Category: Connecticut Travel

Tina Puckett, owner of Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art has been awarded nationally and internationally and is displaying her work at four locations this holiday season. At the heart of all of Puckett’s baskets, sculptures, wall hangings, and “Dymentional Weaves” is the bittersweet vine that she forages throughout northwest Connecticut. Her work comes at a variety of price points and is highly sought after, making her work a special holiday gift.

Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art will be participating in the prestigious Artists Collective of Westport’s “Small Works Holiday Show” on December 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and December 15 – 18 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gallery at the Westport Playhouse located on 25 Powers Drive in Westport. The Artists Collective of Westport is a group of creative individuals that display their work at a variety of galleries and pop-up shows that draws visitors in because it is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

Beginning on December 22, 2022, and running through, February 14, 2023, Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art will be participating at the Brice S. Kershner Art Gallery, in a show titled, “New Beginnings After the Pause,” at the Fairfield Public Library at 1080 Old Post Road in Fairfield, CT. There will be a reception on December 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. where guests can meet the artists to find out what inspires their work. The Gallery is open Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat. from 12 noon to 5 p.m. and Sun. from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Branching out of Connecticut, into New York, Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art will be participating in the Spencertown Academy Art Center show, “Crafts by Any Other Name,” on Saturdays and Sundays through December 18, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a fine selection of baskets, bowls, and wall hangers available. In addition to Tina Puckett, other participating artists include ceramicist, JoAnn Axford, artist, Shaari Horowitz, woodworker Alistair Jones, quilter, Katharina Litchman, and metal artist, Munya Avigail Upin. Spencertown Academy is known as a hive of creative activity that offers a variety of signature events and gallery shows, including this show that offers a variety of superlative work. Spencertown Academy is located at 790 Rte. 203, in Spencertown, New York.

The holiday merriment continues, year-round at Tina’s studio located at #305 Whiting Mills at 100 Whiting Street in Winsted on Saturdays and Sundays through December 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. A visit to Tina’s atmospheric studio gives folks the chance to chat with the artist to find out what inspires her work and watching her weave her wondrous wares.

About Tina’s Baskets
Tina Puckett is an internationally awarded weaver of baskets and woven arts. You can see her works in her studio #305/ Tina’s Baskets. Located at Whiting Mills in Winsted, Connecticut. Tina has been weaving since 1981 using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet vines and a variety of found objects like beads or seagrass. Her work is showcased at galleries across the World and as well at her own gallery/studio where you will often find her weaving on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are preferred and can be arranged by texting 860-309-6934.

Once again this year the Fairfield Museum and History Center has set up its annual Holiday Express Train Show that will be on display through January 2, 2023.

Don’t miss this holiday tradition! Young and old alike delight in the large and small-scale model trains winding around spectacular winter villages and beautiful holiday scenery. Members of the Fairfield-based Housatonic Model Railroad Club, the Connecticut G-Scalers Club, and the Central Connecticut G-Gaugers Club will be on hand to answer questions and point out details of the collectibles, classic trains, modular dioramas, and antique trains in this eye-popping holiday display.

The train show can be viewed Monday – Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Museum Members and children aged 5 and younger can visit for FREE. The museum will be closed on Christmas and New Years Day. If you become a member in December, you receive 18 months for the price of a 12-month membership! This offer is valid for new members only. Members receive discounts on programs and free admission all year long.

To get into the holiday mood, on December 17 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. the museum is offering a Candy House Workshop. Kids can celebrate the magic of the season by creating a sweet and colorful Candy House built with recycled materials and lots of sweet treats! Let your imagination bring to life a holiday scene decorated with gumdrops, peppermints, marshmallows, licorice, and more! The cost is $25 per house. Workshops will run from 10:00-11:30am, 12-1:30pm, and 2:00-3:30pm.

The Stepping Stone Museum for Children located in Mathews Park in Norwalk is hosting a light celebration that is ideal for families. The light show takes place on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 1 pm through December 31 by the New England-based entertainment company Cirque de Light.

The show is sure to delight children of all ages with its high-energy, circus-themed light performance featuring amazing choreography, high-end light technology, comedy, tricks, custom costumes, and audience participation. Performers will light up the Multimedia Gallery stage with logo-displaying LED poi, hula hoop tricks, and other visually-inspiring light manipulations. This show is free with museum admission. Space is limited. Tickets will be distributed in the museum on the day of the show on a first-come, first-served basis.

On December 17 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. the New Canaan-based New England Academy of Dance will perform an abbreviated family-friendly production of The Nutcracker ballet. Showcasing dancers from the company, as well as esteemed professionals from New York City, The Nutcracker brings audiences of all ages together to celebrate dance and holiday traditions. This interactive event allows audience members to meet-and-greet the characters and participate in a dance workshop aimed to inspire young dancers.

Free with museum admission. Space is limited. Tickets will be distributed in the museum on the day of the show on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rhubarb the two-toed sloth will officially take on the duties and responsibilities of Mayor of the Zoo on Thursday, December 8 at 9:30 a.m.in the Zoo’s Rainforest Building. The Swearing-In Ceremony will be conducted by Zoo Director Gregg Dancho and witnessed by Zoo staff and rainforest friends. After taking the official oath of office, Rhubarb will have the opportunity to make remarks or to go back to sleep.

