Perspectives on Nature: Through an Artist's Eyes

Advocacy Update: HB 5443 and SB 2

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:58:33 GMT

Advocating for 1% of the Meals Tax to Support Arts, Culture, & Tourism

April 2026 Calendar

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:00:36 GMT

The sunshine and rain that come with spring have started to bring the Litchfield Hills back to life! Rain or shine, find the perfect ways to explore our region this spring in our April print calendar:

Workflow Mapping & Automation Workshop @ the Foundation for Community Health

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:41:03 GMT

Building to Last: Workflow Mapping & Automation Workshop for Nonprofits

On Tuesday, March 10, the NWCT Arts Council and the Foundation for Community Health hosted Building to Last, an engaging workshop on workflow mapping and the benefits of automations.

Image by Sarah Allyn of the Foundation for Community Health

Led by Executive Director, Steph Burr, this workshop aimed to teach organization members and leaders how to map their workflow in a visual way that helps them identify pain points in their workload, and learn to how automations can help alleviate these problem areas.

Through an interactive activity, attendees learned tricks to mapping their own workflow and how to identify these problem areas. Participants were given the option to follow along with the example provided, a donation acception workflow, or to attempt to map their organizations donation acception workflow.

Steph shares tips and advice on setting up automations, the different simplistic automations that participants can try in their own organization, and highlights some of the systems that can be used to set up different automations.

At the end of the workshop, participants felt confident in their abilities to map their own organizations workflow and started generating ideas on the small steps they can take into the automation world.

Special thanks to Foundation for Community Health for hosting us for this event! ❤️

March 2026 Calendar

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:55:29 GMT

March is here, with promises of warmer weather right around the corner. Watch Litchfield County spring back to life with all the events happening in this months' print calendar:

Nonprofit Fundraiser Clearinghouse Calendar Tool

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 23:02:43 GMT

New Regional Fundraiser Calendar Helps Arts Nonprofits Avoid Date Conflicts

Nonprofit fundraising calendars fill up quickly, and overlapping events can strain the same pool of supporters, sponsors, and volunteers. To make planning easier, the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council has launched a Regional Nonprofit Fundraiser Clearinghouse Calendar , a shared “save the date” resource for arts fundraising events across the region.

What it’s for

See fundraiser dates in one place
Reduce competing events on the same night
Support stronger turnout and sponsorship coordination

What can be submitted

The clearinghouse is limited to nonprofit hosted arts fundraising events . It does not include private classes or rentals, and submissions may be edited for clarity.

How to add your event

Organizations can submit their fundraiser date through a short form. Entries are reviewed before they are posted, and the calendar can also be added to Google Calendar for easy reference.

February 2026 Calendar

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 16:18:27 GMT

The wintery chill of February in Litchfield County leaves residents excited for the incoming warmth of spring. Find all the perfect events to warm up and distract from the cold in this month's calendar:

2025 Annual Report

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 20:06:41 GMT

2025 - Northwest Connecticut Arts Council: Annual Report

Torrington Recognized as #21 Top Arts-Vibrant Community Nationwide

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 22:54:54 GMT

Torrington, Connecticut has been ranked nationally among the Top 100 Most Arts-Vibrant Communities in the United States.

Torrington, Connecticut has been ranked #21 nationally among the Top 100 Most Arts-Vibrant Communities in the United States , according to the 2025 Arts Vibrancy Index released by SMU DataArts .

Now in its 10th year , the Arts Vibrancy Index evaluates the strength of local arts and cultural ecosystems across the country using 13 indicators spanning three broad areas: arts supply, arts demand, and public support for the arts. Results are adjusted for population size and cost of living to allow for meaningful comparison across communities of different scales.

According to SMU DataArts’ dashboard analysis, Torrington’s ranking reflects a combination of arts employment, independent artists, nonprofit and for-profit arts organizations, and levels of earned and contributed revenue within the local arts sector.

Areas of relative strength include:

Independent Artists
Measures the concentration and presence of self-employed artists working locally, highlighting the role of individual creators within the regional economy.

Arts and Culture Organizations
Includes both nonprofit and for-profit arts and cultural firms, indicating a diversified creative ecosystem rather than dependence on a single institution or sector.

Arts Employment and Compensation
Captures paid positions and earned income within arts and culture, reflecting the sector’s contribution to local employment.

Earned and Contributed Revenue
Accounts for program revenue and philanthropic support flowing through arts organizations, signaling sustained audience engagement and investment.

Public Support for the Arts
Incorporates federal arts funding and grants as one indicator of public investment alongside private and earned sources.

Together, these indicators position Torrington among the nation’s most arts-vibrant communities, illustrating how artists, organizations, audiences, and funders collectively shape the local cultural economy.

For 2025, SMU DataArts expanded the Index to highlight the top 100 most arts-vibrant core-based statistical areas nationwide , placing Torrington among a diverse group of communities ranging from large metropolitan regions to small and midsized cities.

Torrington’s inclusion in the top tier underscores the role that artists, cultural organizations, creative businesses, and public and private partners play in shaping the community’s identity and vitality. It also reflects long-term investment in arts infrastructure and sustained participation in creative activity across Northwest Connecticut.

The full 2025 Arts Vibrancy Index , including detailed methodology and national rankings, is available at:
https://culturaldata.org/arts-vibrancy-2025

Arts Night Out! Art Supply Drive @ Village Center for the Arts

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 16:47:20 GMT

Creative minds with generous hearts gathered for Arts Night Out! Art Supply Drive @ the Village Center for the Arts

Artists and cultural community leaders alike celebrated the season of giving at our annual Art Supply Drive on Thursday, December 18, bringing new and gently used art supplies to be donated to our friends at the Torrington Area Families for Autism (TAFA).

Images by: DaSilva Wata

Mayor of New Milford, Pete Bass, was in attendance, stopping to take a photo with the NWCT Arts Council Staff.

Image by: Dianne Elizabeth of the Village Center for the Arts

Guests enjoyed pizza sponsored by the Northwest Community Bank Foundation , salads donated by the Iron Rail , and wine donated by a friend of the NWCT Arts Council.

Images by: (Top, Left, & Center) DaSilva Wata & (Right) Dianne Elizabeth of the Village Center for the Arts

The NWCT Arts Council collected several bins of art supplies, which we dropped off with Christina Augliera of the TAFA. These art supplies will be used for to create art for their annual fundraiser, Art on the Spectrum .

Images by: (Left & Center) DaSilva Wata & (Right) Steph Burr

THANK YOU to everyone who attended and donated art supplies and THANK YOU to the Village Center for the Arts for partnering with and hosting us! ❤️

Special THANK YOU to the Northwest Community Bank for sponsoring this event series in 2025!

January 2026 Calendar

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 18:13:07 GMT

2026 is here! Ring in the New Year with lots of exciting events and new opportunities to experience the Litchfield Hills in this month's calendar:

Voices, Venues, & Vibes

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:28:04 GMT

Voices, Venues, & Vibes Pilot Events Take Off in Fall of 2025

Image: by Anya K. Stephenson (AKS EDITIONS LLC)

In April of 2025, a group of Torrington community leaders, cultural professionals, and town natives, participated in an AIR Collaborative workshop through the CT Office of the Arts . The goal of this workshop was to pinpoint an ongoing issue in Torrington and learn how to work together to come up with a creative solution to alleviate said issue.

The group concluded that it was hard to engage the local youth in community and civic life; finding there was no space to allow for the next generation of community leaders to voice their opinions and concerns about current events in town, or find careers paths with local organizations or in local politics.

The group would come up with Voices, Venues, and Vibes (VVV) ; an event series aimed to empower the local youth to voice their opinions, engage with local organizations, like the venues who help host the events, and vibe while they make new friends and professional connections.

The group held three events on the first Friday of each month, beginning on Friday, September 5.

Images: VVV at the Torrington Historical Society on Friday, September 5; by Anya K. Stephenson (AKS EDITIONS LLC)

The group organized music and provided art supplies and different projects for participants enjoy while they mingled and partook in free refreshments.

Images: VVV @ KidsPlay & the Warner Costume Shop on Friday, October 3; by Steph Burr

During the last hour, attendees were provided with the option to take the mic to share ideas and suggestions on how we can work together to improve the town culture, get more young people involved in the community, and talk about what makes them proud to be from Torrington!

Images: VVV at the Torrington Historical Society on Friday, November 7; by Anya K. Stephenson (AKS EDITIONS LLC)

At the end of each event, participants got to share ideas and upcoming projects, made new connections, created some beautiful mini works of art to take home, and found themselves excited for the next event!

Thank you to all the people who were involved in the creation of the VVV!

Thank you to the CT Office of the Arts for funding the first three events in this series!

Creative Economy Summit 2025

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:49:53 GMT

The Creative Economy Summit: Art at Work - Driving Economic Vitality Through Culture

The NWCT Arts Council hosted their first Creative Economy Summit on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Five Points Arts Center in Torrington; sharing the resources available to artists and cultural organizations, and shining a light on all the hard work that goes into creating the vibrant and thriving arts community that resides in NWCT.

Attendees were invited to enjoy a networking breakfast before the start of the program and during a short intermission, provided by LaMonica's Restaurant and Catering in Torrington.

The Summit presented two discussion panels, The Creative Economy Panel and the Tourism & Marketing Panel, featuring arts and cultural professionals, business owners, and public leaders discussing economic growth and creativity as a business, and the impacts of the arts on tourism and public engagement.

Each panel shared many different creative approaches to supporting a vibrant arts community, solutions to the challenges they have faced, and how those approaches benefit our local economy. Following each discussion, audience members were invited to ask questions and share their experiences.

The Creative Economy Panel featured (Moderator) Rista Malanca, Director of Economic Community Development of the Northwest Hills Council of Governments, Nils Johnson, owner of Little Red Barn Brewer, Kristy Barto, owner of Nutmeg Fudge Co., Michelle Gorra, Economic & Community Development Coordinator of the Town of Washington, and Michelle McCabe, Executive Director of CT Main Street.

The Tourism & Marketing Panel consisted of (Moderator) Tara-Marie Lynch Bares, the Chairman of the Economic Development Commission of Litchfield, Hunter Guillen, Lead Brand Manager of Miranda Creative, Alex Page-Hatley, the Marketing Director for the Warner Theatre/Bushnell Theatre, and Amy Wynn, Executive Director of the American Mural Project.

Images: (Left) the Creative Economy Panel: Rista Malanca, Nils Johnson, Kristy Barto, Michelle Gorra, & Michelle McCabe, (Right) the Tourism & Marketing Panel: Tara-Marie Lynch Bares, Hunter Guillen,

Alex Page-Hatley, & Amy Wynn

Leaders of cultural organizations and businesses were invited to present the resources they offer to facilitate other creative businesses or endeavors, tips they've learned along the way to see success, and their ongoing or upcoming initiatives.

Among the presenters were Steph Burr of the NWCT Arts Council, John Fiorello from the Entrepreneurial Center of Northwest CT, Ted Shafer of the Northwest CT Chamber of Commerce, Erin Mercedes of the Women's Business Development Council, Cyndi Tolosa of CT Humanities, Matt Conway of RiseUP! for the Arts, Evan Dobos of CivicLift, and Kimberly Parsons Whitaker of the CT Office of the Arts.

Images: (From Left) John Fiorello, Erin Mercedes, Cyndi Tolosa, & Evan Dobos

"I just want to thank you...for putting together today’s Creative Economy Summit. It was a terrific day. The sessions were interesting, the conversations were engaging, and it was clear how much work went into pulling all of it together.

I especially appreciated the mix of voices in the room and the way the sessions connected the arts to the bigger picture - economic vitality, community development, and the role creativity plays in shaping our region. It gave me a lot to think about and a lot of energy for what’s possible."

- Stephanie Fried | Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Marketing - The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts

"Wonderful event!!! Thank you so much for tackling the Creative Economy subject so thoroughly... I gained a lot of valuable insights, networking connections, and cool ideas...

Very exciting. Congratulations and well done!!!"

- William Wallach | Economic Development Director of Torrington

All presentation materials are available in this slideshow, presented at the Summit.

Please use this Table of Contents to find specific presentations or videos feautured in the slide show:

Who is the NWCT Arts Council (Video) - Slide 6

Northwest Community StartUp: Entrepreneurial Center of NWCT - Slides 8 thru 32

Women's Business Development Council - Slides 35 thru 41

Connecticut Humanities - Slides 43 thru 59

Creative Innovation Spotlight: Market Street Creatives (Video) - Slide 61

RiseUP! for the Arts: Placemaking & Public Art - Slides 63 thru 106

CivicLift: Building a Digital Network - Slides 108 thru 117

CT Office of the Arts: Creative Economy & Cultural Districts - Slide 121 thru 151

New AirBNB Experiences and Services - Slides 153 & 154

December 2025 Calendar

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:13:11 GMT

'Tis the season to surround yourself with your friends and family! Find the perfect events to spend time with your loved ones this December in this month's calendar:

Arts Night Out! @ Little Red Barn Brewery

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:39:42 GMT

Creative connections made at Arts Night Out! @ Little Red Barn Brewery

Artists and cultural professionals gathered to mingle and share creative ideas at the Little Red Barn Brewery on Thursday, October 23.

Attendees snacks, drinks from the cash bar, and the community sketch pad while they chatted with new connections and familiar faces. Meanwhile, in the main area of the bar, Little Red Barn was hosting trivia.

THANK YOU to Little Red Barn Brewery for hosting us! ❤️

Special THANK YOU to the Northwest Community Bank for sponsoring this event series!

Call for Discover Litchfield Hills Photography Submissions

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:24:29 GMT

Call for Discover Litchfield Hills Photography Submissions

Discover Litchfield Hills (DHL) is excited to announce a new opportunity to showcase the beauty and vibrancy of the Litchfield Hills region… through your lens.

DHL marketing initiative — a program that combines the marketing efforts of 21 towns through the Northwest Hills Council of Government — has set aside an initial budget of $2,500 to license locally-created stock photography/videography that showcases the best of this region.

Guidelines:

● Resolution and Clarity : Images should be high-resolution (300 DPI or greater for print, optimized for web where applicable) and visually sharp. Avoid blurry, pixelated, or low-resolution images as much as possible.

● Lighting : Proper lighting is essential. Photos should be well-lit, showing true colors and details without harsh shadows or overexposure. Natural light is often preferred when possible.

● Variety : Aim for a diverse range of shots, including wide shots, close-ups, lifestyle imagery, and product details. This will provide more options for different marketing applications.

● File Naming: Please name image files clearly and consistently (e.g., "ProductX-Lifestyle-01.jpg," "ServiceY-Benefit-02.png").

DLH will provide a standard use fee of $50 per image/video loop to photographers/videographers whose submissions are selected for use.

Submission Deadline: Friday, November 21, at 11:59 pm

DOWNLOAD SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Send Submissions to hgillen@mirandacreative.com

Example Categories:

1. Nature and Outdoor Recreation:

● Hiking and Biking

● Water Activities

● Winter Sports

● Scenic Drives and Fall Foliage

● Agrotourism/Agrotainament (Festivals, Fairs, PYO Fruits, Flower Cuttings)

2. Arts, Culture, and History:

● Historical Sites and Museums

● Galleries and Theaters

● Farms and Agrotourism

● Live Entertainment

● Tours and Guided Experiences e.g. Walktober

3. Food, Drink, and Lodging:

● Culinary Tourism

● Food Trucks

● Bars

● Wineries Restaurants, Breweries

● Inns and Spas

● Bakery, Cafe, Coffee Shops

4. Shopping and Small Town Exploration:

● Antiquing and Boutique Shopping

● Strolling and Sightseeing

● Book Stores

● Thrifting

5. Family Friendly

● Kid’s Activities

● Playgrounds

● Family Museums

Death by Design at the Warner Theatre

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 16:26:53 GMT

Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem: Death by Design Comes to the Warner

Looking for the perfect blend of laughter and suspense this November?

Stage @ the Warner has just what you need with their upcoming production of Death by Design , running November 7th thru 16th in the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre .

A Clever Twist on Classic Mystery

Imagine Agatha Christie and Noël Coward collaborating over cocktails in a 1930s drawing room—that's the delightful spirit of Death by Design. Written by Rob Urbinati, this wickedly funny murder mystery whisks us away to an English country estate where nothing is quite what it seems.

The story follows the Bennetts, a theatrical couple escaping to their countryside retreat after a catastrophic opening night. But relaxation isn't in the cards when mysterious strangers start appearing at their door. And when murder strikes? Enter Bridgit, the sharp-witted Irish maid with an unusual fascination with homicide, who takes it upon herself to crack the case.

Local Talent Takes the Stage

Our community's own performers bring this mystery to life, including Darrell Cookman, Jazzy Cores, David Macharelli, Adriana Medina, Marilyn Olsen, Christiane M. Olson, Ron St. John III, and Gabriel Sousa. Director Jonathan Zalaski, who brought us Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella and Matilda The Musical, leads an impressive creative team in crafting this theatrical treat.

Mark Your Calendars!

Performances run from November 7th thru 16th , with tickets starting at $32. An ASL-interpreted performance will be on November 16 at 2:00pm; call the box office for details.

Ready to play detective? Visit warnertheatre.org or call (860) 489-7180 to reserve your seats!

Join the Warner Theatre & the NWCT Arts Council at Voices Venues & Vibes on Friday, November 7th, from 5 to 7 pm at Market Street Creatives , for the chance to win 2 free tickets to the show! Click here to register to attend!

This production is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Thomaston Savings Bank .

November 2025 Calendar

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:45:41 GMT

Leaves swirl like butterflies in the chill November breeze, leaving the trees bare and ready for a long winter's sleep. Find all the perfect events to enjoy the end of autumn in our November calendar:

Supporting Arts Grants Award $66,178 in Litchfield County

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 19:37:58 GMT

The CT Office of the Arts allocates $66,178 in Supporting Arts Grants to Litchfield County Organizations

2025 UNICO Scholarship Recipients

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:26:23 GMT

NWCT ARTS COUNCIL ANNOUNCES UNICO SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES FOR 2025

The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council announces the most recent UNICO Scholarship awardees for 2025.

The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council administers this grant program on behalf of the Torrington UNICO Scholarship Fund. The grant is intended to foster the talent and career development of Northwest Connecticut youth in all areas of the arts.

The recipients are Willow Elswyth of Burlington and Brianna Palaguachi of Torrington.

Willow works primarily with oil paint and graphite and uses her art to explore themes of grief and family dynamics. She earned her Visual Art Associates degree from CT State Northwestern, where she received the Visual Art & Design Creative Pursuit Award, and is continuing her education at the University of Hartford’s Hartford Art School. Her process combines technical realism with deeply personal subjects, creating pieces that offer viewers a glimpse into her experiences and a sense of solidarity.

Brianna is a passionate arts student who credits her high‑school art classes with helping her grow from a shy person into someone who is more welcoming and open. A first‑generation student, she plans to attend Northwestern Connecticut Community College and then transfer to another college to complete her education, with the long‑term goal of becoming an art teacher. She hopes her journey will inspire other shy people to express themselves through art and believes this scholarship will support her path toward teaching.

The Torrington UNICO Paolo Abate Mini Grant Arts Award is named in honor of sculptor and artist Paolo Abate who lived in Torrington for much of his career. Paolo Salvatore Abate (1884-1973), an internationally renowned sculptor, was born in Italy, and was also a teacher and author. He came to the United States in 1903, first settling in Winsted, then moving to New York City. His New York studio was a gathering place for notables such as Enrico Caruso and Joyce Kilmar, both of whom Abate sculpted. In 1928, he moved to Torrington where he continued to sculpt and teach. Abate was president of the International Fine Arts League, a member of the National Sculptor's Council, the Artists Council, the Connecticut Artists and Writers Society, and was an active member of the Torrington UNICO Club, an Italian/ American service organization. For more information about Torrington UNICO Club, contact Brian Mattiello, President, at 860-485-4542 . For information about the Torrington UNICO Scholarship Fund for young artists, contact the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council.

October 2025 Calendar

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:11:40 GMT

Fall has arrived in Litchfield County, painting the trees with shades of red, orange, and yellow, instead of their usual green. Experience the beauty of the Litchfield Hills in autumn with the events in our October calendar:

New Milford Cultural District Designation

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 21:23:01 GMT

New Milford Officially Designated a State Cultural District!

On Tuesday, September 2nd, cultural leaders legislators, and officials from the State of CT gathered at 19 Main in New Milford to celebrate the official designation of the downtown as a Cultural District. New Milford is the 13th municipality in the state to receive this designation, and the second in Litchfield County.

Arts Night Out! with the Litchfield Arts Council @ the Litchfield Historical Society's Tapping Reeves Meadow

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:48:33 GMT

Lots of Sunshine and Smiles in the garden for Arts Night Out! with the Litchfield Arts Council at the Litchfield Historical Society's Tapping Reeve Meadow

Artists and creative professionals mingled in the gardens of Tapping Reeve Meadow for Arts Night Out! on Thursday, August 21.

Guests enjoyed wine, snacks, and the beautiful weather while they mingled with friends both old and new!

THANK YOU to the Litchfield Arts Council for partnering with us and THANK YOU to the Litchfield Historical Society for hosting us! ❤️

Special THANK YOU to the Northwest Community Bank for sponsoring this event series!

September 2025 Calendar

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 17:01:18 GMT

As the days get shorter and the nights grow colder in Litchfield County, we say goodbye to the warm summer air and welcome the cool autumn breeze. Find the right events to help you usher in the new season in our September Calendar:

August 2025 Calendar

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 16:09:58 GMT

Clouds are marching along, while birds sing their songs, just as they do. If you just knew, all the fun things you could do, what would you do? Find the perfect events to go along to in our August calendar:

Make Music NWCT 2025

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 16:17:46 GMT

Great tunes and lots of energy for the 8th annual Make Music Day on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Image: Crowd at RiverRocks Music Festival

NWCT jammed out for Make Music Day on Saturday, June 21, with 15 performances hosted at 7 venues across Litchfield County. This year marked NWCT's 8th year participating in this international celebration of music on the summer solstice.

Images: (Top) Dean Snellback & Bluesyland at the Bandstand, and (Bottom) Sherman Chamber Ensemble at TheatreWorks

Make Music Day began with Dean Snellback and Bluesyland at the Bandstand on the New Milford Green, their music filling the air for patrons to enjoy as they visited the shops along Main Street. While music filled the Town Green, around the corner at TheatreWorks, the Sherman Chamber Ensemble performed family friendly musical retellings of stories like "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" and "Ferdinand".

Images: (Left) Thomasina Levy with Bantam Cinema's Executive Director, Robert Kwalick, and (Right) Andreas Blanchere at the David M. Hunt Library

While Make Music was in full swing in New Milford, Thomasina Levy played the sweet, relaxing sounds of her mountain dulcimer at the Bantam Cinema in Litchfield. In Falls Village at the David M. Hunt Library, Andreas Blanchere brought Americana tunes to patrons of the Library, playing a combination of both covers and originals.

Images: (Right) Vendor Booths, (Middle) New Hartford Artisans Guild Community Painting & Booth, (Left) LAM Yoga Class at the RiverRocks Music Festival

In New Hartford, Make Music Day began to heat up at the RiverRocks Music Festival. Crowds explored vendors, participated in activities like storytimes or yoga, and gathered around the stage to catch lots of great local talent.

Images: (Top Left) Brett Trottier, (Top Right) Belle of the Fall, (Bottom) Solgyres, at RiverRocks Music Festival

Opening performances at RiverRocks, was the winner of the LaSalle Market & Deli 25th anniversary Open Mic, Brett Trottier, playing folk and Americana tunes. Following Brett was indie-folk band Belle of the Fall, performing a mix of covers and originals. Switching up the sound was the underground, solarpunk reggae band, Solgyres, bringing lots of energy to the stage.

Images: (Left) Ella, Mad River Music Student, and (Right) Bill Murphy at the American Mural Project (AMP)

While the festivities keep going at RiverRocks, the party begins at American Mural Project with first time performer, Ella, a student of Mad River Music, performing acoustic covers of some of her favorite songs. Following Ella, seasoned performer, Bill Murphy, performed mostly originals and a few covers for patrons of the Mural.

Images: (Left) Calla Begley & Michelle Begley, (Middle) Calla, Michelle, & JK and (Right) Calla & JK at AMP

Audience members at AMP were surprised by a special performance between mother and daughter Michelle and Calla Begley. Michelle and Calla were joined by Calla 's bandmate, JK for a couple songs, before Calla and JK finished up with their last few performances.

Image: John Stey, Al Cattey, Tim Cole, & Jim Katzin & Crowd at the Litchfield Land Trust's the Station

Back in Litchfield, patrons celebrated new renovations to the Litchfield Land Trust's, the Station, while listening to some sweet folk tunes played by local talents John Stey, Al Cattey, Tim Cole, & Jim Katzin.

Images: Crowd at RiverRocks

The festivities kept going with Wavy McGrady, Blood's a Rover, and Ruby Leftstep, all bringing their own unique, indie-rock sounds to the crowds at RiverRocks.

Image: One Time Weekend at RiverRocks

At the end of the night, One Time Weekend rocked the RiverRocks Music Festival with an experimental and progressive rock sound, closing out Make Music Day with a high energy performance to remember.

The NWCT Arts Council would like to thank everyone who participated and collaborated to make this Make Music Day a great success!

Make Music NWCT is sponsored with the support of the Make Music Alliance and the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of Arts, which also receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

Bantam Arts Factory Mural Unveiled

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 18:20:40 GMT

Celebrating Community and Creativity: The Bantam Arts Factory Mural by Danielle Mailer

Bantam Arts Factory Mural. Photos courtesy of the Litchfield Arts Council.

On June 29, 2025, the borough of Bantam came alive with celebration as community members gathered at the Bantam Arts Factory to officially unveil a vibrant new mural by renowned artist Danielle Mailer . Installed just days earlier on June 23 by the Lauretano Sign Group , the mural is already being embraced as a powerful symbol of Bantam’s cultural identity and artistic spirit.

The mural, a true community effort, was designed by Mailer and brought to life by more than 50 participating artists. Spanning an exterior wall of the Bantam Arts Factory, the work weaves together visual elements that honor the area's rich cultural and rural character. This joyful explosion of color and pattern reflects the creative expression and natural beauty that define life in Northwest Connecticut.

Community artists assist with painting the mural. Photos courtesy of the Litchfield Arts Council.

The project was managed by the Litchfield Arts Council , with the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council serving as fiscal sponsor. Both organizations have championed public art as a catalyst for community engagement, and this mural stands as a shining example of that commitment. At the unveiling celebration, attendees enjoyed local refreshments including cheese from Arethusa Farm Dairy while hearing remarks from Litchfield Arts Council Chair Priscilla Jeffrey , First Selectman Denise Raap, NWCT Arts Council Executive Director Steph Burr, and Danielle Mailer herself.

The mural arrives at a significant moment for Bantam, which is currently in the process of applying to become a state-designated Cultural District, a move that will help spotlight its growing creative economy and civic pride. The enthusiastic community response to the mural underscores its potential as both an artistic landmark and a tool for cultural and economic development.

Among those celebrating the dedication of artist Danielle Mailer’s mural at the Bantam Arts Factory were, from left, Thomasina Levy and Courtney Murray of the Litchfield Arts Council, Steph Burr of the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council, Danielle Mailer, LAC members Priscilla Jeffrey, Kerry Burns and Michele Murelli, and First Selectman Denise Raap. Photo courtesy of John McKenna photos. Read more at Litchfield.bz .

Danielle Mailer, known for her joyful and mythologically inspired figures, has spent over 25 years producing commissioned artwork. While her early career focused on pieces for private homes and gardens, she has increasingly turned to public art over the past decade. Her energetic, larger-than-life creations can be found adorning libraries, hospitals, and civic buildings across the country. With the Bantam mural, she brings her distinct style and love for community storytelling home to Northwest Connecticut.

This mural is more than a piece of art, it’s a statement of identity, collaboration, and creative possibility. As public art continues to bloom across the region, the NWCT Arts Council is proud to support projects like this that celebrate the transformative power of creativity.

July 2025 Calendar

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:14:52 GMT

The Litchfield Hills are glowing in the golden light of summer. Soak up the summer sun while you explore the great events happening in our area this July:

June 2025 Calendar

Fri, 30 May 2025 15:56:48 GMT

June is here and the summer heat is beginning to set into the Litchfield Hills. Explore the perfect events to usher in the new season in this month's calendar:

Advocating for Arts Funding: Arts, Culture & Tourism Day at the State Capitol

steph@artsnwct.org (Steph Burr) — Thu, 22 May 2025 13:47:26 GMT

Advocating for Arts Funding: Arts, Culture, Tourism Day at the State Capitol

Recently, the Trump administration and D.O.G.E (Department of Government Efficiency) announced sweeping funding cuts to the Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS), the National Endowment for Humanities (NEH), and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). These cuts are already having a profound impact of cultural organizations across the state.

On May 7th, we partnered with the Connecticut Arts Alliance and headed to the State Capitol to advocate in support of HB 1551, which will help offset some federal funding cuts by directing more state funding to the Arts, Culture, and Tourism sector through 1% of the meals tax.

SB 1551, AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT'S SPENDING ON ARTS AND HUMANITIES ACTIVITIES

Link to Bill

Litchfield County displayed strong leadership for the initiative. Rufus de Rham of Kent, Director of the CT Arts Alliance, spoke passionately about the important economic implications of the funding allocation.

The region also showed bipartisan support as State Representative Maria Horn (D) and State Senator Stephen Harding (R) both advocated for the importance of increased arts & culture funding.

Arts Connected 2025

Wed, 21 May 2025 15:43:01 GMT

Thank you to everyone who helped us raise $50,000 at Arts Connected!

Photos by Jennifer Almquist . Video by Shane Scully.

The NWCT Arts Council’s annual fundraiser, Arts Connected , was hosted at Bryan Memorial Town Hall on Saturday, April 26, 2025. With over 250 guests, artists, and performers in attendance, this celebration of arts and culture in the Northwest Corner was met with overwhelming support.

A beautiful grazing table and passed hors d’oeuvres were provided by Executive Cuisine. Cocktails were served by Litchfield Distillery and beers were provided by Norbrook Farm Brewery.

Upon arrival, guests were welcomed by Jeremy Driscoll on the hand pan, then greeted by the Golden Lady performance by Ellen Moon, and a performance by the world-class Sherman Chamber Ensemble.

There was also a photo booth created by Bloom Booth for guests to take photos with fresh floral props.

The NW 25 Gallery featured works by 37 artists located in and around the NWCT region. Each piece featured in the gallery was available for sale, and many of the artists featured were in attendance for the event to mingle and talk about their works. There was also a limited edition Andy Warhol scarf that was donated by Diane von Furstenberg to help raise funds for the Arts Council.

Ysanne and the Lotus Blues brought a performance rich with emotion, storytelling, and raw energy—offering a fresh yet deeply authentic take on a timeless genre.

The event was co-chaired by designer Diane von Furstenberg and her granddaughter, Antonia Steinberg, Director of Buck's Rock Camp in New Milford.

The evening culminated in a special perfromance by Pilobolus of their piece Bloodlines.

Thank you so much to everyone who attended and all the volunteers who helped to make this evening a sucess.

To see all the pictures from Arts Connected, check out our Arts Connected 2025 album on Facebook!

Special Thanks to our Presenting Sponsors:

Valiant Energy Solutions | Torrington Savings Bank

Thank you to our Sponsors:

William Raveis Lifestyles Realty | Housatonic Heritage | Litchfield Magazine

Arts Night Out! @ the Falls Village Children's Theater

Tue, 13 May 2025 16:55:13 GMT

The Creative Community Connected and Collaborated for Arts Night Out! @ the Falls Village Children's Theater!

Creatives and cultural professionals gathered for Arts Night Out! @ the Falls Village Children's Theater on Thursday, March 13 .

The Arts Council gave guests the option to play an "Arts and Culture" themed ice breaker bingo and provided a community sketch pad to create conversations between participants.

At the community sketch pad, artists came up with fun and unique drawing games to play with one another to get creative juices flowing while they mingle with one another.

THANK YOU to the Falls Village Children's Theater for hosting this event with us! ❤️

Special THANK YOU to the Northwest Community Bank for sponsoring this event series!

May 2025 Calendar

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:01:17 GMT

Northwest Connecticut has bloomed back to life! Soak up the sun, frolic through the flowers, and explore our regions vibrancy with events in our May calendar:

April 2025 Calendar

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:00:05 GMT

Spring has sprung in the Litchfield Hills, bringing with it warmth, beauty and inspiration. Check out our April calendar to find the right events to spark your creativity:

2024 Annual Report

steph@artsnwct.org (Steph Burr) — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 21:12:39 GMT

2024: We Will Survive!

Dear friends,

We are excited to present our 2024 annual report. This report showcases our commitment to promoting and supporting the arts in Litchfield County, and highlights the impact of our advocacy and initiatives.

Thanks to your support over the past year, we were able to fund new arts projects, host community events, and make a meaningful impact on the regional arts infrastructure. The report details the ways in which we have helped to foster a vibrant and thriving arts community in Litchfield County, and we are proud to share these achievements with you.

We hope this report will provide you with a better understanding of the important work that your support has made possible and the impact it has had on the arts community. Thank you for your continued generosity and belief in our mission.

Sincerely,

The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council

March 2025 Calendar

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:26:01 GMT

Spring is right around the corner, bringing beautiful weather back to the Litchfield Hills. No need to search the end of a rainbow, check out this month’s print calendar for all the golden events to usher in the new season this March:

February 2025 Calendar

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 15:35:28 GMT

The winter chill has settled in in the Litchfield Hills, but creativity continues to flourish in the dead of winter. Find the right events to help your creativity blossom into something beautiful this February:

January 2025 Calendar

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:41:27 GMT

2024 has come to an end, creating everlasting memories of all the exciting experiences we've had this year. Start 2025 off by making even more memories by checking out what's happening in Litchfield County in our January calendar:

Arts Night Out! w/ the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce's Young Professionals Organization @ Hurley Business Park

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 16:13:09 GMT

Celebrating the Season with the Generous Creative Community at Arts Night Out! with the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Organization at Hurley Business Park.

Creatives, young professionals, and supporters of the arts gathered on Tuesday, December 10, to celebrate the holiday season with a special Arts Night Out! Art Supply Drive with the Young Professionals Organization @ Hurley Business Park .

Image by: DaSilva Wata

As a way to celebrate the season, we invited our attendees to help us give back to our community by bringing new or gently used art supplies to donate to the Torrington Area Families for Autism (TAFA). Artists and professionals alike came together, bringing a variety of exciting supplies for TAFA.

Images by: DaSilva Wata

Live musician, TJ Thompson, played classic holiday tunes that attendees could sing along to while they enjoyed goodies and wine.

Images by: Anya K. Stephenson ( AKS EDITIONS LLC )

Images by: DaSilva Wata

Many creatives through out the night made their way to the community sketch pad, collaborating on an amazing, one of a kind piece as they mingled with one another.

