Fairfield Museum Opens with Election Day Programs & More

Fairfield Museum and History Center escaped Sandy’s wrath and, aside from power loss, which was restored yesterday, November 5^th, the Museum re-open today for two special Election Day programs and we are excited about our upcoming programs, which are listed below along with a full range of other exciting, upcoming programs.

On November 6 there are two Election Day programs. The first, Election Day 1864 is from 1:30pm - 3pm.  This program is Free with admission.  Participants are invited to draw a political cartoon, write and deliver a speech and try out a Scavenger Hunt in the galleries.  Also from 1:30 - 3 pm is a History Day Workshop that is free for teachers, parents and students in grades 6 and up. History Day encourages students to build valuable inquiry and research skills, developing fascinating research projects that are entered into a series of regional and national competitions.

On November 8 at 7 pm there is a lecture titled Men of Color! To Arms! The call to arms from impassioned abolitionist Frederick Douglass echoed the overwhelming sentiments of nearly 190,000 men of color that joined the Union cause for the promise of freedom. Learn more with David Koch, Housatonic Community College and David Naumec, Mashantucket Pequot Museum / Manchester Community College. Suggested Donation: $5, Members; $7, non-members.

On Sunday, November 11 there will be a lecture titled Living History: The Civil War Doctor's Wife at 2 pm that is co-sponsored with the daughters of the American Revolution..  The lecture will focus on the story of Dr. George Bronson, who marched off to war with the 11th Connecticut Volunteer Regiment and his wife, Mary Ann, comes to life. Mary Lou Pavlik assumes the role of her ancestor and shares observations of the War from a Northern lady's point of view and relates her husband's harrowing experiences through original letters.  Suggested Donation: $5, Members; $8 non-members.

On Veterans Day, Monday, November 12 there is a workshop for kids and a family scavenger hunt.  Hardtack & Haversacks   takes place from 10am - 12pm.  Kids 9 and up will learn about the hardships of a soldier's life in the 1860s.  Kids will make their own hardtack and put together a haversack for storing the important items no soldier would be without.  $10 Members, $15 non-members. Please pre-register.  At 1 pm there is a Family Scavenger Hunt that is free for teachers, parents and students in grades 6 and up.  Participants will learn about the stories of Fairfield's soldiers and more on a special, family-friendly Scavenger Hunt for Veteran's Day.

The Fairfield Museum and History Center is located on 370 Beach Rd. in Fairfield. For more information contact 203-259-1598 or visit  www.fairfieldhistory.orgwww.fairfieldhistory.org

For area information visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Bush Holly House Restoration

To celebrate the restoration of the room at Bush-Holley House that served at various times as the studio of Childe Hassam, John Twachtman and Elmer MacRae, the Greenwich Historical Society will present an exhibition exploring the changing concept of the artist's studio. Representations of an American art student's Parisian garret, William Merritt Chase's opulent Tenth Street studio in New York, Dorothy Ochtman's view of her father in the studio they shared in their Cos Cob home and the repurposed farm sheds used by artists in Old Lyme: these and other paintings will suggest the wide range of spaces in which turn-of-the-century artists worked and will provide a cultural context for the restored studio.

The studio originally doubled as bedroom and workspace for its occupants. To augment the natural light from windows on the northern and eastern exposures, the owners, the Holley family, added a dormer around 1900. Illuminated by windows on three sides, the room offered views of the abundant gardens behind the house, the millpond to one side and the bustling harbor across the street. Now when you visit the Bush-Holley house, you can more easily imagine the vistas the artists enjoyed.

In addition to depictions of American artists' studios in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the exhibition presents the models for Childe Hassam's work in Cos Cob and a sampling of work done outside the studio in the environs by Hassam, John H. Twachtman and Elmer MacRae. A complementary exhibition, Historic Artists' Homes & Studios, on loan from Chesterwood (the home and studio of Lincoln Memorial sculptor Daniel Chester French), will feature photographs that focus on the fascinating and eclectic living and workspaces of famous American artists including (among others) N.C. Wyeth, Jackson Pollock and Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

A Good Light: The Artist's Studio in Cos Cob and Beyond will be on exhibition from October 3, 2012 to January 6, 2013. Wednesday through Sunday, Noon to 4:00 pm. Members: free; nonmembers: $10; seniors and students $8 The Greenwich Historical Society Storehouse Gallery is located on  39 Strickland Road in Cos Cob. www.greenwichhistory.org.

