Tag: Connecticut

Darien SideWalk Sales and Family Fun Days 2013

darien sidewalk 3

Darien is a lovely seaside community located on Fairfield County’s “gold coast” in the southwest corner of Connecticut. Every year, the Darien Chamber of Commerce holds the annual Sidewalk Sales & Family Fun Day. This year, the long anticipated Sidewalk Sale will take place on Thursday, Friday & Saturday, July 11-13, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Live bands, kids toys and bargains galore rain or shine are highlights of this fun family event.

This popular sales event features Darien merchants exhibiting along the Post Road and at the Goodwives and Noroton Heights Shopping Centers. This event is perfect for treasure hunters and bargain hunters because discounts of up to 70% can be found here. A special highlight of this event will take place on Saturday, July 13th, when Day Street will be closed to vehicular traffic permitting participants stroll around the event safely and enjoy the bargains, shade and hanging flower baskets while kids have a blast on the children’s inflatables.

dairen sidewalk

There will be children’s entertainment on Thursday, July 11 with a toy on the Post Road, and face painters at First County Bank. On Friday, July 12, there will be children’s entertainment including Home Run Challenge in Noroton Heights, in front of William Pitt Sotheby’s Int’l Realty, on Day Street and behind First County Bank & 1020 Post Road and live music in Gofer Plaza. In addition to this fun, the Uncle’s Hot Dog Cart will be in front of the Darien Fire Department and the Fire Truck will be out for children to enjoy. There will also be a visit from the Blue Fish Mascot that will entertain shoppers of all ages.

darien sidewalk 2

On Saturday, July 13, in addition to the bargains to be found, there will be a face painter in Noroton Heights near Edward Tunick, BB the Bluefish Mascot, Zumba for the Family, an inflatable slide on Day Street (which will be closed to vehicular traffic), a huge inflatable Back Yard Obstacle Course behind First County Bank., and free balloons in Goodwives Shopping Plaza for the children to enjoy. For more information contact www.darienctchamber.com. For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.

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Biennial International Miniature Print Exhibition at Center for Contemporary Printmaking

Anne Desmet
Anne Desmet

The Center for Contemporary Printmaking schedules five major exhibitions per year, in the Grace Ross Shanley Gallery, including an Annual Members’ Exhibition, and 3 solo or group shows featuring prominent printmaking artists. The Biennial International Footprint Competition and Exhibition takes place on even-numbered years and the Biennial International Miniature Print Competition and Exhibition takes place on odd-numbered years.

On view through September 1 is the 9th Biennial Miniature Print Exhibition at the Center for Contemporary Printmaking located on 299 West Ave. in Norwalk. Visitors can view 225 tiny prints on the wall and 600 additional miniature prints in loose-leaf portfolios. View original miniature prints from 30 countries worldwide, including Argentina, Austria, Australia, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, England, Estonia, France, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Thailand, Germany, Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Switzerland, Sweden and the Ukraine.

S. Ragavan
S. Ragavan

A series of workshops are also being offered in July. To register for a workshop call 203-899-7999 or email info@contemprints.org.

On July 17 there will be a workshop on the figure and the monotype with Monitor Nomi Silverman from 6 to 9 pm and is open to 6 participants. Participants in this class will work from the model, using printing inks and working in much the same way as Degas. The work is printed with the assistance of artist/printmaker Nomi Silverman. Subsequent reworked impressions can also be pulled to achieve depth of color. Or as Degas frequently did, a second paler or ghost impression can also be printed and used as a ground for later pastel additions.

A two day weekend workshop on painterly solarplate prints will take place from July 20-July 21 with Kate McGloughlin. Participants will create a suite of painterly prints using solar plates and monoprinting techniques to realize their imagery. Workshop participants are invited to bring existing solar plates, or create new ones, using wet and dry media to discover the rich visual vocabulary achieved by various inking and wiping techniques.

A four-day workshop will take place from July 26- July 29 on the painterly print with Julio Valdez. his intensive workshop combines two of the most exciting and safe contemporary printmaking techniques: “silk aquatint” and “monotype”. Participants use waterbased inks and a silk aquatint (silk collagraph) plate, a non-acid alternative to etching, to create a series of prints and related works on paper.

For more information visit http://www.contemprints.org. For area information visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.