Images by: DaSilva Wata

Images by: (Left) Steph Burr and (Right) Anya K. Stephenson ( AKS EDITIONS LLC )

Image by: Anya K. Stephenson ( AKS EDITIONS LLC )

The Arts Council provided guests with the option to participate in an "Arts and Culture" themed ice breaker bingo as a way to connect and meet new people. Many smiles and great conversations filled the room as people talked with friends, old and new.

Images by: (Left & Middle) DaSilva Wata and (Right) Steph Burr

Images by: Steph Burr

A huge THANK YOU to the Young Professionals Organization for all their help hosting a successful Arts Night Out, and to Hurley Business Park for allowing us to host this event in their second floor common room! ❤️

December 2024 Calendar

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 14:00:03 GMT

The season is bright with the joy of getting together with family and friends for the holidays. Find the perfect events to light up your December in this month's calendar:

November 2024 Calendar

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 15:38:40 GMT

November has summoned the bitter cold of autumn in Northwest Connecticut. Discover the warmth of our community at one of the many events available in this month's print calendar:

October 2024 Calendar

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 13:01:11 GMT

The chill October air has set in and the Litchfield Hills have begun to come alive with color. Check out this month's calendar to find the perfect events to welcome the fall season:

Exclusive Interview with the Creatives Behind the Warner's International Playwrights Festival

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 18:07:15 GMT

The Warner Theatre’s Annual International Playwrights Festival is Set to Captivate Audiences Once Again!

Photo by: Luke Haughwout

Taking place at the Warner Theatre's Nancy Marine Studio Theatre on October 11th – 12th at 8:00 PM , this year’s International Playwrights Festival promises an unforgettable theatrical experience. Now in its 13th season, the International Playwrights Festival has produced over 130 plays from writers around the globe, showcasing innovative storytelling that resonates with audiences.

Across two nights, audiences will have the chance to experience ten thought-provoking new stories. Each evening features five plays, followed by audience talkbacks with the playwrights, giving attendees a rare opportunity to engage directly with the minds behind the stories.

Friday’s lineup:

Concessions by Randall David Cook (New York) – A quick-witted comedy about two unlikely vendors with a battle of wits and egos.

Seal Island by John Bray (Georgia) – A tale of friendship and closure, set on a mysterious, isolated island.

Nuptial by Brigit van Gemeren (Minnesota) – A hilarious, rule-breaking escapade to stage a wedding in a Catholic church.

The Last Leaf by David Graham (Georgia) – An adaptation of O. Henry’s classic story of hope, art, and life.

The Matchmaker by Mindy Roll (Texas) – A lighthearted clash of generations, as a Gen Z dating coach takes on an older client.

Saturday’s lineup:

The Perfect Job by Charlene Donaghy (Connecticut) – A reunion between old friends, navigating life’s toughest decisions.

Coco and Other Mysteries of Lower East Side by Julie Weinberg (New York) – A touching look at friendship, grief, and healing .

If You See a Hyena by Bara Swain (New York) – A powerful exploration of illness, love, and adaptation.

Timber by Lindsey Brown (New Zealand) – A story about love, adventure, and risk on a cliffside.

Judy and Dolly Wrap It Up by Alisha Christiansen (Oregon) – A heartwarming celebration of friendship, music, and resilience.

Tickets are only $17 and on sale now at warnertheatre.org or by calling the box office at (860) 489-7180.

Image: by Luke Haughwout

The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council got the opportunity to sit down and talk with the festival’s producer, Sharon Houk , and director, Charlene Donaghy , about their 13th year.

Could you tell us about your role in the festival?

Charlene Donaghy: As Festival Director, I advance the festival by putting out the Call for Scripts and overseeing the logging of blind submissions. I also recruit volunteer readers for the first round. Once their rankings are in, Sharon (Houk) and I read the top plays and discuss our rankings. Sharon then handles the production side, securing directors, stage managers, and technical staff, and finding the best images for projections.

Sharon Houk: I have been the Festival Producer since the first year. Once we have the finalists selected, my role continues in getting directors for each piece and assisting those directors with casting their productions if needed. I format scripts from each production to include lighting, sound, music cues. I also prepare projection titles and manage tech week rehearsals. I could go on and on!

What inspired you to create this festival?

Sharon Houk: When I started working for the Warner in 2011, John Bonanni was our Executive Director, and we had several conversations about starting a festival of new works. Charlene also started speaking with John about the same idea, and we found that we all agreed on how it should be presented.

Charlene Donaghy: As a playwright, I love all lengths of stage plays. I saw a lack of focus on one-act plays, so I met with John Bonanni and Sharon about starting a festival. We all agreed it would focus on one-acts and produce plays rather than just readings. From this shared vision, the Warner International Playwrights Festival was born.

Image: by Luke Haughwout

What’s been your favorite part of working on this festival?

Sharon Houk: In the last twelve years, I’ve produced 130 productions, and by the end of this festival, it will be 140. One of my favorites to collaborate with is Bara Swain; we've done seven of her pieces, and I’ve directed five. Other highlights include directing Lily Rusek’s Winter Flowers and producing George Kelly’s Facing Backwards , directed by Tony Leone. Another memorable moment was when my boyfriend hijacked the festival with a surprise play he wrote, and at the end, he proposed to me from the tech booth. We've been married six years and now have a 22-month-old son.

Charlene Donaghy: One favorite moment was in the first year when Australian playwright Gayle Malloy came to see her play, Yesterdays and Tomorrows , produced at the festival. She connected with fellow playwright Robbi D'Allessandro, extending her stay in the U.S. The festival’s magic lies in both the onstage performances and the connections formed.

Why do you think it is important for Torrington & Northwest Connecticut to come out and support new plays?

Charlene Donaghy: My family's connection to the Warner dates back to the 1940s when my father ushered there as a child. Over the years, my sisters and I performed and worked at the theatre, and I was involved in saving it in the 1980s.

"For me, the Warner is a generational treasure, a place for unforgettable plays,

performed by talented actors and directors." - Charlene Donaghy

Sharon Houk: The magic of this festival is that these productions happen for one night in our intimate space and then disappear. They may be mounted again elsewhere, but for our festival, these moments are unique and not to be missed. Some of the most incredible nights of theatre have occurred during this festival.

Image: by Luke Haughwout

Have any plays or playwrights from the festival moved on to bigger stages?

Charlene Donaghy: Notable playwrights include Margot Lasher (2012), Gary Garrison (2013), and Julie Weinberg (2014 & 2024). Bara Swain (2016) and Victoria Z. Daly (2017) also stand out, with many returning to be produced again. Each year, we feature outstanding plays and talent, including Randall David Cook in 2023 and 2024.

Sharon Houk: We were fortunate to travel to the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) National Competition AACTFest with Winter Flowers by Lily Rusek in Grand Rapids, Michigan. That piece won the CT festival and the Region I Festival and was awarded a place at nationals. We also competed with Facing Backwards by George Kelly which won in CT and went to the Region I finals. Both experiences were unlike any I have had in my long theatrical career.

What can audiences expect when coming to see the festival?

Charlene Donaghy: They can expect to laugh, perhaps cry, to gasp, to be entertained, to find wonder, and to be moved with words, stories, and characters who will stay with them even after the lights come down.

Sharon Houk: Audiences can expect to feel . Whether that be to laugh or cry - theatre needs to be experienced live and our job is to make you feel many different emotions, think new thoughts. Join us for some interesting stories, great acting and productions that will spark future conversations in the times to come.”

Exploring Torrington’s Cultural District

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 19:45:00 GMT

Torrington Hosts Walking Tour with DECD and Neighbor Cultural District Representatives

On September 17, 2024, Torrington’s downtown came alive as representatives from cultural districts across Connecticut and the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) gathered for a walking tour hosted by the Torrington Cultural District Committee. This event showcased the city’s unique blend of art, history, and community, reinforcing Torrington’s role as a vital cultural hub in the state. Representatives from the state's established and perspective cultural districts attended, including the towns Wethersfield, Bristol, New London, Woodbury, and Norwalk.

The tour began at KidsPlay Children's Museum with remarks from local leaders, including Torrington’s Mayor Elinor Carbone, who highlighted the significance of the city’s cultural growth and its impact on the broader creative economy in Connecticut.

Participants visited several key stops throughout downtown Torrington, beginning with Kelly’s Crystals, where the importance of small businesses in the cultural district was emphasized. Shop owner Rachel Kelly also announced that her new business, Kelly's Jewelry, would be opening in fall 2024.

The tour continued to the Torrington Historical Society, Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory, and Nutmeg Fudge—each offering a glimpse into the city’s artistic and historical contributions.

The group then visited Five Points Gallery, where they explored the intersection of contemporary art and community development. The tour concluded with a gathering at The Warner Theatre, where attendees enjoyed lunch, networking, and a preview of promotional videos highlighting Torrington’s cultural district.

Throughout the tour, conversations centered on collaboration, community engagement, and the future of the arts in Torrington. The event underscored the city’s dedication to fostering its cultural assets and continuing to grow as a destination for creative expression.

As part of the day’s events, the Torrington Cultural District Committee also held a brief meeting to discuss a proposed mural behind the library, signaling ongoing public art initiatives that will further enhance the city’s creative landscape.

Click Here to learn more about Torrington’s cultural district.

Local Artists Awarded Grants from the Torrington Chapter of UNICO

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 17:39:45 GMT

NWCT Arts Council Announces UNICO Grant Recipients

Two artists from the Litchfield County region have been selected to receive a grant of $500 each from the Torrington UNICO Foundation . Anya Stephenson of Torrington and Kaylee Naomi of Thomaston were selected by the NWCT Arts Council based on artistic excellence and their contributions to the community.

Learn more about Anya's work and Just Creatives here.

See more of Kaylee's work on her Instagram.

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"These artists were chosen for the outstanding quality of their work and their dedication to community service”, notes Steph Burr, Executive Director of the NWCT Arts Council.

UNICO is the nation's largest Italian-American service club and a Chapter has been active in Torrington since 1925. These awards are made in honor of one of the local Chapter's Founders - Paolo Abate, an Italian-born sculptor and professor of fine arts who lived in Torrington.

September 2024 Calendar

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 14:00:00 GMT

September in the Litchfield Hills is full of golden dreams on shiny days, and stars that steal the night away. Find the perfect events to share with your true love in this month's print calendar:

Arts Night Out! @ KidsPlay Children's Museum in Pictures

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:27:18 GMT

Creative Connections and Exciting Exhibits Explored during Arts Night Out! at KidsPlay Children's Museum.

Artists, cultural professionals, and admirers of the arts gathered for an exciting Arts Night Out at the KidsPlay Children's Museum in Torrington on Wednesday, August 14.

Conversations and smiles filled the museum as attendees mingled, explored exhibits, and enjoyed refreshments.

The Arts Council provided guests with the option to participate in an "Arts and Culture" themed ice breaker bingo as a way to connect and meet new people. Attendees were also encouraged to explore the museum's interactive exhibits on their own or through a quick, riddle-based scavenger hunt.

Both games gave guests the opportunity to win a small prize of their choice!

A huge THANK YOU to the KidsPlay Children's Museum for all their help hosting a successful Arts Night Out! ❤️

Preserving History: The Restoration of Thomaston Opera House

steph@artsnwct.org (Steph Burr) — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 19:39:39 GMT

Preserving History: The Restoration of Thomaston Opera House

A view of the scaffolding from the mezzanine of the Thomaston Opera House.

Preserving History: The Restoration of Thomaston Opera House

The historic Thomaston Opera House in Connecticut is undergoing an extensive renovation, aiming to preserve and enhance a cultural landmark that has served the community for over a century. The restoration, led by the Opera House Building Committee, is being supported by local and state entities and represents a significant effort to revitalize the iconic venue.

A Glimpse into the Past

The Thomaston Opera House, built in 1884, is an architectural treasure steeped in history. Encapsulated within the town hall structure, which was added in 1975, the Opera House reflects a unique blend of old and new. Adjacent to the Opera House is the old firehouse, a building with its own storied past. Once home to two competing fire companies, the firehouse was the site of legendary rivalries that have become part of local folklore.

Today, the firehouse serves multiple purposes, including housing an art gallery and serving as a polling place. However, the Opera House remains the centerpiece of the community and is currently the focus of the restoration effort.

Renovation Efforts and Accessibility

The restoration project is being completed in 2 phases and is expected to cost around $12.5 million total. Phase 1 is being funded through a combination of grants, including a $3.5 million grant from the Community Investment Fund, overseen by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). The project has also received approvals from the State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) and the National Park Service, as the Opera House is listed on the National Historic Register.

A key objective of the renovation is to improve accessibility. Plans include installing a new freight elevator that will provide direct access to the stage, green room, and costume areas. This addition is particularly significant as it will enable individuals with disabilities to participate fully in the theater experience, whether as performers or audience members.

A Collaborative Effort

Phase 1 of the restoration is being executed by two main contractors: Evergreen Architectural Arts and Burlington Construction. Evergreen is responsible for the intricate restoration of the Opera House’s ceiling and coffers, which include detailed stenciling and painting. These elements are being carefully restored to retain their original beauty and integrity.

Burlington Construction will focus on the backstage areas, including the installation of the new freight elevator and the creation of accessible dressing rooms and bathrooms. Their work is scheduled to begin right after Labor Day, marking a significant milestone in the project.

Restoring the Ceiling’s Artistic Masterpieces

One of the most captivating aspects of the restoration is the meticulous work being done on the Opera House’s ceiling. This ceiling features intricate paintings and stenciled designs, which are significant for both their artistic beauty and historical value. These elements include trompe l'oeil motifs that were popular in the late 1800s and are being carefully restored.

The original artwork was painted with water-soluble distemper paints, which has made them vulnerable to damage due to moisture and water leaks. This has led to peeling, fading, and other forms of deterioration. The restoration process involves a multi-stage effort to repair these damages, including injecting adhesive into cracks, reinforcing plaster from above, and carefully matching the original paint colors to restore the ceiling’s artwork to its former glory.

During the restoration, previously hidden patterns were uncovered beneath layers of tan paint. These patterns were likely covered during a previous renovation due to budget constraints, and their rediscovery adds an additional layer of historical significance to the project. Evergreen’s team is carefully removing the overlying paint to reveal and restore these lost details.

Historical Symbols and Their Significance

The ceiling also features various symbolic designs, including South Asian and Masonic symbols reflecting the cultural and artistic trends of the late 19th century. The symbols were painted over during the theater's history to cover the swastikas that could be mistaken for Nazi imagery. The restoration committee decided to restore the symbols according to the original design and use it as an educational opportunity. They plan to create informative displays within the theater to explain the historical context of the symbols.

The restoration of the artwork is being approached with great care. Where possible, the original patterns are being restored, and where the artwork is too damaged, Evergreen is carefully matching the original colors and styles to blend repairs seamlessly with the surrounding artwork.

Looking Ahead

As the renovation progresses, the Thomaston Opera House is set to regain its former glory, providing a space where the arts can thrive for generations to come. The project not only preserves the physical structure, but also ensures that it remains a vibrant and accessible venue for the community.

This restoration is more than just a construction project; it is a commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Thomaston and a testament to the power of community collaboration. The efforts being made today will ensure that the Opera House continues to serve as a beacon of culture and history for many years to come.

Make Music NWCT 2024

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 19:02:32 GMT

Lots of smiles and a little rain for the 7th annual Make Music Day on Friday, June 21, 2024.

Image: Street Signs at American Mural Project by DaSilva Wata

The Litchfield Hills were singing for Make Music Day on Friday, June 21, with 12 performances hosted at 6 venues across Litchfield County.

Images: Michelle Begely and Carol Parent (Left), and Jeremy Driscoll (Right) at AMP; by DaSilva Wata

Starting the day with the Make Music Champions of 2024, American Mural Project (AMP) in Winsted, hosted a relaxing musical story-time with Beardsly Librarian Carol Parent, and Teaching Music Artist, Michelle Begely. The two would be joined by Jeremy Driscoll, playing soothing tunes on his handpan to round out their morning story time. Meanwhile the T.J. Thompson Trio was hosting their first performance of the day at the Center on Main in Falls Village.

Images: The T.J. Thompson Trio (Top), Open Jam Session (Left), and Jeff Boratko at AMP; by DaSilva Wata and American Mural Project

Continuing to bring the tunes, the T.J. Thompson Trio, though they have grown from a trio, stops by to play smooth jazz for the musical fans at AMP. After the Trio, AMP invited members of the community to join them in playing during their Open Jam Session, before ending the night with an exciting performance from Jeff Boratko.

Image: The Friends of the Litchfield Land Trust (Left), Senator Dick Blumenthal and the Friends of the Litchfield Land Trust (Right), at the Station; by DaSilva Wata

In Litchfield, Friends of the Litchfield Landtrust were throwing a party at the Station, with a special guest appearance from Senator Dick Blumenthal. Meanwhile in Kent, Tim Smith performed for the patrons of 45 on Main, Coffee & Creamery.

Image: Kira Neary for the ASAP! Celebration of Young Writers at Spring Hill Vineyards; by ASAP!

At Spring Hill Vineyards in Washington, After School Arts Program (ASAP!) was hosting their Celebration of Young Writers as part of Make Music NWCT, closing out Make Music Day with performances from the Our Culture is Beautiful Drum Circle, and Opera Singer Kiera Neary.

The NWCT Arts Council would like to thank everyone who participate and collaborated to make this year's Make Music a success!

Make Music is sponsored with the support of the Make Music Alliance and the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

August 2024 Calendar

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 18:39:00 GMT

The end of summer in Northwest Connecticut always feels so enchanting. You can explore the magic in the Litchfield Hills in our August calendar:

Protecting Our Right to Public Art in Northwest Connecticut

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 20:54:47 GMT

Photo courtesy Danielle Mailer

Protecting Our Right to Public Art in Northwest Connecticut

(Photo courtesy Neal Morris)

Public art is a powerful form of expression that enriches our communities, enhances public spaces, and reflects our collective identity. In Northwest Connecticut, safeguarding the right to public art is essential not only for preserving cultural heritage but also for fostering creativity and community engagement.

As part of the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council & NW Hills Economic Development Collaborative (EDC)’s priorities, supporting the Creative Economy and facilitating the installation of public art is a key focus this year.

The Role and Importance of Public Art

Public art transforms spaces into vibrant community landmarks. It can take many forms, from murals and sculptures to installations and performances, each contributing to the cultural and aesthetic value of a place. In Northwest Connecticut, public art highlights the region's natural beauty, historical significance, and contemporary cultural dynamics. It encourages public interaction, evokes community pride, and serves as a medium for storytelling.

Challenges to Public Art

Lack of Public Art Policy: The absence of a comprehensive public art policy in Northwest Connecticut poses significant challenges. Without clear guidelines and regulations, the process of approving, funding, and maintaining public art projects becomes inconsistent and cumbersome. This lack of policy can lead to disputes over the ownership and maintenance of public art projects, deter potential artists and donors, and result in the neglect or unauthorized removal of valuable cultural assets. Ultimately, a cohesive public art policy is essential to foster a thriving and sustainable public art scene that reflects and enhances the community’s cultural identity.
Zoning Boards and Government Regulation: Zoning boards play a role in the approval and regulation of public art, but it is important to note that their regulatory power is limited by the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from acting as an art critic or discriminating against specific messages in public art.
Maintenance and Conservation: Without proper upkeep, public art can suffer from neglect, vandalism, or environmental damage. This not only diminishes the artwork’s value but also the community’s enjoyment and engagement with it. It it important that artists and building owners establish agreements that address the ownership, maintenance responsibilities, and eventual removal of works of public art.

The Rules on Regulating Public Art

When it comes to allowing an expression of speech on a public forum or utility, there are guidelines in which the government can regulate. Particularly, if the public utility or property is NOT a traditional public forum, then art can be prohibited across the board. For example, utility poles have a specific purpose and are not considered a traditional public forum; therefore, it is possible for a municipality to ban anything to be pinned to them. The same rules can be applied to areas like public parking lots and crosswalks. However, if a town has traditionally allowed public art in a space, they cannot discriminate the content of the artwork. For example, if a municipality allows a crosswalk to be painted like a piano, then they must also allow it to be painted as a rainbow.

Legal Framework and Case Studies

When it comes to art on private property, the legal framework surrounding public art can be complex. Connecticut Statute 8-2 allows regulation of advertising signs but not all signage , a nuance upheld in various court rulings. This principle was recently affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in its 2015 decision, Reed v. Town of Gilbert. In this case, the Court struck down a sign code in Gilbert, Arizona, that restricted a church from putting up signs about its religious services while allowing similar signs for political campaigns and other topics. This landmark decision underscores that any regulation of public art must be content-neutral and cannot favor one type of speech over another.

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In New Orleans, a mural permitting law was ruled as a violation of the First Amendment , highlighting the importance of legal clarity and protection for public art.

NWCT Toolkit for Public Art

To support communities and artists, the NWCT Arts Council and NW EDC are developing a toolkit to help navigate the complexities of community expression and public art installation. This toolkit will provide guidance on legal regulations, funding sources, and best practices for maintenance and conservation. It aims to empower communities to embrace public art, ensuring it thrives across Northwest Connecticut.

Steps to Protect Public Art

Protecting the right to public art in Northwest Connecticut is a multifaceted challenge that requires community engagement, legal clarity, stable funding, and proactive conservation. By addressing these challenges and leveraging the resources and support these efforts, we can ensure that public art continues to enrich our communities, reflect our cultural heritage, and inspire future generations. Public art not only beautifies our surroundings but also strengthens the social fabric of our region, making Northwest Connecticut a vibrant and culturally rich place to live.

Sources:

American Bar Association: Understanding the First Amendment Limitations on Government Regulation of Artwork

Institute for Justice: First Amendment Protects Wall Art and Murals

July 2024 Calendar

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 16:44:35 GMT

The heat is ON and Litchfield County has become a hot spot for exciting events this July:

Torrington Microgrants - Project Report

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 22:12:39 GMT

In 2023, the NWCT Arts Council administered $15,000 from the City of Torrington American Rescue Plan funding for micro-grants ranging from $400 - $2,500 to artists and cultural organizations in the city of Torrington.

Click here to see the full report of projects and outcomes.

June 2024 Calendar

Thu, 30 May 2024 16:43:49 GMT

With summer fast approaching, the Litchfield Hills are bursting with the perfect events to enjoy the beautiful weather:

Arts Connected 2024 in Pictures

Tue, 28 May 2024 17:36:54 GMT

Arts Connected, the NWCT Arts Council’s first fundraiser in five years, went off without a hitch!

Video by Shane Scully. Photos by Jennifer Almquist .

The NWCT Arts Council’s inaugural fundraiser, Arts Connected , was hosted at Spring Hill Vineyards on Saturday, April 27, 2024. With over 300 guests, artists, and performers in attendance, this celebration of arts and culture in the Northwest Corner was met with overwhelming support.

A beautiful grazing table and passed hors d’oeuvres were provided by Bleu on Bank. Cocktails were served by Litchfield Distillery and beers were generously provided by Kent Falls Brewing Company.

Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with the rhythmic drumming of the Our Culture is Beautiful Drum Circle, creating a sense of community to open the night.

As guests wandered the scenic venue, they were able to watch a live demonstration of calligraphy with Alibaba Awrang, and interact with performers from Matica Circus and Sova Puppet Theater, all while DJ Arvolyn Hill played beats to move everyone's feet.

The NW 25 Gallery featured works by 57 artists located in and around the NWCT region. Each piece featured in the gallery was available for sale, and many of the artists featured were in attendance for the event, allowing them the chance to mingle with guests to talk about their works.

Providing support for the sound systems, Rock Yer Block and their very own Adelaide Punkin, gave an exciting balcony performance.

Following Adelaide, members of the MOMIX dance company shocked and amazed the crowd with two fascinating performances, their costumes just as big and bold as their movements.

Just before the final act, NWCT Arts Council Board Chair, Sunday Fischer, and Executive Director, Steph Burr, shared words of thanks for all the support received for this event.

To close out the night, the doors to Spring Hill were opened for a special side by side performance. Musicians from the Cuatro Puntos Ensemble performed a few songs indoors, while Cinderfella, a professional fire spinner, danced outside with his flames to the classical, genre-defying works being played.

When the music stopped and the fire had been put out, as the festivities wind down and guests began to make their way home, the buzz of excitement remained and the joy of coming together to support the arts lingered.

To see all the pictures from Arts Connected, check out our Arts Connected 2024 album on Facebook!

Special Thanks to our Presenting Sponsors:

Valiant Energy Solutions | Torrington Savings Bank

Thank you to our Sponsors:

William Raveis Liefstyles Realty | Steve Pener & Vanessa Henderson of William Pitt, Sotheby's International Realty | Harney & Sons Fine Teas

Kent Falls Brewing Co. | Spring Hill Vineyards

Thank you to our Donors:

Sunday Fischer | Marge Smith

The CT Office of the Arts Awards $61,038 from the CT Arts Endowment Fund to NWCT

Mon, 13 May 2024 16:43:43 GMT

The Connecticut Office of the Arts Announces $889,370 in Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund Awards - Including $61,038 in grants to NWCT!

The Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) administered $889,370 in Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund (CAEF) grants . These funds provide organizations with general operating support that they may use towards programming, administrative or operational costs, capital projects, equipment, or to build their own endowments.

Established by the Connecticut General Assembly, the CAEF was established as a way to stimulate the development and long term stability of CT's Arts industries. This fund is managed by the Office of the State Treasurer and the program is administered by the COA.

THANK YOU to the Office of State Treasurer and the Connecticut Office of the Arts!

NWCT Arts Council's Service Region Grantees:

Falls Village

Music Mountain - $1,265

Goshen

Goshen Players Inc. - $588

Kent

Kent Singers - $500

Lakeville

Crescendo Inc. - $1,622

Litchfield

Litchfield Performing Arts Inc. - $1,542

The Voice of Art - $500

New Milford

TheaterWorks New Milford, Inc. - $500

Village Center of the Arts - $2,113

Sharon

Tri-State Center for the Arts (Sharon Playhouse) - $3,049

Thomaston

Landmark Community Theatre Inc. (Thomaston Opera House) - $1,513

Torrington

Five Points Center for Visual Arts - $2,979

Joyful Noise (Chorus Angelicus) - $751

Northwest Connecticut Arts Council - $1,350

Northwest Connecticut Association for the Arts (Warner Theatre) - $4,331

Washington

After School Arts Program, Inc. (ASAP!) - $4,087

Pilobolus - $8,512

Washington Arts Association - $18,516

Washington Friends of Music - $500

Winsted

American Mural Project - $6,820

May 2024 Calendar

Wed, 01 May 2024 14:18:59 GMT

April's showers have brought May flowers to liven up Litchfield County! Explore the exciting events in our area this May:

Arts Connected NW 25 Gallery

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 20:06:22 GMT

Find the spirit of the Northwest Hills in the NW 25 Curated Gallery at Arts Connected

"Peonies" by Madeline Falk; as part of the NW 25 Gallery

Arts Connected is an interactive fundraising event, celebrating and supporting the arts. Hosted at Spring Hills Vineyards in Washington, CT on Saturday, April 27 from 5 - 8 pm, this fundraiser will feature the NW 25 Gallery a gallery of donated works of 50 local artists, showcasing the diversity and talent in Northwest Connecticut.

Each work is donated at either full value or half value in exchange for tickets to attend the fundraiser for free. Proceeds from purchases made at the NW Gallery will go towards supporting the mission and ongoing work of the NWCT Arts Council.

NW 25 Gallery Curated Gallery Artists

The Art of Thriving with Randy Cohen

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 18:10:03 GMT

Randy Cohen of Americans for the Arts visited Northwest CT to talk about the economic impact of the arts.

On Thursday, April 4, 2024, the NWCT Arts Council, Warner Theatre, CT Office of the Arts, and Americans for the Arts partnered to present The Art of Thriving. The event featured an overview of the economic impact of the arts industry in NWCT by Randy Cohen (Americans for the Arts) and an analysis of regional needs and next steps for development by Steph Burr (NWCT Arts Council).

The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council announced that region’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $30,275,630 in economic activity in 2022 , according to the newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) , an economic and social impact study conducted in partnership with Americans for the Arts.

Beginning in May of 2022, the NWCT Arts Council staff, volunteers, and partner nonprofits worked for over a year to collect 800+ audience surveys at arts events across Litchfield County. Additionally, 70 nonprofit arts organizations took the time to complete the AEP6 survey and report the data used to compile these findings.

Here is an overview of the findings:

In 2022, nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences generated $30.3 million in economic activity in Northwest Connecticut —$19.5 million in spending by the organizations, which leveraged an additional $10.8 million in event-related spending by their audiences. This economic activity supported 650 jobs and generated $9.1 million in tax revenue.

The arts are also vital to bringing the community together for a greater purpose. During 2022, 2,671 volunteers donated a total of 193,418 hours to Northwest Connecticut’s 70 participating organizations.

AEP6: Northwest CT Region - Full Study

AEP6: Northwest CT Region - Data Sheet
AEP6: Downtown Torrington - Full Study

AEP6: Downtown Torrington - Data Sheet

Click here to see Randy's full presentation.

Additionally, Steph Burr of the NWCT Arts Council debuted the finding of the council's Regional Needs Assessment. This was a year-long research project comprising three major phases to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The goal was to collect comprehensive data about the short and long term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the arts & culture sector in order to propose solutions and inform advocacy, regional strategy, and decision making.

NWCT Regional Needs Assessment- Full Study

NWCT Regional Needs Assessment- Presentation Slides

Harwinton Illustrator Selected to Compete in Beeple's Digital Art Death Match

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 17:46:09 GMT

Ethan S. Brewerton will represent NWCT at Beeple's Digital Art Death Match.

Ethan S. Brewerton, Photo: Rana Justice, Torrington Collective

Ethan S. Brewerton , an illustrator from Harwinton has been selected from a global pool of applicants to participate in the highly anticipated Digital Art Death Match hosted by renowned NFT artist Beeple . The event is scheduled to take place on May 4th, 2024, at Beeple Studio in Charleston, South Carolina.

Ethan is best known for his groundbreaking work as the founder of Mecha Chaotic , a generative NFT project that debuted on the Ethereum blockchain in 2021. His innovative contributions to notable NFT projects such as Neo Tokyo, Kaiju Kings, and others have solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the digital art sphere. Locally, he is a member of the Five Points Artist Launchpad program. Ethan’s unique blend of illustration talent and forward-thinking approach to art and technology will be showcased in the live contest, which challenges participants to create digital art using Photoshop and Cinema 4D under the watchful eyes of the art world.

Ethan S. Brewerton, Photo: Rana Justice, Torrington Collective

Beeple, the contest host, gained international acclaim when his "Everydays" collage sold for $69 million in 2021, marking a monumental moment in NFT history. About the selection process for the Digital Art Death Match, Beeple expressed in a tweet, “Massive thank you to everyone who submitted work for our next event at Beeple studios!!!! We had over 600 amazing submissions so this was a tough one!!!!”

Ethan S. Brewerton expressed his enthusiasm about being chosen for this unique opportunity, stating, “After being a fan of Beeple’s work for so many years it’s completely surreal to be invited to create art, live at one of his events.”

The Digital Art Death Match is sponsored by Maxon, The Render Network, and Mograph, and promises to be an unforgettable showcase of talent, creativity, and technological prowess.

For more information about the Digital Art Death Match and to follow the event live, visit: https://beeple-studios.xyz/event/digital-art-deathmatch/

To explore Ethan S. Brewerton’s work and learn more about his journey as a digital artist, visit: https://www.ethansbrewerton.com/

This event marks a significant milestone in Ethan's career and underscores the vibrant potential of digital art in the modern era. Supporters and fans are encouraged to follow the journey and support Ethan as he competes in this prestigious contest.

April 2024 Calendar

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 14:05:11 GMT

The shining sun has brought life back to Northwest Connecticut, bringing with it lots of vibrant events to enjoy as the days grow longer. Find the perfect events to liven up your spring in our April calendar:

Regional Needs Assessment for the Arts & Culture Sector in NWCT

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 18:11:29 GMT

The Northwest CT Arts Council presents research findings on post-COVID needs.

The Regional Needs Assessment for the Arts & Culture Sector in Northwest Connecticut is a research project conducted by the NWCT Arts Council. Research comprised three major phases to collect both quantitative and qualitative data.

Quantitative data research phase: January - April 2023
Focus Groups: April 2023
Regional Listening Tour: April - December 2023

GOAL: to collect comprehensive data about the short and long term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the arts & culture sector in order to propose solutions and inform advocacy, regional strategy, and decision making.

March 2024 Calendar

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:14:07 GMT

Spring fever has hit the Litchfield Hills! Check out our March calendar for the perfect events to welcome in the new season.

5 NWCT Artists receive Artist Respond project grants from CT Office of the Arts

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:38:13 GMT

The Connecticut Office of the Arts Awards Project Grants to 5 Artists from NWCT

The Artists Respond grant program awards funds to Connecticut artists for community-based projects that range from large audience events to small group activities. Artist-led projects use the arts to inspire, empower, educate, and transform Connecticut communities.

NWCT Grantees:

Karann Schaller - Whiting Mills Creative Day

Creative Day 2024 is a free/low-cost event of community arts enrichment including workshops, demonstrations, and make-and-take classes in the historic Whiting Mills in Winsted, CT. The schedule will include 30 to 90 minute rotating art sessions, taught by resident and guest Whiting Mills artists, with exposure to a broad range of artistic mediums and crafts. The target audience is adults and teens, 16 years and up. Whiting Mills is home to working studios for 30+ fine artists, crafts people, and makers.

Funding will go toward marketing, artist materials, and artists teaching stipends, as described in the proposed budget. Creative Day at Whiting Mills is an opportunity for members of the community to access a diverse range of artistic expression in the visual arts by engaging directly with artists and craftspeople in their studios with hands-on classes, workshops, and demonstrations.

Kimiye Corwin - GROUNDED by George Brant

A one-woman play, GROUNDED, by George Brant. This project will offer performances of the play to communities that have less access to live theater, in nontraditional theater spaces -- community centers, senior centers, libraries, classrooms, churches, etc. The heart of the project is in exploring the life of a female air force pilot who, because she has a baby, is reassigned to working in a drone unit. Her experiences as a soldier in an important role in the US military are radically unfamiliar to most Americans.

The purpose of performing this piece is to bring awareness to the important topics of 21st-century warfare, women in the military, women in male-dominant work places, women's mental health, the mental health protocols of the US military, and military motherhood.

Dan Morrison - Plessy's Train

The production of an original song about Homer Plessy (of Plessy vs. Ferguson fame), the gentleman who bought a first-class ticket on a train in Louisiana when Black people were not allowed in the First Class section. The song will play a substantial role in the documentary film, "On The Origin of Systems," about systemic racism—exactly what Homer Plessy battled on that train.

Effie Mwando - It's my time now

A one hour story about a woman who creates a vision for the future. This vision includes storytelling, overcoming challenges as a woman of color and promoting social justice. The performance will travel to several locations throughout the state of Connecticut.

