Arts & Entertainment

Art receptions, author appearances, performing arts and some film events

A Talk on Influential Artist Paul Cezanne, Whose Drawings Will Be Exhibited at the Met in June

By DARIENITE.COM | 23 hours ago

The life and work of Paul Cézanne, one of the most influential artists in the history of painting, will be the subject of art historian Page Knox in an hour-long talk Tuesday evening, May 18. — an announcement from Darien Library

Cézanne has inspired generations of artists. Born in 1839 and generally recognized as a Post-Impressionist, his unique method of building form with color and his analytical approach to the natural world influenced the art of Cubists, Fauves and avant-garde artists from his death in 1906 until the present day. Through an in-depth examination of his work, including the portraits of Provençal card players and his long-suffering wife, the famous apple still lifes, and the landscapes of his beloved Mt. Saint Victoire, this lecture will explore the life and art of Cézanne as he sought to attain the “essence of form.”

Still Spaces Left in Library's 'For Teens, By Teens Intro to Filmmaking' Five-Part Series

Bloom exhibit Maritime Garage Gallery Norwalk Parking Lot

'Bloom' Online Art Exhibit Celebrates a New Season of Life: Spring and the Fading Pandemic

Want to Become an Exhibiting Members of Rowayton Arts Center? Bring in Art for Review on May 13

Abstraction exhibit art drop off RAC 2021

'Abstraction' Exhibit Opens Sunday With Reception at Rowayton Arts Center

Theater

Theatre Fairfield’s Latest Musical Leans Into the Differences Between Livestream and On Stage Productions

By DARIENITE.COM | April 10, 2021

During the pandemic, theater performances have joined nearly everything else in going livestream online, and Fairfield University’s performance of the musical “[title of show]” takes advantage of the difference rather than just showing you a taped stage performance. So expect it to be different. (The name of the musical is no typo in the headline, by the way — it’s “[title of show].”)
About the Play
“[title of show]” is a musical play about writing a musical play — and it is largely a true story. Two guys answered an ad for a theatre festival looking for new work. With only three weeks to write the piece, they engaged two women friends to help out.

Art Exhibits

Open Call to Artists: Submit Work for Upcoming ‘In the City’ Exhibit at Rowayton Arts Center

By DARIENITE.COM | April 10, 2021

Online submissions are now being accepted in an open call to Artists for “In the City,” at Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) from May 23, 2021 to June 20. — an announcement from Rowayton Arts Center

This new all media show is open to all artists interested in exhibiting their artwork with a nod to the theme of urban life. Visit the RAC website rowaytonarts.org for the prospectus and other information for submitting entries online. These words from the RAC website give an indication of what the exhibit is about:

The deadline for submissions is April 23, 2021 and accepted artists will be notified by April 30, 2021. The chair for the show is Bruce Horan and the co-chair is Joel Flora.

COVID-19 2021

With Music and Dance, Americares Launches COVID-19 Public Health Campaign

By DARIENITE.COM | April 7, 2021

Americares, a health-focused relief and development organization, is tapping into the power of music to reinforce the continued importance of COVID-19 safety precautions with a campaign featuring original music and choreography. — an announcement from Americares

As vaccines roll out across the nation and states relax restrictions, the music and dance-based public health education campaign puts safety precautions at the center of pop culture. The “Wear a Mask” campaign encourages the continued adherence to COVID safety protocols, pairing an infectious melody with an entertaining dance—and scientific evidence. The campaign targets the 18 to 34-year-old demographic, encouraging the age group to adhere to core COVID-19 health hygiene and precautionary measures, including mask wearing, physical distancing and hand washing. The campaign, which debuts today on World Health Day, includes an original song and choreographed dance.

Theater

Tween and Teen ONLINE Theatre Workshop: The Wizard of Oz

By DARIENITE.COM | April 7, 2021

Aspiring actors and actresses will love this theatre workshop! In a playful environment, tweens and teens will create fantastic improvisations under the guidance of drama teacher Ingrid Schaeffer. Together, the theatre group will perform an inspired version of “The Wizard of Oz” after reading through the script. All you need to participate is an active imagination! This free workshop, meant for teens and tweens from ages 11 to 18, takes place from 1 to 2:15 p.m., Saturday, April 10.

