Tag: New England

Annual Founders Day Clambake to Raise Funds for the Institute for American Indian Studies Local Indigenous Artists to be Celebrated

The Institute for American Indian Studies is celebrating its annual Founders Day Clambake on Saturday, September 14, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Riverwalk Pavilion in Washington Depot, 11 School Street. Along with the traditional Indigenous foods of lobster, clams, corn, and potatoes, guests will be treated to an array of artworks by two featured artists, painter Claudine Purdue and fashion designer Brandi Sawyer-Emmons. A silent auction will feature original artwork by local artists such as Elizabeth McDonald and Ruth Jaffe, as well as prints by Cora Marshall, a Native American artist, gift certificates and items from local businesses, and many other items and collectibles. Ojibwe flute artist Allen Mahahbee will perform and is offering one of his hand-made flutes to the silent auction.

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The cost to attend this fundraiser is $75.00 per person. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. No tickets will be sold at the door. To register, visit online at https://www.iaismuseum.org by September 12.

The focus on Indigenous visual arts is new this year, as the IAIS is publicizing its annual art scholarship program. The Institute gives a small stipend to an emerging Native American artist currently enrolled in an arts program and offers them an opportunity for a one-person show at the museum. This year’s recipient will be announced at the event. Claudine Purdue is the 2023 artist. Her paintings explore the stories of Mi’Kimaq and Acadians who are her ancestors. Brandi Sawyer-Emmons, known as BThunder, creates Native American-inspired apparel and accessories including her popular Teepee handbag. Clambake attendees will have an opportunity to bid on items created by these two award-winning artists, along with the other silent auction items. Winners will be announced after this dinner.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland, the IAIS offers educational programs, both permanent and changing exhibits and a replicated 16th-century Algonkian village. Its research department maintains extensive archeological and ethnographic collections and conducts archeological digs and other research. Its “Wigwam Escape” escape room offers an opportunity to solve a puzzle while learning about Indigenous life before European settlement. With a focus on “two-eyed seeing”, visitors can learn about the history of the American continent that incorporates more than 12,000-year history of human habitation. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, Connecticut.

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In Native American communities bark rattles are used in a number of traditional ceremonies, dances, and spiritual gatherings. For dancers, they help maintain the beat of the music by complimenting drums. On Saturday, June 22, at 10 a.m. the Institute for American Indian Studies is holding a Bark Rattle Workshop with Richard Chrisjohn (Oneida). An advocate for Indigenous sovereignty and the preservation of traditional teachings, Chrisjohn is a fourth-generation woodcarver who lives on the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation, Akwesasne, in Hogansburg, New York. This hands-on workshop will give participants a better understanding of the Iroquois culture and their traditional approach to our environment.

The highlight of this workshop is to make an elm bark rattle whose shape is dictated by the bark being used or a bark rattle necklace. Rattles and necklaces are made using the inner bark of the American elm tree. The inner portion of the rattle will be filled with small objects that create a rattling sound when shaken. During this workshop, participants will also learn about the history and culture of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, as well as the traditional uses of various trees and natural materials.

This is an outdoor program so participants should dress accordingly. If there is heavy rain or high temperatures, the program will move inside the Institute.

Space is limited and pre-registration is requested. Please visit our website to register online at http://www.iaismuseum.org, email events@iaismuseum.org, or call (860) 868 0518. The price of participation, including materials is $30 for non-members and $20 for members.


About The Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, in Washington, Connecticut.

JanetLeave a comment

Celebrate Oysters and More with the Norwalk Seaport Association June 8, 2024 @ Norm Bloom and Sons Dock

The Norwalk Seaport Association’s signature event, Docktails and Oysters, hosted by Norm Bloom and Sons, a fourth-generation oyster farm in Norwalk, is taking place on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The proceeds from this sell-out event will be used to refurbish the lighthouse to its golden years in the 19th century when it guided ships safely through Norwalk Harbor.