Leslie Elias - Fostering Community Engagement and Environmental Stewardship through the Arts for Earth Day 2024

This project will bring people of all ages together to celebrate Earth Day through the Arts. Visual artists, musicians, actors and environmentalists will work in collaboration on the project. There will be multiple pre-performance workshops, with several culminating performances in area towns. Students from area elementary schools as well as public and private high schools will be invited to submit poems, essays & artwork to contribute to the Earth Day performances and gatherings. Several short theater pieces will be developed with different groups to be performed with pageantry and music. Giant puppets created by various local artists will be central in the pageantry. Local musicians will be invited to provide music for each of the

February 2024 Calendar

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 14:00:04 GMT

Roses are red... Violets are blue... Our February calendar has the perfect events in the Litchfield Hills for you and your loved ones too!

The Connecticut Arts Awards: Meet NWCT's Arts Hero

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 18:31:15 GMT

Congratulations to Stephanie Ingrassia, NWCT's Arts Hero!

The Connecticut Arts Heroes Awards aim to honor Connecticut residents for their engagement and support of the arts, both publicly and behind the scenes. The celebration of these inspiring individuals aims to reaffirm how the arts play a significant role in CT.

Stephanie and her husband Tim, founded Spring Hill Vineyards in Washington, CT in 2006. She would help to transform the vineyard into a center for community celebrations, becoming the home to a few permanent art instillations and the Spring Hill Arts Gathering (SHAG), a non-profit organization that hosts community events. The SHAG program is dedicated to bringing visual and performing arts, community organizations, and activism to Washington, CT over a festival weekend each year.

From art exhibitions to dance and live music, SHAG is devoted to a diverse program that welcomes the entire community at little to no-cost, graciously opening their property to the community as a center for celebrations throughout the year. They aim to welcome and provide platforms to artists, including artists of color and the LGBT community, at their inspiring landscape by using collaborative efforts to bring their community members together. They partner with different artists and organizations each season to engage their audience and present new and exciting exhibitions.

Join us and the CT Office of the Arts at Infinity Hall in Hartford on January 24, at 6 pm, to help us celebrate these remarkable individuals from across CT. This ceremony is FREE and open to the public!

January 2024 Calendar

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 15:23:46 GMT

New Year, new events to attend! Check out our January calendar for all sorts of fun, new experiences in the Litchfield Hills for you and your friends and family:

December 2023 Calendar

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 14:00:01 GMT

'Tis the season to bundle up and spend some quality time with friends and family. Be sure to check out this month's calendar for all the events happening in NWCT this December:

The CT Office of the Arts Awards $70,959 in FY24 Supporting Arts Grants to NWCT

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 21:18:49 GMT

The Connecticut Offices of the Arts Announces $1,050,005 in FY24

Supporting Arts Grants - Including $70,959 in grants for NWCT

The Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) administered $1,050,005 in Connecticut Supporting Arts in Place (SAP) grants. These funds provide general operating support that organizations may use toward programming, administrative or operational costs, capital projects, equipment, or to build their own endowments.

THANK YOU to the Office of the State Treasurer and the Connecticut Office of the Arts!

NWCT Arts Council’s Service Region Grantees:

Cornwall

Grumbling Gryphons Traveling Children's Theater $5,345

Goshen

Goshen Players, Inc $5,013

Falls Village

Canter on Main $5,310

Kent

The Kent Singers $5,212

The Voice of Art $5,176

New Milford

Merryall Community Center, Inc. $3,043

TheatreWorks New Milford, Inc. $2,865

Sharon

Tri State Center for the Arts (Sharon Playhouse) $2,972

Thomaston

Landmark Community Theatre, Inc. $5,075

Torrington

Five Points Center for the Visual Arts, Inc. $5,299

Joyful Noise, Inc. (Chorus Angelicus) $4,739

The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory $4,124

Washington

After School Arts Program, Inc $3,533

Pilobolus $4,224

Washington Art Association & Gallery $4,215

Washington Friends of Music Inc $2,852

Winsted

American Mural Project $4,077

Local Holiday Gift Guides

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 20:14:47 GMT

Shop Local Art this holiday season!

As the holiday season approaches, take a break from the usual gift-shopping routine and explore the world of small artists!

From unique jewelry pieces to one-of-a-kind artworks and personalized home decor, there's a wealth of creative and thoughtful options handmade right hereThis year, let's celebrate the joy of giving with a touch of individuality by choosing gifts that not only bring joy to the receiver but also support the passion and dedication of small artists in our communities.

Check out our gift guides below or explore our local shop directory.

Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 18:39:27 GMT

Shop Local - Support the Arts This Holiday Season!

The holiday season is fast approaching, and Northwest CT is ringing in the season with a festive lineup of holiday markets, fairs, and festivals! Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping while supporting local artisans, farmers, and small businesses. At these lively events, you'll find booths filled with handmade gifts, specialty foods, holiday décor, and more. Bundle up and stroll through, chatting with the makers and sipping on hot chocolate.

In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best places to find a handmade treasure in northwest CT this season. From Kent to Litchfield, New Milford to Torrington, there are festive bazaars throughout the region where you can shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and experience the magic of the holidays. Read on for all the details on dates, times, locations, and what you can expect to find at these local holiday shopping extravaganzas. It's the most wonderful time of the year in northwest CT!

H oliday Bazaar pop Up

The Spa @ Litchfield Hills, Litchfield CT

November 24th-December 31st

Visit the Holiday Bazaar for an unparalleled shopping experience in a heated pop-up shop with gifts for everyone you love! Shop our new beauty counter with an extensive selection of popular indie brands, along with curated collections of fun wellness and festive lifestyle items.

Christmas Shop at the Historic Merwinsville Hotel

Historic Merwinsville Hotel, New Milford CT

November 25, 10am-5pm

Annual holiday event at a historic, 1843 railroad hotel. An amazing room-size display of a Dickens Village collection surrounded by a speeding model train. Enjoy the Mr. Christmas World's Fair Amusement Park miniatures and an enormous collection of nutcrackers in all shapes and sizes.

For those of you who are looking for that special holiday present, there is a huge assortment of fine arts and crafts for sale including jewelry, pottery, felted figures, ornaments, woven and knitted items, and so much more. All are created by local artisans and will be available for purchase. Cut trees, wreaths, and holiday decorations from Meadowbrook Gardens in New Milford.

Holiday Artisan Market

White Hart Inn, Salisbury

November 25 & December 16, 10 am - 4 pm

Looking for an alternative to the big box for your holiday shopping this year? Two special Holiday Artisan Markets hosted by Salisbury Handmade offer the perfect opportunity to shop small and support talented local makers.

These markets will showcase a festive variety of handcrafted items from regional artists and crafters—think fibers, ceramics, woodwork, jewelry and much more! With two separate vendor lineups, each market promises a unique selection of gifts packed with skill, creativity and soul.

Sunday Holiday Makers Shoppes @ Whiting Mills

Whiting Mills, Winsted CT

Sundays until December 17 from 11am-4pm

The Sunday Holiday Makers Shoppes at Whiting Mills are OPEN for Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping every Sunday from November 19 to December 17, from 11am to 4pm. Stroll the Historic Whiting Mill building decorated in Christmas Cheer. You will find 12 resident artists, makers, and specialty shops featuring unique handmade, high-quality items: jewelry, fine art, steam punk, clothing & quilting arts, spices & teas, photography, woven baskets, stained glass, candles, furniture & architectural elements, sculpture, Special FX makeup studio and wellness practitioners.

Admission and Parking are FREE.

Sip & Shop at David M. Hunt Library

David M. Hunt Library, Falls Village CT

November 30, 5-7pm

On Thursday, November 30th from 5-7 pm the David M. Hunt Library will host a "Sip and Shop" as part of their ongoing holiday artisan market. Shop goods produced by local artisans including handprinted table linens, jewelry, candles, cards & art prints, jams, pottery, handmade toys and more. Nibbles and drinks will be provided for you to enjoy while you shop! A portion of the proceeds support the library. The sale continues through the holidays, come in and shop any time the library is open.

Annual Holiday Market @ The Institute for American Indian Studies

The Institute for American Indian Studies, Washington CT

The weekends of November 25, December 2, and December 9

11:00 – 4:00pm each day

Shop for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts from local and Native American vendors selling crafts and jewelry. Take advantage of this time to meet and speak with artists while learning about contemporary Native American art and cultures. Stop by to purchase gourds, pottery, jewelry, rattles, artworks, flutes, and more!

Admission to the holiday market is FREE, but visitors can also tour the museum at the price of admission: $12 for Adults, $10 for Senior, $8 for Children, Free for IAIS Members. Questions? Please call (860) 868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org . Donations are always appreciated.

Queer Community Craft Fair

Love it Vegan, Torrington CT

Saturday December 2, 8am-3pm

Local crafters join together to offer their array of creative wares! Jewelry, art, macrame, terrariums, crocheted stuffies, oh my! Fun for all ages.

Winter Market

Eric Sloane Museum, Kent CT

December 2, 10am-4pm

Join us on Saturday, December 2nd, for our first annual Winter Market! This FREE event will feature an artisan and craft vendor market, brand-new art exhibits, historical demonstrations, special tours, and much more! Take advantage of these special museum programs to experience winter-themed programs and Sloane works, never before displayed at the museum, while shopping for great gifts and supporting local artisans during the holiday season.

Goat Boy Soaps Holiday Open House

Goat Boy Soaps, New Milford CT

December 2, 10am-3pm

Gift Baskets, Gift Sets, Molded Holiday Soaps, Local Vendors, Goats!!!, Coffee, Cookies, Bring a Friend ��

Salt 2.0 Holiday Craft Fair

Salt 2.0, Torrington CT

December 2, 12-4pm

3rd annual Holiday Craft Fair and Vendor Event! Get all the gifts you need and shop from 30+ local vendors at Salt 2.0 and the Warner. Donations collected for charity at the event

Holiday Sip & Shop at Bad Dog Brewing

Bad Dog Brewing, Torrington CT

December 10, 12-4pm

Join Bad Dog Brewing for the 2nd Annual Most amazing shopping event of the year!

We have over 25 hand selected vendors that will be joining us both upstairs and down in this historic firehouse turned brewery.

Santa will be joining us from 1-4 pm so make sure to bring the whole family!

November 2023 Calendar

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 15:47:32 GMT

As the days get shorter and the air is grows colder, we yearn to stay warm. Bundle up and check out all the great events in our printed calendar to keep you and your friends toasty in NWCT this November:

Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study Results

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 16:30:50 GMT

Over $30 Million Generated by Nonprofit Arts and Culture Sector in Northwest Connecticut

Here is an overview of the findings:

Spending by arts and culture audiences generates valuable commerce to local business owners, a value-add that few other industries can compete with.

Key figures from Northwest CT’s AEP6 study include:

• Northwest Connecticut’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $10,777,120 in event-related spending by its audiences.

The typical attendee spends $29.22 per person per event, not including the cost of admission.
27.6% of arts and culture attendees were from outside the county in which the activity took place. They spent an average of $33.89. All vital income for local merchants.
88.1% of respondents agreed that the activity or venue they were attending was “a source of neighborhood pride for the community.”
86.5% said they would “ feel a sense of loss if that activity or venue was no longer available.”

You can also see the results for the study conducted for the Downtown Torrington Cultural District here:

Building on its 30-year legacy as the largest and most inclusive study of its kind, AEP6 uses a rigorous methodology to document the economic and social contributions of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry. The study demonstrates locally as well as nationally, arts and culture are a critical economic driver of vibrant communities.

“The findings of this study prove that the arts are a powerful economic engine for our region and are very worthy of expanded investment,” said Steph Burr, Executive Director of the Northwest CT Arts Council. “Our nonprofit arts organizations connect our communities and help define our culture. They also attract substantial revenue to the local economy and support many jobs and small businesses. It is no easy feat to do both.”

She also notes, “We would like to express our gratitude for the hard work of all our volunteers and partner organizations for making this study possible.”

State Representative Maria Horn concurs, ““Arts and culture are a defining part of the Northwest Corner for those who live here and those who visit the region. Communities like ours that support arts and culture not only enhance their quality of life— they also invest in their economic well-being. We know this because we’ve studied it.”

Nationally, the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study reveals that America’s nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry—one that supports 2.6 million jobs and generates $29.1 billion in government revenue.

“Arts and culture organizations have a powerful ability to attract and hold dollars in the community longer. They employ people locally, purchase goods and services from nearby businesses, and produce the authentic cultural experiences that are magnets for visitors, tourists, and new residents,” said Nolen V. Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “When we invest in nonprofit arts and culture, we strengthen our economy and build more livable communities.”

AEP6 represents a reset from its previous versions, establishing a new benchmark in the AEP study series.

Social Impact: For the first time, AEP6 expands beyond the economic and financial data to include social impact measurements of arts and culture’s effect on the well-being of communities and residents.
Equity and Inclusion : AEP6 broke new ground by prioritizing equity, community engagement, and inclusivity. With the goal of reducing systemic bias, Americans for the Arts transformed its approach and expanded the inclusion and participation of organizations serving or representing BIPOC- (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and ALAANA- (African, Latine, Asian, Arab, Native American) identifying communities.

By measuring arts and culture’s wide-ranging impact, public and private sector leaders can work together to secure funding and arts-friendly policies that shape more vibrant and equitable communities.

October 2023 Calendar

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:00:00 GMT

As darkness falls across the land, the spooky season is close at hand, and creatures crawl in search of fun, to liven up your neighborhood. To find all the events in your town, that beg your soul to get down, beware the October calendars events, and attend the fun with all your friends.

Frights & Festivities

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 16:56:57 GMT

October Fall Events in Northwest CT

Looking for a festive fall event this October? Northwest CT is the place to be! From hayrides to haunted trails, family-friendly fairs and late-night spooky adventures - this little corner of the world is the textbook definition of autumn charm. Keep reading for a packed schedule of frights and festivities to check out this coming month!

FUN ON THE FARM:

Harris Hill Farm in New Milford, CT - Pick your own pumpkin: https://www.harrishillfarm.com/pumpkins

Ruwet Farm in Torrington, CT - Already picked & pick your own pumpkins. At our patch, you walk to the patch to pick pumpkins. We have a haunted house for children, games, sling shot challenge, corn maze, mining sluice, campfire & fall fun. For treats, visit our food truck: https://www.ruwetfarm.com/

Bunnel Farm in Litchfield, CT - Pumpkin stand from 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday in October. Corn maze open Friday Oct. 21st and Saturday Oct. 22nd: http://www.bunnellfarm.org/home.html

Tonns Marketplace in Burlington, CT - Pumpkins, food trucks, and a hay bale pyramid for the kids! Visit their website for special events happening weekly! https://tonnsmarketplace.com/schedule-of-events

Waldingfield Farm in Washington, CT - Wednesday, October 18th from 1:30-4:30 - Join Farmer Patrick and artist Kaitlin Clark for an afternoon of exploration and creativity at Waldingfield Farm. Farmer Patrick will take visitors on a tour to learn how local food systems and organic farming affect our lives and the world around us, and a healthful snack will be provided. At the art station with Kaitlin, students will create wearable art and jewelry with sun prints, or cyanotypes, an early form of photographic art. Bussing to Waldingfield Farm provided for Region 12 students after school at 12:45pm. Participants must be picked up from the farm at 4:30pm.

FAIRS, FESTIVALS, & FRIGHTS

Local Artists Awarded Grants from the Torrington Chapter of UNICO

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 17:01:48 GMT

NWCT Arts Council Announces UNICO Grant Recipients

Two artists from Litchfield County have been selected to receive a grant of $500 each from the Torrington Chapter of UNICO . Katina Hungerford-McGrath of Torrington and Yonah Sadeh of Falls Village were selected by the NWCT Arts Council based on artistic excellence and their contributions to community development.

"These artists were chosen for the outstanding quality of their work and the positive impact it has had on their communities.”, notes Steph Burr, Executive Director of the NWCT Arts Council (Council). The Council administers this grant program on behalf of UNICO - a partnership that began years ago and combines the community service mission of UNICO with the arts mission of the Council.

"These are excellent choices and we wish Katina and Yonah the very best as they pursue their passions and dreams." added Brian Mattiello, Immediate Past President of the Torrington Chapter of UNICO. UNICO is the nation's largest Italian-American service club and a Chapter has been active in Torrington since 1925. These awards are made in honor of one of the local Chapter's Founders - Paolo Abate, an Italian-born sculptor and professor of fine arts who lived in Torrington.

Litchfield Hills Creative Festival 2023

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 18:07:05 GMT

Downtown Torrington got LIT for the Third Annual Litchfield Hills Creative Festival on Saturday, August 19!

Crowd on Main Street from the roof of KidsPlay Children's Museum. Photo by DaSilva Wata

Local artists, musicians, performers, and organizations brought a vibrant creative community to Downtown Torrington on Saturday, August 19th, for the Litchfield Hills Creative Festival.

130+ artists were involved in the production of this year’s Creative Festival, including vendors, open studio artists, performers, musicians, cultural leaders, and volunteers.

From left: Adelaide Punkin on Main Stage; Mushrooms & Dino designed by vendor Jasmine Bailey; Community Art Project with Mental Health CT. Photos by Jamie J. Tilley

An estimated over 7,000+ people roamed Main Street, exploring 34 talented artists from CT at the artists fair, as well as the talented musicians on the main stage and roaming performances throughout the day.

“This event is vital to Torrington,” says Rhys Maskowitz, local artist and ½ of M&M Creatives, “It brings in so many young and new creative faces to the area, and really opens up an important day of bonding for the arts community.”

From left: Nick Palazzo & booth; Jennifer Wyzykowski & booth; Skip Marsh & booth. Photos by Jamie J. Tilley

Opening the festival on the Main Stage, hosted by Rock Yer Block’s Adelaide Punkin, was the Our Culture is Beautiful (OCIB) Drum Circle, led by Angaza Mwando. Following OCIB’s Drum Circle was Torrington native Ian Matthew and Co., performing a variety of original works. Up next, one man music project, the Forest Room, shared his unique tunes, blending and layering organic and acoustic melodies for a distinct sound that separates him from the crowd. Closing out the Main Stage performances was James Burke, serenading the crowd with his perfect combination of electronica and synthpop.

From left: Our Culture is Beautiful's Drum Circle; Ian Matthew & Co., the Forest Room; James Burke; Performers on Main Stage. Photos by Jamie J. Tilley

Businesses, galleries, and organizations downtown shared in the excitement of the Creative Festival, offering workshops and activities that were fun for the whole family! The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory offered open ballet classes for children of various ages, welcoming kids as young as 3, and as old as 14 and up. Sanctuary Power Yoga partnered with KidsPlay to host family yoga classes every hour throughout the day. Also at KidsPlay, Artroom Atelier helped host a collaborative sculpture workshop to bring a fairy tale beanstalk to life. Up at the Nutmeg Fudge Company, guests learned how to make and pull taffy the old fashioned way.

“Our collaboration with Artroom Atelier for our giant hanging beanstalk is our most remarkable art installation up to date,” says KidsPlay Museum, “It would not have been possible without the Litchfield Hills Creative Festival and the work it does to inspire art, creativity, and fun in the region.”

From left: Giant Beanstalk at KidsPlay; Family Friendly Yoga at KidsPlay; Giant Jenga in front of KidsPlay; Taffy Pulling at Nutmeg Fudge Company. Photos by Jessica Jane Russel of ArtRoom Atelier, KidsPlay Children's Museum, and Jamie J. Tilley

Five Points Arts opened their galleries, as well as the Launchpad studios, showcasing works from the Launchpad Biennial Exhibition, as well as works from their featured artist, Peter Brown. At Howard’s Bookstore, a new gallery called the Catacombs gallery opened, showing “A Requiem for a Shoe Store”, featuring works by Sophia De Jesus-Sabella. On Main Street, next to the Artist Fair, the gallery of local artist Joe Kopler was open for guests to view his intricate 3D paintings.

From left: The Catacombs Gallery; Joe Koppler Gallery. Photos by Pete Cote & Our Culture is Beautiful

Meanwhile at Salt 2.0, members of the Torrington Collective hosted Reface 2.0, a collaborative community art project that allows participants to draw on tables, chairs, and other things you wouldn’t typically draw on. Next door at the Warner Theatre, 12 of the region's most talented singers competed to dazzle the crowd and judges to be crowned the winner of this year’s Northwest Vocal Showcase. Trinity Episcopal Church opened their doors for self-guided tours of their beautiful stained glass windows, accompanied by parishioners who can share insight on each piece. At night, the Church welcomed local singers, musicians, and poets to share their talents at their Open Mic.

“We were able to connect with many new people through the shared appreciation of the arts,” Reverend Carrie Combs of Trinity Episcopal Church shared with us, “The festival brought a vibrant, creative, and engaging energy to the downtown.”

From left: Ethan Brewerton of the Torrington Collective; Drawing at Reface 2.0; Miss CT USA Karla Aponte Roque & Casey McKenna, hosts of the Northwest Vocal Showcase. Photos by Jamie J. Tilley & the Northwest Vocal Showcase

Wandering on Main Street, patrons were able to see some eye-catching roaming performers, engaging and interacting with the musicians and crowds. From the Matica Circus, Heidi Kirchofer took to the stilts dawning a monarch butterfly costume, floating majestically above the crowds. Later in the day, Adelka Polak from the Sova Puppet Theater would bring a couple of puppets to wow the crowd, including a monarch butterfly to match Heidi's costume, and an eye catching giant from Midsummer Night's Dream.

From left: Heidi Kirchofer & Ribbon Dancer; Adelka Polak & Butterfly Puppet with crowd; Adelka Polak & Giant Puppet. Photos by Steph Burr, Shane Scully, and Jamie J. Tilley.

As the sun set, members of Culture for a Cause gathered a crowd for the showing of, “His Truth Marching On,” a musical documentary about local abolitionist, John Brown. Alongside the musical documentary, fire spinners amazed the crowds with their breathtaking choreographic display of fire.

From left: "His Truth Marching On" Musical Documentary Viewing on Main Street; Fire Spinner from Cinderfella; Fire Spinner from Cinderfella. By Shane Scully and Jamie J. Tilley

With the sun fully set in Downtown Torrington, the members of Pilobolus took to the streets, ready to light up the night with their immersive experience of UP! the Umbrella Project. Participants were given light-up umbrellas as the members of Pilobolus guided the crowd in this choreographed movement piece. The entire performance is filmed from above and projected in real time, so participants may see the interesting shapes and motions they are making together! Participants had the opportunity to participate at 8 pm or at 9 pm.

From left: UP! view from roof of KidsPlay; Matt Kent, Artistic Director of Pilobolus; UP! view in crowd. Photos by Jamie J. Tilley

The creative energy that was made on Main Street lingered as guests and participants made their way home, excited to see what will happen next year.

The NWCT Arts Council would like to thank everyone who volunteered at this year’s Creative Festival. We are so grateful for all your help making this event possible.

The NWCT Arts Council would also like to thank everyone who attended this year’s festival. We love being able to celebrate and share the creativity in Litchfield County with our supporters and our community.

Visit us on Facebook to more pictures from the Litchfield Hills Creative Festival.

Special thanks to the following organizations for sponsoring the third annual Litchfield Hills Creative Festival:

Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area

Torrington Savings Bank

Aquarion Water Company

Northwest CT Community Foundation
National Endowment for the Arts

City of Torrington

Thomaston Savings Bank

Torrington Downtown Partners

Media Sponsors

Republican-American

WAPJ Torrington Community Radio

WSHU Radio Station

Main Stage Sponsor

Rock Yer Block

Sponsorship Report

September 2023 Calendar

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Summer in Litchfield County is coming to an end and the cool autumn breeze has started setting in. Check out our September calendar for the perfect events to welcome the fall:

August 2023 Calendar

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Summertime in the Litchfield Hills is the perfect time to sit back and unwind. For a bit of a break from the norm, you can find all the events to transform your groove in this month's calendar:

Uniquely Handcrafted

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 22:39:12 GMT

Treasures from Local Artists

Northwest CT is home to a diverse community of skilled artists. When looking for that perfect gift, accessory, or addition to your home, look no further than the local creative community! You can find each of these amazing artists and their uniquely handcrafted treasures at the Litchfield Hills Creative Festival - a free community event showcasing Litchfield Hill's wealth of creative talent and fun for the whole family! Stop by the artist fair at the Festival between 3-8pm on Main St. in downtown Torrington CT!

Kelly Axelrod - Kelly's Krafts

Kelly's handmade sewing goods are 100% crafted by hand with quality materials. Choose from fun & functional items like quilted bowl cozies, reversible tote bags, scrunchies, dog waste bags, potholders & more. Completely unique and made with care, these useful sewn projects make great gifts or personal treats.

Skip Marsh - Skip Marsh Art

Skip Marsh is a gifted painter devoted to capturing the natural world. With expert use of oils, he brings nature to life on canvas with realistic detail and texture.

www.Skipmarshart.com

Cari E. Mendez - Crafty Bombshell Designs

Cari handcrafts one-of-a-kind jewelry, tumblers, home decor and custom gifts using unique materials like resin and stained glass. She skillfully transforms raw materials into eye-catching works of art with imaginative designs!

Www.craftybombshelldesigns.com

Beverly Delventhal-Sali - Autumn Rose Handcrafted

Autumn Rose Handcrafted of Torrington, CT makes organic and all natural soaps, lotions, deodorants and other personal products as well as tie-dyed beeswax wraps and totes and bags. Crafted with care, each item aims to benefit your health and reduce environmental impact. Good for you, Good for the Planet!

www.autumn-rose-ct.com

Ariel Halsted - Mermaid Gypsy

Ariel creates boho-style wood burned art, coasters, jewelry, clay bowls, and paintings. If it’s art - she does it! She passionately crafts functional art across mediums, infusing each unique work with her signature hippie-chic style. Sarah's diverse artworks make one-of-a-kind gifts, accessories and home goods.

https://www.instagram.com/ariel_mermaidgypsy

Jasmine Bailey - Jazzy Creates

Jasmine is a collection of creativity who loves to bring the forests of her imagination to life. Inspired by nature, films, and the abilities of different mediums, she strives to make genuine connections with those who interact with her and her creations. Illustrations, wood cutouts, LED dioramas and more! ps…..Jasmine is to thank for the incredible Creative Festival logos over the past three years!

Www.Jazzycreates.com

Campbell Karanian - FaunaDoodles

FaunaDoodles was created by Campbell Karanian, a Connecticut-based artist who loves all things cute. Anything whimsical, adorable, and animal-related can be found in her illustrations. With bright, dreamy colors and animals depicted doing human-like activities, her art represents a pleasant universe separate from our own.

https://cmkaranian.wixsite.com/faunadoodles

Nick Palazzo

Nick creates imaginative illustrations and paintings bringing mythical creatures and original characters to life. Using neon color and stark contrast, his artwork provides a window into fantastical worlds.

www.Instagram.com/nickpalazzoart

Becca Ainley -Celestial Branches

Becca works primarily with markers or oil paints to create pieces that are inspired by her love of nature. Her work embodies her reverence for the cycles of life and the inherent connection between birth, growth, death, and decay. She often portrays her love for mushrooms and plants, the symbolism of animal forms, and the fleeting nature of it all, to serve as a visual exploration of the relationship between humanity and the ever evolving wild realms.

www.celestialbranches.com/shop

Maryanne Spring - Marijanes jewels

Handcrafted leather beaded jewelry! Maryanne weaves natural materials into stunning designs.

Www.marijanesjewels.net

Rhys Moskowitz + Kenton Madia - M&M Creatives

Rhys creates and sells bite-size characters from your favorite shows and movies! He sells stickers, prints, and does original character commissions to help bring your ideas to life! You can find his stickers at Kaylan’s Kitchen if you’re craving a taste of his art.

https://instagram.com/rhysbeast1121?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Kenton Madia is a self proclaimed ""funky guy"" who has been writing his entire life.

From when he could pick up a pen, he has been writing stories. He had his real start with fanfiction, and eventually realized that he was able to soar with original work. He is also an artist who designs all his own covers, characters, and loves to create.

https://instagram.com/itsyourboykent?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Charlton and Melissa Webb - Stranger 3D Things

These artists are expert 3D printers, crafting one-of-a-kind collectibles with advanced technology and premium materials. Their prints are made individually, ensuring every piece has its own unique qualities. Choose from a wide selection of filament types like smooth resin, vividly-colored PLA and PETG, real wood PLA/PETG, carbon fiber enhanced PLA/PETG and glossy ABS. Each product is unique - no 2 are ever exactly alike!

https://stranger3dthings.com

Laura Pavlick - KanshaKards

KanshaKards are a different kind of greeting card. They provide a visual story that begins on the cover and continues inside, conveying the message through drawing. While some cards are event specific and some may have a quote, many can be used for any number of occasions. Each design is hand drawn on a tablet but retains the human element of imperfection.

www.kanshakards.com

Taylor Lamanna - TLPhotoPress

Using a variety of techniques, Taylor preserves flowers then artfully incorporates them into resin jewelry, wall art, trinkets, cyanotype printed clothes and home decor. Her specialized floral preservation transforms meaningful blooms into lasting keepsakes! Customers can commission custom items featuring their special flowers from any occasion so their beauty can be enjoyed forever.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TLPhotoPress

Chris Colon - Wake the Devil

With technical precision and vivid imagination, Chris creates haunting works of art inspired by skeletons and gothic horror.

https://www.instagram.com/wtd_draws/

Casandra Cyr - Streetlights 4 Eyes

Cassandra’s work features long neck men who act as pillars of government control, criticizing our surveillance, both internal and external, and toeing the line between nihilism and existentialism.

www.streetlights4eyes.com

Ash Royer - Ash’s Art Prints

First Responders Ash Royer dedicates her art craft to represent those who serve their community and country. Most of her artwork is based on community heroes of the fire department, law enforcement, and military personnel.

www.instagram.com/aa_artprints/

Rachel L Harrel - Quailie's Kids

Rachel creates tutus, tees and accessories for kids of all ages! Quailie's Kids has been bringing exceptional style to shoppers far and wide since their founding, and they don’t intend on stopping anytime soon. Their vision is fast-paced, forward-thinking and fashion-centered at its core, and all of their products reflect these ideals. Fun and unique gifts are always available!

https://www.quailieskids.com/

Maureen Henriques - Maureen Henriques

In her own words, Maureen “Makes stuff. Really cool stuff”. As a metalsmith and glass artist, she loves the challenge in combining two mediums into one of a kind work that will evoke emotion and pique curiosity. She is inspired by all that she encounters, from the good to the bad, the beautiful to the unsavory, the elegant to the crude. Each piece is unique, each signature is different, and all are handcrafted with the intention that they will be treasured and worn for years to come.

www.instagram.com/pumpkinhillbeads/

Genna Rigi - Artlighten LLC

Genna’s art therapy practice and artist workshop studio offers various workshops, primarily printmaking workshops of monotype and linocut using our Vandercook press to print. Be inspired to create your own printed masterpieces!

www.artlightenct.com

Paola Rivera - Recrearme

Handcrafted Clay Accessories:

Brighten up your look with polymer clay accessories made completely by hand. Paola's expertly sculpted earrings, hair clips, brooches and keychains add a pop of color and whimsy to your style. From funky geometrics to cute animals - it’s easy to find the perfect gift or complement to your outfit!

Crocheted Apparel and Goods:

Lovingly handmade tops, keychains, headbands and totes feature beautiful stitches in soft yarns. Paola crafts wearable art from luxurious fibers for comfy chic style. Get hooked on the comforting quality and creativity crochet brings to wardrobes and homes.

www.recrearmepr.com

Jennifer Vinegar Avery

In her own words, Jennifer creates “beautiful nightmares”. Handcrafted garments, textiles, & figures full of whimsy, color, and dark reverie. Jennifer’s designs are inspired by magic and mystery - everything from paranormal adventures and poisonous blooms to witches, cemeteries, and monsters. Each piece is imbued with the artist’s passionate, intuitive approach to living creatively.

www.instagram.com/vinegar_gloom_cake/

Jennifer Wyzykowski - JenWyzArt

Jennifer is a gifted painter working primarily in luminous watercolor and vivid alcohol ink. Her original pieces exude delicate beauty! In addition to stunning original artworks, she offers high-quality reproductions of her watercolor and alcohol ink paintings as fine art prints and cards. Jennifer invites you to explore her collection of originals, prints, and cards to find your perfect addition of beauty.

www.instagram.com/jenwyz_art/

Christine Ness - Christine Ness Visual Art

Christine is an interdisciplinary artist originating from Brooklyn, NY, currently residing in Canaan, Ct. After many years of focusing primarily on photography she has broadened her practice to incorporate a variety of mediums resulting in vibrant abstract pieces. Her process is mostly intuitive, utilizing materials on hand, inspired by colors, shapes, patterns and often by earlier photographic works resulting in a variety of visual themes.

www.instagram.com/christinenessvisualart/

Priscilla Jeffery - Boame

Discover beautiful handcrafted fashions, accessories and instruments from Ghana that give back! Priscilla partners with artisans to create hats, bags, backpacks, glass beads, kente cloth, batik fabrics, djembe drums and more. Each unique item is lovingly produced by skilled Ghanaian craftspeople using traditional techniques. Profits are donated to the Rural Education Advocacy Project, enabling girls in Nsawam access to schooling. By purchasing recycled glass beads, trendy hats, functional backpacks or a lively djembe drum, you join a compassionate community uplifting female students and artisans across the globe.

www.instagram.com/boameshop/

Kiayani Douglas - I am Kay Douglas

Kiayani is an interdisciplinary artist who works in many mediums including, printmaking, ceramics, drawing and painting. As a portrait artist, she is constantly trying to challenge herself and others on the idea of notable portraiture. Creating portraits using non-traditional methods excites her most when she can share an untold black story as it relates to race, history, privilege and place. Her work is aimed to fit neatly in a home, office ,or social setting while engaging individuals with unique textures and patterns and inspiring them to learn more!

www.iamkaydouglas.com

Megan Sigillo - Jell 'n' Co.

Make a statement with Megan’s uniquely printed apparel and totes! Using hand carved stamps, stencils, and other artful techniques, she adorns t-shirts, sweatshirts, and reusable tote bags with original designs.

Steven Habersang - Habby Art

Steve Habersang's pen and ink drawings are a whimsical mix of fantasy and realism with a focus on the natural world, animals, and portraits. From the beautiful to the bizarre, his wide array of subjects offers a broad appeal. Influences include artists such as Dali, Escher, and Rockwell. Habby Art, his business name, sells framed and unframed art prints, stickers, pins, and t-shirts featuring his works.

www.habbyart.com

Robbie Pelletier - RZP

Robbie upcycles discarded materials into bold, dynamic remixes of classic comics and street art. His work transforms forgotten objects into one-of-a-kind collector’s pieces and paintings.

www.rzpART.com

Maria Carrera - Creations by Ree

Maria handcrafts frames, domes and lanterns showcasing preserved insects, spider webs, skulls and other oddities from nature. Her glass-enclosed pieces transform delicate butterflies, exotic beetles and intricate bones into artistic displays. Mix and match to create a surreal Cabinet of Curiosities.

www.Instagram.com/creationsbyree

Elizabeth Blanchette - Elizabeth

Elizabeth creates beautiful watercolor paintings and meticulously stitched embroidery pieces - perfect for adding a pop of color or touch handmade charm to any space!

www.Instagram.com/artizenn

John Blanton - Studio Shannon Blanton

Studio Shannon Blanton presents work which aims to drop us into a landscape divided by vibrant memories. From watercolors to tree sculptures made of local driftwood, Blanton’s work brings color and charm. Oil paintings, framed watercolors, sculptures, notecards, and coloring books will all be available as well as information regarding commissioning your own personal watercolor.

www.studioshannonblanton.com

Make Music NWCT 2023

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 17:42:18 GMT

Great tunes and good vibes made on the 6th Annual, Make Music Day on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.