Area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Litchfield: The Making of a New England Town

On Saturday November 3, Historic New England and the Litchfield Historical Society host an event with local author Rachel Carley to award Litchfield: The Making of a New England Town Historic New England's eighteenth Book Prize.

The afternoon starts at 1:00 p.m. with a reception and remarks by the prize winner Rachel Carley, followed by a book signing. The award-winning book, published by the Litchfield Historical Society is available for purchase at the event.

To attend, please call 617-994-5934 or e-mail Events@HistoricNewEngland.org. The event is free, but space is limited. The Litchfield Historical Society is at 7 South Street, Litchfield, Connecticut.

Litchfield: The Making of a New England Town is a lively exploration of the town's history and architecture, not only during the colonial period but also during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The book is generously illustrated with maps, photographs, and paintings of this quintessential New England town, including many that are published for the first time. Carley is a preservation consultant and architectural historian. Her previous books include Building Greenwich, Architecture and Design, 1640 to the Present; The Visual Dictionary of American Domestic Architecture; Cuba: Four Hundred Years of Architectural Heritage; Cabin Fever; A Guide to Biltmore Estate; and Wilderness A to Z. She is a resident of Litchfield.

About Historic New England's Book Prize
The Historic New England Book Prize recognizes works that advance the understanding of the architecture, landscape, and material culture of New England and the United States from the seventeenth century to the present. This includes works in the decorative arts, archaeology, historic preservation, and the history of photography. To qualify, works need not deal exclusively with New England but must make a significant contribution to our understanding of New England and its relation to the wider world.

About Historic New England
Historic New England is the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive regional heritage organization in the nation. We bring history to life while preserving the past for everyone interested in exploring the authentic New England experience from the seventeenth century to today. Historic New England owns and operates thirty-six historic homes and landscapes spanning five states. The organization shares the region's history through vast collections, publications, public programs, museum properties, archives, and family stories that document more than 400 years of life in New England. For more information visit HistoricNewEngland.org.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

Kick off the Winter Season at Mohawk Ski Area!

To kick off the winter season, Mohawk Mountain Ski Area is presenting Warren Miller's 63rd  film called Flow State on Friday, November 9 and Sat. November 10 at 7 p.m at the Ski Lodge located on 46 Great Hollow Rd. in Cornwall CT.  The doors open at 6 p.m. and tickets are $12. Buy your tickets by visiting www.mohawkmtn.com by phone at 860.672.6100 or at the door.

 Warren Miller’s Flow State  kicksoff the winter sports season for the 63rd time and will  connect audiences with inspiring mountains and sensational athletes from around the globe. If you love ski or snowboard action of amazing magnitude this show is a must see. 

Flow State gives viewers the ultimate experience and is where the mountain meets the mind. An instant classic, Flow State takes its viewers to the tallest peaks and most extreme climates for the most exhilarating action possible on snow. Skiers and snowboarders of all ages will be inspired, entertained and motivated to get out on the snow - and to win great prizes in our door prize drawings!  

Best of all your admission ticket is  a BUY ONE, GET ONE COUPON Lift Ticket offer valid at Mohawk Mountain Ski Area, through April 1, 2013.

For regional information visit www.litchfieldhills.com.

STEPPING STONES MUSEUM FOR CHILDREN HOSTS ITS ANNUAL MONSTER MASH: A PUMPKIN PARTY ON OCTOBER 27

Don't be bored out of your gourd this Halloween.  Celebrate the haunted holiday the Stepping Stones way at Monster Mash: A Pumpkin Party on Saturday, October 27 from 6:00 – 8:30 pm.  You're sure to have a monstrously-good time during the museum's annual kid-friendly costume party!