The Farmyard Party earlier issued a statement on behalf of the current mayor, Harry the Guinea Hog, promising allegiance to Rhubarb and a smooth transfer of power. As the second-place winner, Goncalo the Maned Wolf will serve as runner up if Rhubarb is unable to fulfill his duties through the duration of his term. Rhubarb is the first sloth to hold the Zoo’s highest office. The ceremony will be carried out live on the Zoo’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.

The highly contested race was decided by online votes, with the public voting for the candidate of their choice by making a one-dollar donation for each vote. “Rhubarb will not be in a hurry to make changes, but he promises not to leave his constituents hanging,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “By electing an animal as mayor of the Zoo, we hope to recognize the unique contributions of our animal family and highlight the importance of biodiversity to the planet.” Mayor Rhubarb will hold a 12-month term.

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo:
Let your curiosity run wild! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 100th year, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur tiger and leopards, maned wolves, and Mexican gray wolves and red wolf. Other highlights include our Spider Monkey Habitat, the prairie dog exhibit, and the Pampas Plain with giant anteaters and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can grab a bite from the Peacock Café and eat in the Picnic Grove. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a non-profit organization celebrating its Centennial year when the mission of helping fragile wildlife populations and ecosystems is more important than ever. Tickets must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org.

The holiday season is in full swing, and shoppers will find a fantastic assortment of gifts – including dozens of locally made items – at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center’s Holiday Boutique in the Barn! Located in our beautiful historic red carriage barn, the Holiday Boutique is open from Thursdays to Sundays through December 18.

KTM&HC volunteer and Holiday Boutique coordinator Rhonda Hill emphasized that proceeds from Holiday Boutique sales provide crucial support for KTM&HC’s mission-driven work. “This event is a key source of revenue for our museum each year, and it’s also a great opportunity to highlight the talent of local artists, artisans, and authors: artwork by Tina Phillips, Tracy Hoerdemann, Cheryl Crowl, Connie Fenton, Anthony Villanueva; gold-leaf trees by Joann Spence; jewelry by Susie Singers; books by Ira Joe Fisher and Douglas Haynes; and so much more! Many of these items are exclusive to the Holiday Boutique and limited in quantity, so be sure to stop in soon.”

The Holiday Boutique also features jewelry and cards created by local high school artists, as well as items provided by Regional Hospice. Proceeds from sales of the latter will benefit their organization. Popular products with national attention – like Bee’s Wrap, Stonewall Kitchen products, and crystal phone chargers featured on the Today Show – are selling quickly. And don’t leave without a container or two of our famous cranberry chutney, a decades-long tradition with an award-winning recipe! Purchase at the Holiday Boutique or order online.

The Holiday Boutique is open through December 18, Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking is available on site at 152 Main Street, Ridgefield. For more information, go to our website at www.keelertavernmuseum.org/events.

About Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center
Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC), located on Main Street in Ridgefield, CT, tells the town’s—and nation’s—history through the stories of its past residents. The four-acre historic site features an expanded site experience featuring museum and walking tour options, rotating exhibits, and access to the scenic grounds and gardens. Additional information, including updates about on-site and virtual programming and events, as well as rental availability of the Garden House, can be found at keelertavernmuseum.org, @KeelerTavernMuseum on Facebook and Instagram, or by emailing info@keelertavernmuseum.org. For inquiries about school programs and digital learning experiences, please email education@keelertavernmuseum.org.

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After a two-year hiatus, tours of the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum, decorated for the Christmas season, will once again be offered this December. Built-in 1900, this grand house was home to the Hotchkiss and Fyler families for more than half a century and in 1956, was bequeathed to the Torrington Historical Society. The interior features impressive woodwork, painted and stenciled walls, original furnishings, and collections of fine and decorative arts. Guided daytime tours of the first floor will be available on select days beginning December 8th and ending December 30th. Admission is $10 ($5 for Torrington Historical Society members). Children 6 and under are free. Guided evening tours of the first and second floors will be offered on December 7th and December 14th. Admission is $20 per person.

One of Connecticut’s best house museums, the Hotchkiss-Fyler House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A tour of this house provides visitors with a rare opportunity to view a historic home as it was when last occupied. At Christmas, the house takes on a particularly festive look. This year, inspired by the icy landscape of winter and the season’s outdoor activities, the Hotchkiss-Fyler House will take on a different appearance than in past years. Silver decorations and lights, combined with traditional decor, add a bit of sparkle against the paneled interior and gold stenciled walls.

Vintage sleds and skis, as well as skates manufactured at the Union Hardware Company of Torrington, will be on display. The rooms on the first floor will be decorated with an array of Christmas trees and greenery. One of the many trees will feature antique ornaments from a private collection while another will be decorated with vintage ornaments from the Society’s collection. Antique toys from the Society’s collection will be displayed as will a 1950s aluminum tree, both of which are sure to delight visitors. In addition, the dining room table will be set for Christmas dinner with the fine china, crystal, silverware, and linens that belonged to Gertrude Fyler Hotchkiss, the last occupant of the house.

For more information, call (860) 482-8260 or visit www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org.