Art Darien 2021
Art Darien poster Grove St Plaza 2021

Sixth Annual ‘Art Darien’ Outdoor Art Fair Is a Little Different This Weekend at Grove St Plaza

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The popular Darien fall tradition – Art Darien was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, but it’s back this weekend at Grove Street Plaza — from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., both Saturday and Sunday. — an announcement from the organizers

“I have been rebuilding the art event to make sure the event will be safe and comfortable for everyone even during the pandemic,” said artist Nobu Miki, the organizer of the two-day event, which is free. Artists used to bring their display setups and stay at their spots all day. This original idea was inspired by the famous artist colony, Montmartre Paris, and Nobu loved it. But she invested and purchased outdoor display panels this year to create a smoother visitor flow.

Music

Spadtastics Concert Starts 6 PM, Saturday at Tilley Pond Park

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The Corbin District and The Darien Chamber of Commerce welcome back The Spadtastics to Tilley Pond Park on Saturday, Sept. 18 starting at 6 p.m. for a free community concert. Families are encouraged to come with coolers and lay a blanket or place lawn chairs for a fun-filled evening of live music. Food vendors including Crepes Choupette, Fjord Fish Market, Darien Butcher Shop, Gofer Ice Cream, Sipstirs (in-store only, Sept. 17 to 18) and Parlor Pizza will be on-site donating 15% of profits to Darien Emergency Medical Services-Post 53.

Art Exhibits
Stephanie Reiter Memorial Day George Billis Gallery

Four-Artist Exhibit Opens Wednesday With Reception at George Billis Gallery

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An exhibition of paintings, many of them on maritime themes, by four artists opens today, Wednesday, Sept. 1 at The George Billis Gallery. On opening day an artists’ reception, open to the public, takes place from 4 to 7 p.m.

The exhibit has work from artists Edward Duff, Margot Nimiroski, Stephanie Reiter and Sarah Williams.

— an announcement from the George Billis Gallery

The gallery is located at 166 Main St., Westport. 203.557.9130. Some samples of the artists’ work (each title links to that artist’s page on the gallery website, where more works can be found):
Sarah Williams

Stephanie Reiter

Margot Nimiroski

Edward Duff

About the George Billis Gallery
The George Billis Gallery is an exhibition space with locations in Westport and Los Angeles.

Art Exhibits
About Face Exhibit Maritime Garage Gallery

Maritime Garage Gallery Seeks Artists’ Submissions for ‘About Face: Through Artistic Eyes’

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The Norwalk Parking Authority’s Maritime Garage Gallery is inviting submissions of art from artists 18 and over for its newest exhibit, the first live show since December 2019. The exhibit, “About Face: Through Artistic Eyes

,” will focus on expression through portraiture. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 2, 2021. “About Face” will run from Nov.

Art Exhibits
RAC Gallery Autumn Juried Show 2020

Open Call for Artist Submissions to Rowayton Arts Center’s Autumn Juried Show

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Online submissions are now being accepted in an open call to all artists interested in exhibiting their work in the annual, all-media “Autumn Juried Show” at Rowayton Arts Center. — an announcement from Rowayton Arts Center

The deadline is Sept. 10, 2021, and accepted artists will be notified by Sept. 17. The show takes place at the RAC from Oct.

Darien Parks and Recreation Department 2021
Weed Beach Festive Night 2021

Picnic to Music at the Final Weed Beach Festive Night of the Summer

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Dinner tickets are no longer available, but you can still reserve picnic tables for the final Weed Beach Festive Night of the summer today, Friday, with gates opening at 5 p.m. (Weed Beach will close to regular beachgoers starting at 2 p.m.)

— an announcement from Darien Parks and Recreation Department

If you didn’t already pre-purchase dinners through Nikki Glekas Events (which will be served at 6 p.m.), you can bring your own picnic or get food and beverages from the Beach Grill concessions, which will remain open throughout the event. Festive Night features music from the Darien Community Band and local favorite Kenny Weiss. The Darien Community Band, now celebrating its 75th year, plays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Kenny Weiss, will follow from 6:30 to 8 p.m., when the event ends. If the event has to be cancelled, the rain date is Saturday, Aug. 28.

Art Exhibits
Ben Larrabee

Darien Photographer Ben Larrabee’s Work on Exhibit Downtown Starting Sept 16

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Ben Larrabee’s fine art and portrait photography will be featured in a new exhibition, “In the Moment,” with a “Meet the Artist” opening reception Sept. 16 in downtown Darien. — an announcement from Art Annex CT
Larrabee’s goal as a photographer is to be authentic and honest, not merely different. This approach is based on letting go of his expectations and assumptions — to use the photographic experience as a way of finding truth and connection. He earned a B.F.A. in Photography at the Rhode Island School of Design and a Masters degree of Fine Arts in graphic design from Yale University.

Avon Theater 2021
Avon Theatre Film Center

Avon Theatre Announces Free One-Year Memberships If You Get Vaccinated in August

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In the spirit of encouraging the entire community to stay safe, the Avon Theatre in Stamford is offering a limited special offer to anyone getting a COVID-19 vaccine in August or who already has been vaccinated in the month of August. — an announcement from Avon Theater in Stamford

Anyone stepping up to get a Covid-19 shot between August 1 and August 31 will be eligible for these perks:

Moviegoers presenting proof of August vaccination at the Avon Box Office will receive a FREE MEMBERSHIP for one person (Individual/Student/Senior) for one year. Current Avon Members who present proof of an August vaccine will receive a FREE MEDIUM POPCORN with each movie ticket they purchase throughout the month of August. The benefits of Avon membership include discounts on movie tickets all year, one free movie admission ticket upon joining, as well as invitations to members-only screenings. To take advantage of this special offer, please visit the box office.