Darien Arts Center

“At the Peak” by Katie Cota of New Canaan

Here Are All the Gorgeous Pics from Pic Darien Smartphone Photo Contest Winners

By DARIENITE.COM | April 5, 2021

The Darien Arts Center has announced 20 winners in its 6th annual Smartphone Photo Contest, Pic Darien. First Place cash prizes in all categories were awarded to adults and children. The contest garnered almost 400 entries in ten categories, with submissions from all ages. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center

Here are the winners:

LAND AND SEA:

—Student Winner: Cameron McElrea, of Darien

—Adult Winner: David Gioiella of Darien

HOME AND HOLIDAYS:

—Student Winner: Katie Cota of New Canaan

—Adult Winner: Patricia Schram of Darien

NATURE AND FLORAL:

—Student Winner: Myla Thomas (age 6) of Darien

—Adult Winner: Trevor Cooper of Norwalk

PETS:

—Student Winner: Josephine Andren of Darien

—Adult Winner: Patricia Frattaroli of Norwalk

COVID 19: THE NEW NORMAL:

—Student Winner: Saoirse Wellenius of Darien

—Adult Winner: Patricia Frattaroli of Norwalk

ABSTRACT AND ARCHITECTURE:

—Student Winner: Cameron McElrea of Darien

—Adult Winner: Allesandra Mossa of Darien

FOOD AND DRINK:

—Student Winner: Luke Maschoff of Darien

—Adult Winner: Julie O’Connor of Weston

HUMOR:

—Student Winner: Saoirse Wellenius of Darien

—Adult Winner: Grace Calderon of Fairfield

HOPE AND HAPPINESS:

—Student Winner: Penny Vanovitch of Darien

—Adult Winner: Geordie du Pont of Darien

HEROES:

—Student Winner: Ayush Dave of Darien

—Adult Winner: Cristina Versage of South Pasadena, California

Megan Dey, Tom Geary, Ben Larrabee, Ali Remsteck, Art Sears, David Wagner and Jeffrey Wyant generously judged the contest, a fundraiser for the Darien Arts Center. All photo entries are showcased in a slideshow at darienarts.org.

Magic to Do: Stephen Schwartz’s ‘Pippin’ with Gil Harel

By DARIENITE.COM | April 4, 2021

The plot of “Pippin” presents the audience with an exceedingly abstract and “meta” story. In fact, at points in the musical, one gets the feeling that one is watching a show within a show. During this online program, Professor Gil Harel will discuss this unique musical, calling attention to its genesis and evolution, its unusual and somewhat complex plot, and its infectious score. — an announcement from Darien Library

Having been conceived during Stephen Schwartz’s days as a student at Carnegie Mellon, and having made its debut on Broadway in 1972, the show was reimagined in an award-winning revival in 2013. In the nearly 50 years since its premiere, and in various stagings and incarnations, “Pippin” has enchanted audiences with its compelling story and stellar score.

Film

Avon Theatre Presents Oscar-Nominated Shorts 2021, Starting Friday, April 2

By DARIENITE.COM | March 30, 2021

With Oscar season upon us, the Avon Theatre in Stamford will be presenting multiple screenings of all three categories of the 2021 Oscar-Nominated Short Films beginning on Friday, April 2. — an announcement from Avon Theatre

Each program of shorts (live action, animated, and documentary) requires a separate ticket. Showtimes will be announced later this week. Patrons can visit AvonTheatre.org for showtimes and to purchase their tickets. LIVE ACTION

FEELING THROUGH
USA, 19 minutes
A late-night encounter on a New York City street leads to a profound connection between a teen-in-need and a deaf blind man.

Art Exhibits

Opening Reception Saturday for ‘Unique Expressions’ Group Exhibit of Contemporary Art

By DARIENITE.COM | March 27, 2021

With a reception on April 3, Hollis Taggart Southport opens “Unique Expressions,” a group exhibition featuring recent paintings by four contemporary artists — Gaby Collins-Fernandez, Gary Petersen, Kelsey Shwetz, and Yorgos Stamkopoulos. Unique Expressions explores each artist’s individual practice showcasing a spectrum of techniques, materials, and approaches. Although their methods and expressions are unique, subtle links emerge. Each painter uses addition and subtraction in their process, visual presentation, and/or theme. Additionally line, space, texture, and/or form are highlighted throughout the works.

Art Exhibits

Winners of Rowayton Arts Center’s Spring Juried Show Announced

By DARIENITE.COM | March 18, 2021

The Rowayton Arts Center has announced winners of its latest art exhibit, “Spring Juried Show,” on view now through April 10, 2021.
— an announcement from Rowayton Arts Center
The annual, open-theme, all-media exhibition features 84 works by area artists chosen from almost 350 submissions.
Winners were announced by the judge, Cybele Maylone, executive director of the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield:
Best in Show: Roxann Leibenhaut of Hartford for “3 Girls Swimming” (Painting),