Monster Mash: A Pumpkin Party will be a jam-packed night with not-so-scary family fun.  Guests can make oodles of pumpkiny crafts, get their faces painted in our Pumpkin BOO-tique, play a variety of pumpkin-themed games, meander through our special Halloween maze, strut their stuff during our spooktacular costume fashion show and boogie the night away during our BOO-tiful dance party featuring Dre Towey with Sugar On Top.  Don't fret about bringing the littlest visitors.

There will be age-appropriate activities for all visitors, so that the whole family can enjoy this costume party.

Tickets for this event cost $10 per person for museum members and $12 per person for non-members.  Children under the age of one will be admitted for free.  Monster Mash tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.  Registration is required.  Space is limited, so register early.  Call 203 899 0606, ext. 247 or visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/monstermash.

5th Annual Washington Green Cemetery Tour Oct. 26

The 5th Annual Washington Green Cemetery Tour, with a special Gunnery theme, will take place on Friday October 26th from 6:30-8:30pm.

Costumed guides will lead groups of visitors every ten minutes from the Gunn Museum to the Washington Green Cemetery where the town's departed citizens will be stationed at their gravestones to tell their tales of tragedy and triumph.

Tour groups will follow a path of 1,000 luminaries spanning a quarter of a mile through the shadowy cemetery and will hear the dramatic experiences of past students and faculty from the Gunnery.

Features of this magical theatrical evening will include tales of murder, town controversies, the Titanic disaster, Civil War soldiers, abolitionists and more. This event is not to be missed!
Tours depart every ten minutes from the museum and last about 45 minutes, bring a flashlight.

Complimentary refreshments will be served in the Gunn Library. While this event is free, donations are greatly appreciated. The rain date is Sunday October 28.

The Gunn Museum is located at 5 Wykeham Road, at the intersection of Wykeham Road and Route 47, on Washington Green, Connecticut. Call 860-868-7756 or view www.gunnlibrary.org for information.

Sharon Audubon Enchanted Forest and Kids' Day

A Bear Greets Children in the Enchanted Forest Family fun is in the works at the Sharon Audubon Center the last two weekends in October.  Both events are "non scary" and   geared toward families with children pre-K through 2nd grade. The Audubon's popular Enchanted Forest will be held on Saturday, October 20th. Guided groups will meet friendly costumed animal characters along a candlelit trail and hear how the animals live their lives on the Audubon grounds. After the tour, which lasts approximately 45 minutes, participants can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate inside the Center building before taking a hayride back to the parking area. This non-scary program is ideal for children up to 8 years old and their families. Tours begin every 10-15 minutes between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00pm. Participants should bring an extra flashlight.   Admission is $4 per person. Children under 2 are free. Pararde on Kids Day! Audubon Kids' Day is taking place on Sunday, October 28th from 12-3pm. This is a fun, autumn afternoon for young children and their families and features brand new carnival-type games for 2012, kids' crafts, live animals from "The Nature of Things," a haybale maze, haywagon rides, professional face painting with glitter tattoos and food. Children are encouraged to come in costume and join in the costume parade around the Center grounds at 2:30. The event is held rain or shine. Admission is $7.00 per carload. The Sharon Audubon Center is located on Route 4 in Sharon, for more information, contact the Audubon Center at (860) 364-0520 or http://sharon.audubon.org.

Meerkats” And “Africa” Exhibits Extended Into 2013

Adorable Meercats extend their stay

Visitors to The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk are getting more chances to be entertained and fascinated by a special collection of exotic African creatures, including six amusing meerkats.

The special exhibit "Africa: From the Desert to the Sea" will stay open for another five months, through Jan. 20, 2013. And its companion exhibit, "Meerkats," has been extended through Labor Day 2013. Previously, both had been scheduled to close after this Labor Day (Sept. 3).

The meerkats are very popular with visitors young and old to the Aquarium. The extention of  'Africa' through the holidays and into the new year allows the Aquarium the necessary time to prepare for their next special exhibit.

Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) are members of the mongoose family that live in social "mobs" in the Kalahari Desert, in the southern African nations of Botswana and South Africa. (Timon, the comical sidekick in Disney's "The Lion King," is a meerkat.)

