Paint to the Music and Hands on Drumming @ The Mattatuck Museum Waterbury

Go on a creative journey with a Paint to the Music studio class @ The MATT, led by artist Amber Maida, on Tuesday, September 7 at 5:30 p.m.

Listen to music and interpret the sounds you hear in a painting, drawing or mixed media work. Amber Maida, winner of the Museum’s 2015 MIXMASTER Juried Members Exhibition, will give a demonstration and assist each participant in creating their own sound-inspired work. Before you begin, enjoy a glass of wine and mingle with other art lovers.

Cost is $12 for Members and $20 for General Admission. Materials will be provided. To register call (203) 753-0381 x130 or at www.mattmuseum.org.

On Friday, Sept. 8 from 1:00-3:00 p.m, the  Mattatuck Museum will hold a hands-on drumming program with instructor Craig Norton.

Join Craig Norton for a few hours of participatory musical merriment in one of the galleries @ The MATT and experience the joy that comes with making music! Everyone gets to play a drum or two, dance, laugh and learn while playing rhythms from around the world. Bring your own drums or play one provided. Craig Norton is the founder of Hands On Drumming, an organization that specializes in leading fun and engaging community drum circles.

The program is $8 for Museum members, $12 for General Admission, and $3 for BRASS Members.

About the Museum

Located in the heart of downtown Waterbury’s architectural district, the Mattatuck Museum is a vibrant destination, known locally and regionally as a community-centered institution of American art and history. For more information on all of the Museum’s programs, events, and exhibits visit the website at www.mattmuseum.org or call (203) 753-0381.

WWI Exhibit Danbury Answers the Call through November 11

The Danbury Historical Society, now in its 75th year of celebrating local history has launched a new exhibition, The Great War, Danbury Answers the Call focusing on World War I.

This exhibit focuses on the contributions of Danbury citizens at home and abroad during World War I. All branches of service are recognized in this fascinating display.

This summer, the Museum is offering an expanded tour schedule through Labor Day and is offering guided tours of the historic buildings (John & Mary Rider House (c.1785), John Dodd Hat Shop (c.1790), The Marian Anderson Studio and The Little Red Schoolhouse) located at their 43 Main St. campus.  The guided tours are available daily Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Danbury Museum & Historical Society is a BLUE STAR MUSEUM offering free admission to the nation's active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve through Labor Day.

Flamingos Flock at Maritime Aquarium Norwalk

No bird may claim a cultural influence as big and long as the flamingo, and no place in Connecticut is featuring the big pink icons this summer except The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. A small flock, or "flamboyance," of flamingos will be standing – often, on one leg – in the aviary on the Aquarium's riverfront courtyard through Labor Day, Sept. 4. The exhibit is free with Aquarium admission.

For family fun this summer, The Maritime Aquarium has more big sharks, the greatest variety of jellyfish, the only black dragon and the 'greenest' research vessel, while also being the most affordable aquarium in New England. This flamingo exhibit is the pink icing on the cake. The flamingos exhibit will complement the new IMAX® movie, "Amazon Adventure," opening July 1 on the Aquarium's six-story screen.

People love flamingos because they're just such a big and beautiful and interesting bird. Cultures have been celebrating them for ages – literally – and now you can too at the Maritime Aquarium. Ancient Egyptians are said to have used the flamingo to represent the reincarnation of their sun god. The birds have turned up in cave paintings in Spain and in ancient art of Peru. Alice used a flamingo as a croquet mallet when she went through the looking glass. And, of course, pink flamingos became a cultural icon of leisure and tropical travel in 1950s' America ... although today the image has evolved to represent hip high kitsch.

Displayed at The Maritime Aquarium will be six Chilean flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis), a larger species – 4 to 5 feet tall – native to southern South America. They're distinguished from other flamingo species by their paler plumage, by the downward half of their bills being black, and by their greyish legs with notably pink "knees." (Although, technically, what looks like their knees are really their "ankles.")

Chilean flamingos are considered to be "Near Threatened," with humans representing their main threat because of hunting, egg harvesting and by the loss of – and changes to – their natural habitats. The birds at the Aquarium are on loan for the summer from a zoo in Louisiana. Get details about all of the Aquarium's summer offerings – including cruises onto Long Island Sound, a mesmerizing expanded jellyfish area, and the new IMAX movie "Amazon Adventure" – at www.maritimeaquarium.org.

Art in the Park Festival and Art Contest @ Weir Farm National Historic Site

On Friday, August 25, 2017 Weir Farm National Historic Site, the Friends of Weir Farm, and the Weir Farm Art Center will host an Art in the Park Festival, culminating with judging and announcement of the winners of this year's art competition. The park welcomes artists, neighbors, national park lovers, and visitors of all ages and experience levels to create Art in the Park during this free day-long event.

