Showing posts with label Washington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Washington. Show all posts

Friday, June 20, 2014

Over There: Washington and The Great War

The Gunn Memorial Museum, on 5 Wykehem Rd in Washington Connecticut has  organized a new exhibition that commemorates the 100th anniversary of World War One, one of the largest and bloodiest conflicts in history, where over 70 million military personnel were mobilized around the world and more than 10 million combatants and 7 million civilians were killed, including several from Washington, CT. Over 100 men and women from Washington, and more than 150 alumni and faculty from The Gunnery served in The Great War.





Letters, pictures, and an interesting array of period artifacts from the museum, local families, and collectors, including Peter Tragni and Dr. Robert Jacobs, among others, are used to explore the dramatic experiences of Washington's soldiers, along with the extensive support efforts that were happening on the home front in Washington through such organizations as the Sister Susie Society, the Red Cross, the Women's Land Army, and the Home Guard. All of their fascinating stories will be shared in this exhibit and a diverse series of public programs (see below) through the year, sponsored in part by the Connecticut Community Foundation.

Art director Chris Zaima, designer Sandy Booth, and painter Keith Templeton, along with a team of other volunteers and staff, have created another visual masterpiece. Local history will come alive as visitors step back in time and explore the lives of Washington's residents during World War One, through their own words, and the impact this war had on our small town.

Admission to the exhibit is free, and this exhibit will be on display through January 18, 2015. For more information, call the Museum at 860-868-7756 or view www.gunnlibrary.org for more information or email gunnmuseum@sbcglobal.net.

On June 28 at 11 a.m. at the Gunn Library, there will be a lecture, The Beginning of the End: The Origins of World War I.  Dr. Michael Nolan, a professor of European History at Western Connecticut State University, will present a lecture to mark the 100th anniversary of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austrian Empire, the spark that ignited World War One. On June 28, 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were assassinated by a Serbian nationalist who was a Black Hand Terrorist as they visited the city of Sarajevo. This assassination was the catalyst of World War One, a four-year event that claimed the lives of over 10 million soldiers and 7 million civilians around the globe.


Dr. Nolan will discuss the contentious years leading up to the assassination, how the events of that day unfolded, the impact the resulting war had on the 20th century, and who was really to blame for the origins of the war, the answer to which is not as clear cut as many might think and has vexed historians for the past century. Dr. Nolan is a 2001 graduate of Brandeis University and is the author of The Inverted Mirror: Mythologizing the Enemy in France and Germany, 1898-1914 (New York, Berghahn Books, 2005).

On Tuesday, July 14 & 28 and August 11 & 25 at 1:00 p.m. at the Gunn Library and Museum there will be a WWI Film Series featuring: The African QueenA Farewell to ArmsFly Boys, and War Horse.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

The Stairwell Gallery in Washington Presents Arthur Carter

The Stairwell Gallery at Gunn Memorial Library in Washington, CT is honored to present an exhibition of sculptures, orthogonals and paintings by Arthur Carter. The exhibit will be on view through June 21.

Mr. Carter’s early years might seem like another person’s full lifetime of events.  He was trained as a classical pianist, majored in French literature at Brown University, served three years in the United States Coast Guard as a lieutenant commanding officer of an air search and rescue craft, then received his MBA in finance from Dartmouth, followed by a 25 year career as an investment banker. 
 In 1981, he started a new venture.  Founding the Litchfield County Times and six years later the New York Observer, he began his career as a publisher.  He was also the publisher of theNation and the East Hampton Star.   And in 2008, the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute was founded at New York University where Mr. Carter is a trustee and chairman of the Board of Overseers of the Faculty of Arts and Science.  Mr. Carter has also held adjunct professorships in philosophy and journalism at NYU.

