Category: Connecticut Travel

The Norwalk Historical Society is hosting the family program, “Quilt Stories”, in celebration of Black History Month. Families will learn about African American folk artist, Harriet Powers’ storytelling quilts and make a paper story quilt craft. Long time quilter, Rita Phillips, will be the special guest. This program is ideal for families with children ages 4 – 10. “Quilt Stories” takes place on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 1:00pm at the Norwalk Historical Society Museum. Admission is $3.00 per person, with a maximum of $15 per family and registration is required at info@norwalkhistoricalsociety.org or 203-846-0525. If the event is canceled by the Norwalk Historical Society due to inclement weather, it will be rescheduled for Sunday, February 26, 2017 at 1:00pm. The Norwalk Historical Society Museum is located at 141 East Avenue. The front entrance is accessible from the Norwalk City Hall parking area at 125 East Avenue. The Museum is in the red brick house with blue double front doors, next to the Norwalk Health Department.

For thousands of years, people have used images to pass down stories. Harriet Powers used quilts. Born into slavery in 1837, once freed Harriet Powers used the quilting skills she had learned as a child to help provide for her family. Little did she know that one day her story quilts would become priceless examples of African American folk art. During this hour long program, families will hear the story of her journey from slave to artist and learn how she used quilts to tell important stories from her life. Special guest Rita Phillips, long time quilter and member of the Goodwives Quilters, will give families an in depth look at how quilts are made. Quilting tools will be on display as will a variety of quilts handmade by local children. The program will conclude with a crafting project, where families will create their own story quilts using paper. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Rita I. Phillips’ interest in sewing began in California where her grandmother taught her to hand sew. After relocating to Norwalk with her family, Rita took up quilting with the Goodwives Quilters and since 1977 has been working with students of all ages to create quilts. She is active with several Fairfield County historical societies as well as CT Piecemakers Quilt Guild, Goodwives Quilters, Peace by Piece and Norwalk Senior Center. In 2011 she helped create the Norwalk Quilt Trail and her quilt, “Norwalk, Fabric of Diversity” graces the front of the book “Community Building in the 21st Century” edited by Stanley E. Hyland.

For more information and to register your family for “Quilt Stories” visit http://www.norwalkhistoricalsociety.org, e-mail info@norwalkhistoricalsociety.org , or call 203-846-0525. The Norwalk Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

The Gallery @the SHS of the Sharon Historical Society & Museum presents an exhibition and sale of photographs by eight members of the Housatonic Camera Club, which runs from January 14 through March 3, 2017. All purchases support the Sharon Historical Society & Museum’s mission.

The Housatonic Camera Club was started in the mid-1950’s by Sharon resident Ward Hutchinson and is now composed of members from communities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York who meet to share their love of photography, their experiences, travels, and expertise, and to educate one another and the public. Members work in prints, film, digital, color, and black & white mediums. Members exhibiting in this The Gallery @the SHS show are Jeffrey Breitman, William DeVoti, Lazlo Gyorsok, John Landon, George Mudge, Birgitt Pajarola, Jane Rossman and Bert Schmitz.

The Gallery @the SHS is located at the Sharon Historical Society & Museum, 18 Main Street, Route 41, Sharon, CT. The Gallery and Museum are open Wednesday through Friday from 12-4, Saturday from 10am-2pm and by appointment.

For more information and directions to The Gallery @the SHS, call (860) 364-5688. For additional information about the Sharon Historical Society & Museum and The Gallery @the SHS, visit www.sharonhist.org.

Photo: Jane Rosssman http://www.housatoniccameraclub.com

On Wednesday, February 22nd at 11am, Schwenke Auctioneers will offer 648 lots of estate material featuring the lifetime collection of Dr. & Mrs. Ion Petrea and including a large collection of Asian decorative art from several other estates and consignors. The auction includes a wonderful group of Russian and Romanian icons and related religious and ecclesiastical items, many interesting lots of Eastern European decorative arts, fine art and Romanian paintings, many lots of sterling silver, and a large group of estate carpets. The sale will include over 250 Asian Lots, European Furniture, Fine Silver, And Estate Oriental Carpets.

The sale is being held at the firm’s auction hall at Middle Quarter Plaza in Woodbury. This is the firm’s first time for a Wednesday auction, according to Tom Schwenke, owner-auctioneer, who said “we are experimenting with week-day sales to further enhance our already vigorous online market. We have had over 6,000 online bidders in each of our last three gallery auctions, but we believe that by moving our sale from the normal Sunday date we will attract even more internet bidders.” Preview times are Friday, February 17th from 10am to 5pm; Sunday, February 19th from noon to 5pm; Monday, February 20th and Tuesday, February 21st from 10am to 5pm; and Wednesday, February 22nd from 9am to sale time. For information www.woodburyauction.com