 

Beginning at 10:00 am, the event will include art demonstrations, activity stations, free-to-use art supplies, music, refreshments, and more! Advanced artists are encouraged to bring their supplies, and the park will provide supplies for those that don't have their own. All visitors will have the opportunity to create works of art and enter the contest. At the end of the day, an on-site exhibition will feature entries for viewing and judging. Visitors will have the chance to vote for their favorite piece during the festival and help determine a winner for the Visitor's Choice Award. Other awards will be determined by a panel of judges and winners for each category will be announced at 5:00 pm to wrap up the festivities. A detailed schedule of activities and demonstration times will be available on the park website at www.nps.gov/wefa in mid-August.

 

The theme of the 2017 art contest is Impressions of Weir Farm. As the only national park dedicated to American Impressionism, and one that leaves an impression on everyone who visits, this year's theme challenges visitors to create something colorful, exciting, and unique based on their experience at Weir Farm NHS. Entries will be judged on the use of color, quality of work, originality, creativity, and how well the work is related to the theme.

 

There will be a special category for professional or advanced artists, and several categories based on age for all other entries. All winners will be featured on the park's website and social media and receive an award. The winner of the professional artist category will receive the Weir Masterpiece Award and have the option to display their work at the park following the contest.

 

In addition to submitting works of art during the August 25th Art in the Park Festival, visitors and professional artists can enter by dropping off original artwork at the park during visitor center hours. The park will accept entries in person or by mail up to the day of the event. Please include your name, age, phone number, and email address with your artwork. Entries must be received and on display by 4:00 pm on August 25th for judging. Winners will be announced at 5:00 pm.

 

Artwork can be taken home after the event, or picked up during visitor center hours through September 17, 2017. By entering the contest, the artist gives permission for the park to use images of the work on the park's website, social media, and print media. Professional artists may request crediting or limitations on use.

 

Park staff will be on hand to assist artists with supplies, and a free shuttle service will be offered from overflow parking areas just minutes from the park throughout the day. Leave your cares behind, pack a lunch, and enjoy creating and experiencing Art in the Park!

“FLAMBOYANCE” OF FLAMINGOS FLOCK FOR THE SUMMER TO THE MARITIME AQUARIUM AT NORWALK

No bird may claim a cultural influence as big and long as the flamingo, and no place in Connecticut is featuring the big pink icons this summer except The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. A small flock, or "flamboyance," of flamingos will be standing – often, on one leg – in the aviary on the Aquarium's riverfront courtyard through Labor Day, Sept. 4. The exhibit is free with Aquarium admission.

For family fun this summer, The Maritime Aquarium has more big sharks, the greatest variety of jellyfish, the only black dragon and the 'greenest' research vessel, while also being the most affordable aquarium in New England. This flamingo exhibit is the pink icing on the cake. The flamingos exhibit will complement the new IMAX® movie, "Amazon Adventure," opening July 1 on the Aquarium's six-story screen.

People love flamingos because they're just such a big and beautiful and interesting bird. Cultures have been celebrating them for ages – literally – and now you can too at the Maritime Aquarium. Ancient Egyptians are said to have used the flamingo to represent the reincarnation of their sun god. The birds have turned up in cave paintings in Spain and in ancient art of Peru. Alice used a flamingo as a croquet mallet when she went through the looking glass. And, of course, pink flamingos became a cultural icon of leisure and tropical travel in 1950s' America ... although today the image has evolved to represent hip high kitsch.

Displayed at The Maritime Aquarium will be six Chilean flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis), a larger species – 4 to 5 feet tall – native to southern South America. They're distinguished from other flamingo species by their paler plumage, by the downward half of their bills being black, and by their greyish legs with notably pink "knees." (Although, technically, what looks like their knees are really their "ankles.")

Chilean flamingos are considered to be "Near Threatened," with humans representing their main threat because of hunting, egg harvesting and by the loss of – and changes to – their natural habitats. The birds at the Aquarium are on loan for the summer from a zoo in Louisiana. Get details about all of the Aquarium's summer offerings – including cruises onto Long Island Sound, a mesmerizing expanded jellyfish area, and the new IMAX movie "Amazon Adventure" – at www.maritimeaquarium.org.

Tour Hummock Island with Westport Historical Society

On September 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. the Westport Historical Society is offering a special experience right in their own backyard - a tour to visit Hummock Island, the site of the charming historic oyster house that sits in the middle of Sherwood Mill Pond.