 Now we come to the “art part” of Mr. Carter – the grid design and layout of the front page of his newspapers inspired him to reproduce that same theme but in a three dimensional format and using stainless steel.  This was a material he had learned to master when he was in Officer Candidate School where he learned welding.  Thus, sculpting “became the latest statement of his polymath proclivities.”
 Artists naturally evolve and he was soon working with wood, clay and copper wire and then larger constructions in silicon bronze and stainless steel.  Many of his larger pieces are on permanent public display in New York City.  The fabrication process can take months to complete and involves all the complexities of a machine shop, but each piece begins with one common denominator, his sketch pad.
The Stairwell Gallery exhibit will include Mr. Carter’s Orthogonals.  A catalog of his exhibit at the New Britain Museum of American Art from the Fall of 2011, describes the pieces as follows: “Arthur Carter’s bold new series, which he calls collectively the Orthogonals, offers a fine example of a mixed mode that channels the powers of painting and sculpture through the distinguished medium of the relief.”  These pieces are complex in their simplicity.  They are strong, mathematical and like his other work, they vary in finish and are affected by the changing light and reflection.  Carter has said, “My work focuses on simplifying and eliminating the excessive.  The question is how does purity of design lend itself to making a beautiful and elegant piece?”

 Arthur Carter maintains a production facility and design studio in Roxbury, CT.  He has been a featured solo artist at many galleries, including the Tennessee State Museum, The Grey Art Gallery, 80WSE Galleries at New York University and the New Britain Museum of American Art.  Mr. Carter is the author of two hardcover books, Arthur Carter:  Sculptures, Paintings, Drawings (2009) and Arthur Carter:  Studies for Construction (2012).
 Gunn Memorial is most pleased to welcome this prolific artist who is still immersed in the world of manufacturing and finance around the world.  Perhaps his philosophy can help unify this “polymath” for us.  Mr. Carter has said, “The simpler the economics are, the better; if you don’t understand it, you don’t do it.  Purity in both design and business function means never dilute, never diffuse, and never bloat.”
 For further information please call (860) 868-7586 or email chartman@biblio.org . The Gunn Memorial Library is located at 5 Wykeham Road at the juncture of Route 47 opposite the Green in Washington, CT.  For library hours and to learn more about our programs and events visit our website www.gunnlibrary.org .
For information on Litchfield Hills www.litchfieldhills.com

Friday, January 10, 2014

Little Coyote Story Hour at The Institute for American Indian Studies

The Institute for American Indian Studies is located in Washington Connecticut on 38 Curtis Road was founded in 1975 as an outgrowth of local efforts to recover New England's then-largely-unknown indigenous history.  A respect for the earth and for all living things is central to Native American lifeways and this is reflected throughout this museum, which is nestled in 15 acres of woodlands and trails.



Inside, the museum exhibits present information on a spectrum of topics related to the lives and cultures of prehistoric, historic and contemporary Native Americans. Permanent exhibits include Quinnetukut: Our Homeland, Our Story; From East To West: Across Our Homelands; Digging into the Past: Archaeology in Connecticut; a Sachem's wigwam (longhouse) classroom with a beautifully painted lifeways mural; and a replicated early-1900s Northeastern reservation house room.

The Institute also presents a series of special programs throughout the year. On January 14 and January 28, the Museum is presenting "Little Coyote Story Hour" from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  This program will introduce pre-school age children to the wonders and joy of traditional Native American stories! Why does Bear have a short tail? Who is Gluskabi and from where did his superpowers come? And why is Coyote known as a "trickster"? Kids are invited to join Janis "Four Hearts Whispering" Us of Mohawk-Shinnecock descent in a beautifully replicated 16th century indoor Sachem's house for delightful and heartwarming stories. The story hour is included with regular admission - Adults: $8, Seniors:$6 and Children: $5, members are free. 

Outdoors visitors will find a Simulated Archaeological Site, Three Sisters and Healing Plants Gardens, as well as a replicated 16th century Algonkian Village. The village is based upon traditional knowledge and archaeological research and is built from local natural materials. Self-guided trails let visitors explore the seasonal world of Woodland Indian peoples.

Changing exhibits and the shop's Artist's Corner round out the experience. IAIS is open seven days a week year-round. 

For more information visit www.iaismuseum.org or call 860-868-0518. For area information www.litchfieldhills.com.


Friday, November 22, 2013

Native American Quill and Beadwork in Litchfield Hills

In northwest Connecticut's Litchfield Hills, The Institute for American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington is presenting and exhibition of the quill and bead work of Chris Bullock who is of Wampanoag descent. The Wampanoag is an tribe whose ancestors lived on Martha's Vineyard.