Several fine Asian lots are being offered, including a Tibetan thangka of Maitreya, pigments on fabric, measuring 28 1/4″ high, 19″ wide; a pair of Chinese embroidered panels, having a flower and vine motif with bats in shades of red and blue on a yellow ground, sized 49 1/2″ long, 33 1/2″ wide; a Southeast Asian bronze striding Buddha mounted on wood stand, 24 3/4″ high, 7″ wide; a pair of Chinese carved ivory court figures, 19th/20th century on later stands, 9 1/2″ high, 2″ wide, formerly in the collection of Dale Carnegie, purchased 1939; a Chinese Longquan celadon vase, with small scattered dark rough spots on body, possibly part of firing process, 10 1/4″ high, 4 1/2″ wide; a large Chinese blue and white porcelain dragon decorated vase, six character mark on base, measuring 15″ high, 11 1/2″ wide; a Chinese porcelain wucai dragon bowl together with a smaller bowl having bird and blossoms decoration, both with six character Guangxu marks, the largest 2 3/4″ high, 6″ diameter; a Chinese Yuhuchunping blue and white porcelain vase, 9 3/4″ high, 5″ wide; an Asian Kraakware charger with shaped rim, 13 1/2″ diameter; a Chinese blue porcelain Kangxi brush pot, blue 6 character mark on base, 6 ½” high, 4 3/4″ diameter; a Chinese porcelain Ming stemmed blue and white cup, 5 3/4″ high, 5 5/8″ diameter; and a Chinese Han or Han Style pottery ram figure, 6 1/4″ high, 6″ long.

Many lots of silver are on offer, with the lead item being a Tiffany & Co. cased sterling silver five piece tea and coffee service, monogrammed, in a floral repousse pattern together with a partial Tiffany & Co. flatware service, monogrammed, in the “Chrysanthemum” pattern. The tea service comprises a coffee pot, teapot, covered sugar, creamer, and waste bowl. Tea set weight is 90.92 OZT. The flatware comprises twelve dinner forks, twelve luncheon forks, twelve tablespoons, twelve teaspoons. Small edge nicks to spoon bowls and fork tines. Flatware weight is 135.45 OZT. Total silver weight 226.37 OZT. All contained within a Tiffany & Co. Oak presentation case with key, brass plaque reads: “C. Eugene Gunther from his Uncle John Seymour July 5, 1917”. Provenance is from Bernard Baruch, given to John Seymour, President of NY Stock Exchange upon his retirement. John Seymour gifted silver in 1917 to nephew C. Eugene Gunther, who willed silver to daughter Juanita Gunther. Juanita Gunther willed silver to her cousin Shirley Gunther Smith in 1977.

The Petrea collection comprises an amazing assemblage of Russian and Romanian icons and artworks, including Toscanini’s ebonized and parcel gilt shaving mirror, with a Dutch baroque cushion molded frame with ebonized and gilt ripple moldings, enclosing a later mirror plate, measuring 23 1/2″ high, 21 1/8″ wide. Provenance: Ex collection: Arturo Toscanini, and purchased by the consignor from Wanda Toscanini Horowitz.

Dozens of fine early icons are crossing the block, including a fine large Russian icon of the resurrection and great feasts, centering a scene of the resurrection within individual scenes of the twelve great feasts, tempera and gilt on panel, 17 1/2″ high, 15 1/2″ wide; a Russian icon of the nativity of St. John the Baptist, showing the birth to Elizabeth and attendants, and the washing of St. John the Baptist with Zachariah seated upper right. Tempera and gilt on panel, together with, but separated from its silver riza. The silver riza bearing marks for Moscow, dated 1877, 13 1/2″ high, 11 1/2″ wide; a Russian icon of St. Nicholas with selected saints, full length image of St. Nicholas, the guardian angel and selected saints below a tablet with scenes of the prophet Elija in the wilderness, tempera and gilt on panel, 17 1/2″ high, 15″ wide; a Russian icon of multiple saints and a guardian angel, showing a gathering of saints flanking a guardian angel and worshipping an icon of Our Lady of Tenderness, supported by angels and flanked by pairs of saints bearing scrolls. Tempera and gilt on panel, 11 3/4″ high, 9″ wide; a Russian icon of Mary Joy To All Who Sorrow, tempera and gilt on panel, 12″ high, 10″ wide; a quadripartite icon of the crucifixion, the central crucifixion scene with the Kazan Mother of God, St. Nicholas, St. George and the Archangel Michael, tempera and gilt on panel, pencil inscription verso “Dumitru, Sanda Riduga”, 15″ high, 11 1/2″ wide; a large and impressive Greek icon of Saints Constantine and Helen, the full length figures of Saint Constantine the Great and Saint Helen with the cross of Christ below an ascended Christ, the frame with Saint Nicholas, Saint Paul and others in niches. Tempera and gilt on panel. Signed and inscribed lower left and right, bearing date 1886, 25″ high, 19″ wide; an icon of Saint Maria Kazanskya, pigments and silver leaf on panel, 15 1/2″ high, 11 1/2″ wide; an icon of St. Paraskevc in .950 silver riza, framed, sight size 7 1/2″ high, 5 1/4″ wide; and a German icon of St. George and the dragon, reverse painting on glass, framed, 12 3/4″ high, 10” wide.

The Stamford Museum and Nature Center located on 39 Scofieldtown Road in Stamford has organized an exceptional photography exhibit featuring images by members of the Women Photographers of Connecticut Collective that opens on Feb. 17 and runs through Monday, May, 29. The opening reception of this show is on Friday, February 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bendal Mansion.