Litchfield County was rocking out for Make Music Day on Wednesday, June 21. A total of 24 performances were hosted at 11 different venues across the region.

Images: Carol Parent, Michelle Begley, & Crowd at AMP (Left), Jeremy Driscoll at Community Health & Wellness (Right); by Steph Burr & DaSilva Wata

Starting the day off at the American Mural Project (AMP) with a well balanced musical story-time was Beardsley Librarian, Carol Parent, and AMP teaching artist/musician, Michelle Begley, who engaged and excited their young audience with a fun and educational story, and lots to sing and dance about. Meanwhile, Jeremy Driscoll played soothing music on his handpan for the patients and professionals in the lobby of the Community Health and Wellness Center in Torrington.

Images: The T.J. Thompson Trio (Left), Mad River Music (Right) at AMP; by DaSilva Wata & Shane Scully

Following the Beardsly Librarians, the T.J. Thompson Trio set a different tempo, bringing their upbeat, jazzy jams to attract a more mature crowd to the home of the three story, three dimensional, mural. After an intermission, the talented students and bands from the Mad River Music Store in Winsted, helped close out the night with a bang.

Images: Station House Band at Litchfield Land Trust (Left), Our Culture is Beautiful at Workman Memorial Church (Center), Bob Becker at Silo @ Hunt Hill Farm (Right); by Shane Scully & Steph Burr

At noon, the Station House Band played a special lunch performance at the Litchfield Land Trusts’, the Station. Then, over at the Workman Memorial AME Zion Church, Our Culture is Beautiful’s Angaza Mwando led an African drumming circle, whose beats reach inward to ease the anxious soul. Meanwhile, the Silo @ Hunt Hill Farm welcomes the multifaceted pianist and composer, Bob Becker, to enrich audience members with his passionate and soothing harmonies.

Out at the JCC in Sherman, the T.J. Thompson Trio stopped by to spread more of their funky jazzy vibes, before singer/songwriter and cover musician, Bill Murphy, AKA the Vintage Human Jukebox, stopped by for his only performance of the day.

Images: Jeremy Driscoll (Left), Ben Charles Gladstone (Right), at Rock Yer Block; by Jamie J. Tilley

Down at Rock Yer Block, Jeremy Driscoll and his melodic handpan make their second appearance of the day. Following Jeremy is Ben Charles Gladstone, an experimental musician playing on his funky fresh melodica, a handheld instrument featuring a keyboard that is similar to an organ or harmonica.

Images: Broderick "Hogboy" Jones (Left), Joe O'Connor, & Alex Datzuk (Center), Adelaide Punkin & Alex Datzuk (Right) at Rock Yer Block; by DaSilva Wata & Jamie J. Tilley

Making his first appearance of the day, Broderick “Hogboy” Jones plays some bluesy, folksy vibes for Main Street on his acoustic guitar. Joe O’Connor, lead singer of Go 2 11, stopped by Rock Yer Block for what started as a solo set before teaming up with Rock Yer Blocks’ Alex Datzuk, for an exciting and unexpected jam sesh. The duo would also be joined by Joe’s brother/bandmate, giving members of the audience a taste of the talent that is Go 2 11. Closing the performances at Rock Yer Block was their very own Adelaide Punkin, with her radiant voice that soared up and down Main Street.

Images: Broderick "Hogboy" Jones & Ben Charles Gladstone (Left), Joe O'Connor (Right) at Howard's Bookstore; by Jamie J. Tilley

A hop, a skip, and a jump across Main Street, Howard’s Bookstore welcomed Broderick Jones, who decided to share his time with Ben Charles Gladstone, connecting and creating new sweet sounds together until it was time for the next performance. Waiting patiently for his turn and enjoying the general vibes and connections being made was Joe O’Connor, playing some classic covers for patrons.

Images: David Taylor Coffey & Crowd (Left), Gloom Cake (Center) at Howards Bookstore, & Jane & Friends at the Cornwall Pavilion (Right); by DaSilva Wata, Jamie J. Tilley, & Steph Burr

Changing the tempo with his hard hitting alternative punk vibes, David Taylor Coffee lays some heavy truths while encouraging other musicians and audience members to engage and perform with him. To end Make Music Day at Howard’s, the return of the ever loved Gloom Cake with their alternative sounds and captivating performance.

Out at the Cornwall Pavilion, Jane hosted a sing in, where participants brang lyrics and sang songs of their choice together at the park. Meanwhile in Litchfield, Potters Field had been set to open Litchfield’s summer concert series with their soulful and acoustic originals and unique covers.

Image: Go 2 11 at Trinity Episcopal Church; by DaSilva Wata

Back in Torrington at Trinity Episcopal Church, Jeremy Driscoll would take advantage of the amazing acoustics to wow members of the church and audience with the beautiful harmonies made by his handpan. Finishing his performances for the day, Ben Charles Gladstone shared the talent he has with his melodica. Closing out the performances at Trinity was the ever talented Go 2 11, playing their own unique covers of some popular songs from over the years, exciting and engaging the crowd.

The NWCT Arts Council would like to thank everyone who participated and collaborated to make this Make Music Day a great success!

July 2023 Calendar

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 12:00:01 GMT

When the summer hits Litchfield County just right, these hills will sing with so many fun events that you can find in our July calendar:

Perspectives on Nature: Through an Artist's Eyes

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 14:38:02 GMT

A Walk Through Nature with Northwest CT's Creative Experts

After a long winter, the energy of spring is palpable, in others, in ourselves, and of course, in nature. New England's beautiful flowers, forests, and rivers are captivating, even with itchy eyes. This fairy-tale-like explosion of new life is tragically brief, but long enough to refresh our spirits and open our perspectives. Fortunately, talented NWCT artists can share the beauty of this season with us all year.

Though enjoying nature through artwork isn’t a substitute for being in nature, one could argue it’s an essential companion. Taking in these artists’ work is like going on a walk with a friend, only if it were possible to see through that friend’s eyes and walk in their shoes. Each perspective and mode of expression are utterly unique. If only we could all communicate our experiences with such clarity and mastery! Take some time to “go on a walk” through the beauty of nature with these remarkable friends.

Missy Stevens:

Missy Stevens is a jack of all trades, working with several different mediums from photography to clay to her primary tool of choice - thread! As a thread painter, this artist weaves her love of nature into thoughtfully detailed pictures, stories, and patterns!

Missy’s connection with nature took root at a young age, inspired by her parents and their love of being outside and gardening. Through her thread creations and photographs, Missy invites others to share in the “abundance of miracles small and large that exist all the time right outside our doors”. Her work sparks curiosity and a natural fondness and beautifully reflects the artist’s gentle and intuitive spirit.

Missy’s favorite season is spring! She tells us, “I especially love visiting some of the spring ephemeral wildflowers. The trilliums, pink lady slippers, trailing arbutus, trout lily, and coltsfoot. As each comes into bloom it is an annual calendar of sorts marking the irrepressible energy of growth. It's both reassuring and exciting to witness. This is my favorite season and I love to make images that embody some of this energy and the lovely odd colors as leaves emerge”. Soak in some of Missy’s positive energy by exploring her website .

Marlow Shami:

Marlow is a remarkable photographer, digital artist, and writer. Just as “The transition of the landscape’s life from a slow contracted-sleepy period into one of growth and expansion awakens a fresh perspective for [her]”, Marlow’s work broadens the lens through which most of us view nature and in doing so, invokes a natural sense of wonder.

The process of creation for Marlow begins with the practice of internal preparation. “I listen deeply", she explains. "I Listen to my heart, mind, and senses. Since I am a part of Nature, anything I find myself attracted to could be helpful. I must remember to focus on the intention to create and softly go about the work.” This artist’s reciprocal relationship with nature and humble, diligent approach to her work results in inventive augmentations of nature, each appealing to your senses, mind, and spirit. To view Marlow’s work and learn more about her transformative approach to wellness and mindful living, visit her website or connect with her on social media! (Instagram: marlowd.j.Shami, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlow.shami ).

June 2023 Calendar

Wed, 31 May 2023 14:17:04 GMT

June is turning up the heat here in Litchfield County. Find the perfect events to help you chill out in this month's calendar:

NWCT Arts Council Awards $15,000 in Grants for the Arts

Tue, 09 May 2023 17:06:33 GMT

Recipients of Torrington Microgrants Announced!

Earlier this year, NWCT Arts Council received $15,000 of the City of Torrington’s ARPA funds for the purpose of re-granting to the local creative community. Thanks to that grant and the Arts Council’s Torrington Microgrants program, 13 new arts projects and initiatives will be taking place in Torrington this year!

Torrington artists, organizations, and businesses representing all artistic disciplines were invited to apply for a Microgrant. Applicants were asked for proposals that celebrate and elevate the arts and Torrington through collaborative, community-centered, free arts projects.

“We were so impressed by the local pride and diverse artistic talent of applicants”, says Katherine Pelletier, Development and Outreach Coordinator. “Each of these engaging, accessible projects will highlight the best parts of Torrington and enhance the quality of life for residents”.

NWCT Arts Council received an enthusiastic response of over $30,000 in grant requests! All applicants were extremely qualified and well-deserving. Recipients were selected through a competitive grant review process based on the criteria of READI , sustainability, and artistic merit.

Torrington Microgrant recipients and a brief description of their projects are as follows:

Katina Hungerford : $1,000

Photography series highlighting local “Makers” and businesses

Susan A. Strand : $2,000

Drum program for Sullivan Senior Center

Trinity Episcopal Church : $1,350

Free Open Mic series

Our Culture is Beautiful: $2,500

A series of educational and interactive arts & culture programs/experiences open to the public

Michael Koury Terrace Housing Complex : $1,200

Pilot multi-disciplinary arts program for residents

KidsPlay Children's Museum. Inc.: $1,000

Family-friendly hands-on arts workshop facilitated by Jessica Jane Russell of Artroom Atelier, taking place during Litchfield Creative Festival

Torrington Collective : $800

ReFace: A community art collaboration taking place at Salt 2.0 in downtown Torrington

Howard's Bookstore: $1,500

The Catacombs - a new gallery space within Howard’s Bookstore and debut show “Requiem for a Shoe Store”

Culture 4 A Cause: $650

Outdoor movie screening - open to the public during Litchfield Creative Festival

The Philosophers' Guild: $500

Creation and disbursement of mixed-media marketing materials for the benefit and enjoyment of Torrington

Howard's Shoes' News: $600

A community-based magazine to to feature local artists, original artistic compositions, local businesses, entrepreneurs, and the promise of Torrington and NWCT

Torrington Library : $1,500

Self-expression creativity fair - including opportunities for children and teens to display their visual, literary, and performing arts talents

Rock Yer Block Inc. : $400

Cultivating the Arts in Torrington Project: A collaborative artistic project to promote Torrington and it’s businesses and support local tourism

This program was made possible by the City of Torrington and the American Rescue Plan Act.

5-Year Strategic Plan

steph@artsnwct.org (Steph Burr) — Mon, 01 May 2023 20:26:38 GMT

2023-2027 Strategic Plan - NWCT Arts Council

Over the past 20 years, the Arts Council has served as the advocacy voice for artists and the creative process in the Northwest Connecticut (NWCT) region. Through our efforts, we have empowered the work of arts organizations, facilitated networking and collaboration, and secured funding to fortify local arts initiatives.

Over the past 3 years, we learned that there is still so much work that needs to be done to ensure arts and culture are stewarded and protected as an important part of life in the Northwest Hills.

That is why we have developed this strategic plan, which outlines our priorities and goals for the next 5 years. Our plan is grounded in the belief that the arts have the power to transform lives and communities, and that by supporting artists and the creative process, we can create a more vibrant and prosperous region.

May 2023 Calendar

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Flowers aren't the only things popping up all over the Litchfield Hills this May, check out this months calendar for all the creative events happening in our region:

2022 Cultural Census - Litchfield County

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 21:00:32 GMT

Funding Impact & Data on the CT Cultural Sector

CT Humanities gathers data on the CT cultural sector to help us, our grantees, and the legislature better understand who the CT culture sector is and the impact the CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grants have had on our state and region.

Data stories use the data collected through the CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant to answer the question “Who is the CT cultural sector and what is our impact on the state?”

These data stories tell the story of who we are, who we serve, and how we have changed over the last few years.

AN UNEVEN RECOVERY:

RESULTS FROM THE 2022 NONPROFIT CONNECTICUT CULTURAL CENSUS

Arts Night Out at the Village Center for the Arts in Pictures

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 16:18:47 GMT

Creativity Sparked at Arts Night Out at the Village Center for the Arts.

The colorful and creative atmosphere of the Village Center for the Arts, as well as their wonderful staff, helped the NWCT Arts Council host a successful and memorable Arts Night Out!

With so many nooks and crannies of art supplies and pieces of works to explore, guests were able to comfortably wander while they enjoy light refreshments and live entertainment.

Many smiles were seen throughout the night as around 90 attendees ventured through the vibrant venue, having great conversations with fellow artists, arts and cultural professionals, and more!

A huge THANK YOU to the Village Center for the Arts for all their help hosting Arts Night Out! ❤️

April 2023 Calendar

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:00:03 GMT

April brings the spirit of youth to everything and everyone in the Litchfield Hills, bringing lots of exciting events for you to find in this months calendar:

The CT Office of the Arts Awards $215,489 in General Operating Support for Theaters and Performing Groups in NWCT

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 18:18:44 GMT

The Connecticut Offices of the Arts Announces $3,000,364 in General Operating Support for Theaters and Performing Groups - Including $215,489 for NWCT

The Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecicut Office of the Arts (COA) administered $3,000,364 in General Operating Support for Theaters and Performing Arts .

This program provides general operating support to CT based theaters and performing groups whose mission is to present their performing arts to the general public.

THANK YOU to the Connecticut Office of the Arts!

NWCT Arts Council’s Service Region Grantees:

Bantam

Bantam Cinema $6,862

Falls Village

Falls Village Children's Theater $3,754

Kent

The Kent Singers $3,789

Lakeville

Crescendo $7,511

New Milford

Landmark Community Theatre $18,663

TheatreWorks New Milford, Inc. $7,254

Sherman Chamber Ensamble $6,183

Sharon

Tri State Center for the Arts (Sharon Playhouse) $34,249

Torrington

Joyful Noise, Inc. (Chorus Angelicus) $887

Litchfield County Choral Union $3,091

Washington

Pilobolus $107,622

West Cornwall

Grumbling Gryphons $4,023

The CT Office of the Arts Awards $109,018 from the CT Arts Endowment Fund to NWCT

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 19:37:13 GMT

The Connecticut Offices of the Arts Announces $864,233 in Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund Awards - Including $109,018 in grants for NWCT

The Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecicut Office of the Arts (COA) administered $846,233 in Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund (CAEF) grants . These funds provide general operating support that organizations may use toward programming, administrative or operational costs, capital projects, equipment, or to build their own endowments.

The CAEF was established by the Connecticut General Assembly as a way to stimulate the development and long term stability of CT’s Arts industries. This Fund is managed by the Office of the State Treasurer and is administered by the COA.

THANK YOU to the Office of the State Treasurer and the Connecticut Office of the Arts!

NWCT Arts Council’s Service Region Grantees:

Kent

The Kent Singers $500

Litchfield

Litchfield Performing Arts, Inc. $3,285

The Voice of Art $1,747

New Milford

TheatreWorks New Milford, Inc. $922

Village Center for the Arts $500

Sharon

Tri State Center for the Arts (Sharon Playhouse) $35,094

Torrington

Five Points Center for the Visual Arts, Inc. $36,462

Joyful Noise, Inc. (Chorus Angelicus) $887

Northwest Connecticut Arts Council $1,640

The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory $2,985

Washington

After School Arts Program, Inc $2,842

Pilobolus $2,958

Washington Art Association & Gallery $13,646

Winsted

American Mural Project $5,550

March 2023 Calendar

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 14:00:07 GMT

Spring is around the corner and the Litchfield Hills are blooming back to life, bringing lots of exciting events for you to explore in this month's calendar:

2022 Annual Report

steph@artsnwct.org (Steph Burr) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 19:50:59 GMT

2022: Building a Foundation for Community and Stability

Dear friends,

We are excited to present our 2022 annual report. This report showcases our commitment to promoting and supporting the arts in Litchfield County, and highlights the impact of our advocacy and initiatives.

Sincerely,

The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council

Ukraine Envelope Project

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 10:49:29 GMT

Artgarage Student-Led Project for Ukraine

" This project has reinforced the importance of art for the community ", says Jerome Maury, student ambassador for the project. Amanda Sears shares, “Others have agreed and shared that they love the idea of creating art for a social justice purpose. The power to create something for the people of Ukraine who will hopefully see positivity in the envelopes created - that the colors, textures, words, landscapes, and symbols will comfort them in this time of distress ”. Speaking with John Brett, director of Artgarage, it was impossible to miss his enthusiasm and pride for the project AND the student leadership.

The envelopes will all be collected and arranged into a display. This display will be open to the public on February 17th from 4-8 pm at Artgarage , located at Housatonic Valley Regional High School. Donations are appreciated, and envelopes are for sale, starting at $10 apiece. All proceeds will be donated to United 24 and the Prytula Foundation. Want to submit an envelope? Transform any envelope however you wish and mail it to Artgarage, PO Box 272

Falls Village, CT 06031.

CT Humanities Cultural Fund Awards $612,000 in NWCT

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 18:31:50 GMT

CT Humanities Announces $8.5 Million in Grant Awards - Includes 60 Grants for $612,000 to NWCT

CT Humanities provided $8.5 M in general operating support grants to help the state’s museums, cultural, humanities, and arts organizations as they recover from the pandemic. This funding helps recipients maintain and grow their ability to serve their community and the public, connect K-12 teachers and students to strong humanities and arts content, and improve their information technology and digital infrastructure.

These grants were administered by CT Humanities (CTH), with funding provided by the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) from the CT General Assembly and approved by Governor Ned Lamont.

THANK YOU to CT Humanities and CT Office of the Arts!

NWCT Arts Council's 25-Town Service Area Grantees:

*Indicates first-time applicant with CT Humanities

Barkhamsted

Barkhamsted Historical Society $5,900

Bethlehem

Old Bethlem Historical Society $5,200

Canaan

Falls Village - Canaan Historical Society $6,200

Music Mountain $15,300

Cornwall

Civic Life Project $8,700

Cornwall Historical Society $7,300

Grumbling Gryphons Traveling Children's Theater * $5,900

Falls Village

Falls Village Children's Theater * $5,800

Goshen

Goshen Players $6,300

Litchfield Performing Arts, Inc. $5,000

Kent

Connecticut Antique Machinery Association * $8,700

Eric Sloane Museum $5,000

Kent Art Association, Inc $6,400

Kent Historical Society $8,000

The Kent Singers $5,900

Litchfield

Art Tripping $5,200

Bantam Cinema & Arts Center $10,100

Litchfield Arts Council * $6,100

Litchfield Historical Society $21,300

The Voice of Art $6,500

The Women's Forum of Litchfield $5,100

New Milford

Culture 4 A Cause $5,100

Harrybrooke Park $11,000

Merryall Center $5,400

New Milford Historical Society & Museum $6,900

Sherman Chamber Ensemble $7,200

TheatreWorks New Milford $8,200

Village Center for the Arts $11,200

Norfolk

Norfolk Historical Society $6,300

Roxbury Minor Memorial Museum $5,000

Salisbury

Crescendo $8,700

Salisbury Association $14,300

Salisbury Forum, The $5,800

Sharon

Sharon Historical Society & Museum $7,900

Tri State Center for the Arts $23,600

Thomaston

Landmark Community Theatre, Inc. $15,000

Torrington

Chorus Angelicus $8,900

Five Points Center for the Visual Arts, Inc. $17,100

KidsPlay Children's Museum $5,000

The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory $48,400

Torrington Historical Society $14,200

Torrington Symphony Orchestra $5,500

WAPJ Torrington Community Radio $5,400

Warner Theatre $5,000

Warren

Warren Historical Society $5,400

Washington Friends of Music $5,800

Washington

After School Arts Program, Inc $18,400

Common Ground with Jane Whitney $9,500

Gunn Memorial Library and Museum $8,400

Institute for American Indian Studies $20,300

Pilobolus $54,600

The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens $9,300

Washington Art Association & Gallery $13,000

Watertown

Watertown History Museum $7,300

Winchester

American Mural Project $16,500

American Museum of Tort Law * $9,200

The Little Red School House Association, Inc. $5,000

Woodbury

Main Street Ballet Company $6,000

The Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden $6,700

Woodbury-Bethlehem Community Music Foundation $5,600

February 2023 Calendar

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 15:00:03 GMT

Love is in the air this February! Check out this month's calendar for all the exciting events to do with your loved ones, here in NWCT:

NEA Subgrants Infographic

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:13:01 GMT

Displaying Data from NEA Subgrant Programs

In 2022, NWCT Arts Council received a grant from the NEA to subgrant to artists and organizations in Northwest CT. Thanks to that grant, and after a competitive application and review process, they distributed $110,000 to 19 grant recipients.

Grants varied in size and purpose. Some were designated as general operating support grants, while others were given to support collaborative projects.

The following is an infographic that summarizes the data collected from grantee applications and evaluator scores. The purpose is to provide a snapshot of the anticipated impact of grant funds throughout the region. NWCT Arts Council looks forward to continuing their support of all grantees and celebrating their efforts and successes!

NWCT Arts Council Announces New Grant Program

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 16:47:07 GMT

Torrington Microgrants - Applications Opening Feb. 6, 2023

Thanks to the City of Torrington and the American Rescue Plan Act, NWCT Arts Council will dedicate $15,000 to support the community through a new grant program. Following a difficult few years for both the creative community and residents of Torrington as a whole, the Arts Council believes this investment is urgently needed. They expect these grants will inspire pride in the city, improve quality of life, and lead to economic growth for Torrington.

“This funding will provide an opportunity for the creative thinkers in Torrington to undertake projects that highlight the vibrant culture that lives here,” remarks Steph Burr, Executive Director of the Arts Council. “This is a rare opportunity because this type of small project funding has never been offered to artists at the city level before. We hope that applicants challenge themselves to create something wonderful so we can continue to see projects like this funded in the future.”

Northwest CT Arts Council is seeking proposals that:

Engage the community : Projects must be free and open to the public and present a clear, realistic plan for audience engagement. Furthermore, proposals should be crafted around concepts and ideas that are connected and significant to the local community.
Encourage collaboration: Projects that draw on shared resources and strengthen connections between creative people and places are encouraged.
Celebrate and Elevate Torrington: Projects should take steps to help revitalize downtown, celebrate the culture of the city, and/or improve quality of life for residents.

Torrington Microgrants, ranging from $500 - $2,500, will be open to Torrington-based artists, artist collectives, musicians, performers, arts organizations, community groups, social service organizations, and local businesses. The Arts Council hopes to see applicants and proposals as diverse as the community in Torrington! They invite proposals that represent any artistic discipline from applicants of all experience levels and ages.

Grants will be awarded in two cycles. NWCT Arts Council will begin accepting applications for the first cycle beginning on February 6, 2023. The deadline to apply for the first cycle is April 7, 2023. To learn more about Torrington Microgrants, click here .

Adult Art Classes in NWCT in 2023

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 15:14:59 GMT

Looking to explore your creativity or develop new art skills in 2023? Check out these NWCT adult art classes!

1. Pastel Classes by Mary Beth Sasso

Mary Beth Sasso, a pastel artist based in New Hartford, is offering pastel classes for learners of all skill levels. Covering a broad variety of fundamental skills and concepts, her courses aim to give students the ability to develop their own artistic style while working with an accomplished professional artist.

2. Multi-Media Classes by Heather Neilson

With courses on art journaling, gel plate monoprinting, expressive abstract painting, and mixed-media collage, Heather Neilson provides excellent options for adults looking to explore their creative side through a new medium in the new year. With both online and in-person classes available, these courses are also flexible enough to fit even busy schedules.

3. Creative Camaraderie at Five Points

Since opening the new Five Points Arts Center in Torrington, Five Points has brought a wide variety of interesting and enriching programs and workshops to northwest Connecticut. One of their most recent additions is Creative Camaraderie, an uninstructed workshop in which artists of all skill levels are encouraged to come together to form new connections while working on personal projects. This space provides artists the opportunity to meet each other while taking inspiration from the resources available through Five Points.

4. Open Studio and Classes at Village Center for the Arts

The Village Center for the Arts in New Milford provides artists of all ages and skill levels with the opportunity to utilize their large open studio space and a wide variety of available materials and tools. In addition to the open studio, VCA also offers classes and workshops for adults, including classes for groups and a clay workshop for seniors.

5. Watercolor Classes by Pamela Harnois

Working with transparent watercolor in a loose and impressionistic style, Pamela Harnois creates colorful and expressive paintings inspired by the natural world. Her online watercolor classes share some of her techniques with students, helping them to find their own voice as they create colorful and vibrant pieces of their own.

6. Art Education at the Washington Art Association

Founded in 1952, the Washington Art Association is one of the longest-standing providers of high-quality art education for adults in northwest Connecticut. With a variety of classes for different skill levels offered throughout the year, WAA is a great way for students to connect with the techniques and instructors that interest them.

7. Mountain Dulcimer Instruction by Thomasina Levy

Thomasina Levy, 2005/2006 Connecticut State Troubadour and award-winning mountain dulcimer performer, shares her skill with this unique historical instrument through a series of classes and workshops for adult learners. All classes can now be taken online, making Levy’s classes a flexible option for those looking to develop their musical skills in the new year.

8. Connecting with Balance by Pilobolus

Pilobolus’ Connecting with Balance classes help people, especially seniors, to better understand their own bodies and balance through dance. In addition to the physical and mental benefits of this course, it also makes the art of dance accessible to people of varying ability levels.

9. Mixed Media Instruction by Lori Barker

Mixed-media artist Lori Barker offers several classes and workshops to help students to connect to the creative process through the different techniques used by Barker in her own art. Her extensive experience with non-traditional printing techniques and mixed-media collage make these classes a wonderful opportunity to explore new artistic media.

10. Circus, Aerial Arts, and Capoeira at Thrive Movement Studio

Thrive Movement Studio in Harwinton offers courses on the physical arts of circus, aerial arts, and capoeira. Experienced instructors Heidi Kirchofer and Joel Melendez help students to connect to their own bodies while developing their appreciation and understanding of these art forms.

11. Jennifer Sabella's Hue Studio

From her cozy studio in Litchfield, Jennifer Sabella offers classes teaching palette knife and drip painting techniques. This is a wonderful way to learn about color, texture, and rhythm in art in the new year!

January 2023 Calendar

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 16:03:31 GMT

We're welcoming good vibes, prosperity, and lots of fun and exciting events, here in NWCT, that you can check out in this months calendar:

NWCT Arts Council Awards $110,000 to Local Artists and Organizations

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 20:19:24 GMT

Creative Partnerships and Access Grant Recipients Announced

In December 2021, Northwest Connecticut Arts Council received one of only two NEA American Rescue Plan Grants given to Local Arts Agencies in CT for the purpose of redistribution. Thanks to that funding, 19 grantees now share $110,000 to support their ongoing recovery from COVID-19 and an exciting era of growth and collaboration in Northwest CT. Grantees include nonprofits, units of state/local government, and artists, all dedicated to engaging communities in the arts in an accessible, equitable way.

“The Arts Council received funding requests for three times more than available funds”, says Katherine Pelletier, Grant Administrator. “This sum and the quality of applicants is a testament to the important work happening in NWCT and the ongoing need for Arts funding. We are proud to support our local creative community, and only wish we had more money to give away!”. Northwest CT Arts Council selected recipients based on the criteria of Artistic Merit, Artistic Excellence, READI (Relevance, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion), and Sustainability. They were aided in this selection process by thirteen panelists from across the state, representing a variety of artistic disciplines and professions.

Grantees applied though one of two grant programs. Creative Partnerships Grants provided funding for collaborative efforts/exchanges, including creation of new work, classes/workshops, or free performances, among other things. Access Grants were general operating support grants for arts organizations or other 501(c)(3) organizations with regular, ongoing arts programming. The intent behind both programs was to enable grantees to more meaningfully and freely engage underserved audiences in the arts by tapping into existing resources and partnerships within their region. Northwest Arts Council feels confident they accomplished this goal.

Executive Director Steph Burr reflects on how the Arts Council was positioned to apply for national arts funding. ”The pandemic showed us how critical the arts are to uniting our communities, and we knew that it was our responsibility to try and secure this funding for the region. We are so grateful for our supporters who understand the importance of a regional arts advocacy organization and allowed us to pursue this opportunity.”

NWCT Arts Council is eager to witness the impact of these funds for the grantees and the audiences they serve. For a complete list of grant recipients CLICK HERE.

December 2022 Calendar

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 14:00:01 GMT

The weather in the Litchfield Hills may be frightful, but the events inside are so delightful.

If you're bored with no place to go, check out this months calendar to keep you out of the snow:

10 Events to Put You in the Holiday Spirit

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 15:14:03 GMT

Gingerbread Houses

Gunn Memorial Library, Washington CT

Saturday, November 26

This annual activity is always a fan favorite. Bring your youngsters in to make their very own gingerbread house just in time for the holidays. A variety of candy decorations, as well as your own milk carton gingerbread house, will be available. Use your creativity to design the perfect gingerbread house! Please bring a bag of unwrapped candy to share for decorating. No peanuts, please!

Holiday Artisan Market

The White Hart Inn, Salisbury CT

Saturday, November 26

On November 26th, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the White Hart Inn in Salisbury, CT will be hosting the Salisbury Artisan Group's annual Holiday Market. This is a one day event where shoppers will be able to find a variety of hand-made, unique gifts for the upcoming holiday season. The artisans participating will be selling items ranging from jewelry, fiber arts, hand blown glass, gilded and painted wood, apparel, seasoning salts, wool, and home decor. You can learn more about who will be there by visiting https://artisansale.org/holiday-market-artisans-2022/ We hope to see you there.

Story and Music Time

Tuesday, November 29

Morris Public Library, Morris CT

The Morris Public Library offers Story and Music Time for participants ages 9 mo. - 5 y.o every Tuesday at 10 am.

Registration: 860-567-7440.

Sing songs, read a story, do a craft!

“Holiday Pop-Up: Support Local Artists” Exhibition plus Two Solo Shows

Friday, December 2

Gallery on the Green, Canton CT

*Danielle Mailer

Throughout the beautifully decorated first floor gallery at Gallery on the Green are paintings, drawings, graphic arts, sculpture, ceramics, fiber/beadwork and photography selling for no more than $200. The guild, the longest continuously operating in Connecticut, has a membership from over 30 area towns. Support local artists and find handcrafted gifts that are perfect for those on your holiday list or for yourself! There is the added convenience of being able to take the pieces immediately at the time of purchase.

Goshen Players Presents “Who’s Holiday”

November 26-December 11

Goshen Players Inc., Goshen CT

WHO’S HOLIDAY! Is a wildly funny and heartfelt adults-only comedy that tells the story of Cindy Lou Who as she recalls that Christmas Eve she first met the Grinch and the twisted turn of events her life has now taken

Santa Returns to the Library!

Saturday, December 3

The American Legion, Sharon CT

Santa returns to the Hotchkiss Library of Sharon!

Join us Saturday, December 3rd inside at the American Legion from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM.

Enjoy a holiday craft, mail your letter to the North Pole, and don't forget to vote for your favorite cookie in our Holiday Cookie Contest!

Tales with Humphry: The Nutcracker

Saturday, December 17

KidsPlay Children's Museum, Torrington CT

Join KidsPlay Children's Museum for special readings of The Nutcracker by KidsPlay volunteer Humphry! Humphry will be in costume and will be giving an animated performance.

Hear the story of the Nutcracker before seeing it performed by the Nutmeg Ballet at the Warner Theatre!

Included with Museum Admission.

A HOLIDAY CONCERT WITH THE TORRINGTON SYMPHONY AND VOCAL ENSEMBLE

Saturday, December 17

Nancy Marine Studio Theatre, Warner Theatre, Torrington CT

A concert with orchestra and vocal ensemble performing holiday and winter favorites and more.

General Admission: $24.

Children 12 and Under: Free with Adult Admission.

Acoustic Night - Song Swap

Wednesday, December 21

Litchfield Community Center, Litchfield CT

Come spend an evening at LCC to experience something great!

Stop by and make Music, Friends and Memories every other Wednesday Night!

This group will meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month.

Feel free to bring your own food and beverage while you create music with others!

Don't forget your instruments!

You must have an understanding of the basics to play.

You are more than welcome to come along and join in or just listen along!

Cost: Free, Donations Appreciated

Calendar (artsnwct.org)

A Christmas Eve Stroll Up Apple Hill with Gerri Griswold

Saturday, December 24

White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield CT

It’s actually just an excuse to savor homemade scones, guzzle outlandishly rich hot chocolate, and share friendship on this eve of all eves at the pinnacle of one of our most beautiful trails. Comfort and Joy! 10:00 a.m., Meet at the Apple Hill Trailhead off East Shore Road. The event is free and limited to 12 guests. Please pre-register by calling 860-567-0857 or register online: www.whitememorialcc.org FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses.

7 Reasons to Shop Local Art in NWCT this Holiday Season

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 20:14:20 GMT

Support local artists this holiday shopping season!

Header image: Earrings by Leslie O'Neill .

Pictured above: Jewelry by Danielle Mailer .

1. Your gifts will be more unique.

When you buy from a large chain store or online retailer, you always run the risk that your gift might be generic or that your recipient might already have an item like it. When you buy from local artists and craftspeople, on the other hand, you can almost always be sure that your gift will be one-of-a-kind. Northwest Connecticut is fortunate to be home to numerous artists working in different media, meaning that whatever type of gift you’re looking for, you’re likely to find something great!

2. Locally-made products have a local touch.

Many local artists are inspired by their surroundings. From paintings featuring local landscapes to books on local history, people in our area are always creating things that celebrate the look and feel of Northwest Connecticut and make perfect gifts for other area residents.

Pictured: "Litchfield, CT" by Susan Lerner. Prints available on the artist's website .

3. You get to make a personal connection with the artists you purchase from.

Whether it’s at a craft fair, during an open studio event, or through online communications during a purchase, many artists love being able to talk to people about their work. When you buy from a local artist, you get the opportunity to ask them questions about how and why they create their pieces.

4. You’re reducing your environmental impact.

The last few years have made us all very aware that large chain stores and online retailers have far-reaching and complex supply chains. Whether those goods are being moved by plane, by train, or by automobile, the environmental impact adds up! When you buy locally, you’re reducing the carbon footprint of your purchase - especially when many artists themselves try to use locally-sourced goods.

Pictured: Felted wool pot by Dana Rau .

