these animals, the exhibit will explore the facts and fiction of mythological dragons and their roles in cultures throughout time.

All special exhibits are free with Maritime Aquarium general admission, which is $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for youths 13-17 & seniors 65+, and $12.95 for children 3-12.

For more information about exhibits, IMAX® movies and programs at the popular Connecticut family attraction, go online to www.maritimeaquarium.org or call (203) 852-0700.

For area information visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

JanetLeave a comment

“A Prairie Refrain” at Carole Peck’s Good News Cafe

Contemporary realist painter, Karl Hartman, will exhibit his new show titled “A Prairie Refrain” through January 27, 2015 at Carole Peck’s Good News Cafe and Gallery, 694 Main Street South, Woodbury CT.

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Hartman’s paintings focuses on his memories of the prairie landscapes that he grew to love and his evolvement with these landscapes as a geologist in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. Hartman describes this part of the United States as spare, quiet and infinitely dynamic, beautiful and terrifying all at the same time. In contrast to his painting of the plains, he is also working on drawings of Bergen County, New Jersey that reflect the tightly packed, crowded suburban local domestic world of this area as well as its occupants and their imprint on it.”

Karl Hartman was born in Billings Montana and grew up mostly in the plains states of Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma. He received his BS from the University of Oklahoma majoring in geology and minoring in art. He received his MFA in painting from the School of Visual Arts in New York where he studied with Sam Cady, Ursula von Rydingsvard and John Lees. He lives with his family in New Jersey and travels back to Oklahoma to see family, take photographs and sketch.

Karl shows at the Mary Ann Doran gallery in Tulsa, OK and the New Arts Gallery in Litchfield, CT. He has exhibited at the Kansas Museum of Fine Art in Wichita, KA, The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, OH, The Charles A. Wustum Museum, Racine, WI. He has also shown at The Grand Central Galleries, The Adam Baumgold Gallery, and the National Academy of Design in New York as well as the Yoyogi School of fine art in Tokyo Japan.

His most recent award was the New Jersey State Council for the Arts Fellowship for painting. For area information visit http://www.litchfieldhills.com. For New Year or dinner reservations, contact Good News Cafe at http://www.good-news-cafe.com/

JanetLeave a comment

The Pequot War and the Founding of Fairfield

The Fairfield Museum and History Center presents a new exhibition, The Pequot War and the Founding of Fairfield, 1637-1639, on view through January 18, 2015, concluding a full year of exhibits, programs and events that celebrated Fairfield’s 375th anniversary.

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A collaboration with the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, this exhibit presents the story of the Pequot War in 1637, which led to Fairfield becoming established as an English settlement 375 years ago. Roger Ludlow, then a member of the Windsor Settlement, came south to join the fight. He was so taken with the area and its beauty, he returned in 1639 and founded the town of Fairfield.

An Algonquian-speaking people, the Pequot had been living in southeastern Connecticut for thousands of years prior to European contact. Before the arrival of the Europeans, roughly 13,000 Pequot lived in villages along Long Island Sound and the estuaries of the Thames, Mystic, and Pawcatuck Rivers, raising food through farming, hunting, and gathering

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The Pequot War (1637-38) was the first serious conflict in New England between European colonizers and the indigenous population. Historians have referred to the war as a seminal event in early American history, as it paved the way for English control of southern New England and the subjugation of the region’s Native people.
Among the many objects displayed in the exhibit is the sword of Captain John Mason, on loan from the Stonington Historical Society. Mason was the leader of the Connecticut troops during the Pequot War, and he most probably used this sword to fight the Pequot.

The exhibit also includes an original copy of John Underhill’s Newes from America (1638), on loan from the Connecticut Historical Society, rarely on public display. Captain John Underhill led the Mass Bay troops during the war and later published this account of the events. It is not only one of the most important primary sources of the war, but the publication also includes a remarkable woodcut of the attack on Mistick Fort that has become an iconic image. Also on view are other early 17th century examples of English arms and armor, including a helmet and matchlock gun, as well as a period bale seal and religious book, all on loan from the Plimoth Plantation.

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Also featured is a photograph of George Avison’s artwork, commissioned during the Great Depression by the Works Progress Administration to paint a series of five murals depicting Fairfield’s history, including one of the Swamp Fight. When he completed them in 1937, they were hung in the Roger Ludlowe High School building, now known as Tomlinson Middle School, where they remain today.

About the Fairfield Museum and History Center
The Fairfield Museum and History Center is a nonprofit, community cultural arts and education center established in 2007 by the 103-year old Fairfield Historical Society. The 13,000 square-foot museum includes modern galleries, a research library, a museum shop and community spaces overlooking Fairfield’s historic Town Green. The Fairfield Museum and History Center believes in the power of history to inspire the imagination, stimulate thought and transform society. Located at 370 Beach Road in Fairfield, CT, the Museum is open seven days a week, 10 am – 4 pm. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors. Members of the Museum and children are free. For more information www.fairfieldhistory.org.

For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

JanetLeave a comment

Whizzing Wonders in New Milford & Cooking Class at the Silo

The New Milford Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting a special railroad display that provides special fun for families this year in the Litchfield Hills community of New Milford where visitors will find a lavish display of working model trains.

The 27th Annual Hands On Train Display will again transform the waiting room of New Milford’s restored vintage train station. Four big layouts covering almost 100 feet of track will traverse a Lilliputian landscape of hills, valleys and villages.

Here, visitors are invited actually to take the controls, starting and stopping the action and operating signals and lights. The trains operate daily from noon to 4 p.m. December 22 to 28.
This yearly free event is sponsored by the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce, 860-354-6080, www.newmilford-chamber.org. The display is closed Christmas Day.