This exhibition explores the importance of water in our lives and how human activity impacts the waterways of Connecticut. It also explores how impacted waterways can be reclaimed and natural ecosystems restored.

These concepts are explored through dramatic and poignant images captured by the Women Photographers of Connecticut, a diverse group of women photographers from across the state. This exhibition is being presented at a critical moment for the community, as the National Weather Service has recently reclassified the ongoing drought in Fairfield County as severe, with ground water, wells, rivers, and streams all below normal levels.

There are two events connected with this exhibition, the first is the Farm to Table Dinner that is being held on Febraury 25 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. This sumptuous farm to table dining experience in the elegant setting of the Bendel Mansion, will feature the cuisine of Executive Chef Carlos Baez of The Spread in South Norwalk, Connecticut. Rave reviews from food critics and bloggers, not to mention a highly touted appearance on the Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay,” have earned Carlos a devoted following among local foodies. A Connecticut Magazine Reader’s Poll cited his to be the Best Apps in the state, helping The Spread to win the award for Best New Restaurant and a second-place nod for Overall Excellence.

On March 8 there will be a hands on workshop with Julie Avellino a photographer with work that will be on display to move participants from the idea and hobby you love to a profitable and scalable business opportunity designed by you, for you, and in support of your life goals. On March 26, Heather Liebensohn, whose work is also on display will explain her journey from taking everyday photos to becoming a professional photographer.

KidsPlay Children’s Museum will present the third annual KidsPlay Family Fun Fair on Sunday, February 19, 2017, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Warner Theatre and KidsPlay Children’s Museum. This event is all about family, community, and fun. A single $15 Family Ticket admits a household of up to 6 people. Advance sales are available at KidsPlay Children’s Museum, and tickets will be available the day of the event at both KidsPlay and the Warner Theatre.

The event includes three, live stage shows in the Carole and Ray Neag Studio:

At 12:00 pm, Two-time Grammy nominees, The Pop Ups, will bring their rock and roll puppet show to the stage. This high-energy journey transports audiences into a whimsical, educational world with dancing robots, A fire-stomping rhino, live-drawing, huge balloons, full scale puppets, even a costume party! This highly interactive show unfolds, propelled by award winning music, and dance beats that will catapult both young and old out of their seats! The Pop Ups have toured with Yo Gabba Gabba Live and continue to perform their rock and roll puppet musical live show to sold-out audiences across the U.S.

At 1:30 pm, Magician Peter James will bring magic and wonder to the stage. He has been amazing audiences for 30 years with his comedic style of magic that is appropriate for all ages. His performing career has been featured on stage and television. Peter is also an experienced teacher of magic.

At 3:00 pm, Mad Science takes to the stage with, “Science Behind Superheroes.” Discover the real science behind some of the most popular superhero powers! Children will explore the science of flight, how science can make things invisible, and how Spiderman might walk up walls, using fun, high-energy experiments.

For more information visit www.litchfieldhills.com

RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA, the 2013 Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of The King & I and The Sound of Music, will play the Palace Theater in Waterbury February 24 – 26 for four performances, including two matinees. Tickets for CINDERELLA can be purchased online at www.palacetheaterct.org, by phone at 203-346-2000, or in person at the Box Office, 100 East Main St.

Adding to the fun for families attending one of the matinee performances either on Saturday February 25 at 2:00pm or Sunday, February 26 at 1:00pm, the Palace is hosting Princess Parties beforehand to enhance the magical experience. The Palace Princess will be on hand to greet young audience members dressed for the ball and pose with them for selfies. A complimentary treat and beverage is also part of this pre-show activity which begins one hour before each matinee’s curtain time.

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, a new book by Douglas Carter Beane and original book by Oscar Hammerstein II. Originally directed by Mark Brokaw and choreographed by Josh Rhodes, the tour is directed by Gina Rattan and choreographed by Lee Wilkins. Music adaptation and arrangements are by David Chase and music supervision is by Greg Anthony Rassen. Orchestrations are by Bill Elliott and are adapted from the original Broadway orchestrations by Danny Troob.

Another fun promotion leading up to the show’s engagement entitled” If the Shoe Fits” allows all ticket buyers a chance to enter a drawing to win a Date Night gift package filled with some fabulous treats including: Drive a BMW for the weekend Courtesy of Hoffman BMW of Watertown
Dine in Style with an Entrees & Encores restaurant Gift Card –$75 value compliments of one of the theater’s Entrees & Encores partner restaurants Floral Bouquet – Compliments of Graham’s Florist Sweets for Your Sweetie – compliments of Hardcore Sweet Cupcake.

All ticket buyers (regardless of when or how you purchased your tickets) are eligible to be entered into a random drawing for the Cinderella Date Night Package.
To enter, participants with a valid ticket must come to the Palace Box Office to try on the “Glass Slipper” courtesy of Kathy Faber Designs, have picture taken trying on the shoe, post the photo on either Facebook or Instagram, and tag the Palace Theater. A random drawing will take place the week of February 20 and the winner of the Date Night gift package notified.