This Sheffield Island-inspired party is casual and fun where you will see old friends and make new ones as you listen to live music, sip beer or wine, and slurp the freshest oysters you will ever taste! “It’s a chance for people to celebrate the Seaport Association’s mission of preserving the Sheffield Island Lighthouse for future generations and have a little fun at an authentic oyster farm,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association.

Oysters have a long history in Norwalk that started with the Native Americans. Today, the techniques and processes used to farm Copps Island Oysters by Norm Bloom and Sons have been used for centuries, making them an extra special treat. If you have never had oysters, literally fresh off the boat, this is your chance to eat your fill of them – so make sure you come hungry! It’s fun to watch the pros shuck the oysters right before your eyes (they make it look so easy) and set them on trays with lemons and an assortment of delicious sauces. The food and fun doesn’t stop there, as guests can snack on passed and stationed appetizers such as bite-sized cheeseburgers, mini chicken biscuits, southern fried chicken, Jimmy’s fried clams, grilled shrimp skewers, truffle mac and cheese tarts, and scrumptious charcuterie and crudité table catered by Seaside Sliders.

A highlight of the event is its location — right on the water at Norm Bloom and Sons dock. Guests are invited to tour the Oyster Museum and to learn how oysters are grown and harvested here and then shipped all over the world. The oyster beds are incubated under the dock where this event takes place. Part of the charm is to see how small oysters actually are when they are young! As soon as they are big enough, the oysters are “planted” on the sandy bottom of the Sound that surrounds the docks. This time-honored system of growing oysters makes them some of the best that you will ever taste; they are prized the world over for their sweet briny flavor and plump meat. Best of all, this is your chance to eat your fill of them for a good cause!

Tickets to this event are limited to 200 people and are $85 online. It is highly recommended to reserve your tickets in advance because this popular event sells out every year. For tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-docktails-oysters-tickets-888586806057?aff=ebdsoporgprofile, if you have questions, please call 203-838-9444.

About the Norwalk Seaport Association
The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

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Creative Day at Whiting Mills – May 11 Take a Free Class with Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art

On May 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the general public will have the opportunity to unleash their inner artist and let their creativity run wild at Whiting Mill’s “Creative Day” where a variety of classes and workshops are offered at no charge. It is the ideal way to step away from the mundane and get your creativity flowing by signing up for up to three classes. Jewelry makers, candle and soap makers, painters, photographers, special effect make–up artists, and a nationally awarded woven arts weaver have joined together to celebrate and nurture the creative spirit that lives in all of us.

The general public is invited to Whiting Mills located at 210 Holabird Rd. in Winsted at 9 a.m. to sign up for two classes of their choice. After completing their two-morning classes that run from one hour to one and a half hours long, they can sign up for one additional class that is not filled up at noon. The artists can offer these classes for free because of grants from a variety of sponsors. All materials are provided and participants will leave with a piece of art that they have created under the guidance of professional artists and craftspeople. In addition to classes, there will be a series of demonstrations throughout the building to show what the creative process entails and to encourage folks to pursue their dreams in the creative arts.

The classes offered by Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art, located in Studio 305, are three of the most coveted of the day because it gives people the chance to work with a nationally and internationally awarded artist. These intensive and fun classes are limited to six people per session and will run about an hour and a half. The lucky folks who sign up for these classes will leave with a small basket that they have handcrafted from Tina’s hand-dyed reeds. The studio itself is a pleasure to explore because it is a treasure trove of hand-woven work that includes baskets, bowls, sculptures, and wall hangings. Each piece is inspired by Tina’s imagination and woven with hand-dyed reeds into beautiful dynamic shapes in delightful color combinations that won’t be found anywhere else. They are an inspiration and may encourage participants to sign up for one of Tina’s extensive group classes that she offers throughout the year for all levels of weaving acumen.

This is the second annual Creative Day at Whiting Mills that is being held to have fun while learning new skills to encourage participants to keep creating!

