New Exhibit at Five Points Gallery in Torrington

  Five Points Gallery will open a new show on July 7, 2016 which will run through August 13, 2016 and will feature the work of Bob Gregson, David Holzman and Becky Rosen and is being sponsored by Northwest Savings Bank.  The public is encouraged to attend an opening reception on Friday, July 8^th from 6-8:30 p.m.  An artist conversation, also open to the public, will be held on July 29^th at 6 p.m.  Both events are free.  Regular gallery hours are Thursdays through Mondays from 1 – 5 p.m.

For this new show, Five Points Gallery is proud to feature the work of the FPG 2015 Juried Show Award Winner, Becky Rosen in an exhibition titled regarding the disregarded. Torrington native and distinguished scholar Ann Temkin, Chief Curator of Painting and Sculpture at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC, selected Rosen for this award.  Ann Temkin is also an advisory board member of Five Points Gallery.

Rosen, an artist who works in various media, is currently attending Hunter College where she is pursuing a Masters of Fine Arts degree.  According to Rosen, she intensely studies familiar places in the world around her and from these intense studies, she transforms overlooked moments into the compositional and color inspiration for her thoughtfully crafted abstractions.  Often painting directly on unprimed fabric and papers, there is a rawness and immediacy to Rosen’s work that suggests a temporality and ephemerality of material and imagery.  This temporal nature encourages viewers to carefully examine not only Rosen’s work, but also how things change over time in the world around them.  These series of Rosen’s work follow in the steps of Ingrid Calame, Sol LeWitt, Eva Hesse, and John Cage’s visual art.

David Holzman is the featured artist in the TDP Gallery.  Holzman considers himself to be part of a tradition of storytelling through the medium of relief sculpture.  In his exhibit at Five Points, Atonal Apples, he continues his series of carved wood wall reliefs based on the stream of consciousness series, a series which he calls "The Book of Umm." Holzman develops his imagery using the surrealist technique of automatic drawing. His work refers to contemporary imagery as well as tribal culture and according to Holzman, “It’s about being spontaneous, being simple and being human”. 

Holzman received his MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.  Among his achievements, he received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, Visual Artist Fellowship for Artist’s Books.  He has exhibited throughout Connecticut and currently teaches in the Simsbury School System and at Central Connecticut State University. 

The East Gallery will feature the work of Bob Gregson in an exhibit titled Off Kilter.  Bob Gregson challenges the traditional relationship between artwork and viewer. He sees his work as a hinge connecting them in a very personal way. The work is a collision of ideas that mixes color, design, and architecture into provocative situations. Responding to the lack of intimate social interactions in today’s technology-saturated culture, he strives to use art to create situations that bring people together in a shared experience. Panels can be turned, sculpture can be rolled and people can rock. The result is work that is clever, witty and fun.  Bob’s philosophy is as direct as his work. As he explains, “I believe an artwork is absorbed and filtered through one’s life experiences. We respond to the colors, shapes and images that awaken unconscious connections. I like to play in the hazy territory between an artwork and the public.”

Bob Gregson received a B.F.A. from the Hartford Art School and an M.F.A. from the Art Institute of Chicago.  His art education started with noted artist/illustrator Carroll N. Jones, Jr. and Pulitzer Fellowship recipient Rudolph Zallinger.  He has exhibited in Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C. as well as his home state of Connecticut. In addition, Bob has taught and lectured in various locations and is the author and illustrator of several books.  His work is represented in various private collections as well as the collection of the New Britain Museum of American Art.

About the Gallery
Located in a historic downtown building, Five Points Gallery (FPG) is a non-profit contemporary art gallery showcasing professional regional, national and international visual artists. The gallery presents exhibitions in three beautifully renovated exhibition spaces, and has earned the reputation as one of Connecticut's outstanding contemporary art venues.  For more information about the gallery please visit www.fivepointsgallery.org.

South Farms - Summer Concert The Gibbonses

South Farms located in Morris Connecticut just off Rte. 109 on 21 Higbie Road is presenting an exciting musical event on July 22 with doors opening at 7 p.m.

This iconic New England farm best known for its farmers market and event venue is supporting the debut album release of the Dallas based, multi-instrumentalist duo The Gibbonses.  This dynamic duo is embarking on a month long summer tour up the East Coast and across the mid-west; and as the band’s only public appearance in CT, this is one show you’re not going to want to miss!

With a unique blend of Southern Soul, Americana, and Rhythm & Blues, Torrington native Brandon Gibbons (Charity) and his wife Jackie have been capturing the attention of music lovers across the Southwest. The band has shared the stage with The Black Lillies, Kimberly Dunn, Dalton Domino, Sam Riggs, and Prophets and Outlaws to name a few. In a recent album spotlight, Texas Music Picker’s had this to say about their record, Among The Rubble; “This captivating record offers a tale of tragedy and finding resolve, leaving the listener engaged throughout the journey in between! Every song has something to say and we’re impressed by the maturity in this talented band’s debut record!”

Local legends of folk and bluegrass, Switch Factory, will start the show off. These guys are incredible! John Fitts, a writer for the Litchfield County Times, writes, "With a fun live show, impeccable chops and tight harmonies, the members of Switch Factory are in a great place musically."