Sports
Poster 1 Knights for Aces Norwalk Grassroots Tennis 2021

‘Knights for Aces’ Tennis Tournament for Kids and Teens, Aug 22 in Darien and Norwalk

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Kids and teenagers of any skill level are invited to play in the Knights for Aces tennis tournament, coming Sunday afternoon, Aug. 22. — an announcement from Grassroots Tennis & Education
The competition, from 1 to 6 p.m., features round robin doubles tennis matches, starting on the courts of four clubs in Darien — Middlesex, Tokeneke, Wee Burn and Woodway. Participants are asked to arrive by 12:45 p.m.

After matches are played, the winning doubles team in each division will play in the finals at Grassroots tennis courts in Norwalk. Players and spectators are invited to enjoy pizza and refreshments, and winners will take home trophies and t-shirts. 
Finals and food will be  at the William Rippe Tennis Center at Springwood Park, 11 Ingalls Ave.

Art Exhibits
RAC photography and sculpture art show

Photography and Sculpture Art Show Begins Sunday with Reception at Rowayton Arts Center

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A new show at the Rowayton Arts Center, “Photography and Sculpture,” will be on view Aug. 1 to 29 with over 60 pieces of artwork by area artists. The opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 1, is free and open to the public. — an announcement from Rowayton Arts Center

RAC gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm.

Arts & Entertainment
Chinese Acrobat Li Liu performs

Chinese Acrobat Li Liu Performs Twice Saturday Morning in Darien Library Courtyard

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Chinese Acrobat Li Liu will perform hand balancing, plate spinning, ribbon dancing, Chinese yo-yos and foot juggling in two performances Saturday morning, July 17. Registration is required to attend either the first 40-minute performance of “Traditions of Chinese Acrobatics” at 10 a.m. or the second at 11:30 a.m. in the Darien Library courtyard. — an announcement from Darien Library

A limited number of volunteers get to create an impromptu ribbon dance, and to try their hand at plate spinning. Educational connections are made with the Chinese language and culture. Li explains some of the rituals of Chinese New Year, teaches the audience some basic Chinese phrases, and encourages them to think about what it might have been like to grow up in a different time and place.

Art Exhibits
Hollis Taggart art exhibit 2021 Reunion

‘Reunion’ Exhibit Features 10 Artists at Hollis Taggart Gallery, Reception on July 17

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On July 17, Hollis Taggart gallery in Southport will open “Reunion, A Group Exhibition,” featuring recent paintings and sculptures by 10 contemporary artists. The exhibition will open with a reception from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, July 17, in the gallery at 330 Pequot Ave., Southport, then will be on view through Sept. 4. — an announcement from Hollis Taggart

Reuniting many of our artists to celebrate the first anniversary of Hollis Taggart’s opening in Southport, “Reunion” highlights each artist’s particular style, technique, medium, themes, and intentions while showcasing works that represent the latest developments in contemporary art. the exhibition includes works by gallery artists William Buchina, Leah Guadagnoli, André Hemer, Dana James, Tim Kent, John Knuth, Suchitra Mattai, and Alexandros Vasmoulakis as well as Elise Ansel and Anna Pietrzak.

Arts & Entertainment
Penny Spanos Darien Fireworks 2015

UPDATE: Forget Postponement, Weed Beach Festive Night CANCELLED ENTIRELY Due to Forecast; Fireworks Still on for July 15

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UPDATE, 10:49 a.m., Friday:

Weed Beach Festive Night, which was originally scheduled for Friday night, then postponed for 24 hours, is now cancelled due to expected rain, Darien Parks and Recreation Department announced just before 10 a.m., Friday. If you pre-purchased a meal for the event, you can still pick it up between 5 and 6 p.m., Saturday, Park & Rec Program Supervisor Jami Gore said in the 9:59 a.m. emailed announcement.  You’ll be able to get into the beach to do it, she said. The next Weed Beach Festive Night is scheduled for Aug. 27. Here’s the full text of Gore’s announcement:
Unfortunately, we have made the difficult and disappointing decision to cancel the Weed Beach Festive Night scheduled for this weekend due to potential inclement weather.

Adger Cowans

New Norwalk Museum Offers Upcoming Art Exhibit, Classes, Music and More

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The Norwalk Art Space is delighted to open its newest exhibition on Thursday, July 22, 2021, “A Dialogue in Styles, Jahmane and Adger Cowans.” — an announcement from The Norwalk Art Space

This exhibit encompasses multiple decades of evolutionary work from two premier Connecticut artists, Adger Cowans and The Norwalk Art Space’s Korry Fellow Jahmane. Deeply rooted in social commentary, abstraction, bold experimentation, and the ability to explore concepts beyond traditional “Black Art,” this exhibition presents an intimate view into the creative worlds of two accomplished artists. Although generationally separated, Jahmane’s and Cowan’s work share common threads that complement each other as if created on simultaneous timelines. The range of subject matter, medium, and technique demonstrate each artist’s ability to translate diverse concepts into newfound works of art ranging from graffiti, fashion, graphic design, cultural iconography, and murals in Jahmane’s case and photography, textiles, and painting for Adger.