If you have wondered who lived there and what the history of this house is this is your chance to find out! Jeff Northrup’s family built this house in 1747 and he will be sharing wonderful stories about their oyster family business. Once on the island, Jeff, our Hummock Island tour guide will tell you about the history of oystering in CT and his family legacy. As part of the tour, we’ll have an oyster tasting and shucking lesson, along with wine and other light bites on the front porch of the island house overlooking the water.

Tour participants will meet in front of Elvira’s Market, 222 Hillspoint Rd; please arrive promptly at 5:15 pm, as you will board the boat to the island at 5:30 pm. If you do not have a Westport beach sticker, arrangements will be made to shuttle you from the Hillspoint Elementary School parking lot to the Mill Pond.

Reservations are required for this exclusive tour. Seating is limited to the first  30 people. Tickets https://westporthistory.wufoo.com/forms/slamiz40fjhsey/are $110 per person. Proceeds support the educational programs at WHS.

Peach Festival in Oxford August 26

There is nothing as delicious as a summer peach and the Oxford Historical Society has organized a festival to celebrate this delicious fruit on Saturday, August 26 from 4-7 pm at the Great Hill United Methodist Church, located beside the Route 188 rotary at 225 Great Hill Road in Seymour.

Thi star of this event is scrumptious homemade peach shortcake with fresh Market 32 peaches and Rich Farm handmade peach ice cream plus a choice of beverages.  Admission to the festival is $1.

Each year the Peach Festival has a theme and this year's is “Oxford 100 Years Ago”. Highlights of this theme showcase life in this small New England farming town from 1915 -1920, as residents served abroad in World War I and worked at home to support the troops.  One soldier who enlisted and was wounded in France was Clarence Roberts from Quaker Farms.  His letters, uniform, and a number of artifacts from his years of service will be on display.

The festival also features displays on the Hale-Coleman Peach Farm, once located on Great Hill and Peach Farm Roads.  Raising peaches was once a major enterprise in Seymour and Oxford.

Music Memoir by Charlie Karp @ Westport Historical Society

On August 21, music legend, Chaarlie Karp brings his "musical memoir" to the Westport Historical Society from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

The History 

Ever since he opened for The Doors while still at Coleytown Junior High, Charlie Karp has been making his mark on the world of music. Karp became a local legend in 1970 when, in the middle of his junior year at Staples High School, he was invited to join the Buddy Miles Band. At age 16, after recording his first 45, Karp began touring internationally with Miles and contributed an original song to the band's renowned Them Changes album.

He opened for Jimi Hendrix at The Forum in Los Angeles and for Three Dog Night at the Cotton Bowl, recorded with Arthur Lee, and got his own record contract with RCA Records as the co-founder of White Chocolate with David Hull – all before age 20. From this unique perch, Charlie Karp had an up-close look at some of the all-time rock greats, while witnessing the transformation of the music industry.

Karp's musical experiences have found their way into a new memoir, and now he will share some of those stories while performing the music that inspired him. In "Charlie Karp's Musical Memoir," playing his guitar alongside a keyboardist, the renowned rocker brings alive the magical soundtrack that shaped the years 1964 through 1972.

About the show

This show is more than a concert. It's also an inside look at what happened when the music business moved from 45s to albums, and from small concert venues to dedicated rock clubs, arenas, and then stadiums.

Reservations strongly suggested, call 203-222-1424. Doors open at 6:30 and there is a $15 suggested donation and light refreshments will be served.

Sharon Historical Society presents Exhibition and Sale of Artwork through Sept. 8

The Sharon Historical Society located on 18 Main Street in the historic village of Sharon has organized an exhibition and sale of art by members of the Sharon Woman's Club through September 8, 2017.

The Sharon Woman's Club was organized in 1910 with the purpose to stimulate and encourage all efforts toward intellectual and social betterment in the home and in the community. The organization's motto is "In Good Things, Unity; In Small Things, Liberty; In All Things, Charity." The Club has consistently responded to the needs in our community throughout its history, compiling an impressive and enviable catalog of civic, educational and cultural contributions and accomplishments.

There is a wide range of subject matter in a variety of media created over the past two years by the talented members of this organization. Artworks will be available for purchase. All purchases support the Sharon Historical Society & Museum's mission.

The Gallery @the SHS is located in the Sharon Historical Society & Museum at 18 Main Street in Sharon, CT. Museum hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 4:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00AM to 2:00PM and by appointment. For more information and directions to The Gallery @the SHS, call (860) 364-5688.