Along with this fantastic musical line up you will enjoy the beauty that is South Farms in Morris, CT.  don't miss indulging on some tasty dessert treats by AmandaBakes completing this "sweet" evening!

Pre-Sale Ticket for The Gibbonses Concert on July 22, 2016 are available at South Farms in Morris, CT. Tickets are $15 and they are on sale now online. Space is limited to 200 so get yours now!  Please present ID and ticket email at door for admission.  This event is being produced/sponsored by: The Gibbonses, The Desultory Theatre Club, DJ Zerp & Zerp Radio, South Farms, and Amanda G. Love with her company AmandaBakes.

Historic Walking Tours and more in Fairfield

Fairfield is rolling out a red, white and blue carpet on July 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that promises to be fun for the whole family. The day begins on the historic town green to celebrate the final day of the display of the Declaration of Independence. Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy food from a food truck from 1 a.m. to 1 pm. while enjoying crafts, games and even a British encampment.

 The British encampment that will simulate what Fairfield looked like when the redcoats invaded.  Participants will experience life during the Revolutionary War by visiting with members of the 54th CT Regiment of Foot, a British regiment like the ones who invaded Fairfield in 1779. The members of the 54th will set up a British soldier’s encampment, explaining the equipment that was likely used during the British invasion of Fairfield as well as demonstrating the manual of arms. There might also be a need to proclaim the “King’s will” to those in attendance while being part of the force occupying the town for the day!

 Of special historic interest in honor of the 240th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, take a look at an early version of the Declaration of Independence and other historical artifacts such as a document bearing John Hancock’s famous signature! Connecticut signers of the Declaration included Oliver Wolcott, Roger Sherman, William Williams and Samuel Huntington.

 The highlight of this event are the Burning of Fairfield Walking Tours on: Sunday, July 10 at 12:30 p.m., 1p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.; to reserve a spot visit the website  tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.  

This walking tour brings the burning of Fairfield back to life as your guide explains the history and events surrounding the attack on Fairfield by the British on July 7-8, 1779. Participants will listen to the Proclamation from the British General William Tryon and Admiral Collier, to the people of Connecticut.  You will hear the anguished words of Eunice Burr, as she witnesses the ransacking and destruction of her home, at the site where it happened. Young William Wheeler’s voice speaks to you of his family’s struggle to evacuate the town and his feelings of pride at the heroic actions of the local militia and the Fort at Black Rock as they work to fend off the Crown Forces. The walk ends with the somber after action report of Reverend Andrew Eliot as he reflects on the events of those two days in July, and their meaning for the town and its future.  This popular event is one that is not to be missed.

For more area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

A roster of summer fun @ Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury

The summer season at Quassy Amusement Park has ramped up and is dishing out plenty of summer fun for families. This fun filled lakeside amusement park has a history that goes back to 1888 when Mr. Richards opened a grove house for clambakes. By 1905, the Wallace Hotel replaced the grove house and a trolley, picnic area and carousel was added. By 1937, three local businessmen purchased the property and began adding attractions. In 1952, the park became a full-fledged amusement park with the addition of even more rides. Today this unique family amusement park overs more than twenty rides, swimming, picnicking, a large arcade and Splash Away Bay Water Park as well as the award winning Wooden Warrior roller coaster.

New this year is the new ride called reverse time that will be the first ride of its kind in all of North America plus new waterslides. Reverse Time, themed as a giant clock, accommodates 24 riders seated in a circular configuration facing outward. As the ride starts to spin it is lifted into the air with the supporting turntable rotating in the opposite direction.

Guests will dip and dive as the ride reaches a maximum speed of 20 revolutions per minute. Mid-cycle, the ride will change direction adding to the exciting experience.

The park is also hosting many special events this summer that includes:

July 4- ‘3D’ Fireworks – Have a blast this July 4th at the Quassy special ‘3D’ fireworks presentation after dark to benefit Healthy Eyes Alliance. Viewing glasses will be sold for $1. Parking $10 on July 4th. Presented by TD Bank, Price Chopper, Premier Auto Group of Watertown, Pepsi and Quassy.

Aug. 27-Christian Dance Day – Christian praise and worship dance teams perform on the Carousel Theatre stage at 2 p.m. Great family entertainment.

Sept. 3 & 4 -Irish Dance Competition – 20th Annual Constitution State Feis (Irish Dance Competition) with hundreds of dancers from throughout New England competing. To take place at the Carousel Theatre. Presented by the Horgan Academy of Irish Dance.

Sept. 5 – Carload Labor Day – Say goodbye to summer with a special $45 Carload Labor Day (up to 10 persons in your car) at Quassy! Support the Campership Fund as a portion of the day’s proceeds helps to send kids to camp!

Sept. 24- Second Annual Dance Competition – 11 a.m. at Carousel Theatre stage.

Sept. 24 & 25- 25th Annual OKTOBERFEST – Great German food, live music, dancing and more. Noon to 6 p.m. both days in the OKTOBERFEST pavilion. Music starts at 12:30 p.m. Rides operate 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about the park visit www.quassy.com. For more area informationwww.litchfieldhills.com