Since childhood, Chris has participated in Native American cultural events and has been crafting his own work for 47 years. He also provides educational programming on eighteenth century Native culture.



Chris oversees the daily operation of The Wandering Bull, LLC, a family business his parents began in 1969 that is located in Washington, New Hampshire. The Wandering Bull sells Native craft supplies, as well as vintage and antique Native art with a focus on the Northeast Woodlands.

The exhibit runs through November 30, 2013. There is no charge for this exhibition. Museum Hours: Monday through Saturday 10am to 5pm Sunday from 12 Noon to 5pm Last admission at 4:30pm.

For more information www.iaismuseum.org. For information on Litchfield Hills visit  www.litchfieldhills.com


Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Swedish Music and Culture at Washington's Gunn Library Nov. 17

At 1 p.m. on November 17, the Gunn Historical Museum in Litchfield Hills will present Swedish Music and Culture: A Musician's Journey Through Scandinavia in the Wykeham Room of the Gunn Library in Washington Connecticut. Katie Trautz, a native Vermont fiddler who has toured nationally and internationally sharing traditional music and original folk songs, will give a performance of Swedish music playing fiddle, guitar and banjo crossing genres with her varying ensembles.

Gunn Historical Museum
Trautz's bands include: Mayfly, Wooden Dinosaur, and Kick 'em Jenny Stringband. She has studied with some of the greatest fiddle players in the US, including Dirk Powell, Pete Sutherland, James Bryan, Jimmy Tripplett, and Bruce Molsky. Katie has played alongside and shared the stage with many well-known bands including: Aoife O'Donovan Band, Brittany Haas & Lauren Rioux, Dirk Powell and Riley Baugus, Deadly Gentlemen, Sheesham and Lotus, David Wax Museum, Matt and Shannon Heaton, Rusty Belle, Michael Chorney and Dollar General, Brown Bird, Devil Makes Three, 4tet, Pete Sutherland, Brown Bird, and many others. Katie is also the co-founder of the non-profit folk music school 'The Summit School of Traditional Music and Culture' based in Montpelier, VT.

Traditional Swedish music is known for the rich harmonies expressed by twin fiddles, lilting polska rhythms, and the thematic play on light and dark. These are the motifs that drew the Vermont-based fiddle player, Katie Trautz, to Scandinavia. Her travels landed her at an intensive musical immersion on a farm north of Stockholm, where traditional music and culture are still thriving. After a visit with one of the country's most renowned folk artists, a journey through the Fjordlands of Norway, and a stop at a small venue along the way to give a performance, Katie brings her travels to life with a demonstration of Swedish fiddling, storytelling and imagery.

Gunn Historical Museum is located on 5 Wykeham Rd. in  Washington.  For additional information call  (860) 868-7586 or visit www.gunnlibrary.org.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

Friday, October 4, 2013

27th Annual Antiques Show in Litchfield Hills - Washington CT

The 2013 Washington Connecticut Antiques Show will take place October 4-6, opening at Washington Primary School with the traditional Preview Night cocktail party on Friday from 6:30 to 9:00pm.  Cellist Mary Costanza will serenade guests during this opportunity for advance buying and browsing from an impressive assortment of exceptional antiques and contemporary collectibles.

The following evening, the Collectors Party will be held - Saturday, October 5 from 6:30 to 9:00pm.  Visitors will enjoy browsing while listening to the smooth sounds of The Kerry Linder Brazilian Jazz Trio in an alluring setting of curated treasures and modern curiosities from around the world.

Reservations for the Friday and Saturday evening parties are highly recommended and can be made by visiting www.gunnlibrary.org.  Entrance to each party begins at $125 per person.  Daytime show hours are Saturday, October 5, 10am to 3pm and Sunday, October 6, 11am to 3pm.  Daily admission to the show is $10, payable at the door.  For additional information, please contact the Gunn Memorial Library at 860-868-7586 or email gunndevelopment@biblio.org.

Founded in 1985, the Washington Annual Antiques Show consistently draws dealers of the highest quality and offers diverse furnishings and decorative arts for both the period and modern home.  The show features 21 dealers from the east coast.  Visitors will find larger furnishings, works of art, exquisite jewelry, intimate furniture and decorative accessories.