Dish Walking Tour uncovers Bethel

Established to walk the sidewalks of downtown Danbury, CT,  DisH Liv(ing) Walking Tours has expanded to take a peek at its neighboring downtown community of Bethel. On Saturday August 19th, 11:00am to 1:00pm, host Ted Killmer, a downtown Danbury resident, will introduce walkers to a Bethel book store that specializes in all things Connecticut, artisanal makers of 3D chocolates, a mural that celebrates the town's famed P.T. Barnum's Jumbo, a fascinating story about a doughboy that became a lamp, a circus school that really sparks, and more.   

DisH Liv(ing) Walking Tours is supported, in part, by the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. In addition, the Walks also receive support by the  the more-than-generous participation of eateries, shops, businesses, and local folk who line the day's Walk.

"I'm so delighted to take on a new Downtown, to uncover it, and revel in it," says Ted.  He suggests that you wear comfortable shoes, bring your camera, and a few friends. "Its about the conversations we have as we walk, not the Walk itself."

 

The Walk is FREE, though tips are welcomed. As much as possible, stops are wheelchair accessible, family friendly, and do not require difficult climbs. To participate, reservations are required. RSVP to dishliving@gmail.com with your name, the number in your party, and a phone contact, or call (475) 289 3113. A confirmation will let you know where to meet.  The itinerary remains, appropriately, to be discovered. 

Lime Rock Turns Sixty - Celebration

On September 2, Lime Rock is celebrating 60 years of tradition, beauty and speed at Lime Rock Park.  It is also a kick-off fundraising event for the "Legends of Lime Rock" commemorative area in A Paddock.

The celebration – cocktails, a sit-down, family style dinner, music, entertainment, auctions – will be highlighted by a special gathering of legends, people who are particularly important to Lime Rock's history and legacy. David Hobbs, PJ Jones, Sam Posey and Jim Haynes – all drivers at heart, of course, but each of whom became influential beyond the cockpit – will engage in a lively discussion: Expect invigorating repartee amongst these racing icons, and tales will surely be told that few have heard before.

About the Guests 

David Hobbs... Aside from his exploits at Le Mans, as well as in F1, IMSA GT, the Indy 500 and even NASCAR, David's biggest successes at Lime Rock were during F5000's halcyon days. In the five F5000 races at Lime Rock between 1969 and 1972, Hobbs never qualified lower than fourth. He won twice (including during his 1971 title-winning year) and finished on the podium in two others. His lone LRP DNF was due to a diff failure in 1972, F5000's last race here.

Sam Posey... Sam's racing career was not only the equal of Hobbs in its diversity, but our hometown hero actually learned his craft at Lime Rock. Sam famously won the 1969 LRP Trans-Am race in a Shelby-run Mustang, subbing for Peter Revson, and won the IMSA GTU race two years in a row, 1978 and 1979. Motorsports' reigning Renaissance Man par excellence is today a painter, writer, designer, broadcaster... Sam in person never fails to charm and enlighten.

PJ Jones... Representing 1990s-era Lime Rock during its IMSA Camel GTP heydays, PJ is not done racing; he's a star in Robby Gordon's spectacular Speed Energy Super Truck series and competes in the SCORE Baja off-road races. PJ, son of the legendary

Parnelli Jones (who raced and won at Lime Rock in Trans-Am Mustangs), on Saturday, May 29, 1993, turned an amazing lap of :43.112 in his #98 All American Racers Toyota Eagle MkIII IMSA Camel GTP prototype during qualifying for the Toyota Trucks Lime Rock Grand Prix. And a quarter century later, this is still the lap record at Lime Rock! PJ is articulate, funny, engaging – and not afraid to go toe-to-toe with Sam and David.

Jim Haynes... Flying up from Tampa, Fla., it was Jim's essential and creative management of Lime Rock in the 60s, 70s and 80s that ensured the success we all enjoy today. As a driver, Jim won multiple SCCA National titles, but he's best known for running Lime Rock with grace and wit. It's not hyperbole to say Jim was a major force in American racing during his stewardship of Lime Rock. He was an important early ally of John Bishop's nascent IMSA series and was a leader in promoting vintage racing, helping it reach the astounding success it enjoys today. His post-LRP career – for nine years he ran Road America, a track similar to Lime Rock in its appeal – gives Jim a unique perspective as he looks back on what Lime Rock means to him.

In addition, Historic Festival 35 Honored Guest Richard Attwood as well as Honored Collector Bruce Meyer will be in attendance.