1st Place: Jennifer Williams of Rowayton for “Love Story” (Oil and Ink on Silver),
2nd Place: Ally Rusgrove of Newington for “Cat Lady” (Painting),
3rd Place: Karen Popp of Greenwich for “Moonrise” (Pen and Watercolor),
Honorable Mention:
Eileen Carey of Stratford for “Travel Arrangements” (Painting), Alana Fagan of Milford for “Le Marché” (Watercolor Silkscreen), Josh Iguchi of Rowayton for “Tornado” (Photography), Lisa Laible of Rowayton for “Untitled 3” (Photography), Ginny Rowan of Riverside for “Lovebirds” (Watercolor). The chair for the show is Carol Fay and the Co-chair is Ronnie Gold. RAC gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

RAC Rowayton Arts Center Spring Juried Show 2021

Rowayton Arts Center’s Spring Juried Show Begins March 14

By DARIENITE.COM | March 9, 2021

Rowayton Arts Center’s “Spring Juried Show,” on view starting March 14, is an open-theme, all-media exhibition featuring 84 works by area artists chosen from almost 350 submissions. The show runs through April 10. The gallery will be closed this week to prepare for the March 14 opening. — an announcement from Rowayton Arts Center
RAC gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The chair for the show is Carol Fay and the co-chair is Ronnie Gold. The judge for the exhibition is Cybele Maylone, executive director of The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield.

Arts & Entertainment

Learn to Draw Flowers at Rowayton Arts Center Workshop, Starting Feb 19

By DARIENITE.COM | February 8, 2021

The Rowayton Arts Center is offering a new workshop, “Learn to Draw Flowers in a Variety of Media,” with Nancy McTague-Stock in the studio on four Friday mornings, starting Feb. 19. — an announcement from Rowayton Arts Center
The classes run from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. A new medium will be introduced each week, giving students the ability to experiment with different rendering methods. The fee for the workshop is $135.

Art Exhibits

Melissa Orme Celebration Rowayton Arts Center

Open Call to Artists for Spring Juried Show at Rowayton Arts Center

By DARIENITE.COM | January 27, 2021

Online submissions are now being accepted in an Open Call to Artists for the Spring Juried Show at Rowayton Arts Center from March 14 to April 10, 2021. The show is open to all artists interested in exhibiting their artwork. The deadline is Feb. 21. — an announcement from Rowayton Arts Center

Categories include: oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolor, mixed media, color photography, black and white photography, sculpture, printmaking, pastels or drawing.

Local Artists Invited to Submit Work by Oct 29 To Become Exhibiting Members of Rowayton Arts Center

By DARIENITE.COM | October 19, 2020

The Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) will review artwork by local artists who wish to become exhibiting members Oct. 30, 2020. — an announcement from Rowayton Arts Center
Artists should bring items for consideration to the gallery on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. The artist selection will take place on Friday, Oct. 30, with notifications sent to accepted artists.

Charity Events and Opportunities

JoyRide Spin Classes This Weekend to Benefit Disabled STAR Inc. Clients

By DARIENITE.COM | September 22, 2020

JoyRide is generously teaming up with STAR Inc., Lighting the Way to offer weekend spin classes to raise money benefiting local individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. — an announcement from STAR Inc. and JoyRide

All donations will be matched 100% by an anonymous donor. If you have never tried spinning — here is your fun, inclusive opportunity in a no judgment zone! The event is open to the public. Cost is $50 per rider payable to STAR Inc. at the door.

Art Exhibits

‘Marine and Coastal Art’ Exhibit Winners Announced by Rowayton Arts Center

By DARIENITE.COM | September 15, 2020

Winning paintings, photos and ceramic works have been announced for Rowayton Arts Center’s new exhibit, “Marine & Coastal Art,” now on view through Oct. 10. — an announcement from Rowayton Arts Center
This popular exhibition boasts over 100 submissions submitted by RAC exhibiting members, a group of 180 local artists in the area. The Chair for the exhibition is Dana Laird and the Co-chair is Gregg Welz. Winners were announced by the judge, Brechin Morgan:

Best in Show: Kris Toohey of Westport for “Skyscape” (Painting),

1st Place: Kirsti Holtan of Stamford for “Keeled Over” (Photography),

2nd Place: Yasemin Tomakan for “Wharf Cottages Nantucket” (Painting),

3rd Place: Sean Murtha of Norwalk for “Booth Bay Morning” (Painting)

Honorable Mention:

Holly Hawthorne of Redding for “Blue Oyster Cult” (Ceramics), Emily Kelting of Norwalk for “Sand Shapes” (Photography), Rick Pank of Rowayton for “Pemaquid Light, Maine” (Photography), Susan Leggitt of Norwalk for “Touch of Fall” (Painting), Karen Kent of Fairfield for “Otis” (Painting). Hours for the RAC gallery at 145 Rowayton Ave.

Events Calendar

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