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While in New Milford, don’t miss a visit to Hunt Hill Farm Trust where you will find a 50 foot Christmas Tree beautifully decorated in the gallery. In addition to crafts and artwork, the Silo at Hunt Hill Farm offers a series of cooking classes.

On Saturday, December 27, just in time for New Years, the Silo is offering a Champagne and Tapas class at 6:30 p.m. This full participation class with Chef Jessie Riley and Kathryn Gordon will feature a full menu of tapas plus a sampling of sparkling wines and champagne. To sign up for the calls visit http://www.hunthillfarmtrust.org/index.php?/silo/cooking#December

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FIRST NIGHT DANBURY CELEBRATES ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY

First Night Danbury marks its 25th milestone anniversary on New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31st, 5:00 – 9:00pm, by bringing back favorite past performers to ring in the New Year throughout CityCenter. The weather outside won’t be frightful, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, and you may still have no place to go, so wrap up the kids and grandparents, don your best holiday caps, and join in a Danbury Downtown year-end tradition.

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First Night Danbury was founded in 1989 by volunteers. One of only three First Nights in Connecticut and about 40 throughout the US, the event prides itself on being family-friendly. First Night was adopted by CityCenter Danbury seven years ago in order to rebuild and recognize First Night’s potential for significant impact on the downtown arts and business community, as well as to provide an alcohol free alternative to ringing in the New Year. First Night’s theme this year is chosen appropriately: “Make New Friends, Keep the Old.” The Auld Lang Syne maxim continues with “These are Silver, Those are Gold.” Appropriately, First Night has invited the participation of favorite past First Night entertainments as it heralds in a new 25 years.

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They include the Mad Hatters Barbershop Chorus and the New Hope Mass Choir (both first performed at First Night in 1989); internationally acclaimed flautist Sherry Winston; children’s entertainer John Fogarty; singer-songwriters Bob Stanhope and Lara Herscovitch; the comedy musical trio, The Coconuts; Boston’s Funny Guy, Robert Clarke; Off Broadway’s Monday Night magician Peter Samelson; the amazing ice sculptures of Ice Matters; and CityCenter’s unofficial “ambassador” of goodwill, Magic Marty. In this year’s program, you’ll find tidbits of history, and we’re sure you’ll remember cherished moments from First Nights past. But there will also be the New. Light and LED, high atop the Patriot Garage, will close out the evening as we count down to the New Year. The spectacular finale, beginning at 8:30pm, will feature performances by Fractal Phenomenon and Boston-based Cirque de Light and, as tradition calls for, hot cider and cookies courtesy of The Danbury Parking Authority.

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If you want to get an early start, First Night will hold a Special 25th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting Ceremony from 4:15 to 5:00pm at St. James Church. Mayor Mark Boughton will make a proclamation; The Silvertones, a group of 62 to 95-year-old “hipsters” will regale you; Mrs. Connecticut USA Universal 2015, Susan Bawlick Pagan, will add a touch of “glam;” and a Carillon Concert will kick off First Night’s 4 hours of diverse and celebratory entertainments. Host venues, all within walking distance, include the Danbury Ice Arena, Danbury Public Library, Danbury Music Centre, Palace Danbury, St. James Church, Heirloom Arts Theatre, and the Danbury Innovation Center.

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Voices of Poetry at Hunt Hill Farm – Comfort and Joy!

The Silo will present “Voices of Poetry / Comfort & Joy” on Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 2 p.m. This afternoon of original poetry and music – to celebrate the holiday season – will be held at The Red Barn at Hunt Hill Farm, Crossman Road, New Milford, CT. A “meet and greet” reception with the poets & musicians – with holiday desserts – will follow the program.

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The Silo will present “Voices of Poetry / Comfort & Joy” on Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 2 p.m. This afternoon of original poetry and music – to celebrate the holiday season – will be held at The Red Barn at Hunt Hill Farm, Crossman Road, New Milford, CT. A “meet and greet” reception with the poets & musicians – with holiday desserts – will follow the program.

There is an admission charge of $15 @ person for this program; and reservations are encouraged. For more information, and to reserve tickets, please call (860) 355-0300, visit www.hunthillfarmtrust.org, or e-mail info@hunthillfarmtrust.org. Reservations can also be made at The Silo during regular business hours. The Silo Gallery and Store are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m.

For more holiday event information www.litchfieldhills.com

About The Silo

Drawing on the creative legacy of Skitch and Ruth Henderson, the Henderson Cultural Center at Hunt Hill Farm, a Smithsonian Institution affiliate, is a vibrant and unique regional resource, offering the public opportunities to explore music, art, cuisine, and permanently protected historic open space.

About Voices of Poetry (VOP)

VOP was founded by poet and poetry activist Neil Silberblatt. Since 2012, VOP has presented a series of poetry and music events featuring distinguished poets and writers at venues throughout the state, including The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield; The New Britain Museum of American Art; The Sherman Playhouse; Minor Memorial Library in Roxbury; Gunn Memorial Library in Washington; Ridgefield Library; Hopkins Vineyard; and Hartford Public Library. VOP also has presented poetry events to raise support for community organizations. Voices of Poetry / Thanks for the Giving events (in 2013 and 2014) raised more than $2,500 for Loaves & Fishes, New Milford’s community soup kitchen and food pantry. VOP hosts a Facebook “group” page which (at last count) had more than 1,900 members, including numerous poets and writers, editors, publishers, composers, musicians in all genres, professors, and fans of the printed, written or sung word.

JanetLeave a comment