5. You’re helping to keep dollars in our NWCT community.

Money spent locally helps to sustain and improve our local economy and local communities. While much of the money spent at large retailers goes to the owners and shareholders of those large companies, money that you spend buying from local artists and local businesses goes straight to local people, who in turn are more likely to use that money to support other local businesses and organizations. Buying locally helps to make a stronger and more interconnected local economy for us all.

6. You’re supporting local artists and their businesses.

The money you spend with independent artists helps to keep their arts businesses going. By purchasing a piece you like, you’re helping to make sure that artist can continue to afford supplies, studio space, and the other necessities of running an arts business and creating more art. By buying from local artists and encouraging others to buy from local artists, you also help to educate people about the value and importance of local art.

Pictured: "Dressage Horse" by Carol Brightman Johnson. Prints available on the artist's Etsy .

7. You’re investing in the future of the NWCT community!

The arts make our area a more fun and interesting place to live, work, and visit. By supporting local artists, you’re helping to make sure that the arts in our area continue to grow and thrive. Thank you!

Thank you for being a patron of the arts in NWCT! Keep an eye out for Small Business Saturday (Saturday, November 26, 2022) and Artists Sunday (Sunday, November 27, 2022) to learn more about how you can support local artists and craftspeople this holiday shopping season.

Check out our Shop Local Directory to see some of the artists and businesses working in our region.

November 2022 Calendar

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 18:05:51 GMT

The temperature is dropping and last of the leaves are starting to fall here in Northwest CT this November. Be sure to check out this months calendar for all the chill events in the area:

October 2022 Calendar

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 14:00:00 GMT

The Litchfield Hills are getting SPOOKY this October! Beware the goblins and ghouls as you check out all the fang-tastic events in this month's calendar:

Litchfield Hills Creative Festival 2022

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 16:29:42 GMT

Positive energy filled the air for the Second Annual Litchfield Hills Creative Festival on Saturday, August 20th!

Couple dancing during the Warner Theatre's first annual Block Party. Photo by Jamie J. Tilley.

There was sunshine and good vibes in Downtown Torrington on Saturday, August 20th, as artists, musicians, performers, local organizations, and guests of all ages gathered to celebrate the Second Annual Litchfield Hills Creative Festival.

From left: Skip Marsh; "Pipe Dreams" installation at Howard's Bookstore by Sophia Dejesus-Sabella; Jason Ingriselli and the Miles North Band at the Warner Block Party. Photos by Jamie J. Tilley.

It is estimated that over 2,500+ people attended this years Creative Festival! Artists from across the region, with a diverse selection of styles and mediums, began setting up their booths bright and early for the Artists Fair on Franklin Plaza, anticipating the large crowd of excited patrons to soon follow.

Artist Fair at Franklin Plaza. Photo by Jamie J. Tilley.

"I love that this opportunity exists in my hometown," says Jasmine Bailey, a local artist and vendor, "The collection of creativity that was present in all of the day's activities were amazing and it was wonderful to show my passion to locals alongside other creatives!"

From Left: Magaly Ohika and Jessica Jane Russell of Art Room Atelier; Ryan Dubois; Ash Royer and Amy Smith of Mending Art; TL PhotoPress. Photos by Jamie J. Tilley.

There were over 150+ artists involved in the production and coordination of the Creative Festival including all of the vendors, open studio artists, performers, musicians, cultural leaders, and volunteers.

From left: Kyrsten Lane's studio; Mya Concepion in her studio; Ethan Brewerton's studio. Photos by Steph Burr.

"The beauty and creativity of the 5th [district] is always amazing to see," Congresswoman Jahana Hayes posted to Facebook, along with photos she took at the event, "Such great talent at the Litchfield Hills Creative Festival!"

KidsPlay Children's Museum staff Bethany Frasco and Tamara Christensen outside the Museum. Photo by Steph Burr.

Sanctuary Power Yoga started the day's activities with an open to all levels yoga class at Coe Park. Down the street, Five Points Gallery had opened their galleries and provided a "make and take" activity on the sidewalk for guests of all ages. The Five Points Launchpad artists, along with many other artists who have studios in town, opened their doors to the public later in the day. At the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory, the free ballet class for all ages and all skill levels was full of participants eager to learn. On Main Street, at KidsPlay Children's Museum, families were delighted by the bubble station and a painting activity that allowed kids to create connections between music and painting. The Museum was also open all day. Across the street, the students of the Warner Theatre's Summer Arts Program were performing The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, which was made free and open to the public for the festival.

From left: Five Points Gallery activity participants; Jacque Williams performing at Franklin Plaza; Old-Fashioned Candy Making at Nutmeg Fudge Co.; Adelaide Punkin performing on Main Street. Photos by Jamie J. Tilley.

"I loved being able to provide a hands-on learning experience," said Kristy Barto from the Nutmeg Fudge Co., who had she conducted an old fashioned candy making and taffy pull demonstration with visitors. Kristy had also welcomed a limited number of vendors from the Artist Fair to table in the back of her store. Meanwhile, Jacque Williams performed and DJ'ed at Franklin Plaza in the morning and early afternoon, and buskers from Rock Yer Block performed at various locations though out the day.

From left: Madeline Stenson & Lucinda Rowe; Lee Totten; Frank Viele; Audio Jane. Photos by Jamie J. Tilley

In the evening, the Warner Theatre was excited to present their first annual Block Party with emcee Lucinda Rowe of Red Room Sound Studio. The Main Stage included live performances from Lee Totten, Frank Viele, Audio Jane, and headliners Jason Ingriselli and the Miles North. Between the Main Stage performances, Matica Circus and Cinderfella the fire spinner, entertained the crowd with their captivating talents. Meanwhile, at Franklin Plaza, Two Roads Brewing Co. sponsored a Beer Garden as a fundraiser for the NWCT Arts Council.

From left; Performer from Matica Circus; Warner Theatre; Cinderfella the fire spinner. Photos by Jamie J. Tilley.

"It was a great day," said Stephen Ivain, festival attendee. "The bands on Main Street at night were great!"

At the end of the day, patrons were feeling the positive energy and good vibes that everyone involved throughout the day had brought to Downtown Torrington. The feeling still lingers as guest anticipate next years festival.

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Visit us on Facebook to see more pictures from the Litchfield Hills Creative Festival.

More articles about the Litchfield Hills Creative Festival:

Euphoric Ennui - Welcome to Litchfield

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Special thanks to the following organizations for sponsoring the second annual Litchfield Hills Creative Festival:

Torrington Savings Bank

Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area

Northwest Community Bank

William Raveis Lifestyle Reality

Eversource CT

O&G Industries Inc.

Thomaston Savings Bank

Torrington Downtown Partners

Media Sponsors:

Republican-American
WSHU Radio Station

WAPJ Torrington Community Radio

Block Party Main Stage Sponsors:

Warner Theatre

Red Room Sound Studio

AKC Fund

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Building Healthier Communities Fund

Jason Ingriselli and the Miles North Band. Photos by Jamie J. Tilley.

September 2022 Calendar

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 13:30:55 GMT

Autumn is just around the corner, but there's more to do this September than just apple picking and leaf watching! Be sure to check out all the exciting events going on in Northwest CT in this month's calendar:

August 2022 Calendar

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 14:02:22 GMT

This August, the creativity is OVERFLOWING here in the Litchfield Hills. Find out what exhilarating events are happening in the area in this months calendar below:

Natural Ephemera in the Art of Heather Neilson

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:36:52 GMT

Heather Neilson, an abstract artist working in northwest Connecticut, is fascinated by the ephemera of the natural world, and strives to capture this fascination in her work.

Header Image: "Moon Water" by Heather Neilson. 24"X6", acrylic and mixed media. Image from the artist's website.

Pictured above: "Lost and Found" by Heather Neilson. 18"X24", acrylic and monotype collage. Image from the artist's website.

“In addition to New England landscapes, I’m mesmerized by things like ferns, solomon’s seal and moss,” Neilson says. “On my walks, I’ll pick leaves and take close up pictures. Looking at the forms of plants is so inspiring to me.”

She pauses for a moment to think, then continues. “That close up, you can see and feel connections.I’m interested not only in form, but how form makes you feel,” says Neilson. “I’m interested in the inner and outer connections. All art, in its way, is psychological.”

Neilson’s art celebrates and preserves those fleeting moments of connection among organisms. “A monoprint means you’ll never be able to duplicate the exact print,” she explains. Neilson frequently uses this technique to create impressions of natural forms in her paintings.

Her use of gel lens monoprints in pieces like “Lost and Found,” a lush abstract undergrowth scene, honors forms both fleeting and seasonal. Green paint drips down the canvas, blotting and gathering on the fronds of ferns and the slender petioles of sumac leaves, preserving both the fine details and the overall sense of the scene: the humid smell of the earth, the shadowed presence of green growing things, and the intertwined lives of insects and animals.

Neilson’s abstractions, while not strictly representational, capture natural scenes not necessarily how they exist in reality, but rather how they impress themselves upon the imagination. The layers and layers of green and the blending of textures and odd, stray lines in “Lost and Found” call to mind the feeling of walking through the woods on a humid summer day in Connecticut, when every green thing is out and alive in full force.

Pictured: "Garden Notes" by Heather Neilson. 31"X40", mixed media. Image from the artist's website.

“Garden Notes,” by contrast, recalls the mismatch of flower beds on a sunny day, of flowers blooming and fading against the backdrop of dark soil and mulch. These pieces are concerned not only with representing the scenes described in their titles, but also with representing the connection between the witness, or the artist, and the objects being observed.

Connection has been central to both Neilson’s artistic and community work. Art is a second career for Neilson, who began making art after taking courses at the Arts Student League of New York around twenty-five years ago. She has had a studio at Whiting Mills for eight years now, but only started working full-time as an artist and arts educator in 2021

.Since then, Neilson has dedicated herself to her art practice and teaching others how to express themselves through art. In addition to teaching in her studio and art organizations throughout the state and online, each January she auctions a painting a day for a particular cause. This year she raised $2,200 for Prime Time House, a mental health support nonprofit located in Torrington whose mission is to assist adults with mental illness in leading independent and productive lives.

T he botanical is ephemeral. One of the great pleasures and occasional miseries of life in Connecticut is the change in seasons: the green budding trees in spring, bright summer wildflowers, and the famous foliage of the fall. These experiences are cyclical and repetitive, but in many ways one of a kind. Every time that we take a step out and smell the first warm day of spring or feel the heat of the summer sun is unique. Similarly, many of our connections to other people can seem routine, but are also deeply meaningful and beautiful. Neilson’s work both as an artist and as an art educator nourishes these connections to the natural world and to the people who live in it, and ask us to honor those once-in-a-lifetime moments that are so easily overlooked.

S ee Heather’s latest abstract landscapes in her solo show at the Norfolk, CT Library, opening September 4th. The Opening Reception is Sunday, September 4th, 4-6pm.

L earn more about Heather by visiting her website .

Cornwall Bears Community Art Project

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 16:47:32 GMT

THE CORNWALL BEARS: A Cornwall Community Art Project

Summer 2022

This summer, 33 painted and decorated plywood cutouts of papa bears, mama bears, and bear cubs can be seen in the centers of Cornwall Village, Cornwall Bridge, and West Cornwall (plus Goldilocks and The Three Bears at the town library).

Each bear has been painted/decorated by a Cornwall artist. Pictures of some of the bears are below (but seeing them in person is much more fun!).

Bears in Cornwall Bridge

VOTING FOR YOUR FAVORITE BEARS

Online voting for favorite bears will begin in August. Those getting the most votes win prizes for their creators and will be revealed at Newcomers Tea on October 15th.

Bears in Cornwall Village

RAFFLE TICKET FUNDRAISER OF THE BEARS

Also in August, tickets will be sold as a fundraiser to benefit a Cornwall charity/organization. Raffle tickets will be sold at the Cornwall Farmers Markets on Saturday mornings in August, or you can email CornwallAssociationInc@gmail.com for tickets.

Bears in West Cornwall

Make Music NWCT 2022

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 18:47:44 GMT

The 40th Anniversary of international Make Music Day rocked Northwest CT on Tuesday, June 21, 2022!

The Litchfield Hills were singing for Make Music Day, June 21, with a total of 29 performances at 11 different venues throughout the region! Participating venues included 2nd Home, Bad Dog Brewing Company, Falls Village’s Center on Main, Community Health and Wellness, Five Points Arts Center, Gallery 25, Howard’s Bookstore, KidsPlay Children's Museum, Rock Yer Block, Covered Wagon Country Store, and the Outlet for the Arts.

Images: Rachel Gall (left) and Bill Murphy (right) at the Center on Main; by Steph Burr

Falls Village's Center on Main kicked off Make Music Day with a performance by Abby Lappen, a CT native currently living in NY. Lappen was also a performer at Five Points Arts Center. After a cancellation due to Covid-19, the Center decided to have fiddler, Rachel Gall, flawlessly fill in before finishing their day with Bill Murphy, the "Human Juke Box."

Images: Adelaide Punkin (left) and Jeremy Driscoll (right) at Community Health and Wellness; by DaSilva Wata

Adelaide Punkin made her first appearance of the day at Community Health and Wellness with her performance of original songs and covers, followed by Jeremy Driscoll and his soothing Hang. Meanwhile in New Milford, Hummingbird and Friends stop by to lay down some tunes at Gallery 25.

Images: T.J. Thompson Trio at 2nd Home; by Steph Burr

At 2nd Home, Gino Ferraro, a local singer/songwriter, opened after his first performance at the Covered Wagon Country Store. Up next we heard from local country cover star, Jim Moore, before he passed the torch to a local jazz group, the T.J. Thompson Trio.

Images: Abby Lappen (left) and Adelaide Punkin (right); by Steph Burr

In Downtown Torrington, the Make Music Day All Star, Abby Lappen, kicked off the celebrations at the Outlet for the Arts with her fourth performance of the day. Following Lappen was the husband/wife folk duo, Say Love, and the ever exciting Vera. Adelaide Punkin stopped in for her last performance of the day before Laurel Joy closed out the night.

Images: Ben Charles Gladstone (left), Say Love (center), and Violet Dusk (right) at Rock Yer Block; by Ella Frauenhoffer, DaSilva Wata, and Steph Burr

Meanwhile, Rock Yer Block was rocking with Ben Charles Gladstone and his experimental jazzy waves. Abby Lappen stopped by to jam before once again being followed by the sweet harmony of Say Love. Violet Dusk played the final performance of the night with a mix of original works and covers.

Images: The Nutmeg Conservatory Ballet (top), Mending Art ASL Dance (left), WiBo (center), and Judi Palladino (right) at KidsPlay; by Steph Burr

At KidsPlay Children's Museum, local organizations Our Culture is Beautiful and Mental Health CT organized Dance Around the World, a celebration of music and dances from different cultures around the globe. After opening statements from the organizations, the students from Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory started the show with their performance of Tarantella , followed by an interactive dance in ASL with Mending Art, an acapella performance by Wilbert Boles (or WiBo to those who know him), and a Liturgical Dance with Judi Palladino.

Images: Patricia Peppin (top left), Our Culture is Beautiful (top right), THS Multicultural Club (middle), Our Culture is Beautiful Drum Circle (bottom) at KidsPlay; by Steph Burr

The tempo changed at KidsPlay when Patricia Peppin and her group began their Zumba performance as part of Dance Around the World. After a group dance led by Our Culture is Beautiful member Effie Mwando, the students from the Torrington High Schools Multicultural Club, led by Armando Zarazu, performed many different traditional Latin American dances. Before closing remarks, Dance Around the World wound the night down with Our Culture is Beautiful’s Angaza Mwando leading an African Drum Circle.

Images: Ben Charles Gladstone (left) and the Forrest Room (right) at Howard's Bookstore; by DaSilva Wata

Down the street, at Howard’s Bookstore, the party was just getting started with an opening performance from Ben Charles Gladstone, his last performance of the night, followed closely with an electrifying performance by the Forest Room.

Images: Tallbois (top left), Vera (top middle), Gloom Cake (top right), and Ian Matthew (bottom) at Howard's Bookstore; by DaSilva Wata and Steph Burr

Up next, Tallbois gave their take on indie-rock and Vera laid down some sweet beats. Husband and wife duo, Gloom Cake, follow with a visual performance that is as much art as their music. Closing for Howard’s Bookstore was Ian Matthew, performing original songs as well as some covers. Meanwhile, at the historic firehouse on Water Street, Bad Dog Brewing Company hosted Brian Mattiello in honor of the Alzheimer’s Associations's Longest Day event.

Thank you to everyone who participated and collaborated to make this event a big success!

July 2022 Calendar

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 13:00:04 GMT

The Litchfield Hills are bursting with exciting events this July. Check out what's happening near you, in this month's calendar below:

Sculpture Loves Sky

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 19:20:04 GMT

Open House, Don Gummer. Photo by Kathleen Hulser.

Sculpture loves the sky, taking cloud, rays, forest and field as volumes to shape. Don Gummer’s sculpture spread around the generous acreage of the Five Points Art Center in Torrington, Connecticut features porous structures that frame and reframe the environment, letting metal members melt into the natural world. These sorts of installations carry much persuasive power, lying just a hop and a skip from the birthplace of John Brown, the abolitionist with ferocious anti-slavery convictions. Those freedom vibes infuse the site to this day. The center has all kinds of art labs: drawing, printmaking, digital, ceramic, photo, painting studios, a children’s space and a handsome auditorium for artists to unleash their free imaginings.

At Don Gummer’s opening, we approached the piece Open House from the back, and I immediately took it for a variation on tree house. The metal slats and open sides made me think of our childhood motley fabrication of tree houses we built from scavenged lumber. But Gummer’s pieces have both symmetry and undulation to them, executed in metal with burnished edges. The Center’s splendid location atop a rise just slightly lower than nearby Brandy Hill means that every bit of outdoor art has room to breathe amidst inspiring surroundings. For example, Gummer’s work Towers seems to brandish swaying branches to the sky from the side angle, while loosely rising like a skyscraper in the front view. Intriguingly, one tower rests on a slab pedestal, while hangs suspended, a serious co-dependent, wielded to the first on the upper floors.

Fittingly, the Gummer sculpture Mondrian greets visitors at the entry, its glass squares in primary colors nodding to the Dutch Piet Mondrian’s geometric preferences and De Stijl roots, bucking conventions and proclaiming modernist freedom. The Five Points Art Center which opened in 2021 has a magnificent 90 acres and plans to feature environmental work and many more displays of outdoor sculpture. There is currently an environmental art work mown in the field near the sculpture park.

Mondrian, Don Gummer. Photo by Kathleen Hulser.

Header Image: Towers, Don Gummer. Photo by Kathleen Hulser.

"Zines for Teens" Project Supports Teen Mental Health Through Art

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 15:03:06 GMT

This project by Leadership Northwest Group #1 uses zines to help teenagers learn about mental health resources in Northwest Connecticut.

Zines have a long history of bringing communities together, and a recent installment of this tale comes from the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Northwest Group #1.

Zines, or self-published mini-magazines, have been an important method of communication for various subcultures ranging from science fiction fans to artists to poets to political activists. Frequently made using nothing more than a copy machine, zines are easy to make and distribute.

These zines, created as part of Group #1’s “Zines for Teens” project, are also focused on making connections - specifically, connecting teenagers struggling with mental health issues to the resources they need to grow and thrive.

Leadership Northwest is an annual program run by the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce that takes place between October and June and aims to help develop leadership skills among Northwest Connecticut residents. Participants in the course are divided into groups, each of which will plan a service project designed to address a community need in Northwest Connecticut.

Group #1, made up of Dan Santorso from Fish NWCT, Katie Connolly from Northwest Community Bank, Lauren Pristo from McCall Center for Behavioral Health, Pamela Tino from Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, and Ruby Swartz from BD, decided to try and tackle teen mental health.

Pandemic-related disruptions in community and educational activities have been hard on many teenagers, making it difficult for them to maintain healthy social support networks and to access mental health care that they may need.

The project group decided that zines, which could be made inexpensively and circulated widely, may be an engaging way of helping to fill those gaps - especially, they reasoned, if the zines were made by other teens.

After securing sponsorship for the project from BD, Northwest Community Bank, and NWCT Arts Council, the group sought out teenagers from local schools to design the zines. Charles DaCunha from Shepaug Valley High School, Alexandra Baez from Torrington High School, Jordan Elliott from the Gilbert School, and Matthew Vinisko from Litchfield High School were all paid to design covers and art for zines covering mental wellness, healthy eating, depression and anxiety, and suicide prevention.

“We discovered that teenagers would be more willing to read and learn when other teenagers are involved,” reads a statement from Group #1’s promotion of the project. By encouraging peer-to-peer learning and communication, they hope that these zines will do more to educate teenagers on the resources that are available to them than more formal and traditional methods like flyers and pamphlets.

“We were happy to support this project because art is such a powerful tool for helping teenagers feel connected. We were excited to see that the artists were paid for their work, and very impressed by the quality of the results,” says Steph Burr, Executive Director of the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council.

The zines themselves are bright, colorful, and expressive, showcasing the different art styles of the student artists involved in the project. The messaging is simple and effective in letting young people know what resources are available to them. Each zine takes only one piece of copy paper to make.

Helping teens to cope with mental health issues has been and will continue to be a complicated issue. Creative approaches like Zines for Teens are needed as our community continues to find new ways to make sure that young people have the resources they need to meet the challenges they face in our changing world.

An 8th grade class from Washington Montessori School in Washington CT. 19 students and 3 teachers had a folding party to assemble Zines for Teens on May 18th.

To download, read, and print the zines, visit the Litchfield County Opiate Task Force website here .

June 2022 Calendar

Fri, 27 May 2022 15:58:30 GMT

This June, the Litchfield Hills are HOT! Be sure to check out all of the fun, local events to help you "beat the heat" in this months calendar below:

"Art Adventures": How KidsPlay in Torrington Acts as a Cultural Gateway

Mon, 16 May 2022 15:39:27 GMT

What place does a children's museum have in a cultural district?

Most people would agree that one of the major purposes of a child’s education is to prepare them for the “real world” - that curious blend of adult privileges and adult responsibilities that lies far in their future. Here lies one of the great difficulties of education: the real world is full of realities, ranging from death and sickness to war and genocide, that are extremely difficult to teach young children, who may not yet be exposed to them, about. Even more challenging, these difficult realities are not separate from daily life, but are rather intertwined with almost everything that we say and do.

The Native Voices exhibition at Five Points Art Gallery in Torrington is a perfect example of the inseparable nature of these hardships and life. The group show features art by four indigenous artists from across North America: Nate Begay, Patrick Collins, Rebekah Jarvey, and Jason Montgomery. Many of the pieces in the show celebrate indigenous art and indigenous identity in a variety of mediums, including painting, digital media, and contemporary fashion.

Opening on the same day as Native Voices was Nayana LaFond’s Portraits in RED: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls/People (MMIW). This show of twenty-five monochromatic portraits strives to bring attention to the violence faced by indigenous people in North America and to the lack of response that these tragedies often generate.

Both exhibitions dealt with the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. Although they drew high praise from members of the community for both the skill of the artists and the power of the message behind much of the work, presenting the work to children, who may or may not themselves be of indigenous descent, and who may or may not be familiar with the social and historical contexts of the work, is a more difficult proposition.

In planning their “Art Adventures” programs, the educational staff of KidsPlay Children’s Museum are careful to consider questions such as this.

“When we first heard about the Native Voices exhibit planned at Five Points Gallery, we were eager to align some of our programming since our 2022 focus is Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility,” says KidsPlay Museum Director, Eileen Mariott. “Our plans included an ‘Art Adventure’ field trip to bring families to the show.” The planned visit to Five Points follows on the heels of the museum’s “Hands-on History” and “Native Storytelling” programs, both of which worked in conjunction with the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, CT to introduce museum visitors to the history and culture of the indigenous peoples of the northeastern United States.

“Nayana Lafond’s Portraits in RED are stunning both in their beauty and in their subject matter,” Marriott says. “I was blown away by the work.”

“Admittedly, when the exhibit opened I had second thoughts,” Marriott continues. “The show was so powerful and the focus on MMIW seemed too obvious to overcome, I didn't know how it could be shared with KidsPlay's young audience.

” Patty Cassella, KidsPlay’s Learning Experience Specialist, worked together with Karl Goulet and Judy McElhone of Five Points to develop a program themed around identity for the children and to use this lens to help them to understand the art. Throughout the program, children were invited to reflect on the importance of their own sense of who they are, and how challenging it would be if that identity were taken away.

“ Five Points believes exposing children to art early on benefits them later in life,” say Goulet.

“ Our cooperative learning experiences with Five Points always encourage children to use their eyes and imaginations,” says Cassella. “We learn about the choices artists have with materials, lines, colors and shapes. We develop relevant vocabulary such as self portrait and identity and important language skills such as storytelling.”

“ The families who shared their loved ones’ portraits as part of Native Voices wanted to preserve the identities (and stories) that otherwise would have been lost,” Cassella continues. “Our emphasis of this Art Adventure was not on what was lost, but on the power of art to tell the stories of identities. Then, the children had the Art Adventure of being artists, in this case, creating their own self portraits to tell their own stories of identity. It is always a privilege to facilitate these experiences with Five Points and Karl Goulet’s expertise.”

A fter touring both the Native Voices show and Portraits in RED , the children participating in the program were invited to share their own interpretations and “stories” about several paintings from that show with the group, encouraging them to think critically and imaginatively about the pieces.

“ The children were very insightful, very creative,” says Christina Prinssen, Communications Coordinator at KidsPlay, who attended the event.

A fterwards, the children were shown several portraits from Native Voices and then given mirrors and art supplies so that they could create their own self-portraits. Cassella then engaged the children in discussion about their own art, asking them why they made certain choices in how they represented themselves. One child, who had drawn herself with two different colored eyes, explained that she had done so because her eyes look different to her in different lights.

T he children were also introduced to the different styles and techniques behind the clothing art on display and were given the opportunity after the program to return to KidsPlay Children’s Museum to make their own versions of “Ribbon Drip” art, deepening their understanding of the pieces they had seen earlier that day.

P art of the mission of KidsPlay is to serve as a cultural gateway, deepening children’s appreciation of the arts and the world around them. Art, however, is not separate from its historical and cultural context, which often includes painful and difficult realities. By hosting the “Art Adventures” program to present

Native Voices to the children in a developmentally appropriate way, KidsPlay’s staff have worked to give them the tools to understand and enjoy art more fully as they grow up, preparing them for all the joys of that far-off “real world.”

May 2022 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 20:31:24 GMT

May in the Litchfield Hills is packed with fun, creative activities! Check out this month's events calendar below:

Vibrational Awareness

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 13:41:10 GMT

Inside Mike McEwen’s white van lurks an amazing instrument, he calls “The Vibrational Awareness Chamber.” He parked in Cornwall Bridge last weekend and invited a small group of people to experience his creation, an intriguing cross between listening and body mindfulness. Constructed of salvaged brass horns, bugles and trumpets lashed to metal bed frames, the curious critter can be played. Tibetan singing bowls perch in the bells of the wind instruments, and there’s a drum, gongs, bell and clarinets. By striking and stroking these elements, players can set up a fugue of sounds that whisper, ring, toll and above all vibrate. Participants are invited into the van to perform on the reverberating chamber themselves. However, they can also hear McEwen improvise long slow progressions that emit waves of delicate sound. Bench seats and a couch allow people to lie down, close eyes and let sound roll through their bodies.

Header Image: Mike McEwen performing on the Vibrational Awareness Chamber. Photo by Kathleen Hulser.

Pictured: C.C. Arshagra improvises on Tibetan bowls. Photo by Kathleen Hulser.

The effects are marvelous: you float in a suspended state while the hum wraps around your breath and blood. You can literally feel the heart circulating the blood in calming pulses. “At first it seemed the sounds and vibrations entered through my head and progressed through the body, exiting by my feet. Then after about ten minutes lying down with eyes closed, I began to feel like coils of sound were spreading through my body, ripples in a pool whose shores were my skin,” explained one participant. By focusing on the body and its rhythms, the experience upends the usual hierarchy of our senses, downplaying sight in favor of feeling and sound received as movement.

The experience positions your consciousness to hear your own internal systems, and you can feel oscillations that coordinate your body rhythms. I expected to hear music, but this was more like a sound massage. As your ear follows slow sound transformations and appreciates the slow decay of Tibetan bowl humming, you tune yourself to the subtle vibrations of a larger universe. McEwen describes his creation as a “pathway to unlocking awareness, a way of both concentrating and expanding the self.” These results cultivate a deep empathy for self and other. Combining psychological, somatic and spiritual effects, the experience gave me an internal hum that lasted for hours. I’m hoping that McEwen will be setting up in public places across Connecticut this summer to offer his unique vibrational awareness to more people. The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Torrington Earns Designation as the State's Second Cultural District

steph@artsnwct.org (Steph Burr) — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 18:56:23 GMT

Torrington Ear ns Designation as the State's Second Cultural District

The Department of Economic and Community Development’s Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) announced on April 5th, 2022 that it has approved Torrington’s application to create a Cultural District in town. Torrington is the second municipality to receive such a designation.

Cultural Districts are walkable areas of a city that feature numerous cultural facilities, activities and/or assets. These vibrant areas draw visitors from other towns and states and serve as a hub for residents to congregate and interact. Cultural districts:

● Promote and encourage artists, entrepreneurs, and creative businesses

● Promote tourism and increase visitation

● Improve the quality of life for residents

● Strengthen distinctive character of communities

● Drive economic growth and expand the tax base

● Highlight local culture and history

Here is some of the work that was undertaken in the application process:

“Just walking around Torrington you can see and feel the impact the arts is having throughout this historic downtown area,” said Liz Shapiro, DECD’s Director of Arts, Preservation and Museums. “The cultural district designation will provide a framework for local leaders and residents to collaborate and better capitalize on the amazing and diverse array of attractions in the city.”

Torrington is fortunate to be the home of so many Arts and Cultural organization, including the Warner Theatre, Five Points Center for the Visual Arts, KidsPlay Children’s Museum, and the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory and the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum—just to name a few.

The District encompasses, both of Torrington’s Historic Districts, all of Downtown (Including Coe Park & Fuessenich Park) and extends just beyond Christmas Village and the Hotchkiss Flyer House Museum.

The Cultural District Committee meets with representatives from the CT Office of the Arts and State Historic Preservation Office to present the district fro consideration.

Steph Burr, Rufus de Rham, and Eileen Marriott cut the ribbon for the cultural district designation.

“The Cultural District designation is a great way to celebrate how the community has come together through COVID-19. Now more than ever people are looking to our cultural assets in Torrington with a sense of pride and as places to come together as a community to share stories, learn our history, and heal together,” said Rufus de Rham co-chair of the Cultural District Committee.

Eileen Marriott co-chair of the Cultural District Committee adds “Through the Cultural District Committee, we will have a sustainable structure in place to promote communication between stakeholders which will dramatically enhance our collective impact. Working together we will improve the quality of life for residents and Torrington’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination.”

On April 5th, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and The Department of Economic and Community Development’s Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) held a press conference to officially establish Torrington as a Cultural District in Connecticut.

Pictured: Judy McElhone of Five Points Center for the Visual Arts, Elieen Marriott of KidsPlay Children's Museum, Rep. Michelle Cook, Rufus de Rham of the Warner Theatre, Rep. Maria Horn, Mayor Elinor Carbone, Steph Burr of the NWCT Arts Council, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Rista Malanca, Economic Development Director for the City of Torrington, and JoAnn Ryan of the NWCT Chamber of Commerce.

Beckley Furnace: How an Old Blast Furnace Helps Us to Understand the Past

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 14:17:41 GMT

“What was this place, anyway?”

That is the subtitle of the website of the Friends of Beckley Furnace. It is also a fairly common question for tour guides at the physical site.

“That’s our favorite thing to hear,” says Geoff Brown, Secretary of the Board for the Friend of Beckley Furnace.

“We interpret the site and help people to understand how it fits into the history of Connecticut and beyond,” explains Dick Paddock, the President of the Board of Directors, and Beckley Furnace is indeed a site in need of some interpretation.

Header image: A close-up view of the inside of Beckley Furnace. Photo by Ella Frauenhofer.

A visitor reading one of the informational placards maintained by the Friends of Beckley Furnace. Photo by Ella Frauenhofer.

Standing huge and largely alone in a cleared patch of state land in East Canaan, its square base tapering off towards the top, the purpose of Beckley Furnace is not obvious to the average observer. Over time, most of the buildings which once surrounded it have been destroyed; if not for the explanatory plaques maintained by the Friends of Beckley Furnace, it would be difficult for the uninitiated to guess what it once was.

All the same, this place once played an important part in both local and national history. According to Paddock, the area’s iron industry began in the early 1700s, when the difficulty of transporting heavy ore long distances made mining and processing it locally more economical for English colonizers in the area.

By the time of the American Revolution, iron production in western Connecticut was established enough that it was used to create munitions for the revolutionary armies. “Salisbury was the arsenal of the revolution,” Paddock notes.

The region was also important in another revolution in America: the industrial revolution. Iron mined in Salisbury “carried the country west” in the form of railcar wheels made in the area.

Eventually, however, cast iron wheels of the type made from Salisbury iron were phased out in favor of steel, a better material for railcar wheels. By that time, the demand for iron had also outpaced supply in Salisbury, both of ore and of charcoal, the fuel used to power blast furnaces in the region. The furnace closed in 1919.

As interesting as the rise and fall of Beckley Furnace and the surrounding iron industry is, and as important a window into a particular era of local history it is, recognition of this importance was a long time coming. The furnace was closed for seventy-seven years before a group of local citizens were able to have the site recognized as an industrial monument.

Since then, the Friends of Beckley Furnace have been tireless in their efforts to maintain the furnace and to educate the public on the nature of the site. Partnering frequently with local schools, the group has been instrumental in teaching young people about a variety of facets of the history of the local iron industry. From a learning lab funded by the Upper Housatonic National Heritage Area to partnerships with the Audubon Society to help students do an environmental audit of the former industrial site, the Friends have consistently employed innovative techniques to engage both teachers and students in learning about the furnace.

The COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately derailed much of Beckley Furnace’s educational programing, but Brown and Paddock are hopeful that these turbulent times will also lead to a renewed interest in the site.

“The pandemic crippled our school program, but I hope we can start building back,” says Brown. “One good thing is that Beckley Furnace is outside.”

During the pandemic, increased interest in outdoor activity led to new visitors to the furnace. “Their interest in the site was marginal,” Paddock admits, “but they came to be outdoors.”

With the explanation of Paddock, Brown, and other skilled guides, the landscape alone at Beckley Furnace can be instructional. “Looking at the slag heap, you’re tempted to see the forest primeval,” Paddock says, “but in reality, forested areas and open land are one of the really peculiar legacies of the iron industry.” Because the iron industry relied on charcoal for its fuel, firms maintained tracts of land for “charcoal bush” where trees were cut on a twenty-year rotation. Although the forests were still heavily depleted by 1919 when the furnace closed for the last time, much of the charcoal bush has gone on to become densely grown and relatively untouched habitat for many native animals and plants.

In the future, the Friends of Beckley Furnace hope that the furnace will be the site of more cultural activity, such as musical performances and possibly a museum.