The Maritime Aquarium's "Meerkats" exhibit features six sibling meerkats – three males, three females – born in July 2009 at the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City, Utah. Their Aquarium exhibit offers lots of opportunities for climbing, digging and exploring. For young Aquarium visitors, a special viewing bubble lets children pop up right among the meerkats.

The animals are so popular that the Aquarium installed a "meerkat cam," for visitors who want to check up on the animals' activities remotely. (Click on it at www.maritimeaquarium.org.)

The "Africa: From the Desert to the Sea" exhibit displays some of the fascinating but lesser-known aquatic creatures of Africa, including lungfish, electric catfish and colorful cichlids and reef fish.

Both special exhibits are free with Maritime Aquarium general admission, which is $13.95 for adults, $12.95 for seniors 65+, and $10.50 for children 2-12.

A new special exhibit, "Dangerous Creatures," is scheduled to open on Feb. 16 in the space currently occupied by "Africa: From the Desert to the Sea."

For more information about The Maritime Aquarium's exhibits, IMAX movies and programs, go online to www.MaritimeAquarium.org or call (203) 852-0700.

For area information visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

The Design Show at Peter Lawrence Gallery

The Peter Lawrence Gallery is proud to announce a new exhibit “The Design Show” which will run from October 12-November 11, 2012, with an opening reception on Sunday, October 14, 2012 from 1-5 pm.

The Design Show will feature handmade, sustainable, live-edge furniture by award winning woodworker Peter Lawrence Scalera, and assemblage pieces by Arista Baltronis made of antique tools that have been refurbished and covered with Swarovski Crystals.

Scalera, who is co-owner and regular exhibitor at the Peter Lawrence Gallery will premiere a new series of “wood under glass” pieces at this show. Scalera has been working in wood design for over forty years, and recently completed a full, custom furniture fit-out at CraftBar in NYC. Additionally, he has completed major projects at Eva Scrivo Salon, Craft Restaurant, Colicchio and Sons restaurant (also in NYC), and numerous residential interiors in NY and CT. The 2010 “Best in Show” recipient at the Providence “Fine Furnishings and Craft Show” says of his own work: “I’ve always thought of my work as ‘Functional Art.’ Function plays a large part in my designs.”

Arista Baltronis will exhibit work from her ‘hardware on the rocks” series of assemblage pieces. Baltronis meticulously refurbishes old tools of all kinds before applying Swarovski Crystals to the surface of each piece, transforming old tools into works of art. Baltronis, whose past exhibitions include the Alexandria Museum in Los Angeles, and the Viridian Gallery in NYC says of her work “I am having such fun with this new direction of work. It is very exciting and challenging to learn new skills and new techniques and apply them to an everyday object to make it into something completely unique.”

The Peter Lawrence Gallery is located at 703 Kent Road in Gaylordsville, CT, and is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12-5pm. There is no admission charge to the gallery or to any gallery event. We are continuing to exhibit sculptures by James Travers in the sculpture garden through November. For more information please visit www.peterlawrencegallery.com. For travel information www.litchfieldhills.com

New Canaan Nature Center's Fall Fair Oct. 13

Traditional Fall Fair activities will return to New Canaan Nature Center's annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 13 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m such as pony rides, a "haunted" woodland trail, apple sling shots, a hay maze, cupcake and pumpkin decorating, and fire engine rides on New Canaan's antique fire engine, Old Faithful.

The giant bungee jump, one of last year's most popular attractions will also be back along with the "Kids On The Go" obstacle course and other inflatable rides.A new highlight this year will be a special visit by the New Canaan Rams Varsity Football team and coaches!  The team will greet kids at 11:00am and face off in a "red" vs. "black" tug-o-war which kids 10 & under can participate in.

The Fall Fair will feature a wide range of entertainment and live music throughout the day.  The 5th Annual Apple Pie Eating contest will also take place with categories for youth and adults.  There is an entry fee ($5 for youth and $15 for adults) and prizes will be awarded. Other live shows include birds of prey and live animal demonstrations throughout the day.

