Litchfield – Page 11 – Connecticut Travel

Farms and Barns Art Show at The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm in Litchfield Hills

February - Eric Sloane — February – Eric Sloane

The Silo Gallery at Hunt Hill Farm located in the Litchfield Hills on 44 Upland Rd. in New Milford Connecticut is hosting an opening reception on Friday, August 2 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. for the new Barns and Farms Exhibit that runs through October 5. Tosto, Laurence Neufeld, son and nephew of the Neufelds, and Art Kerber, of Millerton’s Green River Gallery who is offering a selection of Eric Sloane paintings, will be greeting guests at the reception. The artwork in the gallery is available for purchase, and Tosto will also be accepting future commissions.

This exhibit that is hung in the hayloft gallery at The Silo features the work of some of the areas best known artists: Eric Sloane and Woldemar Neufeld. Also on display will be works from Kate Neufeld, Woldemar’s sister, and by Merryall resident Frank Tosto.

The artists, each in their own style, have documented buildings, vistas and the history of their era. While the Neufelds and Sloane are deceased, Tosto carries on the tradition of recording the landscapes of our time for posterity.

This exhibit shows that barns are are more than just buildings. They are a witness to centuries of change. In this era of sustainable agriculture, part of the mission at Hunt Hill Farm is their focus on teaching future generations the importance of farming and barns through active adaptive usage of our historic buildings.

The Barns and Farm exhibit will be augmented in September by the addition of Barn Again, a retired Smithsonian Institution Main Street exhibit, now in the hands of Hunt Hill Farm.

The Silo Gallery and Store are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, please call Liba Furhman at (860) 355-0300 or visit http://www.hunthillfarmtrust.org.

For area information http://www.litchfieldhills.com.

About The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm
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.

July 31, 2013July 10, 2013

JanetLeave a comment

Litchfield House Tour – a tradition in Litchfield Hills

The 66th Annual Open House Day Tour of Litchfield to benefit the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, rain or shine. Conducted by the Litchfield Aid of CJR, an auxiliary volunteer organization established for the sole purpose of supporting the Connecticut Junior Republic, this year’s tour features five homes of historic and architectural interest and a lovely garden in the quaint community of Milton.

Hidden away among Litchfield’s country lanes and back roads, this storybook village features many fine homes, as well as the charming Milton Center Historic District, which flourished on waterpower until the middle of the 19th Century. Surrounded by farmland and woods, Milton is a lovely destination often missed by visitors to Litchfield.

In addition to the featured homes, the self-guided tour will also include additional points of interest in Milton and Litchfield, including the Milton Congregational Church, Trinity Episcopal Church and Milton Hall, as well as the beautiful churches in the center of Litchfield, the Litchfield History Museum, Tapping Reeve Law School and Lourdes of Litchfield.

The tour begins on the Town of Litchfield’s historic central Green. Ticket sales, information and a “lost and found” will be located here. Famous for its grand and elegant homes, Litchfield’s historic district offers visitors many opportunities for walking, fine dining and shopping in a quintessential New England town.

The following homes are featured on this year’s tour:

THE DEACON PETER BUELL HOUSE
This remarkable 1723 center-chimney, chestnut framed Georgian farmhouse was constructed by Captain/Deacon John Buell near a place commonly called “Watch Tower.” The dwelling was passed on to his son, Peter, in 1734, and a “lean-to” was added. The house was held by the Buell family until 1863, when it was sold, and then reclaimed again in 1923, and finally sold in 1958. In 1961, the house narrowly escaped demolition and was rescued and moved to Milton. Here, the home was restored to reflect domestic life as it existed during Peter and his heirs’ fifty-year tenure. Today, the Buell House stands as a document to 18th century rural family life in Litchfield. Highlights of the home include transverse summer beams, a pine sheathed ceiling, six-over-four sash above entry and wide board chestnut and pine flooring. Extensive renovations recently completed by the home’s current owner include a new rear addition with all the amenities and comforts of modern day living.