This year the exhibitors includes:
Behnke Doherty Gallery
Washington, CT
www.behnkedoherty.com

Brad Reh Fine Estate Jewelry
Southampton, NY
www.bradreh.com

Brennan & Mouilleseaux
Northfield, CT
www.antiqueseclectic.com

C.M. Leonard Antiques
South Salem, NY

The Cooley Gallery
Old Lyme, CT
www.cooleygallery.com

Dallas Boesendahl
New York, NY

Donald Rich Antiques
New Canaan, CT

Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge
White Plains, NY
www.vandekar.com

Eckert Fine Art
Millerton, NY
<a href="http://www.eckertfineart.com">www.eckertfineart.com</a>

Embellish Antiques
Chapel Hill, NC
www.embellishantiques.com

George Champion Modern Shop
Woodbury, CT

KMR Arts
Washington Depot, CT
www.kmrarts.com

Melody Rodgers
New York, NY
www.melodyrodgers.com

Mountain Thistle Antiques
Waynesboro, VA
www.rubylane.com/shops


Nemati Collection
New York, NY &amp; New Preston, CT
www.nematicollection.com

Nula Thanhauser
East Hampton, NY
www.nulathanhauser.com

Ober Gallery
Kent, CT
www.obergallery.com

R.M. Barokh, Inc.
Bethlehem, CT
www.rmbarokhantiques.com

Roberto Freitas American Antiques
&amp; Decorative Arts
Stonington, CT
www.robertofreitas.com

R.T. Facts
Kent, CT
www.rtfacts.com

Vintage Poster Art
Monroe Township, NJ
www.trocadero.com/vintagepa

The Museum’s current exhibit, “Coming to America: Washington’s Swedish Immigrants,” will be open to visitors free of charge Saturday and Sunday October 5 &amp; 6 and features photographs and artifacts from its collection, on loan from descendants, and from local dealers Dawn Hill Antiques and Eleish van Breems Antiques. Rhonda Eleish and Edie van Breems, noted Scandinavian style experts, will present the lecture "The Elements of Swedish Style" and sign copies of their new book Reflections on Swedish Interiors on Sunday, October 6, at 1pm in the Wykeham Room of the Gunn Memorial Library.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Hollister House Garden Fair


The Hollister House located in beautiful Washington Connecticut on 300 Nettleton Rd. is one of only 16 exceptional gardens currently designated a Preservation Project by the Garden Conservancy. In 2010, Hollister House achieved its listing on the National Register of Historic Places and was also named a Town Landmark Site by the Town of Washington. 

Hollister House Garden is beautifully situated on a gently sloping hillside behind a rambling 18th century farmhouse. The intimate outdoor spaces, bordered by dramatic hedges and the natural landscape, are lavishly planted with both familiar and exotic species and open onto stunning vistas.

The Hollister House is hosting a late summer garden fair featuring rare plants not usually available in the trade and one of a kind garden artifacts and containers will be held in the beautiful historic barn at Hollister House Garden on Saturday, September 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.  

Unusual plants such as specialty peonies, hard-to-find shrubs and trees, and herbaceous perennials that are traditionally planted in the fall will be on offer from four outstanding nurseries: Broken Arrow Nursery (Hamden, CT), Cricket Hill Garden (Thomaston, CT), Falls Village (CT) Flower Farm and Opus (Little Compton, RI). Each of the knowledgeable vendors will present an informative show and tell with timely tips on late season gardening and autumn to-do's such as dividing peonies, a task best done in September.

In addition to plants, playfully eccentric garden ornaments salvaged, restored and created by Kent, CT-based RT Facts and simply elegant Ben Wolff pots, each hand made in Goshen, CT and signed by the artist will also be available for sale.

Admission to the garden fair is $10 and includes entrance to Hollister House Garden. The $10 donation supports educational programs for the non-profit Hollister House Garden.


Hollister House Garden is also open to visitors every Saturday through September. August hours are 8 to 10 am and 3 to 6 pm; September hours are 10 am to noon and 2 to 5 pm. Information and directions to the garden's 300 Nettleton Hollow Road location are available on the website at www.hollisterhousegarden.org or by calling 860-868-2200.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com