Without context and interpretation, few if any historical sites are completely self-explanatory. It is the admirable work of dedicated community groups like the Friends of Beckley Furnace that make the physical remnants of history local, national, or global intelligible and interesting to audiences.

Unassuming and odd, Beckley Furnace provides a fascinating glimpse into the past of northwestern Connecticut. It is the admirable work of the Friends of the site make this place a true hidden gem for those interested in learning about the forces that have made our area what it is today.

Tours of Beckley Furnace will resume after Memorial Day. They are offered on Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM. More information is available on the Friends of Beckley Furnace website, https://beckleyfurnace.org/.

April 2022 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 20:10:07 GMT

April is packed with arts and cultural events around Northwest CT! Check them out in the April calendar below.

Sowing Seeds at NWCT Libraries

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 17:36:58 GMT

If you visit the Norfolk Library or the Harwinton Public Library, you might notice that the card catalogs are no longer filled with information about books, but rather with packets on packets of vegetable and flower seeds.

Header image: seed packets from the Norfolk Library's seed library. Photo by Kelly Kandra Hughes.

The card catalog, now seed library, at the Norfolk Library. Photo by Kelly Kandra Hughes.

At the Norfolk Library, this innovation comes from Ann Havemeyer, the Library Director, as part of a new program proposed by Kelly Kandra Hughes, the Community Engagement Coordinator at the Norfolk Library: a seed library. Hughes, noting seed library programs offered by other libraries, suggested the idea in 2020, but pandemic-related supply issues meant that many of the donation programs that larger seed vendors maintain were then inactive.

“Thankfully,” says Hughes, “the UCONN Extension in Litchfield made a generous donation of seed packets to us in the last week of April 2021.” This donation allowed the Norfolk Library’s seed library to get off the ground. When it did, the new program immediately attracted the interest of community members and library users.

A similar program exists at the Harwinton Public Library, where Lydia Smith, the Adult Services Librarian, began a seed library just a few years earlier in 2018. Pre-pandemic, they were able to secure donations from seed companies to start the program. They also partnered with a local member of the Master Gardener program to apply for a small grant to cover start-up costs.

These two programs in northwest Connecticut reflect a broader nationwide trend: libraries are at the forefront of the seed library and seed-saving movement.

Seed libraries, seed exchanges, and seed-saving groups are all focused on preserving and distributing flower and vegetable seeds for gardening. In addition to making gardening a more accessible hobby and encouraging community building and engagement, these programs can also help to preserve an area’s biodiversity.

According to writer Pria Graves in her piece “Endangered Foods,” modern industrial agriculture relies heavily on relatively few common cultivars of different vegetables for most vegetable production.

While highly productive, growing only a few varieties can make the food system more vulnerable to sudden environmental changes, such as blight or drought. A food system that relies on multiple varieties of each type of plant may find that some of those varieties are more resistant to dry weather or a certain fungus than others, reducing the damage caused by these factors.

Seed exchange movements help to make sure that less common plant varieties survive by encouraging people to save and share seeds from open-pollinated and heirloom varieties that may not be favored by larger farms. Programs like those at the Norfolk Library and the Harwinton Public Library also often partner with university programs to help educate local residents about food production, gardening, and sustainability.

Both seed library programs are open to the community: the Norfolk Library’s seed library requires patrons to have a Connecticut library card to take out seeds, and there is no requirement for using the Harwinton Public Library’s seed library.

Members of the community can support the seed libraries in a variety of ways. The Harwinton Public Library sometimes seeks volunteers to help with upkeep of the seed library, and both programs take seed donations from their communities. One of the easiest ways to support these programs is to simply let people know about it.

“No matter how much publicity we do,” says Hughes at the Norfolk Library, “it can be hard to get the word out about all our programs and services.” She encourages residents to spread the word about the seed library in a variety of ways. “They can send us progress photos so we can post their pictures on Instagram and Facebook, or they can tag us on their own social media posts.”

The seed libraries at the Harwinton Public Library and the Norfolk Library both tie into the broader educational and cultural missions of these organizations. Through this new use of their card catalogs, both organizations are planting the seeds of a flourishing and sustainable community in northwest Connecticut.

To learn more about the Norfolk Library’s seed library, visit their website here: http://www.norfolklibrary.org/seed-library/ .

To learn more about the Harwinton Public Library’s seed library, visit their website here: https://www.harwintonlibrary.org/resources/seed-library/ .

The Norfolk Library encourages people throughout the region to take part in No Mow May, a movement founded in the United Kingdom to help preserve pollinator habitat in the early spring. By leaving the lawn undisturbed throughout the month of May, residents can help to provide forage and habitat for early season pollinators. For this reason, the Norfolk Library has designated a portion of their lawn as pollinator habitat for No Mow May. To learn more about No Mow May, visit https://beecityusa.org/no-mow-may/ .

Sources

“Endangered Foods” by Pria Graves. The Botanical Artist , Vol. 20, No. 3 (September 2014), p. 18. https://www.jstor.org/stable/48502136

The Outlet for the Arts

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 16:30:12 GMT

In 1889, a pair of unemployed carpenters by the names Edwin Delano and Ephraim Allen were walking down Barber Street when they noticed the half-finished Advent Christian Church.

Header image: the soundboard at the Outlet for the Arts in Torrington. Image from the Outlet for the Arts website.

Ysanne Marshall performing on the stage at the Outlet for the Arts on June 21, 2021 for Make Music Day. Photo by Maddie Stenson.

The building’s construction had begun in 1888, but had stalled after a rainstorm washed away the freshly-laid cement of the foundation.

Seeing this, the two carpenters offered to do two week’s work on the building in exchange for a single week’s wages, and the building was completed and dedicated by June of that year.

Now, the Outlet for the Arts, a music venue and recording studio, occupies the former Advent Christian Church building at 59 Barber Street. According to Chaz DeVito, the founder and proprietor, this spirit of community engagement is exactly what the Torrington area needs today.

DeVito came from a musical family, and has been making music himself since his childhood in Windsor, CT. “The name ‘outlet’ started because we didn't have a lot of outlets growing up, so you really had to create one,” DeVito says, explaining his interest in creating an arts center in northwest Connecticut.

After graduating with a degree in audio production from the SAE Institute in New York and working first as an intern at Daddy’s House Recording Studio, then as an employee at the studios Platinum Sound and Dubway, DeVito returned to Connecticut. He began working with some Connecticut venues, including Foxwoods Casino and the Warner Theatre in Torrington. Soon after, he opened his first studio in Windsor, which he named “The Outlet.” After several years at that location, DeVito purchased the former Advent Christian Church building at 59 Barber Street and re-named his business “The Outlet for the Arts.”

Much like the church that the building originally housed, the Outlet for the Arts has been off to a rocky start. Specifically, it first tried to open its doors in July 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing.

DeVito acknowledges the difficulty that this timing has caused him, but views the situation as a whole positively. In addition to supporting outdoor events like the 2021 Make Music Day and the Battle of the Bands, DeVito has also begun offering a range of services to help artists record and produce their music, including classes. As pandemic restrictions have lifted, the Outlet for the Arts has also begun offering open mic nights and live music. “It’s been a beautiful time, too,” DeVito says. “If the pandemic didn’t happen, we wouldn’t have been able to make a lot of this stuff happen.”

In today’s world, artists are often expected not only to create art, but also to act as entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders [1]. DeVito, as an artist and as a business owner emphasizes that just as much as artists must support their communities, communities must support and welcome local arts. DeVito envisions the Outlet for the Arts as a space for people to express themselves and form lasting relationships. "The best way for the community to support this vision," he says, "is to put this space to use by coming to events, spreading the word, and encouraging the appreciation of live music in Torrington."

More information on The Outlet for the Arts can be found on their website here: https://theoutletforthearts.com/

Sources

[1] “Public Perceptions of Artists in Communities: A Sign of Changing Times” by Jennifer Novak-Leonard and Rachel Skaggs. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.34053/artivate.6.2.005

Pattern and Particle

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 21:45:03 GMT

Mark Rich creates art that is an immensity sprouting details that proclaim a fugitive legibility, as though our interior worlds were both wide-ranging and compartmentalized. He offers a jumble of intuitions, insights, panic and pain, always peering at signs to read as though prying apart the bars of our thought prisons.

His oscillation between apocalyptic and reconciled forms a thematic thread through this show on view at the Five Points Art Gallery in Torrington. Rich has commented: “To remain calm and compassionate in the face of fear is a noble goal for us all as a species.”

"Airplanes and Dirt Naps" by Mark Rich

In the canvas titled “Airplanes and Dirt Naps” the plunging bodies and airplanes aimed like an arrow at the World Trade Center tower evoke the fiery pain of 9/11. An alert Dalmatian witnesses the swirling effects of the strike, even as shovels wait mutely at an adjacent burial ground. The pastel color scheme belies the dark spirit of that moment, as does a winged wrench head like a medieval soul seemingly flying to heaven. Are the gentle hues the color of hope? If so, they might be a cue to his tenacious quest for the absolute contained in the ordinary. Nearby, delicately stenciled pairs of high heeled shoes solemnly ascend. As the novelist Yannick Haenel observes “We imagine we are separated from all things by a hollow space ...and then one day the hollow space opens at our feet and the hole grows to the dimensions of the world: we are inside it.” Rich handles the human predicament with a sophisticated sensibility that acknowledges how we all teeter on the brink.

"Water Street Geese" by Mark Rich

The elaborately patterned “Water Street Geese” also features watchers/witnesses from the busy geese to an iconic blob-headed figure who looks like a Fisher-Price “play people” Water Street Geese escapee. The letter “y” held up by a hand in a suit jacket is a recurring motif, as if flying the question “why” to ever greater heights. Arches, ladders, parallel tracks, fences, and gates, proliferate on these canvases, acting as both threat and refuge. You might see these bars as layers of irreality which instigate a probe beneath the surface, an exploration which is more like gently pushing aside fronds than storming the citadel.

"Ascension #1" by Mark Rich

Layers work to remind us that we see what we want to see, lingering on the deceptive surface, even as our longings for resolution remain blocked. The artist loves small gauge patterns which seem a nod to the composition of the physical universe, ultimately composed of molecules and particles. Rich rides his spray can across stencils of the universe, a hitchhiker on shooting stars whose infinitely ancient lights briefly shine on his work. In “Ascension #1,” a row of play people have a plaintive air, as though waiting for the curtain to lift on their own lives. A cheery yellow blob appears to be sipping something delicious from an orange, but the imagery is topped with those stenciled empty shoes, once again flying to heaven.

Enigmas abound, even as abundant symbols beg for interpretation.

"Difficult Explanation" by Mark Rich

Rich says of the stream of floating symbols in “Difficult Explanation” that “the current is strong, a good place to drift.” Meanwhile, on the shore, poignant wrench people appear slightly bent, metal softened: these working stiffs have lost their temper in the heat of mundane wear and tear. Whimsical yet deeply serious, the artist opens doors to experience without judgment.

Speaking of his repeated depiction of a stylized graveyard, Rich says “the phrase Dirt Nap is comic to me, it refuses to be afraid and remains cavalier in the face of death.” He is willing to envision one foot in the grave but embeds it in a carefree atmosphere, where wine glasses stand ready to toast the bitter end.

Mapping It Out: Place, Space & Time in Susan Lerner's Collage

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 19:43:40 GMT

Susan Lerner is an artist whose work should really be seen in person.

"The integration of imagery can be flawless on the computer, but that’s not what I’m going for,” she explains.

However, when seen on a screen, “flawless” is exactly what her art seems to be. A technically proficient collage artist, Lerner leaves no wrinkles or smears to interrupt the bright colors and smooth forms of her pieces. Photographed and displayed on a computer or phone, her collages become one-dimensional beauties.

Header image: I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Susan Lerner. 18” x 24” hand-cut collage using vintage imagery and maps on wood panel. Image from the artist's website.

Framed collages hanging in Lerner's Connecticut studio. Photo by Ella Frauenhofer.

Lerner’s reason for preferring the analog over the digital becomes clear when her work is viewed face-to-face. The artist’s concern for a balance of colors and shapes is visible in any format, but seen up close, the care she gives to the interplay of textures in her collages becomes equally evident. Snippets of glossy magazines lay flat with matte segments of old atlases; thick and rigid postcards are visible through fragile fragments of antique books. Lerner never uses photocopies in her work, but instead relies on delicate vintage images wherever she can.

Inspired by the surreal polaroid collages of David Hockney, Lerner first became involved with collage through a class at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, where she is based as an artist (although she also has a home and studio in Connecticut, where she has been spending more time due to the COVID-19 pandemic). “I was on the waitlist for two years,” she recalls. Once she finally made it into the class, it was a meditative outlet from the stresses of daily life including caring for her mother, who was suffering from dementia.

“I liked the tactile feel of the paper,” she says. “Everything was so physical.”

“For me,” she continues, “the process is almost more interesting than the finished artwork - hunting for the images and putting them together.”

Before coming to collage art as her second career, Lerner was a flavor chemist. “A flavor chemist takes individual chemicals and puts them together to create a certain taste,” she explains. Now, she takes individual images and puts them together to create a certain imaginative mood.

Lost in Space by Susan Lerner. From "Modern Nostalgia." 16” x 13” framed, hand-cut collage using vintage imagery and illustration on bristol board. Image from the artist's website.

Lerner’s first series, “Modern Nostalgia,” is playful and puzzling. This series delights in the power of the out-of-place to baffle a viewer’s sense of perspective: tourists point serenely at surreal landscapes while a man in a business suit makes an important call, unconcerned with the strange goings-on just outside his phone booth.

Around Town by Susan Lerner. From "Connect-to-Cut." 24” x 24” hand-cut collage using vintage imagery, maps, illustrations, found photos and colored pencil on wood panel. Image from the artist's website.

I n her more recent series, “All Over the Map” and “Connect-to-Cut,” a distinct and individual style emerges. While some collage art embraces the power of rough tears and odd angles, Lerner’s approach is characterized by neatness and meticulousness. Many pieces in these two series employ some degree of symmetry, and the cutting and pasting of different elements is so cleanly done as to be nearly undetectable in many places.

At first glance, the neatness of Lerner’s pieces makes the glossy, smiling images from vintage magazines seem right at home: well-ordered, unchallenging images in a well-ordered, unchallenging world. Only upon a second look does the strange melancholy behind the smiling faces become evident, especially in one of the most visible motifs throughout her work: maps.

Maps figure prominently in many pieces in “All Over the Map” and “Connect-to-Cut,” both as backgrounds and as pieces in the foreground.

“I use maps to take us back to place - to connect us back to space and time,” she explains.

Maps in the foreground are usually cut down to just major roadways which twist over and around other figures in the collage. Still recognizable, most of the context that makes them usable has been removed, leaving only impressions behind. Especially in Lerner’s excavated atlases, where parts of each page have been cut away to reveal the pages below, highways and backroads take on a strangely organic and vascular quality.

Maps in the background, by contrast, are usually complete enough to identify: northwest Connecticut residents especially will recognize their own towns in “Connect-to-Cut,” which incorporates a variety of elements from the area: local architecture, found photos, and especially maps. The vintage maps, however, reference borders and boundaries that have moved, and roads and landmarks that are no more.

“I want to pay homage to the area I’ve been living in for twenty years,” she says. This she does, but her use of vintage imagery also calls to mind the growth, decay, and change that the region has been through. Nothing, the collages seem to say, is permanent: not images, not people, and not the physical world we inhabit.

Rand McNally Atlas of the World (1942) by Susan Lerner. From "Connect-to-Cut." 12” x 15” framed shadowbox, excavated atlas. Image from the artist's website.

Although most of Lerner’s work is not sculptural, her excavated atlases again give special insight into why her collages, while still beautiful in photograph, are so much more compelling in person. Seeing her atlases, the viewer is immediately aware that this is a book; specifically, it is a book that has been transformed by the process of making art.

Lerner points out that many of the maps that she uses are artifacts of a particular moment in time, referencing street names and buildings that no longer exist. Viewed one way, Lerner’s collage-making is an act of preservation, enshrining and elevating fragments of ephemera that could easily be moldering away in a basement or a landfill. Like a relic of a medieval saint, however, the process of enshrining these fragments of the past also decontextualizes and destroys them.

Lerner’s vintage image collage implies both a profound interest in these images of the past, as well as a certain irreverence towards them.

Lerner’s work is best seen face-to-face. Symmetry, symbol, and motif survive the digitization of her work, but the sense of the history of the objects and the understanding that Lerner’s process is as much one of destruction as of creation must be experienced up close and in person.

Susan Lerner working in her Connecticut studio. Photo by Ella Frauenhofer.

Currently, Lerner is working on a series on the senses which is still in its early stages. “I’m playing with imagery,” she explains. “Nothing is set in stone - it may look very, very different when I’m done.” The series will be part of a solo exhibition in 2023.

Lerner is also starting to incorporate mixed media and hand-coloring into her work. “I try to always challenge myself. I’m seeing where I can go, where I can learn new techniques. My art is ever changing, which is part of the fun of it.”

Susan Lerner is one of the founding members of @NYCollageEnsemble, a group whose work has been shown internationally. Her own collage has been featured in Litchfield Magazine, on LinkNYC kiosks throughout the five boroughs, and group shows throughout the United States and in Germany, Russia, Scotland, and Norway. Several of her pieces are held by the Kanyer Art Collection, an international collection of work by collage artists from 1980 to the present.

Susan Lerner’s work will be featured in a group show at Studio Hill Gallery, opening on March 16, 2022 and closing on April 16, 2022. The reception is March 20, 2022 from 3 PM to 5 PM. To learn more about Susan’s art, visit https://www.mixdmediamashup.com/ . To learn more about the show, visit https://www.studiohillct.com/ .

March 2022 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 17:16:00 GMT

Got Spring Fever? There are plenty of events happening all over the region this month! Check out our March calendar below.

5 Ways to Advance Your Art Career in 2022

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 19:15:03 GMT

Figuring out how to advance your art career can be difficult. Here are some ideas to get you started!

1. Create an Online Shop

Creating an online shop is one of the best ways to put yourself on the map as an artist trying to sell your work. An online shop allows you to both have a safe online environment in which to promote your products, and make your brand visible to search engines like Google. Sites like Etsy are popular starting places for your first online shop. Check out this article to help decide what site is best for you.

2. Submit Your Art to a Gallery Exhibit

Getting your art into a gallery can feel like a huge hurdle to overcome, especially for emerging artists. Thankfully, there are tools that can help. CaFÉ is an online service that allows artists to search for calls for artists by call name, organization, city, or description. The website also allows you to filter by call type, eligibility, entry fee, project budget, deadline month, and location. Locally, the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council maintains a list of current calls for artists here .

3. Create a Booth for Trade Shows

Trade shows and pop-up markets are great ways to create a recognizable brand for your art and to network with other artists and craftspeople. They’re especially popular in northwest Connecticut, with weekly events like the Franklin Street Farmers Market in Torrington, and yearly events like the Litchfield Makers Market or the Litchfield Hills Creative Festival dotting calendars throughout the warmer months. Learning how to effectively use these events to get the word out and sell your art can be a huge step for local artists and artisans.

4. Apply for a Grant

Grants can give artists the financial freedom to work on larger projects, but learning how to find and apply to them can be difficult. Our Arts Funding page lists grants currently accepting applicants in the area. Our calendar lists free workshops by Assets for Artists and other groups that help to teach artists how to best take advantage of available grants.

5. Make Your Digital Presence More Professional

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok - the list of important social media sites seems to get longer every day. Learning to use social media in a way that looks polished and professional can help you publicize your work and form relationships with customers and buyers. A variety of helpful guides have been made to help you utilize these tools as effectively as possible, including this article on our blog by Alyssa Archambault.

The Lives of Trees: Focus on the Art of Richard Heys

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 19:05:07 GMT

“Of the places I’ve lived, the sensitivity to the forested landscape and even to individual trees is greatest in New England,” says Richard Heys.

Although a transplant to the state of Connecticut himself, Heys is certainly imbued with a great deal of that sensitivity that he ascribes to New Englanders. His interest in the life and history of his material shines through in the great variety of wooden pieces that he has produced over the years out of his studio, a small outbuilding at the top of his driveway off a quiet road in a wooded area of Litchfield.

Large windows both suffuse the studio space with natural light and allow those inside the studio to see the snowy forest just outside. Finished pieces have homes on high shelves lining the walls, while incomplete pieces still rest on tables, waiting for Heys to return his attention to them. Printed photographs of natural forms - a cuttlefish here, an orchid there - dot the walls, while a calendar from the Union of Concerned Scientists marks the date behind his desk. Piles of sawdust and carving tools are everywhere. The lathe - the tool so central to Heys’ work - sits stoically by the door, a heavy metal figure easily ignored by anyone who doesn’t know its use.

Woodturning, Heys’ craft, is a form of woodworking that primarily relies not on chisels, chainsaws, or other hand-held carving implements, but on a turning lathe, which spins the wood and allows the artist to shape the piece by cutting into it as it turns. The forms created by this technique will be familiar to anyone who has seen the curves and swells of a typical stair baluster or chair leg, but woodturning can be used for much more: boxes, vases, bowls, plates, and decorative pieces are all well within the potential of this art form.

Prior to becoming an artist, Heys spent the majority of his working life as a pharmaceutical researcher. He draws a distinct connection between this former career and his current pursuits, both in terms of the path that led him to woodturning and in terms of the imaginative capacity needed to create his pieces.

According to Heys, much of his work as a researcher involved understanding organic synthesis and being able to imagine chemical compounds in three dimensions. This long practice with three-dimensional thinking, he says, is behind his inclination towards sculptural form.

While his interest in wood and woodworking are lifelong, his actual involvement in the craft also stems from his time as a pharmaceutical researcher. He began working with wood as an “escape” from work. For Heys, the puzzle of fitting together joints to create functional pieces of furniture was a sort of play.

The transition from creating furniture to specializing in woodturning came later, at approximately the time when he also discovered his interest in waste wood.

After trees near power lines had to be cut back by the utility company near his home, firewood scavengers came and took most of the wood, but Heys noticed that they left behind undesirable pieces - “the gnarly bits.”

“It’s the gnarly bits that have the most interesting patterns inside,” he says.

After buying a lathe at an auction, he began using it to satisfy his curiosity about the interior of unusual pieces of wood. From there, he began creating his first woodturning pieces.

“I had a frugal sense of the value of scavenging, as well as a desire to make something interesting out of something mundane,” he explains.

Interest soon turned into a deep devotion to the craft. “One time,” he continues, “when the pressures of work were high, I found I’d been so engaged in my woodworking in the basement that hours had passed without my noticing, and I thought: how nice it would be to do this all the time.” After retiring from his previous career in 2005, he began devoting more and more time to his art, eventually building his studio next to his home.

“I still have trouble thinking of myself as an artist at all,” he admits, “because I’m just playing.”

Today, Heys’ pieces especially often bear a superficial resemblance to the forms of wheel-thrown pottery, or to certain pre-pottery neolithic pieces wherein the ancient artists used the natural striations and colorations of the stone to create stripes and patterns in their vessels.

Heys similarly places high value on the natural look of the unusual pieces of wood he finds, incorporating holes, warps, and rough edges into many of his pieces. Still, he claims that his art is more of a form of exploration of the material rather than the enactment of any master vision or plan on his part.

“The first cut into a big trunk of wood is the scariest because you’re foreclosing possibilities. The more times you cut it, the more possibilities you throw away.” There’s even the possibility that there’s nothing of particular interest or beauty within a trunk at all. For Heys, it is rather a question of “looking at the wood and asking, ‘what does this want to be?’”

Another question also enters into Heys' work with his material: what has this been? His fascination with strange pieces and odd patterns often brings him into contact with the unusual stories that trees have to tell, such as that of a piece of a cherry tree which he acquired from a family member.

The tree, he says, had been growing on a relative’s land and had to be cut down. The relative offered the wood to Heys, who accepted. Upon cutting into the trunk, he found a healed wound in the tree, and within that wound, buckshot. By counting back the rings of the tree to the injury, he was able to find that the tree had been shot in the 1920s. “Someone probably used it as target practice,” he explains.

This isn’t the only memory that the tree contained: from his relative, he knew that the previous owners had cleared out many other trees on the property some time before. He was able to see that change in the wood as well, as after the date of the clearing, the rings of the tree became thicker as it had the sudden opportunity, in the absence of any competition, to grow far more year after year than it had before.

Other, more saddening histories are also contained in Heys’ pieces. Connecticut is no stranger to the loss of tree species due to blight: in the twentieth century alone, Dutch elm disease and chestnut blight have irreversibly changed New England forests. Since the emerald ash borer was first found in Connecticut in 2012, blighted and dying stands of ash trees have also become a common sight throughout the area.

When asked, Heys admits that he is aware of the ash blight when working with ash wood. “Because of the ash die-out, there’s much more of that wood available than there would be otherwise,” he says. “I know that when I make a piece of art, someone seeing it in four or five decades may say, ‘This is ash wood! We used to have that.’”

Heys tends to deny any artistic intent or statement in his work, instead calling it play. Nevertheless, there is an undeniable thread of sentiment, of concern, of interest through his pieces. His interest in the life and history of his material, though he dismisses it as simple curiosity, shapes his pieces as much as the physical tool of the lathe does, and raises them to a level of artistic and personal expression. Heys’ art serves as a beautiful and functional memorial to the lives of trees.

“It’s fascinating to cut into a tree and to see a part of its life,” he says. “Trees keep a better record of their lives than anything else.”

Richard Heys welcomes visitors interested in his art and in the techniques of woodturning to his studio. To learn more about his work, visit https://www.richardheyswoodturning.com/ .

2021 Annual Report

steph@artsnwct.org (Steph Burr) — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 16:59:33 GMT

The Power of Community

As we moved through the second year of the pandemic, the biggest lesson that we learned was the power of collaboration . We realized that as a small staff, we would need to partner with others to achieve our goals. With the help of community leaders and 35 other organizations, we were able to accomplish more than ever.

This year we developed new programs, received our first ever grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, will be bringing on 2 new staff members. The action we took will give our organization new capabilities and strength for years to come.

Thank you all so much for your support and dedication to our mission. We are so excited to continue this work through 2022.

Sincerely,

Steph Burr

Executive Director

Northwest Connecticut Arts Council

February 2022 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 10:00:03 GMT

February is a great time to hone your creative skills! Check out all of the workshops and events happening this month in our February calendar.

Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 Study for Northwest Connecticut

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 21:12:03 GMT

This year, the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council will be collaborating with Americans for the Arts (an arts advocacy nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, DC), the CT Office of the Arts, and the 7 other DRSO’s to collect data for the national AEP6 survey.

AEP6 is supported by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of the Arts. Data will be collected across the state, and NWCT Arts is responsible for data collection in its 25-town service region: Barkhamsted, Bethlehem, Burlington, Colebrook, Cornwall, Falls Village/Canaan, Goshen, Hartland, Harwinton, Kent, Litchfield, Morris, New Hartford, New Milford, Norfolk, North Canaan, Plymouth, Roxbury, Salisbury/Lakeville, Sharon, Thomaston, Torrington, Warren, Washington, and Winchester/Winsted.

UPDATE 2/1/2022: The beginning of data collection for AEP6 has been postponed until May 2022. This change will give audiences time to return to arts venues after the omicron surge.

What is AEP6?

“AEP6” stands for “Arts and Economic Prosperity 6.” This nationwide study aims to show the economic impact of arts and culture events on local economies by asking audiences about their spending in the community. For example, someone going to see a concert may also pay for parking, a meal or drinks after the show, or childcare for the evening. These small costs add up and can make a huge difference for the businesses and communities surrounding arts and culture venues.

Data collection for AEP6 will take place throughout 2022 and the report will be released in June 2023. At the conclusion of the study, northwest Connecticut will receive a unique economic impact report with data from our region.

The Arts Mean Business

Data like that provided by the previous five Arts and Economic Prosperity studies can help arts advocates make strong cases for public policy that supports the growth of arts and culture in their communities. By clearly showing the link between attendance at arts events and spending, the previous surveys have helped to prove that community arts organizations have a tangible and positive impact on local business.

AEP6 will also be the first of these studies conducted since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and will help to discover any links between arts and economic recovery in our region.

We Need Your Help!

To reach audiences, the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council needs your help! We are looking to partner with arts and culture groups throughout our service area to both help raise awareness about AEP6 and to take part in survey collection. Commercial businesses and individual artists are NOT eligible to be partners in survey collection. The following types of organizations ARE eligible:

Traditional nonprofit arts and culture organizations (e.g., museums, theaters, etc.)
Municipally owned and municipally operated presenting facilities or institutions (e.g., a city-operated facility)
Unincorporated community arts and culture organizations (e.g., a community theater)
Arts programs embedded in non-arts organizations (e.g., an arts program in a church, library, or senior center)
Living collections such as botanical gardens, zoos, and aquariums
Historical societies and other historical or historic preservation organizations
Private arts councils (and cultural alliances, etc.)
Municipal arts agencies (e.g., an arts commission or a department of cultural affairs

If your organization matches any of these descriptions and you would like to partner with us on collecting data, please fill out our survey below.

Two Legacies at the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 15:05:40 GMT

Historic house museums like the ones that proliferate throughout Connecticut provide visitors with the rare opportunity to see into the lives of people in the past, to experience the same places where famous figures lived and worked. Allowing the public access to these spaces while still protecting and preserving the collection, as well as the house itself, can be a great challenge under the best of circumstances.

The Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden in Bethlehem, CT, however, has a uniquely difficult task before it: educating people on the legacy of the two notables who once lived in the home, whose lives just happen to be separated by the passage of a century.

The “Bellamy” of the home was Joseph Bellamy, born in 1719, a Congregationalist pastor and preacher during the Great Awakening of the 1730s and 1740s. His home was the center of much of his activity for most of his long life, and his involvement in Bethlehem has had a lasting impact on the character of the town, according to Peg Shimer, the site administrator of the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden.

The “Ferriday,” refers to the family of Caroline Ferriday, a philanthropist, socialite, and actress born in 1902. The family purchased the home in 1912. Their daughter would spend summers there for the rest of her life, taking great interest in the life and accomplishments of Joseph Bellamy. They collected some of the pieces that would later make up the museum’s current collection. Upon her death in 1990, the property was left to Connecticut Landmarks, the nonprofit organization that manages the site to this day.

Ferriday also worked to preserve the life stories of people in her own time. Her most notable accomplishment was the aid she gave to the “rabbits” of Ravensbruck, a group of female political prisoners who were the subjects of cruel medical experimentation at the Ravensbruck concentration camp during World War II. Ferriday's sponsorship of the women allowed them to visit the United States, speak with government officials about their experience, and undergo reconstructive surgeries. [1]

The experiences of the “rabbits” and their subsequent self-advocacy would be one of many factors that helped to shape the conversation around medical ethics and medical war crimes after the war. This led to some of the principles of informed consent in bioethics that govern medical experimentation today [2].

Shimer acknowledges that doing full justice to these two very different lives can be a puzzle at times. “It is a challenge, but there is a common thread between the two of them - that they both believed in service to their communities,” she says. “We try to inspire with their stories. It’s a story about service, and we’d like everyone who walks out of here to take a lesson from that - to go out and follow their passion.” She emphasizes that both Bellamy and Ferriday spent most of their lives in Bethlehem and had a true love for the house and the land that it’s on.

The museum’s current caretakers also have a love for the land, which is reflected in the continued beauty of the historic roses, peonies, and lilacs that beautify the property. “The roses were Caroline’s passion,” says Shimer, “but the things that put on the best show are the peonies.” Noted horticulturist Tovah Martin will be visiting the grounds for an event June 2, 2022.

Maintaining a historical house can be difficult, as is finding new ways of educating the public during difficult times. This winter, the house is undergoing a major wallpaper restoration after leaks due to ice jams damaged it, but pandemic-related manufacturing delays have caused some problems for the project. Shimer maintains a positive outlook: “We let people walk into the rooms, and there’s just more potential for contact and damage. Every historical house deals with this.”

She continues, “Our work is more about the stories of the people who lived here, rather than looking at interesting pieces. It’s about preserving a glimpse into time, something that Connecticut Landmarks takes very seriously.”

According to Shimer, the museum staff intends to continue to find more ways of telling the home’s story during the pandemic. They are considering outdoor social-distanced “porch stories” events in which museum staff will give visitors insight intothe home’s residents that is not usually included in tours.

Preserving and remembering the past is always a challenge. The Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden’s staff does a commendable job honoring and preserving the legacies of Joseph Bellamy, Caroline Ferriday, and the people and communities they served throughout their lives.

To learn more about the Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden and Connecticut Landmarks, their parent organization, visit their website at https://ctlandmarks.org/properties/bellamy-ferriday-house-garden/ .

January 27 is the day designated by the United Nations General Assembly as Holocaust Remembrance Day. To learn more, visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website at https://www.ushmm.org/remember/international-holocaust-remembrance-day .

Sources and Further Reading

[1] “A Godmother to Ravensbruck Survivors” by Kristen Peterson Havill https://connecticuthistory.org/a-godmother-to-ravensbruck-survivors/

[2] “The Origins of Informed Consent: The International Scientific Commission on Medical War Crimes, and the Nuremberg Code” by Paul Weindling https://www.jstor.org/stable/44445555

"Unexpected Artists": Changing Lives at the Village Center for the Arts

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 15:07:56 GMT

The Village Center for the Ar ts has worked to bring out the creativity of New Milford residents for over two decades - even those residents who least expect it.

The Village Center for the Arts is cool. There’s really no better word for the world of interesting sights and sounds that a person encounters upon entering the building, a former hardware store overlooking the Green in New Milford: it’s cool.

“One of the things that happens when people, especially young kids, come in here for the first time is that they spend forty minutes just looking around,” says Jayson Roberts, the arts center’s founder and executive director. “They don’t know what to do. It’s overwhelming.”

He’s right. Every new glance around the studio space reveals some new curiosity, just begging for further investigation: a diorama depicting miniature artists at work in a miniature studio; the wild loops and curves of a student’s wooden sculpture; a pair of earrings whose pendants, upon further inspection, reveal themselves to be perfect tiny replicas of CoolWhip containers. Completely disregarding the workshops, studio hours, and events that the Village Center offers throughout the year, a person could spend hours just exploring the wealth of beautiful and strange creations that generations of artists have left behind in the building.

“It’s not neat and tidy,” says Roberts. “It’s comfortably messy.”

VCA's open studio, seen from the entrance to the building (Photo: Ella Frauenhofer)

Like all great messes, though, this one started small, with Roberts looking to support his daughters’ interest in community theater in the late 1990s. “I became a sort of backstage dad,” he recalls, remembering hours spent constructing, transporting, and storing props and costumes.

Eventually, continuing to store everything in his garage became untenable, and with the partnership of Sharon Kaufman of Escape to the Arts in Danbury, the Village Center for the Arts was born. After several years in its first home, the bottom floor of a building which had been slated for demolition to make way for a new intersection, the center moved to where it is now and began building what would become an award-winning arts center in the heart of rural Connecticut.

Since then, Roberts, Kaufman, and their various volunteers, partners, and co-conspirators have put a truly impressive array of programs and resources at the disposal of the New Milford community.

