Tag: New England

Annual Holiday Open Studios at Whiting Mills: A Creative Extravaganza for the Whole Family December 2 and 3

The historic Whiting Mills at 100 Whiting Street in Winsted, Connecticut, invites friends from far and wide to join them for their Annual Holiday Open Studios event on December 2nd and 3rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This unique venue, which opened its doors in 2004, is a hub for artists, craftspeople, retail shops, and small manufacturing companies, and a center for the artistic community, and social events. Once again this year, visitors will find that the holiday spirit is alive and well at Whiting Mills!

The Whiting Mills’ semi-annual Open Studio events have earned a stellar reputation, drawing visitors from near and far. It’s a destination for the public to connect with our resident and guest artists, explore their creations, and immerse themselves in the vibrant local art scene.

Attendees can expect a diverse range of artists showcasing their creations, making it the perfect opportunity to find exceptional holiday gifts. From exquisite greeting cards, handmade jewelry, and elegant pottery to scented candles, original paintings, evocative curiosities, and much more, there’s something for everyone’s holiday wish list. The first studio you will see when entering the Mill- #305 is Tina’s Baskets. Master weaver, Tina Puckett is a national and international award-winning artist known for her woven art, artful baskets, and dimensional weaving. Visiting her colorful studio is an adventure in itself, especially if you are on the hunt for something special that is sustainable, ready to be used time and time again, and cherished for years to come. When visiting Tina’s Baskets don’t forget to enter the drawing to win a free basket that is ideal for holiday merriment.

Tina’s Baskets decorated for the holidays!

Whiting Mills has organized a thrilling scavenger hunt for the young ones on Sunday that will provide hours of entertainment for the kids. Additionally, Santa Claus himself will be available for photos on Sunday from noon to 3:00 p.m., ensuring magical memories for the entire family. And for the adults, they’re spicing up the event with an “Ugly Sweater Contest” on Saturday around 3:30 p.m. So don’t forget to put on your most outlandish holiday sweater and compete for the title of the merriest and ugliest! Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three winners.

If you have worked up an appetite, no worries, there is plenty to eat and drink. To tantalize your taste buds, Whiting Mills is thrilled to have the Kraftwich Food Truck on-site. Kraftwich specializes in American comfort food, and its delicious offerings will be available for purchase.

This event is made possible through collaboration with the Warner Theater in Torrington, CT, and we’re excited to join forces to celebrate the arts and the holiday season.

Best of all, admission to the Annual Holiday Open Studios at Whiting Mills is free, and we offer ample free parking for your convenience.

Join us on December 2nd and 3rd for a weekend of art, entertainment, and holiday cheer. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with local artists and support their incredible work.

JanetLeave a comment

The New Mayor of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Is Tahu the River Otter!

The election to decide Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s next mayor was neck and neck for the last two days between Tahu the River Otter and Alli the Eastern Box Turtle, and in the end it came down to a difference of just 15 votes. Once all votes were counted, Tahu the River Otter was declared the Mayor of the Zoo—by a whisker. The mother of four thanked her supporters and promised to be a mayor for all the animals.

Insisting that she’ll test the waters before issuing new edicts, Tahu the North American River Otter (Lutra canadensis) said she was honored to be chosen and complimented the other candidates on running a clean campaign: Alli the Box Turtle, Major Tom the Narragansett Turkey, Daisy the Prairie Dog, and Ella the Howler Monkey. The four candidates have all conceded the race. The Rainforest Party issued a statement on behalf of the current mayor, Rhubarb the Two-Toed Sloth, promising allegiance to Tahu and a smooth transfer of power. As the second-place winner, Alli the Box Turtle will serve as Deputy Mayor and will step in if Tahu is unable to fulfill her duties through the duration of her term.

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. “We’re all behind Tahu as our new mayor, but the real winner of this election is the Zoo,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “We thank everyone who voted for their generosity in supporting this fundraiser. Details regarding Tahu’s swearing-in ceremony will be available soon.” The winning Mayor will hold a 12-month term. All donations to the ballot box will be used to support the Zoo’s mission of conservation, education, research, and fun.

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

Get your ticket to adventure! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 101st year, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur leopards, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and American red wolves. Other highlights include our new Andean Bear Habitat, 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. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, the non-profit Zoo is committed to the preservation of endangered animals and wild habitats. Tickets must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org.

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Honoring Native American Veterans on November 5 @ The Institute for American Indian Studies

Veterans’ Day is a National holiday that honors the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It keeps the importance of those who protect our homeland close to our hearts and reminds us of their bravery and valor. Native Americans have fought valiantly in the United States military in every conflict since the American Revolution, even before Native Americans gained U.S. citizenry in 1924.

#veteran

Honoring Native warriors and veterans has always been part of indigenous culture. It keeps the importance of those who protect our homeland close to our hearts and reminds us of their bravery and valor. Each year, in honor of Veterans Day, the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington Connecticut honors the exceptional military service of Native Americans in a formal dedication. This year, the Institute is once again inviting the public to participate in the program that will honor Native and non-Native Americans whose passion and loyalty have helped to make America what it is today on Sunday, November 5 at 12:30 p.m. The Institute is located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

At this year’s event, veteran Gary Tinney, Paugussett, will lead the ceremony. New at this year’s event is the Yootay Singers Drum Group based out of Mashantucket, CT, which will perform honor songs recognizing the rich contributions of Native and Non-Native Americans who have bravely served side by side in the U.S. Armed Forces. Allan Madahbee (Ojibwe) will also join the ceremony and play Amazing Grace on his traditionally crafted flute. Attendees will be immersed in a meaningful ceremony that is a powerful experience.