A wide range of fresh foods will be available to purchase throughout the day, including grilled hot dogs, pulled pork and vegetarian sandwiches, corn dogs, pizza, hot soup and hot and cold beverages.
A variety of homemade baked goods will be for sale courtesy of Nature Center volunteers.

Admission to the Fall Fair is free and parking is available at St. Mark's and the First Presbyterian Church.  Tickets can be purchased for $1 each for the activities and food, which range from 1-7 tickets.    For more information about the Fall Fair visitwww.NewCanaanNature.org of call (203) 966-9577.

Mattatuck Museum Presents Connecticut Art from the Depression Era Federal Art Project

Beatrice Cuming, Saturday Night, New London, 1938, Collection of the Lyman Allyn Museum

The Mattatuck Museum celebrates the opening of its exhibition Art for Everyone: The Federal Art Project that will be on display until February 5, 2013.

During the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt and his administration set up the Federal Arts Project to create jobs. As a result of this project, 173 Connecticut artists created over 5,000 works of art many of which disappeared.

The Mattatuck Museum and the Connecticut State Library have been working together to collect and catalogue both known and unknown works. Art for Everyone examines art produced for the Federal Art Project in Connecticut. Ralph Boyer, Beatrice Cuming, James Daugherty, George Marinko, Spencer Baird Nichols, Joseph Schork and Cornelia Vetter are among the artists represented in this exhibit of more than 80 works.

George Earle, Bridgeport Parking Lot, courtesy of Southbury Training School

This exhibition is the culmination of a multi-year, multi-part project that was instigated in 2007 by the work of Amy Trout, Connecticut River Museum, and draws upon the archives and data base of the Works Progress Administration artists at the Connecticut State Library. This exhibition places the art and artist in the broader context of American artists during the Depression Era.

Ralph Boyer, Westport WPA Art Committee

 Visit www.MattatuckMuseum.org or call (203) 753-0381 for more information on all of the museum’s adult and children’s programs, events and exhibits. The Mattatuck Museum is a member of the Connecticut Art Trail, a group of sixteen world-class museums and historic sites (www.arttrail.org). Located at 144 West Main Street, Waterbury, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Free parking is located behind the building on Park Place.

For area information on where to dine, stay and shop visit www.litchfieldhills.com.

Pets, Portraits & Pastries, Gallery Opening at the Woodward House

L to R

Heather Norris, Heather Norris Photography. Lisa Banik, Animals for Life Middlebury. Adele Johnson, The Woodward House.

Bethlehem's Woodward House, on the Green  is calling all canine companions! On Sunday, September 30, from 2-4PM, The Woodward House will host a gallery opening on behalf of  Animals For Life.  The show in the gallery titled Pets, Portraits & Pastries'  is highlighting the fun photography of dogs by Heather Norris.

Adele Johnson, owner of Woodward House and Heather Norris Photography will be donating all proceeds to Animals for Life generated from this reception.  As an example, there is a  dog named Molly in need of surgery, living with a foster family and the  proceeds from Pets, Portraits & Pastries will go towards Molly's surgery according to Animals for Life, located in  Middlebury, CT.

Heather Norris has carefully mounted over 15 dog portraits. What makes Heather Norris' portraits pop with pizzazz is her desire to invest time interviewing the dog's companions. She poses questions such as, If your dog was a person, what car would they drive? What job would they have? What would they wear?'  Such thorough interviews lead to whimsical and amazing portraits such as the black and white feature of 'Barley' dressed in a bow tie and top hat positioned with a baby grand piano or Peaches looking white and elderly like she is The Queen of England and Stella, the boxer, who knows her value, what she desires, and is eager to please.

Adele Johnson, owner of the classic 1740's venue, The Woodward House adores animals.  Adele's love of animals has spanned a lifetime as she has  rescued every stray she found and recalls bringing home turtles, kittens, chickens, birds, and snakes.  Today, Adele has  three dogs: Peaches, Cocoa, and Barley as well as Woodward House's resident chicken, Duly.

Heather and Adele have each agreed to offer unique promotions to every attendee so that attendees can experience dining at Woodward House and photography sessions with Heather Norris Photography.