DICKINSON FARM
In 1726, Benjamin Boardman was granted the land on which this house stands to work as a farm. Today, the Dickinson Farm is one of the few remaining intact farms in Litchfield, dating back to the 18th century. The existing Colonial house was constructed circa 1760 and was designed as a five bay central chimney residence. During the 19th century, a two bay extension was added, and for a period of time, served as a cobbler’s shop. In 1849, Edwin P. Dickinson bought the house and surrounding farm land. This property remained in his family for the next 110 years. The current owner added on a great room in the back of the house for use as an art studio and to display family art. The fabulous wall mural in the dining room, illustrating Litchfield history, is a continuing work in progress.

FOX RIDGE COTTAGE
Built in 1996, this stunning Adirondack-style Cape home was sited on a granite ridge overlooking a small stream and fox den. The interior features include nine-foot ceilings, wide plank hardwood flooring, two fireplaces and a state-of-the-art kitchen. Attached to the back of the house is a screened three season porch, and an outdoor hot tub and shower, with undisturbed views of the woods. Towards the back of the home is a new outdoor retreat center. This enchanting section of the garden features unique stump seating around an open fire pit. The grounds on the south side of the home include a heart-shaped herb garden and a crescent moon-shaped perennial garden.

WHITE BRIDGE FARM
The oldest part of this home was built by Levi Coe, Sr., circa 1787, on twelve acres. In 1832, Levi Coe, Jr. inherited the home and enlarged the property to 300 acres, added the Greek Revival elements to the house and named it Cloverdale Farm. The notable Greek Revival details include recessed panels on the pilasters, double fascia board with stringcourse molding, and the trabeated (horizon beams or lintels), in the entry. The south parlor displays distinctive door surrounds with eared architraves (moldings surrounding doors), and splayed (oblique angled or beveled) frames. The newel post is original to the house. Also of historic significance are the maple trees lining the front of the house, which are said to have been planted by Civil War veterans. The glass greenhouse on the south elevation is a modern addition. An in-ground pool, bath house, tennis courts, livestock arena, two barns and a 1920’s office building are located on the property.

WILLIAM SPRAT(S) HOUSE
William Sprat(s), a British soldier of Scottish decent, came to Hartford and Litchfield as a paroled war prisoner following the defeat of General Burgoyne, prior to 1779. Sprat(s) bought five acres of land in Milton in 1786 and as a trained architect and builder, built his own small gambrel dwelling. The house, erected in 1787 with a chimney and front entry on the original North-end, was typically called a “half-house.” A shoemaker’s shop operated in the residence from 1814-1834. In the 20th century, the present north side and gambrel roof were joined to the original house. Dormers were added in the 1920’s. Highlights of the original house include the well in the kitchen, the raised panel doors throughout the house, Litchfield hardware on some doors and a five light transom above the door. Of interest outside are a vintage three seat outhouse and various sheds.

STARR AND ZIEHL GARDEN
At the end of this delightful formal garden, an Adirondack-style pergola overlooks a small brook with a large granite slab set in the earth to serve as a bridge. Gravel paths lead to an impressive sized millstone centered within the courtyard and an Adirondack-style bench sits on the opposite side of the pergola to take in a view of the entire garden. The north side of the garden includes shade perennials and decorative stone work. Ornamental pear and cherry trees in stone lined ovals, lead your eye to a stone bench, anchoring the South side of the garden. Other plants in the garden include hornbeams – a small hardwood tree, as well as boxwoods, blueberry bushes and honeysuckle growing on a trellis.

TICKETS
Tickets and information about the evening tour and cocktail reception may be obtained by calling the Connecticut Junior Republic (860) 567-9423, ext. 278. Advance tickets for the general tour on Saturday are $30.00 and may be ordered by contacting the Litchfield Aid of CJR, P.O. Box 214, Litchfield, Connecticut 06759. Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your credit card information, or check or money order, made payable to: Litchfield Aid of CJR. Those using credit cards (American Express, MasterCard and Visa) for payment should provide account name, number, security code and expiration date. Discover Card is NOT accepted. Advance orders are non-refundable and must be received no later than Friday, June 28. Requests for tickets after this date will be held for pick-up on the day of the tour at the ticket tent on the Green. Special rates are available for tour groups that reserve a minimum of 20 tickets in advance.