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Summer Concerts at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk

Summer nights in Norwalk mean music by the Sound, and there is no better place to enjoy a concert as the sunsets than at Calf Pasture Beach. In addition to music, four concert evenings begin with a classic car show organized by The Coachmen for several hundred-car buffs from throughout the tri-state area.

Billy Genuario
Billy Genuario

On July 3, Norwalk will celebrate its annual Independance Day Celebration (rain date July 5). Dance to the Music with DJ Nuxxo opens Shady Beach entertainment at 6 p.m. and family fun at Calf Pasture Beach starts at 5:30 p.m. with The Amazing Andy Show. Bill Genuario, one of the most popular vocalists in the tri-state area, headlines at 8:00 p.m. at Shady Beach. He will be joined by his band, Destiny, which includes Tommy Hartlett (keyboard and vocals), Linda Fakundiny (guitar/vocals), Johnny Mennonna (bass guitar) and Ron Nihoff (drums). Parking will be available at Calf Pasture Beach only.

On July 10 at 6:30 p.m. concertgoers will enjoy Curious Creatures, a hands on exhibit of exotic animals followed by Scarborough Fair. With voices that blend effortlessly into that Simon & Garfunkel signature sound, brothers Jeb and Jock Guthrie pay tribute to the famous musical duo.

A Classic Car Show beginning at 6:00 p.m. on July 17 is followed by the music of The Royal Kings. This musical ensemble features vocalists Joey Bennett, Douglas Dorsey, Timmy Hayes, Tommy Talercio and Richard “Cookie” Thomas. These performers have opened for headlining acts from the 50s, 60s and 70s that include Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Little Anthony, AWB and the Flamingos. They continue to perform on the Oldies Rock and Roll circuit, as well as concerts and special events, and have two CDs, “Dreamin’ Through the Years” and “Dreamin’ at Christmas.”

Fleetwood Macked
Fleetwood Macked

The final July concert on July 24 headlines Fleetwood Macked at 7 p.m. This tribute band recreates the musical experience of Fleetwood Mac’s most popular line-up — Mick Fleetwood (Frank Saitta), John and Christine McVie (Bobby Trombley and Sue Rowe), Stevie Nicks (Hillary Epstein) and Lindsey Buckingham (Mike Epstein).

The Facts
Each Wednesday night throughout the summer, area residents look forward to packing a picnic and a blanket and heading to the beach to enjoy a relaxing evening of music beside Long Island Sound. A $5.00 parking fee is charged for cars without a Norwalk beach sticker. For updates and additional information call the Norwalk Recreation and Parks Office at 203-854-7807. All concerts have a rain date of the following day. For cancellation information call 203-854-7938. A $20.00 parking fee is charged for cars without a Norwalk beach sticker.

JanetLeave a comment

Treasures of the Jazz Age at the American Clock and Watch Museum

The American Clock & Watch Museum located on 100 Maple Street in Bristol has announced the opening of its latest exhibition Art Deco Timepieces: Treasures of the Jazz Age. This exhibit will be on view through December 8, 2013.

clocks

In the 1920’s after the “war to end all wars”, with prosperity on the horizon, people wanted to sport their fashions. Watchmakers were not left behind in this fashion craze that saw the introduction of wristwatches with cushion, tonneau, and large curved cases. Today, vintage art deco watches of the 1920’s and 1930’s are highly sought after by collectors and some of today’s large watch houses have replicated them because of their style and elegant look.

artpendant1

If you are an admirer of anything Art Deco, this is a must see exhibition that is a celebration of their triumph, the ‘Golden Age’ of timepieces and design. The exhibit that has been guest curated by Strickland Vintage Watches of Tampa showcases vintage watches and celebrates the design elements portrayed in the timepieces and advertisements of the 1920s and 1930s.

bristolingraham

The global phenomenon of Art Deco was brilliant, pervasive, and influential. It was a class distinction that rose above class and could be found on the wrists and in the pockets of anyone during that golden era. Watch manufacturers — specifically the great American watch houses — produced exquisite and attainable examples of Art Deco mastery. Art Deco design exudes sophistication and grace whether it’s portrayed in furniture, fine art, clothing styles, advertising, or timepieces. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 8.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN CLOCK AND WATCH MUSEUM

Learn about American clock & watchmaking with particular emphasis on Connecticut, once the clock capital of the US. The museum holds one of the largest displays of American clocks and watches in the world, over 5,500! As visitors travel through the museum’s eight galleries, these timekeeping devices chime and strike upon the hour. Located in the historic “Federal Hill” district of Bristol, the museum is housed in an 1801 Federal-style home with a sundial garden. For more information www.clockandwatchmuseum.org.