The cost of the reception is $20 per person in advance, $25 at the door. Entrance includes a champagne and dessert reception featuring Heather Norris Photography.  To confirm attendance for Pets, Portraits and Pastries, call The Woodward House 203-266-6902.

About the Woodward House
4 The Green, Bethlehem, CT 06751.Corner of Rte. 132 and Rte. 61.  (203) 266-6902. The historic Woodward House centered in Bethlehem across from The Town Green has been reborn. Four beautiful rooms, each unique can accommodate 50 guests, for intimate to mid-size dining and meetings. The chef's award winning hand is evident not only in the restaurants artistic entrées, but equally in the incredible desserts. Voted "Best New Restaurant Litchfield County", CT Magazine, NY Times *** - CT Magazine *** - Hartford Courant ****, Top in Service & Décor, Zagat's. Open Wed., Thurs., Sun. 5 pm – 8 pm and Fri. & Sat. 5 pm – 9 pm. Closed Mon. & Tues. http://www.thewoodwardhouse.com/The_Woodward_House/Home.html

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

Flea Market at Lockwood Mathews Mansion

On Sunday, September 23, 2012, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum will hold its fifth annual Old-fashioned Flea Market at 295 West Avenue in  Norwalk. The Old Fashioned Flea Market at the Mansion attracts thousands of like-minded shoppers every year looking for special bargains to treasure, and with over 80 vendors this year, the park surrounding the museum will be overflowing with an eclectic mix of old and new merchandise including antiques, repurposed furniture, collectibles, vintage jewelry, household items, clothing, toys and more. General admission to the event is free. The Flea Market will also feature a concert with the Bob Lasprogato Dixieland Band, a display of antique and classic cars, half price $5 mini tours of the Mansion, face-painting, and much more. An all-American barbecue featuring hot dogs, hamburgers and pulled pork sandwiches courtesy of Michael Gilmartin of Outdoor Cookers will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Museum's Gift Shop will be open during the event and feature new Fall-Holiday merchandise and a broad selection of gift ideas including vintage costume jewelry, Titanic-related material, porcelain tea cups, books on Victorian era art and architecture, local history, and more. All proceeds will benefit the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum. For details on the full Flea Market schedule please visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com.  For area information visit www.visitwesternct.com.

ArtFest At Silvermine Arts Center September 15

The lush grounds of the Silvermine Arts Center, located in New Canaan will host the second annual ArtsFest on Saturday, September 15th from 2pm to 4pm.  Participants will enjoy a fun-filled day of music, puppet shows, and hands-on art activities at this free outdoor event.

Silvermine's popular Sculpture Walk can be enjoyed by young and old in addition to listening to the music of Howard Fishman and the Biting Fish Brass Band, a five-piece New Orleans-style brass band. This high-energy, contagiously exuberant band will perform originals, mixed with a classic brass band repertoire of spirituals, blues, gospel and funk. Howard Fishman is a critically acclaimed singer, guitarist, composer and bandleader. 

Howard Fishman and the Biting Fish Brass Band

Fishman's Biting Fish band is a tribute to the Big Easy, his former home, which features the singer-songwriter along with his band members on tuba, trombone, trumpet, drums and vocals performing an eclectic, funky repertoire that careens from street-beat style traditional gospel, to surprising covers, to Fishman's own quirky, fun originals. Fishman has headlined in some of the most prestigious venues in the U.S. and abroad, including: Lincoln Center, The Steppenwolf Theatre, the Blue Note, the Great American Music Hall and the Le Petit Journal in Paris. A testament to his wide-ranging appeal, Howard Fishman has appeared on bills with such diverse artists as Odetta, Yo Yo Ma, Madeleine Peyroux, Allen Holdsworth and Nellie McKay. You won't want to miss this wonderful opportunity to see and hear this small band with a mighty, infectious sound, suitable for both happy listening and ridiculous dancing.