Tickets for the Saturday Tour from 10: AM to 4:00 PM will be sold on the date of the event for $35.00 for adults and children on the Litchfield Green. (No charge for infants.) Further information about the House Tour and ticket sales may be accessed online: www.litchfieldhousetour.org.

The Litchfield History Museum and the Tapping Reeve House and Law School, recognized as the first law school in America, will be included in the admission price of the tour. The History Museum is currently featuring the exhibition, The Hour of Conflict. This exhibition examines the ways in which the American Civil War im¬pacted the residents of Litchfield, Con¬necticut in the 1860s, and will be on display for the House Tour.

LUNCHEON
Visitors may enjoy lunch at the Connecticut Junior Republic for $7.00 from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. A choice of a seafood salad or smoked turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich plate, including pasta salad, brownie, and iced tea, will be offered by CJR students. The luncheon may be viewed on the House Tour website: www.litchfieldhousetour.org.

AREA INFORMATION www.litchfieldhills.com

July 8, 2013June 26, 2013

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.

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.

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.

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.

June 28, 2013June 28, 2013

JanetLeave a comment

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

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

June 21, 2013May 16, 2013

JanetLeave a comment

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.

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.

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.

June 16, 2013June 6, 2013

JanetLeave a comment

Gary-The Olivia Theater Announces Summer Season

Side View of Theater at Abbey of Regina Laudis

The Gary-The Olivia Theater is located in Bethlehem Connecticut on the grounds of the Abbey of Regina Laudis. This lovely open-air theater built in 1982 seats 300 people. The theater is covered but opens at the back to the woods of the Abbey land, and the trees and birds are often a feature of the theatrical world that is created on stage. The link between drama and monastic life is an ancient one, but The Gary-The Olivia Theater in particular owes its existence to Reverend Mother Dolores Hart, the actress, who in 1963 gave up a successful Hollywood career to become a nun at the Abbey. Each summer several annual performances are given in this theater.

The Pitmen Painters written by Lee Hall and loosely based on a book written by William Feaver will be performed June 14 – June 23. The Pitmen Painters is an inspirational story about a close-knit group of miners in Northeast England in the 1930’s who enroll in an art appreciation class as a way of bettering themselves. The story follows members of the group as they interact with a university art instructor, experiment with actual painting and gradually build a body of work that establishes them as The Ashington Group, a briefly celebrated group of painters in the 30’s and 40’s. Receiving critical acclaim in London and on Broadway, The Pitmen Painters is a humorous, thought provoking and moving testament to friendship, human aspiration and the transforming power of art.

A second show, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning musical Fiorello will be performed from August 1 – 11. Fiorello follows the dynamic professional and political career of Fiorello La Guardia. Elected to Congress in 1916 and 1918, and again from 1922 through 1930 La Guardia served as Mayor of New York for three terms from 1934 to 1945 and was a major influence in the making of modern day New York. He is considered by many to be one of the greatest mayors in American history. Only five feet tall, he was called “the Little Flower” (“Fiorello” is Italian for “little flower”). The original Broadway production opened at the Broadhurst Theatre in 1959, and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1960.

General admission seats ($20 Pitmen. $22 Fiorello) for these shows are available now online at http://www.thegarytheolivia.com For special group rates (10 or more) please contact Susan Hackel 860 355-5553 or e-mail pr@thegarytheolivia.com.

The opening night gala/fundraiser for The Gary-The Olivia Theater is on June 14th (opening night, The Pitmen Painters-$25 pp) and on August 1st (opening night, Fiorello-$28 pp) with wines from Walker Road Vineyards in Woodbury, CT paired with local farmstead cheeses and a meet and greet with the performers.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com