The ceremony will be outside so attendees are advised to dress appropriately for the weather. In the event of rain, the ceremony or portions of it will be held inside the museum. This event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration and donations are always appreciated. Registration is at http://iaismuseum.org. For questions please call (860) 868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS)

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. We have an outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village, the award-winning Wigwam Escape, and a Museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allow visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

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Finding Your Bearings October 15 @ Institute For American Indian Studies

Did you know there was something besides Google Maps or Waze for directions? For centuries people around the world have used a variety of techniques to mark their boundaries, measure distances, and find their sense of place.

Native Americans used many different means to navigate their environment. Different methods were used to mark tribal territories and hunting boundaries, as well as to designate their trails and, to convey important messages. It is fascinating to learn how the natural environment was used for directions.

If you want to learn about the various ways to find directions, including traditional indigenous techniques as well as how to read a map and a compass, don’t miss the “Find Your Bearings Orienteering Workshop” on Sunday, October 15 at 1 p.m. at the Institute for American Indian Studies at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

Participants will join IAIS educator and ecologist, Susan Scherf for an interactive in-person workshop to learn how to get their bearings should their GPS lose its signal! A highlight of the workshop is to practice these newly acquired skills by completing an orienteering scavenger hunt on the Museum’s colorful autumn trails, which add to the fun.

Most of this program is being held outside, and some of the woodland terrain may be uneven, so wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Space is limited and pre-registration is requested at http://www.iaismusueum.org or by calling 860-868-0518 or via email at events@iaismuseum.org. This program costs $10 for non-members and $5 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 the 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 at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

JanetLeave a comment

Have a Spooktacular Time on Saturday October 7 @ Whiting Mills and Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art

On Saturday, October 7th, ghosts, goblins, witches, and other heroes of horrors will abound in Whiting Mills located at 100 Whiting Street, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thirty Artists’ Studios will be open and brimming with frightful delights, oddities, tantalizing treats, and whimsically spooky creations. In addition to exploring working artist studios decked out for Halloween, there will be scavenger hunts, a costume contest for adults and children, an interactive monster display, and candy for all trick-or-treaters!

One studio not to be missed is Tina’s Baskets and Woven Arts which has been expertly decorated with the help of certified balloon artist, Shelley Thibault, owner of Cuz We Can Balloons. Shelley has been creating spectacular and in this case spooktacular balloon art for more than 22 years throughout the country.

Tina Puckett is an internationally award-winning woven artist specializing in everything from intricate baskets and bowls to woven sculptures and wall hangings. When visiting her studio don’t miss the chance to enter the drawing to win a festively colored Halloween basket, full of goodies that is clutched by an artfully shaped balloon cat replete with iridescent green eyes created by Shelly!

If you can’t make it to the Spooktacular event @ Whiting Mills on October 7th, no worries, Tina’s studio will remain decorated through October and will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about this award-winning artist as well as information about her classes visit tinasbaskets.com.

JanetLeave a comment

Enjoy the Harvest Celebration and Fall Foliage @ Husky Meadows Farm Stay

Some of the most stunning fall foliage in the Litchfield Hills and Southern Berkshires peak during the second and third week of October making it an age-old New England tradition to celebrate the harvest. This autumn, Husky Meadows, a certified organic farm, is capping off the season with a Harvest Celebration Farm Stay from Friday, October 20, through Sunday, October 22 – think wool sweaters, beautiful colors, walking the splendor of the garden and orchard, sipping a cocktail around the fire pit, cooking classes with the season’s latest hits, and unwinding in one of our luxurious suites.

On this farm stay, Husky Meadows is honoring our staff’s amazing labor-intensive work on our certified organic farm by treating guests to an unforgettable weekend that includes farm-to-table food, cooking classes, and plenty of downtime to enjoy the landscape – artfully painted in fire colors by Mother Nature. Many guests enjoy the short walk on one of Husky Meadows’s many trails. A favorite is the walk to Wood Creek Pond, where guests find the canoe, compliments of Husky Meadows, and wildlife provided by Wood Creek Pond.

The Harvest Celebration Farm Stay at Husky Meadows means so much more than just a few colorful gourds! There are real health benefits of working and enjoying the great outdoors and, when combined with cooking classes celebrating the certified organic produce of the season, the experience becomes a time of regeneration with the joy of doing things together – with friends, old and new.

Guests will have a sneak peek at Husky Farm’s root cellar which is brimming with tasty root vegetables along with a guided walk through the garden to learn how we harvest winter squash, onions, garlic, and hardy winter vegetables like kale, Swiss chard, and chicories. A highlight will be visiting the greenhouses and helping to plant next season’s garlic crop. And, this weekend’s cooking classes, using veggies from the harvest will show guests how to eat farm to table, at home, during the cold New England winter.

Farm stays include two nights lodging in one of four elegantly appointed and very private guest suites. A favorite among guests is the Pergola Apartment because it has two bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms, a sitting area, a kitchenette, and even a balcony. This totally separate guesthouse is perfect to book with four friends or family members. Another favorite guesthouse is called The Coop, which is the most private of all the rooms. It has a cozy loft bedroom and a large sitting room replete with a rustic stone fireplace.

All meals with beverages and cocktails are included in the farm stay package. Highlights of the package include a Friday night welcome dinner around a communal table, light breakfast, and lunch, a Saturday evening cooking class dinner, and a sumptuous and healthy Sunday brunch. To book your stay visit https://huskymeadowsfarm.com

About Husky Meadows Farm
Situated on three hundred bucolic acres in Norfolk, Connecticut, Husky Meadows Farm grows certified organic produce for its kitchen, farm stand, and community-supported agriculture membership. The farm kitchen offers year-round prepared foods. At the height of the growing season from May – October the farm also offers intimate farm stays, cooking classes, community dinners, and special workshops on a variety of farm-to-table and ecological topics.

Janet1 Comment