In addition to music, kids of all ages will enjoy the puppetry of WonderSpark Puppets, who will perform "Kid Lancelot's Birthday Quest" at this year's ArtsFest.   Once upon a time, there was a brave knight and a beautiful princess who bravely saved the Kingdom of Lockheart! It's up to Kid Lancelot or Princess Petunia to defeat bullies, help wizards, ride a dragon and save the day. This medieval adventure includes lots of laughter and a cast of hilarious characters. Founded by husband and wife team Chad Williams and Lindsey "Z." Briggs, WonderSpark Puppets infuse fun and whimsy into all their performances. "Z" Briggs has been a professional puppeteer for the last 7 years as a performer and builder on numerous projects. Chad Williams is a filmmaker turned puppeteer, and has shot and edited two puppetry documentaries. WonderSpark Puppets present the sweet, funny puppet shows that engage the imaginations of kids and adults alike!

Other happenings of the day will include a variety of hands-on activities for children and adults led by the distinguished faculty of the School of Art.
And, of course, there is the opportunity to see the end of summer exhibits in the Silvermine Galleries that will run through September 16th. The exhibits during ArtFest feature a juried Guild show, "Collective Vision," a Historical Exhibition, "Silvermine, Milestone Graphics and the American Print Renaissance, 1979-1989," and "Full Tilt" a solo exhibition of the works by Silvermine Guild artist Robert Gregson.

For more information about ArtsFest, call 203-966-9700, ext.22, or visit www.silvermineart.org. For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

About Silvermine Arts Center

Silvermine Arts Center located in New Canaan, Connecticut is one of the oldest artist communities in the United States. Located on a four ½ acre campus, the center is comprised of a nationally renowned artist guild; award winning school of art offering multi-disciplinary art classes for ages 2 to 102; and a gift shop and galleries, offering over twenty contemporary and historic exhibitions annually. The center also provides innovative arts education in Norwalk and Stamford schools through its outreach program, Art Partners, and hosts a lecture series and special programs throughout the year. Silvermine Arts Center is a nonprofit organization.

Silvermine Arts Center Mission

Grounded in the belief that art is vital to the spirit, creativity and wholeness of human beings, the mission of Silvermine Arts Center is to cultivate, promote and encourage growth through the arts; to showcase and serve artists; and to foster arts education and appreciation opportunities for the greater community.

Gallery Hours: Silvermine Galleries are open Wednesday through Saturday, 12p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1pm to 5 p.m. For more information, call (203) 966-9700 ext. 20 or visit the website: www.silvermineart.org.

Domestic tools subject of new art exhibit

Battle Axe The Housatonic Museum of Art is pleased to announce Reimagining the Distaff Toolkit, an exhibition that explores household tools as metaphor for the social and cultural histories of women embedded in them. Reimagining the Distaff Toolkit will be on view in the Burt Chernow Galleries at the Housatonic Museum of Art from September 6 through October 26, 2012. The term "distaff" itself refers not only to the tool attached to a spinning wheel to hold unspun fibers, but over time, came to refer to women generally. Solinger points out, "Many of these old tools facilitated....repetitive labor and evoke the various cultural histories of women's unpaid, often diminished and disrespected status within the household and society. But in the 21st century, at a moment when 'old tools' have become aestheticized and expensive, we can look again and see their costly beauty. Rickie Solinger, an award-winning author, historian and curator, reexamines women's history by positioning tools used in a domestic setting as the "fulcrum for a contemporary work of art." The artists in this exhibit place these old tools at the center of their own work: washboard, a dressmaker's dummy, graters, doilies, an advice book, cooking pans, a basket, a garden hoe, dress patterns, a rolling pin, buckets, darning eggs, a work glove, a needle threader, rug beaters, ironing boards, mason jars and a telephone. Alison Saar Twenty-eight artists are represented in this show including Betye and Alison Saar, Lisa Alvarado, Dave Cole, Judy Hoyt, Larry Ruhl, Flo Oy Wong, Debra Priestly, to name a few. Gallery Hours are: Monday through Friday from 8:30am until 5:30pm; Thursday until 7pm; Saturday from 9am until 3pm; Sunday from Noon until 4pm. For additional information and/or direction please visit our website www.HousatonicMuseum.org