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Celebrate Henry Ward Beecher’s 200th Birthday with the Litchfield Historical Society

Henry Ward Beecher Courtesy of the Helga J. Ingraham Memorial Library
Henry Ward Beecher Courtesy of the Helga J. Ingraham Memorial Library

This year is the 200th anniversary of Litchfield native and famous preacher Henry Ward Beecher’s birth. Join the Litchfield Historical Society on Monday, June 24 at 7:00 pm for a celebration of Beecher’s birthday, as well as a discussion of Debby Applegate’s 2007 Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, The Most Famous Man in America: The Biography of Henry Ward Beecher.

Led by retired Litchfield High School English teacher Jerry Geci, the conversation will focus on Beecher as a fascinating and complex man: celebrated in his own time, though not untouched by scandal. The Most Famous Man in America creates a powerful portrait of Beecher, highlighting both his charisma and his flaws. Applegate’s book has been touted as “Thoroughly researched, passionately written, and richly detailed” (Harry S. Stout). Joan Hendricks, a Harriet Beecher Stowe scholar calls it “A lively narrative of nineteenth-century religion, power, passion, and politics, as well as a perceptive study of the elusive preacher who rode them to the top.”

Whether you think Beecher was a saint or a scoundrel, please join us for a rousing book discussion. We will also view Beecher family-related items from the Historical Society’s collections and have birthday cake.

This event is free; a copy of the book can be purchased for $8 from the Historical Society. Please register by Friday, June 14, to receive a copy of the book. To register, call (860) 567-4501 or email registration@litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

The Litchfield History Museum is located at 7 South Street, Litchfield, CT. For more information about this or upcoming programs, please call (860) 567-4501 or see www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

For area information visit www.litchfieldhills.com

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Open Your Eyes Studio Tour & Showcase in Litchfield Hills

L. Petrocine - Wetlands
L. Petrocine – Wetlands

Artists in the Litchfield Hills are opening their doors to the public this summer on June 22 and 23 free of charge. In the Open your eyes Studio Tour sponsored by the Northwest CT Arts Council, twenty-nine artists and eight performers in New Milford and Kent will open their studios to the public.

Artists will open their creative spaces to the public on Saturday and Sunday along the tour route to show their work and discuss their creative processes. The artists’ media represented on the tour include painting, printmaking, sculpting, photography, metal sculpture, woodworking, wool spinning, dying & weaving, installation work, bookmaking, digital art, drawing, ceramics, and jewelry. The artists are Terri Tibbatts, Bill Merklein, Silver Sun Studio, Michael Everett, Linda Petrocine, Peter Kirkiles, Alison Palmer, Peter Kukresh, Lauri Zarin, Scott Bricher, Naya Bricher, Mary Terrizzi, Ed Martinez, Deborah Chabrian, Jill Scholsohn, Richard Stalter, Susan Grisell, Barbara Dull, Stephen Dull, Elizabeth Mullins, Susan Millins, Kathleen L’Hommedieu, Peter Catchpole, Patrick Purcell, Chris Osborne, Joel Spector, Anda Styler, Lynn WEllings, and Diane Dubreuil.

Tibbatts
Tibbatts

Performers for the Showcase on Saturday, June 22 from 5 – 9 pm on the New Milford Green will include TheatreWorks New Milford, musician Tom Hooker Hanford, Artists in Motion (dance), composer/pianist Sharon Ruchman, Larry Hunt from Masque Theatre, Buzz Turner on acoustic guitar, Rebecca Moore Dance, and True Jensen who perform rock and R & B cover music.

Jill Scholsohn
Jill Scholsohn

For more information about Open Your Eyes Studio Tour & Showcase go to OpenYourEyesTour.org or contact the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council at (860) 618-0075 or mcartsnwct@gmail.com.

JanetLeave a comment