A view of part of the reference library, which extends into the back classroom (Photo: Ella Frauenhofer)

In the front room of the building, almost every shelf seems packed to overflowing with every imaginable species of art supply: paints and brushes, pencils and glues, and odds and ends of every description live in relative harmony side-by-side.

A truly impressive reference library spans shelves that stretch from the classroom in the back of the building into the main studio. The reference library is also a lending library, with a number of books out of the building at any given time. “I don’t know which books are checked out,” Roberts admits, “or who has them.”

Over the studio’s sink is an explosion of smears and splatters of every color paint imaginable - the second generation of the center’s “splat wall,” where students are encouraged to deposit leftover paint on their palettes at the end of classes or studio time. The original splat wall, having become so encrusted with paint that it was no longer usable, was removed during the downtime provided by COVID-19 lockdown. Roberts carved the wall into square segments that he has framed, a cross-section of the last fifteen years of the Village Center’s history.

“It’s evolving, it’s generational,” Roberts says, both of the splat wall and of the center. “It’s a long-term project.”

A plastic figure, made on one of the VCA's 3D printers (Photo: Ella Frauenhofer)

The programs offered by the Village Center for the Arts have also evolved over the years, both in response to the needs of the community and to the ideas of the artists who use the studio.

The center offers classes and summer camps, such as their cartoon class and their video game camp, for children and teenagers, but also hosts programs for adults. In response to the interest of parents of the children in the video game camp - “the original gamers,” Roberts says - the center introduced an Adult Night as part of the camp. Parents can enjoy the elaborate video game setup which the Village Center creates every year to teach children about game design and technology.

The acquisition of part of the downstairs space in their building has allowed Kaufman to introduce a pottery studio, which offers both instruction and rental space for artists. Roberts notes that the introduction of pottery for individuals or small groups was an innovation during the pandemic and has been very successful in bringing people back into in-person studio time. Kaufman is also an instructor with Education Without Walls and teaches art classes for students from that program.

Sharon Kaufman and a student in the VCA's new pottery workshop (Photo: Ella Frauenhofer)

One program close to Roberts’ heart is the Unexpected Artist, a free program which allows students to use the space for free in order to work on any homework project. He recalls helping students build volcanoes and Greek city-states year after year, and the unique experiences that the program fosters. “To see the interaction of sixteen- or seventeen-year-old kids that never interact in school - interacting because they have the same project, and having fun and being interested - that’s incredible.”

One yearly project is the “mole” chemistry project, in which students are assigned an element and instructed to create a mole-shaped stuffed animal with some of the characteristics of that element. Roberts fondly recalls going to the grocery store, only for his teenaged cashier to grin at him as he was leaving and say, “I got a hundred on my mole.”

The center also partners with the local high school to find interns and volunteers. This program helps young people to get work experience, volunteer hours, and references. “Some of them come in here and they just aren’t interested,” says Roberts, “but most of them overcome that. We change lives.”

The splat wall (Photo: Ella Frauenhofer)

The Village Center for the Arts was one of the recipients of the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council’s 2021 Litchfield Hills Creative Awards . “All of us that got the award, part of our mission is to change lives.”

All in all, that’s pretty cool.

To learn more about the Village Center for the Arts, visit their website at https://www.villagecenterarts.org/ .

Historical Truth & Poetic Truth

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 16:18:25 GMT

Elementary school foundations, Cornwall Bridge, CT

Examining traces of the past found in the landscape offers a chance to think about the relationship of the world to both historical truth and poetic truth. Pictured above are the foundations of an old elementary school in Cornwall Bridge, with a stonewall traversing the slope behind it. In the early American republic, communities built many schools -- primarily to foster literacy for faith and for democracy. The solid granite of both stone wall and sills reminds us of how local materials largely determine how the built environment looks. The huge boulder protruding from the center of the square foundation must have broken through the floor -- I imagine it as a throne for those unruly students condemned to the dunce corner. No doubt the oak scholar benches were cut from these very forests.

These concrete aspects underpin some more abstract truths. Education functioned as a cornerstone of ideas about representative democracy: the model pioneered in early America weaponized the insight that persuading people works much better than forcing them. If a society can instill ideas in the minds of children, shared assumptions create a stable mentality, less inclined to disruptive questions and dissident behaviors. Loyalty to nation is imbibed with the ABCs, making the Republic of Letters a patriotic project. (See Patricia Crain The Story of A: The Alphabetization of America from The New England Primer to The Scarlet Letter ).

John Ridge, Cornwall educated, later a
Cherokee leader who reluctantly led his people
on Trail of Tears exodus from Georgia

In the microcosm of this small town in northwest Connecticut, this push to literacy connected with self-rule through town meetings, but also to another nearby educational experiment, the Foreign Mission School established by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, aimed at educating non-Christians. Chinese students came here, but also such Native Americans as John Ridge of the Cherokee. (See John Demos' wonderful analysis in The Heathen School: A Story of Hope and Betrayal in the Early Republic. ) This multicultural mix reminds us that the "civilizing mission" encompassed early American global commercial impulses, as well as the dispossession and obliteration of domestic Native Americans. And yet the Schaghticoke still live on the banks of the Housatonic River.

Even in this tiny town, ideas about literacy, Christian duty, democracy, and politics jostled against ideas about commerce, capitalism, imperial power and domination. You might say, those stone foundations still speak loudly today. Perhaps, you could call landscape history a form of free speech, if heard in the right way. Lost trails, lost forests, lost buildings, lost people -- distant but still audible.

Housatonic RR tracks separate school and river

Reading the landscape from a different angle, we can hear the moccasined tread of the area's native inhabitants, the Munsee-Lenape, Mohican, Tunxis, Wappingers, Paugussett, Pequonnock, and today's Schaghticoke. The spirits of deer, black bear and rabbit cavort amid the maples and oaks descended from those days. The kinship of animate and inanimate is palpable: doe and granite, cub and sapling nourish the energy envelope of the school, situated 100 feet from the Housatonic River. The handmade stone wall evokes the feel of daily life for European settlers, just as much as the little schoolhouse summons images of bundled children trudging through snow drifts to school. Even the railroad tracks map a layer of the palimpsest of the past, a shimmer of memory that embraces nature and culture. So, historical truth and poetic truth coexist, touching both the material and ethereal worlds.

Article originally posted at https://ramblingdigitalhumanist.blogspot.com/2021/11/historical-truth-poetic-truth.html .

16 Places to Find Adult Art Classes in NWCT

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 20:00:25 GMT

Looking to pick up new art skills in 2022 or improve your existing ones? These sixteen artists and organization offer adult art classes in Northwest Connecticut that are sure to get your creativity flowing.

Village Center for the Arts

The Village Center for the Arts, located right on the Green in New Milford, CT, has been in operation for more than two decades, and in that time it has established an impressive selection of art classes for both children and adults. They currently offer classes in clay hand-building and oil painting, along with ceramic paint-along and adult creative night events. This, combined with their experienced staff and large open-studio space, make the Village Center a great destination for anyone looking to pick up new art skills in 2022.

2. Heather Neilson

Heather Neilson’s abstract artwork draws inspiration from the natural world, and she seeks to impart this lesson in the courses on abstract painting, mixed-media collage, and art journaling that she offers. She encourages artists to bring their own personal images and ephemera into journaling on “universal themes such as compassion, ancestral memory and more.”

3. Five Points

The Five Points Gallery has seen amazing growth in 2021. One of their most significant accomplishments was opening the new Five Points Art Center at 855 University Drive in Torrington, CT in October, which is now home to a variety of labs for artists to work in different materials and techniques. Subjects of upcoming workshops include monotypes, figure drawing, pastel portraits, and layered woodcuts. With skilled instructors and a beautiful new location, these classes are sure to help artists hone their craft in the coming year.

4. Washington Art Association

The Washington Art Association in Washington Depot, CT has been both exhibiting art and educating artists since 1952. Their courses and workshops are suitable for artists of all skill levels and cover a wide variety of visual mediums and subjects, from oil to mixed media and from figure drawing to abstract painting. Advanced courses such as “Advancing Your Personal Artistic Journey” with Edward Devoe are designed to help experienced students find their own artistic voice. Any class with the Washington Art Association is sure to help artists find a new approach to their work.

5. 550 Gallery

The mission of the 550 Gallery in Bethlehem, CT is to “offer a gathering space where people can come to learn, create, teach, exhibit and sell their art.” Starting in January, 2022 they will be offering a class on figure drawing. Learning in an environment where every artist is encouraged to be both teacher and student is certain to be stimulating for both beginners and experienced artists.

6. Pamela Vitale

The ArtJams course at Pamela Vitale’s New Hartford studio focuses on art as play. Introducing students to a variety of mediums and techniques such as paper, fabric, painting, and printmaking, the course strives to help students learn to see the world differently and build confidence in their ability to create art. In addition to ArtJams, Pamela also offers art classes in her gallery.

7. Under Mountain Weavers

Weaving is one of the world’s oldest arts. Although the fragile nature of textile products makes firm dating difficult, the craft is thought to date back to the Neolithic period and is likely even older than pottery. Under Mountain Weavers in Salisbury, CT sells a variety of woven products, some made on two-hundred year old looms. They offer weaving classes for those interested in learning one of the many forms of this ancient art.

8. Thomasina Levy

The Connecticut State Troubadour is an honorary position dating back to 1991 who “serves as an ambassador for music and song and promotes cultural literacy among Connecticut residents,” according to the state’s official website. Thomasina Levy of Litchfield, CT held the position during 2005 and 2006, and continues to take her role as a teaching artist seriously as she strives to inspire both audiences and students throughout the region. She offers a variety of workshops on her primary instrument, the mountain dulcimer, as well as singing circles, music improvisation workshops, and different forms of creativity exploration for adults. Thomasina’s dedication to helping students understand music, nature, themselves, and others is sure to awaken your creativity this year.

9. Pilobolus

This year is the 50th anniversary of Pilobolus, a nationally-recognized dance troupe headquartered in Washington Depot, CT. In addition to performances, the organization also offers both master classes to teach dancers using Pilobolus’s improvisation and movement techniques. Their Connecting with Balance workshop aims to help students of all ages and abilities connect to their own bodies and creativity. 2022 is a great time to both learn from this great organization and to support their mission as they move into their second half-century.

10. Pamela Harnois

Pamela Harnois is a nationally-known watercolor artist working in Norfolk, CT. During the pandemic, she began offering weekly online demonstrations, which quickly formed a tight community of artists. She currently teaches watercolor classes and workshops via Zoom and also offers the option of purchasing a gift card to help a friend or loved one experience her classes as well.

11. The Institute for American Indian Studies

The Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, CT aims to educate the public on Indigenous history and issues. They craft events and events centering Indigenous artists and authors, and offer a variety of programs on Native American history, art, and culture. Programs like “Native American Pottery: The Sacred & Mundane” will give students new insight to the art of the often marginalized and misunderstood Indigenous cultures of the region.

12. P-R Blackman

P-R Blackman is an artist in Torrington, CT who works with reclaimed timber to create unique and sustainable apparel and works of art. He offers demos and classes to give people insight into the combination of traditional and contemporary techniques that go into his pieces.

13. Lori Barker

Lori Barker’s multi-media art, made in her studio in Goshen, CT is fascinating, evocative, and above all varied. Her Purple Door Gallery exhibits everything from sculpture to labyrinths, and her work incorporates a variety of techniques to create ethereal and spiritual pieces. She offers workshops to share some of those techniques with students, including courses on printing, collage, and painting.

14. Main Street Ballet

Ballet’s highly-technical nature can make it both daunting to understand and daunting to try for many people. In Woodbury, CT, Main Street Ballet’s classes offer adults both the opportunity to better understand the art and to practice it themselves.

15. Terri Tibbatts

Terri Tibbatts is a multimedia artist in Washington Depot, CT who specializes in the art of the book. She offers a variety of classes on book arts, including bookbinding for artist’s books, creating miniature books, and suminagashi, or Japanese paper marbling. People interested in sustainable arts practices will enjoy her eco books and altered books workshops, which teach students how to turn recycled and upcycled materials into unique works of art. This is a great opportunity to learn this time-honored craft from an established and talented local artist.

16. Red Room Sound Studios

Lucinda Rowe-Connolly of Red Room Sound Studios has a long and impressive resume in the music industry. She offers private vocal coaching lessons out of the all-analog, all tape studio in Torrington, CT on styles from rock to blues to pop. Working with Lucinda offers artists both the opportunity to learn from an experienced and talented professional as well as a glimpse into one of the most unique new businesses in the historic downtown area.

Arts education is a lifelong process. We hope that this guide helps you find the arts class in Northwest Connecticut that is right for you!

How to submit an event to NWCT's online regional calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 16:25:05 GMT

If you are new to submitting to our online events calendar, here is a step-by-step guide to help you with your submissions.

INTRO: How the calendar works as a network of promotion

Our online calendar is powered by CivicLift, a dynamic platform that functions as Litchfield County's one-stop resource for local events, curated day trips, job openings, and places to explore. In order to submit an event to our calendar, first you need to create a CivicLift account. (It's free!)

Our online calendar is not the only calendar powered by CivicLift. Others include: Discover Litchfield Hills (region-wide tourism site) , and the online calendars for the towns of Litchfield , North Canaan , Falls Village , Morris , Barkhamsted , Kent , Goshen , Washington , Cornwall and Torrington, and the list continues to grow. With one submission, your event is published to our calendar (for arts- & culture-specific events), Discover Litchfield Hills' and your town's! It provides an efficient way to promote what you do to a wider audience.

Once you have created an account on CivicLift, you can submit your Single-day event or Event Series. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to get your events posted on the calendar.

Step 1: Click "Submit an event"

You can do this in your account profile, or if you want to see your events history, click on "Your Events" on the menu on the left. There is a "Submit an Event" option on this page, too.

Step 2: Fill out the form with your event info

There are certain limitations and nuances in the events submission form that you should be aware of if you are using CivicLift for the first time. Here are some tips to make the process easier for you.

TITLE

Keep your title brief, clean, and direct. Titles are limited to 70 characters.

DESCRIPTION

Descriptions are limited to 2000 characters. We recommend adding a short paragraph describing your event, parking/accessibility details (if applicable), and other details about your event that are not covered by the fields in the submission form. You also have the option to add hyperlinks.

WHEN

Understanding the difference between a Single-day and an Event Series submission is important. For a Single-day event, one submission = one record of the event on the online calendar. When you select the Event Series option, you will be prompted to select the date range and recurrence pattern (examples: weekly, monthly, every 3rd Sunday, etc). If your event is every day for a span of time, you can select "Daily."

You will be able to see a preview of how your event will be listed in the "Summary" box. Double check to make sure that it is accurate before submitting.

Once you submit an Event Series, CivicLift creates a record for each day that the event occurs. If you make a mistake, you can edit your events by clicking on "Your Events" on the menu on the left, and then click the "Edit" button for the event you would like to change. If you need to update information for all of the records of your ongoing/repeating event, make sure you check "Update all following events in series" at the bottom of the form before submitting.

Step 3: Submit your event!

Event submissions need to go through an approval process, but your event will be public on the regional online calendars within 24 - 48 hours.

Once your event is approved, it is then automatically pushed out to multiple places in a network of local promotion.

As mentioned above, you can always go back and edit your online events.

Thank you for submitting your events to the regional online calendar and for contributing to the vibrant culture of our area!

Note for Arts Council Members

Arts Council members' events will also be included in our monthly print calendar when submitted online before the monthly deadlines. The print calendar is mailed directly to our members and donors each month - approximately 300 contacts. As a member, you will also receive discounts on advertising in the print calendar.

Member events are prioritized when curating our weekly email newsletters, too (approximately 1600 subscribers).

If you are interested in learning more about Arts Council membership and other benefits, click here.

To sign up for Print Calendar Deadline Reminders, click here.

$970K Awarded to Cultural Organizations in NWCT

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 20:17:19 GMT

CT Humanities Announces $16 Million in Grant Awards, Which Includes 57 Grants for $970,600 to NWCT

Photo: Nutmeg Conservatory dancers

CT Humanities provided $16M in general operating support grants to help the state’s museums, cultural, humanities, and arts organizations maintain and grow their ability to serve their community and the public, connect K-12 teachers and students to strong humanities and arts content, and improve their information technology and digital infrastructure.

THANK YOU to CT Humanities and CT Office of the Arts!

NWCT Arts Council's 25-town service area grantees:

Barkhamsted
Barkhamsted Historical Society $6,800

Bethlehem
Old Bethlem Historical Society $5,500

Burlington
Burlington Historical Society $5,900

Canaan Falls Village
Canaan Historical Society $7,300
Music Mountain $28,800

Cornwall
Cornwall Historical Society $10,300

Goshen
Goshen Players Inc $7,200
Litchfield Performing Arts $5,000

Kent
Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office/Eric Sloane Museum $5,000
Kent Art Association $8,300
Kent Historical Society $11,800
Kent Singers $6,900

Litchfield
Art Tripping $5,000
Bantam Cinema & Arts Center $7,000
Litchfield Historical Society $46,400
The Women's Forum of Litchfield $5,200
Backyard Theater Ensemble $5,100

New Milford
Harrybrooke Park & Harden House Museum $17,400
Merryall Center $6,000
New Milford Historical Society & Museum $10,200
Sherman Chamber Ensemble $9,800
Theatreworks New Milford $14,300
Village Center for the Arts $20,200

Norfolk
Norfolk Historical Society $8,000

Plymouth
Lock Museum of America $5,700

Roxbury
Minor Memorial Library/The Arthur Miller Writing Studio $5,400
Roxbury Public Library/ Hodge Memorial Library and Museum $5,000

Salisbury
Crescendo $12,500
Salisbury Association $29,100
Salisbury Forum $6,800
The Northwest Music Association $6,400

Sharon
Sharon Historical Society $12,100
Sharon Playhouse $47,700

Thomaston
Fine Arts Connection of Thomaston $5,500
Thomaston Opera House $27,300

Torrington
Chorus Angelicus and Gaudeamus $14,200
Five Points Gallery $34,800
KidsPlay Children's Museum $5,000
Litchfield County Choral Union $6,000
Northwest Connecticut Arts Council/Howard's Bookstore $6,100
Torrington Historical Society $27,000
Torrington Symphony Orchestra $5,900
WAPJ Torrington Community Radio $5,900
Warner Theatre $5,000
The Nutmeg Ballet $111,300

Warren
The Voice of Art $7,500
Warren Historical Society $5,900

Washington
Friends of Music $6,800
Washington After School Arts Program $36,800
Common Ground with Jane Whitney $14,500
Gunn Memorial Library and Museum $12,100
Institute for American Indian Studies $40,600
Pilobolus $136,100
The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens $15,400
Washington Art Association $21,200

Winchester
American Mural Project $30,700

The Colonial White Cube Gallery

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 18:19:43 GMT

amArtHouse in Bantam, CT

Header image: Windshield , 2017 Richard Pitts (Photo: R. Pitts)

Litchfield County wears its blueblood heritage and white wooden housing stock as a perpetual evocation of essential New England. However, many of the historic houses sprinkled round the charming small towns of Northwest Connecticut have been lovingly restored and toned up with spiffy modern interiors that honor heritage styled with modern design. I recently stumbled across a persuasive retrofit on the way to an Arethusa ice cream debauch in Bantam.

Deco-Eclipse, Steven Lowy (Photo: Artur Matuszewski)

An unpainted, clapboard colonial house had long stood neglected along Route 202, no doubt inspiring preservationist dreams to many who regularly drove by. It was born in 1755 as a cape, grew up to a colonial and has housed everything from a parsonage to a tavern to a doctor’s office. And behold the gallery owner Artur Matuszewski has magically transformed the space, exposing the beautiful bones of the classic unornamented house which just opened in October, 2021. The amArtHouse delicately built a white box inside the traditional rectangular structure, installing new six over six windows in place, graciously breaking up the walls in keeping with the customary Yankee aesthetic of small, strictly-spaced windows.

amArtHouse Sculptures, Richard Pitts (Photo: Kathleen Hulser)

The current exhibition on view till January of 2022 centers on Richard Pitts and with its four other artists, showcases the gallery owner’s excellent taste — and his spatial chops. This traditional house now harmoniously frames contemporary work. Large scale sculpture dots the lawn. Steven Lowy’s illuminated mezzaluna work powered by a solar battery turns the site into a mysterious alien planet at night. The gallery has installed two curling Pitts aluminum pieces, echoing the position of traditional side lamps, to flank the door. A marvelously ornate 1890s surround turns this into a grand entry, an eclectic note in the crisp clapboard expanse. Indeed, as Pitts says, “the sculpture creates the landscape as much as the landscape creates the sculpture. “ At the corner of the house, the sculpture “Daybreak” yearns to climb like a vine.

Daybreak, 2021 Richard Pitts (Photo: Artur Matuszewski)

The artist Richard Pitts is equally adept with brush, print and torch; in the current exhibition both his large scale paintings and array of sculptures reference the building blocks of physical space and the play of edges.

Juggling the Universe, 2020 Richard Pitts (Photo: C.C. Arshagra)

“Juggling the Universe” loves the contrast of curve and rectangle: cylinders, blocks and arches spin in space. A deus ex machina pulls strings, but the strewn elements seem to have their own momentum. Like many of his horizontal canvases at amArtHouse, this work has multiple points of view. No gravity anchors the fragments, rather a maelstrom or vortex effect holds forces in tension. The swirling objects seem to fling otherworldly specks in the wake of a passage from nowhere to outer space. The jumble of space debris is insouciant, as if thumbing its nose at ordinary principles of movement.

These effects escalate when Pitts moves to color. “Kaleidoscope” felicitously installed at the head of the central staircase applies orange elements to the black/gray palette of his earlier work. The orange alert appears almost as a tiger gliding amidst three-dimensional fragments, sometimes behind and sometimes in front of planes. Pitts jokingly told me he might retitle the piece “Tiger Burning Bright,” after hearing this interpretation. The viewer loses certainty about what is an edge and what is a form, unwittingly navigating layers that suggest the whimsical play of dimension in our perceptions of the world. “Art is always trying to expand your reality and consciousness and recreate the world again,” comments Pitts.

Kaleidoscope, 2012 Richard Pitts (Photo: C.C. Arshagra)

This concept plays out spectacularly in a mixed media collage, “Orange Crush.” Here, applied snippets of colored tape and flying fragments are punctuated with black and white striped and polka-dotted motifs that look like a pop art couch chopped in a blender. Both 2D and 3D effects make things appear in hidden layers, as though pulling the bars of reality apart. Color contributes to the action with pulsing slashes of yellow and blue which make the viewer feel like she is traveling through layers to an unknown core, even as centrifugal forces whip pieces to the edge — of the canvas or maybe of the universe. Pitts clearly enjoys sending our eyeballs ricocheting around space, where his dimensional pinball game unfolds at top speed.

Orange Crush, 2012 Richard Pitts (Photo: C.C. Arshagra)

His sculptural work in metal binds these forces together more tightly. “Black,” 2013 has voluptuous curves and lethal edges, cold and yet so hot that metal drips cling to some contours. In both red and black sculptures cut elements peel back, as though metal could mimic the luscious bends of cloth. Jaunty fronds, fringed waves, and serrated borders proliferate amongst the coils and right angles of the sculpture’s skeleton. The coil is a core structure that suggests a mix and match DNA sequence, abstracted, simplified and quoted. These forms in steel and aluminum are “unnatural”, and yet have the integrity of a thing grown, rather than assembled. This dynamic is particularly prominent when seeing large sculptures in situ, with greenery and tree trunks sighted through apertures in the metalwork.

Metamorphosis, 2000-2006 Richard Pitts (Photo: Kathleen Hulser)

The tour de force, “Metamorphosis,” lines up a jet trail of morphing forms, installed around the corner of the gallery. Made of painted canvas laminated on light Luan wood, the black and white pieces ascend in a stream of squared-off rectangles, melting into a tangled knot, and then breaking free. As in Pitts’ paintings that features duct work and tubing on the loose, this piece pulses with energy. How can such exuberant geometry wriggle its way out of here?

Some wonderful functional art by Robert Messyasz appears around the two floors of display space. My favorite was a lighted Trojan Horse head lamp, simultaneously elegant and fierce. By juxtaposing functional art openly intended for home décor with fine arts, the gallery reminds us that all art is one and belongs where the heart most desires it to be.

Horse Head Lamp, Robert Messyasz (Photo: Kathleen Hulser)

See also the stunning duo of Monolith lamps, composed of Egyptian-style columns topped with pierced tin shades. Messyasz boldly mixes historical elements such as this variation on a pierced tin lantern, with modern materials and aesthetics.

Standing Figure, 2001, Mario Busoni Interior 41, Chris Kelly (Photo: Artur Matuszewski)

As if these riches were not feast enough, the entire first floor of the gallery features an installation of finely tuned abstractions from Chris Kelly ’s golden ratio deconstructions series, artfully interspersed with figurative sculpture by Mario Busoni. Once again, the arrangements maximize the qualities of the colonial house, as visitors also glimpse outdoor work and green yards through the many-paned windows. Altogether, the new gallery offers an exhilarating plunge into contemporary art.

Article originally posted at https://kathleen266.substack.com/p/the-colonial-white-cube-gallery?r=3y4k4&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email .

January 2022 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 18:16:52 GMT

Happy New Year! Check out the January calendar for fun, creative things to do in our region!

NWCT Arts Council: Seeking Grant Administrator

steph@artsnwct.org (Steph Burr) — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 16:47:28 GMT

Thank you for visiting this page! This job application is now closed.

Grant Administrator Position - NWCT Arts Council

Application Deadline: December 27, 2021

Title: Grant Administrator
Reports to: Executive Director

Part-Time Contractor: $25,000/year (20 hours a week)

Anticipated Start Date : Mid/late January 2022

The terms of the contract will extend for 1 year after the start date. The contractor will be responsible for program administration through completion, and must commit to the complete duration of the contract.

Benefits:

40 hours paid time off (equivalent to 2 weeks).

Hybrid work environment, flexible self-assigned work schedule.

Personal office space with dedicated resources.

To apply, please email steph@artsnwct.org the following materials with the subject line "Grant Administrator Application":

Cover letter
Resume
2 References

Overview:

The NWCT Arts Council is seeking a part time Grant Administrator to manage a re-granting program utilizing funds from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The Arts Council has received a grant through the American Rescue Plan to distribute grants in the community to eligible recipients to save jobs and to fund operations and facilities, health and safety supplies, and marketing and promotional efforts to encourage attendance and participation. This re-granting program will give the opportunity for arts and cultural nonprofit organizations to apply for operational funding, and give teaching artists the opportunity to apply to bring arts programs to social service organizations.

The Grant Administrator will work with the oversight and assistance of the Executive Director to access all the organizational data required for outreach and communications.

Responsibilities:

Working with the Arts Council staff to write grant application criteria.
Perform risk assessment to ensure that all NEA guidelines and regulations are meticulously followed.
Setting up the online grant application portal.
Managing complete grant administrative timeline.
Planning and administering community grant information sessions. Some travel may be required.
Keeping office hours for grant assistance.
Communication and marketing of the grant opportunity through press releases, social media, email campaigns, and phone calls.
Outreach and selection of jury panel.
Creation of the review criteria, coordination of the jury panel, and facilitation of applicant selection.
Applicant notifications.
Funding disbursement management.
Organizing and compiling data for final reporting.

Qualifications:

Excellent written and verbal English language communication skills, including spelling and grammar.
Highly organized with attention to detail.
Background experience or a working knowledge of grant administration procedures.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel and Powerpoint.
Fundamental aptitude to learn and adapt to new software programs quickly.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
Flexibility in managing multiple priorities.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
Interest in and passion for the cultural community of the Northwest Connecticut region.
Prior grant writing/administration experience or arts administrative work is a plus.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Employees must notify the Executive Director or her/his designee of any actual or potential conflict of interest. An actual or potential conflict of interest occurs when an employee is in a position to influence a decision that may result in a personal gain for that employee or for a relative as a result of the Council's business dealings. Personal gain may result not only in cases where an employee or relative has a significant ownership in a firm with which the Council does business, but also when an employee or relative receives any kickback, bribe, substantial gift or special consideration as a result of any transaction or business dealings involving the Council.

Further, employees shall not maintain an outside business or financial interest, or engage in any outside business or financial activity, which conflicts with the interests of the Council or which interferes with the employee's ability to fully perform his or her job responsibilities.

Violators of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
We respect diversity and accordingly are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Our management team is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of qualified applicants and employees with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.

To apply, please email steph@artsnwct.org the following materials with the subject line "Grant Administrator Application":

Cover letter
Resume
2 References

This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov .

December 2021 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 18:09:45 GMT

Get into the holiday spirit and see festive events happening this December!

NWCT Arts Council to Receive $150,000 Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts as part of the American Rescue Plan

steph@artsnwct.org (Steph Burr) — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 21:21:08 GMT

NWCT Arts Council to Receive $150,000 Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts as part of the American Rescue Plan

The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council is pleased to announce they have been selected to receive an American Rescue Plan grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to help the arts and cultural sector recover from the pandemic. The Arts Council is receiving $150,000 and will use this funding to distribute grants in their community to eligible recipients to save jobs and to fund operations and facilities, health and safety supplies, and marketing and promotional efforts to encourage attendance and participation. In total, the NEA will award grants totaling $20,200,000 to 66 local arts agencies nationwide for subgranting.

“The NEA’s significant investment in local arts agencies, including Northwest Connecticut Arts Council is a key element in helping the arts and culture sector recover and reopen, while ensuring that that American Rescue Plan funding is distributed equitably,” said Ann Eilers, NEA’s acting chair. “These grants recognize the vital role of local arts agencies and will allow them to help rebuild local economies and contribute to the well-being of our communities.”

The funds allocated to Northwest CT will be used to provide subgrants of $2,500 - $5,000 to eligible organizations in the Arts Council’s 25 town service area. Organizations will be able to use the grants for general operating support to help recover from the effects of the pandemic. The grants will also be open for teaching artists to work with local social service organizations. The Arts Council aims to award funding to 25-40 recipients.

“We are so grateful that our region has been recommended for this supplemental funding. As a rural region, there is very little infrastructure in place to support allocating funding to the arts from a municipal level,” explains Steph Burr, Executive Director of the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council. “This funding will help ensure that our arts and humanities sectors receive sufficient recovery support.”

The NWCT Arts Council is one of the 8 Designated Regional Service Organizations for the CT Office of the Arts. “The Office of the Arts is so proud of the excellent work that the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council has been doing to promote the arts, the arts organizations and the artists in northwest Connecticut,” said Liz Shapiro, Director of Arts, Preservation and Museums at the Connecticut Office of the Arts and State Historic Preservation Office. “This funding was fiercely competitive, and I could not be happier that their excellent work has been nationally recognized. I’m eagerly anticipating the great creative work to come.”

This is the second of three installments of the NEA’s American Rescue Plan funding. Last April, the NEA announced that 40 percent of its $135 million in ARP funding would be allocated to 62 state, jurisdictional, and regional arts organizations for regranting through their respective programs. The third installment of APR funding to arts organizations to support their own operations will be announced in early 2022.

For more information on the NEA’s American Rescue Plan grants, including the full list of local arts agencies funded in this announcement, visit www.arts.gov/COVID-19/the-american-rescue-plan .

Litchfield Hills Creative Awards 2021 In Pictures

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:43:18 GMT

Highlights from the 2021 Litchfield Hills Creative Awards Ceremony

The Litchfield Hills Creative Awards ceremony was held at the Warner Theatre in Torrington, CT, on Saturday 11/13. Community members from all over Northwest CT attended to celebrate creative COVID heroes. The honorees were presented with crystal awards from the NWCT Arts Council, and state citations from CT State Representatives Michelle Cook and Maria Horn.

The Creative Awards ceremony is a celebration of the creative leaders, organizations, businesses and programs that help NWCT's arts community to thrive. The NWCT Arts Council hosts this awards ceremony to recognize those who positively impact the community and enhance the collective wellbeing through arts and other creative means.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Aquarion Water Company

Northwest Community Bank

Thomaston Savings Bank

Torrington Savings Bank

Warren General Store

O&G Industries, Inc.

The Warner Theatre

MOMIX

Simpson & Vail

Torrington Downtown Partners

HealthMarkets Insurance - Mel Brickman

All photos taken by Jamie J. Tilley.

Ash Royer, Thomaston, Litchfield Hills Creative Awards Honoree

Paul Wegner and Christopher Combs, Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS), Washington, Litchfield Hills Creative Awards Honoree

KidsPlay Children's Museum, Litchfield Hills Creative Awards Honoree

Amy Smith and Jazz Borst, Mental Health CT Mending Art, Litchfield Hills Creative Awards Honoree

Michelle Begley, Education Programs Director at American Mural Project, Winsted, Litchfield Hills Creative Awards Honoree

Jayson Roberts and Sharon Kaufman, Village Center for the Arts (VCA), New Milford, Litchfield Hills Creative Awards Honoree

From left: Jayson Roberts (VCA), Sharon Kaufman (VCA), Jazz Borst (MHC Mending Art), Amy Smith (MHC Mending Art), Michelle Begley (American Mural Project's Education Programs Director)

From left: Bethany Frasco (KidsPlay), Tamara Christensen (KidsPlay), Chris Combs (IAIS), Eileen Marriott (KidsPlay), Ash Royer

From left: Eileen Marriott, Ash Royer, Jayson Roberts, Sharon Kaufman, Jazz Borst

From left: Maddie Stenson (NWCT Arts Council), Amy Smith (MHC Mending Art), Jazz Borst (MHC Mending Art), Steph Burr (NWCT Arts Council)

Tamara Christensen and Bethany Frasco, KidsPlay Children's Museum

From left: Dan Morrison (Culture 4 a Cause), Rufus de Rham (Warner Theatre), Jacque Williams (Culture 4 a Cause, WAPJ, City Views)

Jayson Roberts and Sharon Kaufman, VCA

From left: Maddie Stenson & Steph Burr (NWCT Arts Council), Ash Royer, Ranatron Justice (Torrington Collective)

Michelle Begley

From left: Jazz Borst and Amy Smith (MHC Mending Art), Michelle Begley (American Mural Project's Education Programs Director)

From left: Dan Morrison (Culture 4 a Cause), Steph Burr (NWCT Arts Council), Jacque Williams (Culture 4 a Cause, WAPJ, City Views)

CT State Representatives Michelle Cook and Maria Horn presenting state citations to the 2021 Litchfield Hills Creative Awards Honorees.

To learn more about the 2021 Litchfield Hills Creative Awards and the honorees, click here.

November 2021 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 18:14:21 GMT

November is here! Get ready for the holiday season and check out what's happening this month in our November calendar.

Celebrating Creative COVID Heroes: 2021 Litchfield Hills Creative Awards Honorees

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 13:35:28 GMT

This year's Litchfield Hills Creative Awards ceremony will celebrate creative COVID heroes in Northwest CT. Get to know each of the 6 honorees and what they have accomplished.