The Auction

There are many great auction items available to bid on to round out the fun.  A highlight of items include:

► Lucas Oil Race School: Two-day accredited school, for two people

► Lime Rock Drivers Club Track Day, in LRP Spec Miata race car
includes overnight accommodations at Falls Village Inn

► For BMW Fans: Race-worn Bill Auberlen helmet and race-worn David Donohue race suit

► Huge "Car Guy" Package with the best products from: Thule Carriers and Racks; a full set of your choice of Nokian Tyres (including its famous Hakkapeliitta winters or zLINE hi-po summers); Wheels of Time winter car storage; tickets to the Ridgefield Playhouse "F1 Season Wrap with NBC's Matchett, Hobbs and Diffey"; Spectro Performance Oils & Lubricants; premier car-detailing by Explicit Design "Celebrating Lime Rock's past... while building for the future."

Tickets

Tickets are $200 per seat, limited to the first 300 people to order online.

Preserving and Observing: Two Centuries of Norwalk Art

The Norwalk Historical Society has announced a new exhibit  set up in Town House on the Norwalk Historical Society's Mill House Historic Park that will be on display through July, 2018. This exhibition, Preserving and Observing is part of  the continuing celebration of Norwalk's heritage, and features 80+ pieces of art on paper highlighting the City's significant art collection. Mill Hill Historic Park is located on 2 East Wall Street in Norwalk.

Norwalk Harbor - Augustus Daggy

The exhibit curated by Sophia Gevas, is comprised of paintings and works on paper drawn from the four separate collections that comprise the Norwalk Collection: the City of Norwalk, the Lockwood family, the Norwalk Historical Society and the Norwalk-Village Green Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

The 80 plus  featured works created by artists who lived and worked in Norwalk is presented "Salon Style" in the recently restored 1835 Town House at Mill Hill. The exhibit is a survey presented in groupings of Portraits, Still-lifes, Scenes of Working Life and Nature.  The art work on display captures significant aspects and insights about city life through the ages.

Summer Art Show @ Oliver Wolcott Library in Litchfield

Liliana Kleid considers her work a celebration of life and nature, often changing courses along the way. It is her goal to honor the magical moments nature offers by using color, composition, and lighting, and to show the viewer something lively they wouldn’t normally get to see. 

She is always experimenting with different media and lately has been working with oils, acrylics and inks. Reflected in her work are the bold colors of indigenous crafts, clothing, and textiles that she was surrounded by  growing up in Peru. After years of traveling and experiencing new creative forms, the influence of Peruvian artwork’s vibrancy has informed her passion for abstract depictions of nature. This series of paintings is inspired by her latest trip to the coasts of both Italy and Spain, where the deep blue colors of the Mediterranean waters were always in her view.

Liliana was born in Lima, Peru. She came to the United States with her  American husband, Peter, in the early 1990s. They have been living in Litchfield for the past 15 years, with their two daughters and two poodles.

In between the development of each of her personal works, Liliana spends her time teaching art classes at the Litchfield Montessori School, and managing her boutique and gallery, Serendipity, in the center of Litchfield. In each of her projects, she promotes the integration of sustainability and creativity through the use of recycled and handmade materials.

In the Jamie Gagarin Community Room and Gallery: July 6- August 31, 2017. Opening reception on Thursday, July 6 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. At the Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South Street, Litchfield, CT. 06759. 860-567-8030, www.owlibrary.org.

Journey with Jellies Bigger and Better @ Maritime Aquarium

Get close to some of the most strangely beautiful ¬– but painfully dangerous – animals in the sea as The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk offers a newly expanded exhibit of jellyfish.

With "Journey with Jellies," The Maritime Aquarium now displays the most jellyfish species in the region. Jellies – as they should be called, because they're not fish – have been among the most popular animals in The Maritime Aquarium for more than 20 years.

This bigger new space builds around the tall centerpiece display of moon jellies, and offers large new displays with such non-native species as Pacific sea nettles, flower hat jellies, Japanese sea nettles and more.

Journey with Jellies" has traditional "window" displays of jellies, but also unique displays of jellies living in cascading globe and half-dome habitats.

Jellies are among the most simple animals, thriving without a brain, heart, lungs, gills and really any of the other organs that we believe an animal must have to survive. Yet survive they have, for millions of years, in forms and colors that are fascinating.

Jellies, of course, also have stinging cells, and Aquarium guests can learn about how jellies sting and about their unique life cycles. In addition to jellies, this new exhibit space also includes a big new natural habitat for the Aquarium's giant Pacific octopus, as well as a new display featuring lionfish, a species with a large splay of venomous spines that are a troubling invasive presence on the Atlantic coast.

"Journey with Jellies" is included with Aquarium admission. For more details about exhibits, programs and IMAX® movies, go to www.maritimeaquarium.org.