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Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art to Participate in Open Studio @ Whiting Mills April 27 and 28

Whiting Mills in Winsted is a magnet for creative people and art lovers. On Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28, in honor of their 20th year as an art co-op, they are inviting the public to explore more than 50 artist studios including nationally acclaimed artists like Tina Puckett, owner of Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art, whose work is highly collectible and far from ordinary

Whether you are a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, Whiting Mills has something for everyone. There are studios of woven art, baskets, paintings, photography, printmaking, jewelry, fiber arts, candles, soaps, pottery, and handmade garments. Meet with seasoned artists who have been with Whiting Mills for 20 years as well as talented newcomers, guest artists for the weekend, and makers and creators of all kinds. A perk of visiting Whiting Mills on April 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the chance to get to meet the artist in person, see their creative process up close, find out what inspires their work, and buy directly from the source.

Visitors to Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art will find a treasure trove of hand-woven work that includes baskets, bowls, sculptures, and wall hangings. Each piece is inspired by Tina’s imagination and woven with hand-dyed reeds into beautiful dynamic shapes in delightful color combinations that won’t be found anywhere else. What enhances the character of each piece is the addition of the Bittersweet Vine foraged by Tina in the woods near her home in northwest Connecticut. The natural beauty of bittersweet inspires each custom piece and often dictates the form a basket, bowl, wall hanging, or sculpture will take.

Tina is also offering classes for teens and adults of all abilities for up to six people by reservation only. Classes are offered on Saturday or Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as mini classes from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Classes are also being offered Monday and Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. All participants will leave the class with a finished basket or bowl to take home. All materials are provided including a piece of locally foraged bittersweet vine or a wooden hoop, and a choice of hand-colored, custom reeds.

Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art Studio is located in Room 305 @ Whiting Mills at 100 Whiting Street in Winsted. The Studio is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you need a special appointment or want to inquire about custom work, please text 860-309-6934 or email tina@tinasbaskets.com.

About Tina’s Baskets

Tina Puckett is a nationally awarded weaver of baskets and woven art who is the owner of Tina’s Baskets which is located at Whiting Mills in Winsted, Connecticut. Tina has been weaving since 1981 using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet, and a variety of objects like beads or seagrass. Her work is showcased at a variety of galleries across the United States as well as at her gallery/studio where you will often find her weaving on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Custom orders are accepted and appointments can be arranged by texting 860-309-6934.

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Moccasin Workshop 4/30 @ Institute for American Indian Studies

The Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is holding a Moccasin Making Workshop on Saturday, March 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will not only leave this workshop with a pair of moccasins that they have made, they will also leave with a greater understanding of the cultural significance this footwear has with Native American communities throughout the country.

Across the United States, many Native American tribes created different styles of moccasins to suit their environment. The word moccasin itself comes from the Algonkian language – meaning “shoe.” They can be hard or soft-soled, ornately beaded, or plain, fur-lined, or cuffed. In short, the style of moccasins is as diverse as the many different tribes that they originate from.

Traditionally, in the Eastern Woodlands, including Connecticut, soft-soled moccasins were commonly made out of a single piece of deer, elk or moose hide, and hand-sewn using sinew. A characteristic making it an Eastern Woodlands moccasin is the center seam that is gathered at the toe giving it a pucker shape. Today, moccasin-inspired shoes find their way into modern designs and fashion statements, even as Native culture keepers continue the centuries-old tradition of moccasin making.

This fascinating three-hour workshop, led by Darlene Kascak, Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, and Educational Outreach Ambassador for IAIS promises to be fun and informative. Participants will make a pair of pucker toe style moccasins out of deer hide while listening to the history of moccasins. It is a powerful feeling to make something that you can use in your everyday life, using methods that people have used for generations.

This workshop is recommended for adults and children ages 8 and up due to the dexterity required for sewing. To register for this workshop head to the website http://www.iaismuseum.org, call 860-868-0518, or email events@iaismuseum.org. The cost of this workshop, which includes all materials, is $80 for non-members of the museum and $70 for members.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, in Washington, Connecticut.

JanetLeave a comment