Ash Royer, Thomaston

Ash Royer is a young and very motivated, indivisible woman. Ash (26) is a full-time artist working in the Social Service field. She provides care and artistic direction for CT residents living with Traumatic Brain Injuries at The Supported Living group located in Avon and Private Care with the state of CT. Along with being an artist, she is also a volunteer Firefighter for the Northfield Fire Department, where she earned her Fire 1 and EMS certifications.

Ash has focused her energies for the past decade on a subject matter that needs a voice in the art world - our military and first responders. Ash has work in all 50 states, and many of her works found their way into the hands of numerous veterans and community heroes. Her art work has also been display in CT state trooper barracks, and many different Fire Stations around the country.

Recently, Ash has painted murals for the Town of Winchester, the Lake Compounce, Clocktown Brewery, the Litchfield County Ax House and various local restaurants. Her murals have the most visual community exposure and interaction. With COVID keeping our communities separate and indoors only (until recently), Ash used art to safely engage the community. Ash also recently hosted a gallery showing of her own at the Connecticut Art Gallery, having her most successful show yet.

COVID was overwhelming and challenging for all, but Ash continued to create public works of art for local facilities throughout the pandemic.

Institute for American Indian Studies, Washington

Since 1975, the Institute for American Indian Studies has engaged the public through its mission. The Institute for American Indian Studies preserves and educates through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality and knowledge of Native American cultures. Through in house and virtual educational programs, ongoing anthropological research, and collaboration with the Native community, IAIS shares this knowledge to the public year around.

Since its inception, IAIS has surveyed or excavated over 500 sites, including the remarkable discovery of a 10,000-year-old camp site—the earliest known archaeological site in Connecticut. But archaeology is about so much more than excavating sites or collecting stone tools: it is about people. Through archaeology, IAIS is able to build new understandings of the world and history of Native Americans. This history echoes throughout all history and informs us in the present. With full awareness of the importance of keeping this knowledge alive, the focus of the Institute has always been stewardship and preservation.

IAIS took the pandemic and the safety of their guests very seriously. They developed strict cleaning and sanitizing procedures. They were able to quickly and safely reopen their Wigwam Escape room, and ensure every touchable surface was sanitized. The museum was a great example of an organization that was able to reopen swiftly and safely. They were a model for how businesses should address safety procedures, and strengthened their mission through increasing their social media and digital presence.

KidsPlay Children's Museum, Torrington

Since its founding in 2012, KidsPlay Children’s Museum has grown to 11,000 sq.ft of interactive, hands-on exhibits in downtown Torrington. It has become a community anchor, cultural gateway, and an integral part of a local childhood ecosystem that makes a positive difference in the lives of children and families throughout the Northwest Corner of CT and well beyond. The Museum has incorporated the brain-building and stress-reducing benefits of purposeful play by designing engaging exhibits and programs for children ages one through 10 (and their favorite adults).

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, KidsPlay continues to enrich children’s lives. To combat social isolation and disrupted education, KidsPlay developed interactive virtual programming and resources to support families while many were at home. As Connecticut lifted mandates, KidsPlay reopened its exhibit galleries to visitors using a variety of risk reduction strategies to balance mission, relevance, and public health.

Understanding the economic challenges facing families, KidsPlay expanded access programs to make the Museum more affordable and ensure all children could access the simple joys and benefits of play in its galleries. KidsPlay has welcomed back nearly 20,000 visitors in the last 15 months. The Museum’s commitment to being open for play brought a small sense of normalcy for families and contributed to the recovery of neighboring businesses.

KidsPlay is recognized by parents, educators, and social service coordinators as a safe and interactive space for play, social engagement, intervention work, and learning. KidsPlay’s next steps include adding a Family Learning Hub, a new gallery, and building new exhibits that will spark curiosity, innovation, and creativity. The Museum’s continued growth also reflects vital steps in downtown Torrington’s redevelopment as an active cultural, arts, economic, and educational center.

Mental Health CT Mending Art, Torrington & State-wide

Mending Art from Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) began in 2013 as a casual meetup of 3-4 interested program participants at MHC’s Independence Center (IC) in Waterbury, CT. Amy Smith, an artist, art advocate, and former gallery owner, founded Mending Art at MHC when she witnessed firsthand how art became a powerful force in healing and connecting with oneself and others.

Throughout the pandemic, Mending Art provided opportunities for individuals and the community to actively engage in the arts for wellbeing in multiple ways. Through statewide workshops in a Virtual Studio, at MHC programs, and at the Five Points Center for the Visual Arts, the Mending Art Artists were able to connect with others and create. Mending Art Artists worked on creating Mending Art Activity booklets with original drawings, poetry, and thought provoking questions for others to be inspired by and create from home. These Mending Art Activity books were shared with program participants throughout the state as well the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Waterbury. Mending Art Artists also participated in the Mending Art-Art Pal project with individuals in the community. They did this by sending postcard sized artwork through the mail in a visual conversation with their Art Pals.

Mending Art has reached hundreds of individuals throughout the state who receive services from MHC, including residential programs in: Torrington, Waterbury, West Hartford, Danbury, Bridgeport and Stamford. Through community partnerships, and with the addition of Jazz Borst, an artist and former studio manager, Mending Art reaches hundreds more in the community.

Michelle Begley, Education Programs Director at American Mural Project, Winsted

Michelle Fenton Begley believes that art and music are for everyone and have a place in our everyday lives. She is a versatile professional vocalist, voice teacher and teaching artist.

Michelle was a founding member of the duo, Starr & Shello, composing and performing original songs for children and families. She has created a variety of music and songwriting workshops that she delivers at regional libraries and museums and is currently Education Programs Director at the American Mural Project (AMP), developing and leading programs about the “art of work.”

During the pandemic, Michelle pivoted AMP’s virtual arts prgrams for kids, brought in new families, new art forms, and new teaching artists. She adapted AMP’s curriculum to focus on virtual programs during the school year, and reworked summer programs to focus on older participants. Michelle developed virtual arts programming, which resulted in kids who were engaged and thrilled to have an opportunity to creatively express themselves.

Village Center for the Arts, New Milford

Village Center for the Arts (VCA)’s mission is to provide a nurturing environment for artistic creativity and development through educational fine art programs and events for all ages.

VCA has been providing a place for creativity for all members of the community for over 21 years. They offer classes, workshops, art shows, gallery openings and special events. Through the instruction of their experienced staff, students have produced incredible paintings, drawings, pottery, and sculptures.

In the initial stages of the COVID shutdown, VCA provided over 1,000 Creativity Care Packages for free to the community, promoting creativity to everyone while they could not open. VCA assisted mask makers by providing materials for them to use to make hundreds of masks for various community first responders, and donated thousands of masks, gloves, shoe covers and face shields to our local hospital.

As part of its continued growth, VCA has added 3D printers as a component of existing programming. Adding this technology allows for customization of pottery students’ pieces through custom imprints and textures, as well as expanding the Cartooning and Video Game students’ character designs by printing badges, stamps and buttons of their creations.

VCA has also expanded their pottery studio to include a variety of clay bodies, high fire glazes, and multiple firing processes. This is in response to the popularity of the ceramic art, and at the request of several potters.

Finally, VCA has continued their Unexpected Artist program throughout the pandemic. This program allows students to come and complete any art-related homework projects for free. VCA has assisted with over 3000 projects in the last ten years.

The Litchfield Hills Creative Awards will take place at the Warner Theatre in Torrington, CT on Saturday, November 13, 6 - 8:30 pm.

The Litchfield Hills Creative Awards are a celebration of the creative leaders, organizations, businesses and programs that help our region's arts community to thrive. The NWCT Arts Council hosts this awards ceremony to recognize those who positively impact the community and enhance the collective wellbeing through arts and other creative means.

For more information about the Litchfield Hills Creative Awards and to get tickets, visit creativeawards.eventbrite.com

The 2021 Litchfield Hills Creative Awards are sponsored by:

Aquarion Water Company
Northwest Community Bank
Thomaston Savings Bank
Torrington Savings Bank
Warren Town Center
O&G Industries, Inc.
HealthMarkets Insurance - Mel Brickman
MOMIX
Simpson & Vail
Torrington Downtown Partners

Chorus Angelicus: Still Singing after Thirty Years

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 14:23:58 GMT

Chorus Angelicus: Still Singing after Thirty Years

“The kids spend three hours a week in rehearsals,” says Bethany Lee, Program Director of Joyful Noise, about Chorus Angelicus, the nonprofit’s children’s choir. “It’s a big commitment.”

Commitment, it turns out, is part of the point.

Chorus Angelicus was founded in 1991 and joined a year later in 1992 by Gaudeamus, an adult chamber choir that is also part of Joyful Noise. The organization is the brainchild of Paul Halley, award-winning composer and keyboardist, who, according to Lee, drew inspiration for the project from the structure of traditional English children’s choirs.

“Halley modeled this choir on ones where the boys would start at a young age and work their way up to the adult choir,” she says. “He started the organization for his own kids to grow up with.” Thirty years later, Chorus Angelicus is still going strong, with many of its choristers still starting in early childhood and staying with the program into their teens.

Lee herself, like founder Paul Halley, is also committed to Joyful Noise both as a devoted staff member and as a devoted parent: her own daughter, now thirteen, began singing with Chorus Angelicus at five years old.

“I could see the difference that it made for her in other subjects,” Lee says. According to her, learning to read music helped to develop her daughter’s math skills, while the structure of Chorus Angelicus helped her in other ways. “It’s a big responsibility and commitment for children, but it teaches them a lot - to be places on time, to have their music, to be presentable. These are valuable skills for them.”

Other staff at Chorus Angelicus have similarly deep links to childhood music education. Dr. Gabriel Löfvall, the Artistic Director, was a member of the Boy’s Choir at the National University of Cuyo as a child, and Andrew Skinner, the Junior Choir Director and Director of Technology, is currently the choral director at Torrington Middle School.

From this well of experience and dedication comes the choir’s careful approach to developing the childrens’ talent. Writer Karen L. Bruno has noted that it is possible for choirs to train technically proficient singers without necessarily giving outlet to their choristers’ own creativity. She argues that choral programs that choose high-quality, challenging music and encourage children to share their own interpretations and understandings of pieces “empower singers to bring their full, human selves to rehearsal, thereby building a stronger community of singers.” [1]
The staff at Chorus Angelicus seem to embrace this philosophy, going to great lengths to both expose their children to the best of what the music world has to offer and ensure that those same children are comfortable offering up their own thoughts and ideas.

“Chorus Angelicus produces concerts at which the young singers share stage with professional musicians, both singers and instrumentalists,” says Dr. Löfvall. “They spend numerous hours of rehearsal and performance time, during which the choristers interact with their older cohort, establishing an atmosphere of learning, cooperation, community building, and deep artistic collaboration.”

In part due to the prestige of the program’s founder, Chorus Angelicus is fortunate to be able to draw on an international network of composers and musicians. Although international travel has been impossible during the pandemic, staff plan to reintroduce this element of the program with a tour to Ireland in 2023.

“Our approach to music education is shaped by these realities,” Dr. Löfvall continues. “The artistic staff at Chorus Angelicus is aware of the fact that personal creative development is critical to the formation of a truly all-encompassing musician/artist, and we make an efforts to acknowledge the individuality of each one of our choristers and to advance it by connecting them to the right colleagues in our fields (voice teachers, composers, instrumentalists, and the like.) The power of collaboration and teamwork is irrefutable and we foster it methodically at Chorus Angelicus.”

On a more personal level, staff go above and beyond to make sure that the environment at Chorus Angelicus is one where children feel comfortable and confident being themselves. Karen Sovak, the retired Angels in Training Program Director, remembers how the Training Choir helped children to overcome shyness and anxiety. “The curriculum for this age group includes a time for snacks and conversation and ends with musical games,” she says. “The children go out the door excited, happy and anxious to share with their families. One reserved child exclaimed after their first performance, ‘That was fun! I want to do it all over again!’ Overcoming fear and enjoying social interactions is huge!”

Despite these efforts, the pandemic has not been an easy time for Chorus Angelicus. With choir-related COVID-19 outbreaks like the superspreader event at the Skagit Valley Chorale becoming national news in March 2020 [2] and controversy lingering within the public health community on the transmission of COVID-19 by aerosols versus respiratory droplets and the appropriate corresponding safety measures [3], safe, in-person choir practice became basically impossible.
“Last season, we did everything online: Zoom rehearsals, virtual concerts, virtual recitals. They were hugely successful,” says Lee, with a laugh, “but no one wanted to do them again. We’re actually at our lowest ever enrollment numbers right now.”

Nevertheless, Lee emphasizes that staff members found ways to turn the pandemic into an educational experience for the children, especially Andrew Skinner, who started work with Chorus Angelicus just before the beginning of the pandemic. His work as Director of Technology was essential to operations during lockdown. “My daughter learned computer skills that she otherwise wouldn’t have been exposed to,” Lee says, explaining that Skinner helped to teach the children to make virtual choir videos by recording themselves individually and then editing them together. “It’s a big deal to learn these things.”

Now more than ever, as pandemic lockdown restrictions lift, staff at Joyful Noise are working hard to make it possible for students to sing together again as they resume in-person rehearsals and shows.

The staff is also working to try and make the choir more accessible to residents of the Litchfield Hills. “The head of our board and I have been working together to make Chorus Angelicus more of a presence in Torrington,” says Lee, “and we’d like more Torrington kids to be joining the choir.” Although confusion over social distancing requirements has made outreach to area schools somewhat difficult, Lee is hopeful that they will start to see enrollment numbers start to rise again in the future.

Lee is also proud to have recently overseen the restructuring of the choir’s financial aid program in order to make it more accessible and easier to navigate. “The process of applying for financial aid was so painful and awful,” she says, “so I revamped it. Now it’s a sliding-scale based process, and it’s super easy to apply.

“I don’t want anyone to ever feel uncomfortable asking for help. I know it’s hard because I’ve been there myself,” she continued, “but we don’t turn anyone away.”

In the past, Chorus Angelicus has been able to perform at venues around the world and to premiere a variety of choral pieces for live audiences. During the pandemic, these parts of their operations have become largely impossible, and they have also had to cut back on their upcoming season, cancelling a Thanksgiving show. Nevertheless, Lee and other staff members are still committed to the mission of Chorus Angelicus. “The goal is for these kids to be passionate about music,” Lee says. “Music is something that brings everyone together. It heals people, and it can be very powerful. We really strive to produce a high-caliber experience for the kids.”

In-person practices resumed in mid-September, and the choir is looking forward to kicking off its 2021 season with a performance of Gabriel Fauré's Requiem at 4:00 PM on Saturday, October 30 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Torrington.

To learn more about upcoming Chorus Angelicus events, view their calendar at https://www.chorusangelicus.com/calendar-of-events .

Sources

[1] “Creativity and Artistry in the Children’s Choir Rehearsal” by Karen L. Bruno. The Choral Journal, March 2016, pp. 34-42. https://www.jstor.org/stable/24643170

[2] “A choir decided to go ahead with rehearsal. Now dozens of members have COVID and two are dead” by Richard Reed. Los Angeles Times , March 29, 2020. https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-03-29/coronavirus-choir-outbreak

[3] “Droplets vs. Aerosols: What’s more important in COVID-19 spread?” by Amanda D’Ambrosio. Medpage Today , May 13, 2021. https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/exclusives/92564

Enhancing the Experience: How the Bantam Cinema and Arts Center wants to change how we go to the movies

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 17:43:21 GMT

The movie and the movie theater are indisputable American cultural icons. A variety of words and images come automatically to mind whenever they are discussed: “romance,” “the silver screen,” “action and adventure,” “Hollywood.”

“Community” isn’t necessarily on that list for most people. Nevertheless, community is exactly what Robert Kwalick, the newly-minted executive director of the newly-minted nonprofit Bantam Cinema and Arts Center, has in mind to keep this long-standing local theater running.

The Bantam Cinema was founded in 1929 as the Rivoli Theater and operated under several different names until 2020, when pandemic restrictions made it impossible for its owners to continue to maintain the business.

Rather than see the community landmark close, a group of local movie enthusiasts came together and raised the money to purchase the theater so that they could continue to operate it as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To mark both the change in ownership and to signal a new mission for the organization, the new heads of the theater changed the name from the “Bantam Cinema” to the “Bantam Cinema and Arts Center” and began making preparations to reopen. Among the first moves they made was hiring Kwalick as executive director of the new project.

"These people love movies and didn't want to see the place close, so they got together and raised the money. They saved the place,” says Kwalick.

The cinema’s second chance sprung out of the open hearts of members of the Bantam community. In turn, Kwalick hopes to develop the new nonprofit into an organization with community at its own heart.

For Kwalick, seeing a film in a theater is a unique experience, and not necessarily a solitary one. “There’s power in being in a group of people, gasping and reacting, or sharing excitement at the concession stand,” he says. “Streaming is a competitor in a sense, but it’s not the same. Leveraging the desire of people to connect again is part of how we’re meeting the challenge of running an independent theater post-COVID.”

Even before the pandemic, many independent movie theaters across the United States were struggling to keep their doors open. According to a 2019 article published in Variety , three major companies - AMC, Regal, and Cinemark - control around half of the 41,000 operational movie screens in the country [1]. Competition from larger chains puts significant pressure on independent theaters, whose smaller networks and more limited access to capital sometimes constricts their ability to make repairs and improvements to their facilities.

Independent theaters also have to contend with competition from streaming services which allow consumers to access films conveniently and usually inexpensively from the comfort of their homes. Social distancing measures during the pandemic have brought the popularity of streaming to new heights.

“To get people out of the house, movie-going has to become more than sitting alone in the dark with your popcorn and your date,” Kwalick says. “How do you enhance the experience?”

Many brick-and-mortar theaters have introduced new features and programs to encourage movie-lovers to become movie-goers. This may mean installing newer and more comfortable seating and offering higher-end concessions, or offering alternative programming like film discussion groups.

“All independent cinemas are having to rethink what it means to go to the movies,” says Kwalick.

Kwalick and the board of directors for the Bantam Cinema and Arts Center have a variety of plans for the future of the nonprofit in mind. Many of them have to do with making the theater a space for connection with other people as well as artistic enjoyment. As part of recent renovations, the group has already introduced configurable seats in front of one of the cinema’s two screens. This change will allow the theater to live up to the “arts center” part of its name by introducing alternate programming to the movie screenings that have been the building’s traditional bread and butter.

According to Kwalick, there is a need for a local performing arts venue outside of Torrington and Thomaston. He suggested that live performances, arts classes, and discussion groups may be coming to the Bantam Cinema and Arts Center in the near future.

He also discussed the need for more programming that appeals to younger audiences, as a survey put out by the new nonprofit revealed that most of the films typically shown at the Bantam Cinema appealed primarily to the 65-years-and-older age bracket. Kwalick, who himself had years of experience in arts education before pursuing a master’s degree in arts administration, is especially energized about the possibility of making the cinema more family-friendly. “We’re hoping to foster a love of the arts in the next generation,” he says.

Currently, the Bantam Cinema and Arts Center facility is still being worked on and inspected for safety prior to being reopened to the public. They hope to open their doors sometime this fall and are eager to get people back in the building and back to enjoying and discussing film together.

“We live in an increasingly isolating and isolated society,” Kwalick says. “Anything that builds community now is critical. My hope is that a place like this will bring people together, not only as an outlet for their own creative expression, but also as a place to experience something and grapple with it together.”

Sources:

[1] https://variety.com/2019/film/features/small-theaters-exhibitors-movie-business-1203170700/

To learn more about the Bantam Cinema and Arts Center’s reopening schedule, view their calendar here: https://www.bantamcinema.org/coming-soon

October 2021 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 19:13:01 GMT

This October, find all the festive and spooky local events in our October Calendar!

Red Room Sound Studio

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 20:57:51 GMT

Red Room Sound Studio: A private recording oasis for some of the biggest names in the music industry.

In spite of everything - a star-studded roster of artists, two world-class experts at the helm, and even a street-level sign on Water Street - Red Room Sound Studio in Torrington remains something of a mystery to many. Surprisingly, that’s how owners Lucinda Rowe-Connolly and Mick Connolly like it.

“Nobody really knows what’s happening up here,” says Lucinda. “That’s an allure for some musicians. Some of them like to just disappear and know that they’re not on display when they’re recording.”

According to Mick, this privacy was a large part of the appeal of moving into their new space. Previously, the two had hosted a studio in the lower level of their Litchfield home, but it was difficult to give musicians the privacy they desired in a residential neighborhood, complete with nosy neighbors whose curiosity about big-name acts could cause major interruptions to their recording sessions.

Upon entering Red Room’s new location, it’s easy to see why the couple chose it after more than a decade of searching for a more permanent home for their studio. A small, easily-missed alcove at street level reveals a broad set of stairs leading up to the second floor, where Lucinda and Mick have created something truly unique.

The couple’s previous basement studio space had only eight-foot ceilings. “When we saw this,” Mick said, gesturing to the large, high-ceilinged space of the Red Room Recording Studio, “and the tin ceilings, that’s what really sold us on it. It just sounds so great in here.”

Built in 1912, the building was once a hall for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization whose past popularity in Torrington shows in the presence of their three-ring symbol, both on the Water Street building that once housed them and on numerous older graves in local cemeteries. More recently, the building was a performance hall for the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, but had not been occupied for twelve years before Red Room signed a lease for the space in January 2020, mere months before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The studio’s planned grand opening was set for the weekend of March 14, 2020, the very moment when much of the country went into lockdown. Prior to that, Mick and Lucinda had been working sixteen and seventeen hour days preparing the studio: painting, wiring, decorating, and moving equipment.

The result of their work is amazing: a truly all-analog, all-tape recording studio in the heart of downtown Torrington, complete with lush, seventies-style furnishings and red-painted walls that give the impression of having entered a world very different from the bustling street below.

Unfortunately, after only one jam session with their band to test out their new home, Red Room Sound Studio, along with the rest of the country, had to figure out how to navigate a truly new world.

“We couldn’t do anything for months,” Lucinda says. Red Room was set up for both live shows and private recording sessions, with a ticketing area leading into the main studio and merchandise for sale. The pandemic entirely cut off the possibility of the live events which Lucinda and Mick had planned, and with many people staying home in order to slow the spread of the virus, it did away with much of their recording business as well.

The couple’s next actions speak to their resilience and resourcefulness. Towards the summer, they began to use the ample space available in the studio to host socially-distanced recording events, including livestreams, which gave artists whose livelihood had been disrupted by the pandemic a way to continue to engage their fans.

They also began a partnership program with the Warner Theatre called “The Other Side of the Tracks.” In it, they feature up-and-coming artists, giving them the opportunity to tour the studio, talk to Lucinda and Mick, and record three songs in the studio which are then uploaded to YouTube.

Working with younger artists in the old-school, analog studio is an especially meaningful activity for Lucinda, who explains, "This is how the Beatles did it, this is how the Rolling Stones did it, this is how Led Zeppelin did it. A lot of younger artists come up here and say how they've never heard anything on tape before - but I ask them their favorite artists, and they absolutely have."

Red Room Sound Studio was also instrumental in the success of the main stage at the 2021 Litchfield Hills Creative Festival, which was another partnership with the Warner Theatre. “It was a huge undertaking,” says Lucinda, “but that kind of festival is what I do. I said, ‘Bring it on.’” Thanks to Mick’s work as a producer and the sound company brought in by Red Room, the event ran smoothly. All the bands playing, with the exception of Corey Glover, the headliner, were Connecticut-based.

As time goes on and the community and the country continue to adapt to life with COVID-19, Lucinda and Mick keep making plans on how to grow both their business and the Torrington arts scene. They will be partnering with the Warner again for a community concert series, and also intend to host a series of their own called “In Studio with the Stars,” featuring intimate evenings with big-name musicians. The couple is also always on the lookout for ways to partner with local non-profits and hope to begin hosting benefit concerts to help with donation pushes in the near future.

Although circumstances have made for a difficult start, with Lucinda and Mick behind the wheel, Red Room Sound Studio cannot expect to stay in the shadows for long.

Keeping it Relevant at Wright's Barn

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 19:19:58 GMT

A dairy barn, a dance club, a flea market - how Wright's Barn has

evolved with changing times.

“Many people in town never come here,” says Jim Wright of his family’s flea market, Wright’s Barn, and he’s right. In spite of the barn’s long history and the praise it has received from sites like Flea Market Insider and Only in Your State, many people in Torrington don’t even know it’s there.

For those locals who have discovered this hidden gem, though, it is a fine example of a business dedicated to both preserving a historical site and keeping it relevant to the changing interests of the area’s population.

The barn, located outside of town near the Five Points campus, was a dairy barn until the late fifties, when Wright says dropping milk prices forced his father to sell out.

For the next few years, Wright’s father pursued other professions, including real estate, but found them less than satisfying. His relationship to his own teenaged children - Jim Wright’s older siblings - led him to renovate the barn so that it could be a suitable hangout spot for them and their high school friends.

It was only when a local band began using the space for practice that Wright’s Barn got its start as a live music and dance venue, offering live performances every Friday during the year and every Tuesday and Friday during the summer.

Unfortunately, Wright’s Barn’s time as a dance club was short. In 1972, when the legal drinking age in Connecticut was lowered to eighteen, the barn found itself competing with other, more established bars for the patronage of the older teens that had been the club’s lifeblood. After failing to secure a liquor license, the club was eventually forced to shut down and the barn was empty once more.

Wright’s father briefly rented the space to a sporting goods store, but it wasn’t until he began using the first floor of the barn to host a flea market that it saw true success again. Over time, the second floor of the barn was also converted into additional space for the flea market, and a small cafe area was added.

Starting the flea market was a way for the older generation of Wrights to stay physically and mentally active, notes Jim Wright’s wife, Carol Wright. “It kept the barn alive,” she says. Since their own retirement, Jim and Carol Wright have also been active in maintaining and improving the barn, expanding the cafe space and hosting events. Their goal in doing so stretches well beyond just running a business or keeping themselves entertained; instead, it has to do with helping people in the area to connect meaningfully to the past and to each other.

The anthropologist Gretchen M. Herrmann has noted that secondary markets such as garage sales and flea markets often facilitate not only the exchange of physical goods, but also encourage the transmission of cultural and historical knowledge. The Wrights fully embrace this and encourage both patrons and vendors to do so as well. Many vendors are collectors, amateur historians, and craftspeople who have unique insight into the items they sell and enjoy sharing that information. “There’s an exchange of information there,” says Jim. “As much as possible we try to encourage vendors to be present during business hours to make room for that kind of interaction.”

Wright’s Barn also actively engages its own history as a dairy barn and a dance club. In 2017, the barn partnered with the Warner Theatre to host Apricot Brandy, a band that got their start playing at the barn.

According to Carol Wright, many frequent visitors to the barn are older people and collectors whose interest stems from nostalgia, but she notes that some visitors are younger folks, whose involvement in “thrifting” subcultures or environmental concerns bring them to the market. “It’s rewarding to see younger people getting excited about this,” says Jim about the need to accommodate the interest of different age demographics.

“Above all, we’re community-oriented,” says Carol, and it’s impossible to doubt that. The adaptability and resourcefulness of the Wrights in the use of their barn has been a space for locals to learn, grow, and connect for generations now, and with any luck, their hard work will keep it that way.

September 2021 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 16:08:20 GMT

As fall approaches, check out some of the fun, creative things to do in the area in our September calendar!

Litchfield Hills Creative Festival 2021

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 16:29:37 GMT

Downtown Torrington, CT was full of vibrant energy on Saturday, August 14 for the first annual Litchfield Hills Creative Festival!

The Warner Theatre Stage Co. performing "The Stinky Cheese Man."

The First Annual Litchfield Hills Creative Festival was a huge success, thanks to all of the participating artists, venues, organizations, and sponsors! Even though the day started with rain, the skies cleared up just in time for the start of the Creative Festival on Saturday, 8/14. Downtown Torrington was filled with positive energy from visitors and participants all day long.

From left: Ryan DuBois at his booth; Rock Yer Block & Oddball Newt Productions; Mark Rich in his studio.

Rock Yer Block kicked off the busking aspect of the event with a bagpipe performance and march down Main Street, while artist vendors opened their booths for the Franklin Plaza Art Fair. Various artists in the downtown area also opened their studios for visitors to explore.

Franklin Plaza Art Fair

There were over 110+ artists involved in the production and coordination of the Creative Festival including all of the vendors, open studio artists, performers, musicians, and cultural leaders.

From left: Five Points Gallery activity participants; Five Points Gallery activity closeup; Author Aerin Bergheart at Torrington Library; Authors Patty Martin and Jack Sheedy at Torrington Library.

Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory

During the day, Five Points Gallery provided a mini printmaking activity on the sidewalk for passersby. Across the street, families and children made discoveries at KidsPlay Children's Museum. The Torrington Library hosted a book sale, local author talks/book signings, and free craft giveaways in the early afternoon. The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory was open for tours, rehearsal observations, and offered free ballet and movement appreciation classes for both children and adults.

Corey Glover of Living Colour & Friends performing at Coe Memorial Park.

Meanwhile at Coe Memorial Park, Matica Circus and Thrive Movement Studio students performed on stilts and an aerial rig. The Main Stage included live performances by Donovan Darnell, Mike Cobb, Brian Mattiello, The Right Offs, The Red Hots, Joey Wit and the Definition, and headliner Corey Glover of Living Colour & Friends.

From left: Thrive Movement Studio aerial performance; Audience at Coe Park; Corey Glover

The celebration ended with an astonishing performance by Corey Glover and his immensely talented band mates. They performed many dance-able groove-rock originals and a cover of The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun" just as the sun set behind the stage. Then of course, the set ended with the classic "Cult of Personality" by Living Colour. Nearly everyone was on their feet, singing along with a smile.

____

Visit us on Facebook to see more pictures from the Litchfield Hills Creative Festival.

More articles about the Litchfield Hills Creative Festival:

Winsted Phoenix - Residents all dare to be different at first ever arts festival (PHOTOS AND VIDEOS)

Mental Health CT - Mending Art Joined Litchfield Hills Creative Festival

____

Special thanks to the following organizations for sponsoring the first annual Litchfield Hills Creative Festival:

Torrington Savings Bank

The Matthews Group

Torrington Downtown Partners

Media Sponsors:

Republican-American
WSHU Radio Station

Main Stage Sponsors:

Warner Theatre

Red Room Sound Studio

Flying Key Entertainment LLC

Cook Funeral Homes

AKC Fund

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Building Healthier Communities Fund

Sound provided by Orangetruck Audio and sponsored by:

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital

Eyes on Litchfield -Tommasina Pasqua Sideris

Litchfield Dental Associates - Dr. Steven Sideris

McCall Center for Behavioral Health

Flying Key Entertainment, LLC

Red Room Sound Studio

August 2021 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 16:29:06 GMT

Exciting new events are coming to the region this August, including the first annual Litchfield Hills Creative Festival! Check out all the happenings in our August Calendar!

“Constantly Evolving”: How the Torrington Library Serves a Changing Community

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 15:48:50 GMT

Unless they were gifted with unusual foresight, the people who first came together to create a library in Torrington, Connecticut probably did not envision where their project would be today.

More than a century and a half since its founding, the Torrington Library is now located at 12 Daycoeton Place. It offers a wide variety of services to local residents, with both physical and virtual circulating collections, a wealth of historical documents, and programming for both children and adults. In recent years, the library has seen extensive change, from its 2016 renovation to more recent adaptations made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

When the library was first founded in 1864, none of these resources, including the library building itself, existed. Nevertheless, the community came together in support of a local library. Many decisions made then continue to impact how the library operates today.

The Torrington Library’s origins are similar to those of many New England public libraries. Although some public libraries were founded by town or municipal governments, most grew out of previously existing institutions, such as school district libraries and association libraries. School district libraries primarily served students, but were also open to the general public. In some places they had the ability to use tax funds to support their services; this would eventually serve as the model for most municipally-funded public libraries. [1]

Association libraries, by contrast, were founded and run by volunteer associations, often made up of a town’s leading citizens, and were usually funded by membership fees. The Torrington Library, originally named the Wolcottville Library, fits neatly into this category. It was funded by a yearly $2 membership fee and founded by a group with names that still adorn street signs, buildings, and grave markers throughout Torrington: Wetmore, Brooker, Calhoun, and others.

Despite the support of this influential group, the library still took several decades to become well-established. The small collection was moved several times before Elisha Turner’s donation of land and funds allowed for the construction of the building at 12 Daycoeton Place in 1901. Lauren Wetmore, another of the founders, left a significant gift to the library in his will, with the stipulation that the library could only utilize interest from the money and not the principal. This gift formed the endowment which still funds the library today. Unlike most modern public libraries, the Torrington Library is still a privately-funded corporation which receives a stipend from the city government, rather than being run directly by the government itself.

National-level changes have also played a role in the history of the Torrington Library, as expectations of public libraries have shifted significantly since the library was founded. The early direction of the public library movement was primarily decided by its wealthy and powerful supporters. Some hoped to use the library as a tool to shape public consciousness and ensure that working-class library users read “suitable” material [2].

By the middle of the twentieth century, when President Eisenhower signed the Library Services Act, the funding of libraries was also bound up in concerns about the United States’ ability to compete against the USSR in terms of science, technology, and engineering education [3]. Today, libraries are still expected to partner with educational institutions. In Torrington, library director Jessica Gueniat says, this has led the library to devote significant resources towards early literacy programs to supplement those available through the local public school system.

This history continues to inform the role that the Torrington Library plays in the community today. While the library’s status as a private institution gives it a level of independence, it can also be something of a constraint. The Torrington Library receives less funding than the libraries of some other towns, according to their 2020 annual report.The library has approximately $25 to spend on library materials per resident, whereas many other towns may have upwards of $90 available for the same purpose. The building itself, built atop an old carriage house, only occupies a fairly small footprint downtown, even after being expanded several times since it was built in 1901.

Libraries today are also expected to act as cultural and community hubs, helping to connect people to social services and supporting patrons’ interest in local art and local history. While only libraries with specialized preservation resources can maintain rare book collections, Gueniat notes that the Torrington Library and other local libraries keep “local history books, which are oftentimes very old - your first edition or sometimes your only editions that are very specific to your town.” Through a grant received by the library several years ago, they were also able to create high-resolution scans and reproductions of their collection of historical documents. This program allows library users easier access to these unique historical resources.

Although the library does act as a center for arts and entertainment, there are limits to what it can do. Live performances and shows can be difficult to put on in a small space, and the library lacks the physical security to feature art shows, which libraries in some neighboring towns do.

However, according to Gueniat, these limitations have encouraged the library to form partnerships with other organizations in town. The library frequently makes efforts to help local businesses advertise and increase exposure. They also plan youth field trips to the Warner Theater and other local arts institutions to help foster appreciation for the arts in a younger audience. This summer, they are offering a series of outdoor concerts on their lawn and look forward to the return of their “Taste of Torrington” fundraiser, during which the library sells books of coupons to local restaurants. Gueniat hopes this program will help to bring people back to local restaurants now that pandemic restrictions have been lifted.

“Libraries have always been places where everyone is welcome,” says Gueniat. This is one of the fundamental strengths of public libraries, but it can also be a difficult ideal to live up to, as libraries must be constantly adapting to the changing needs of a changing society. In spite of many challenges, the Torrington Library today uses the groundwork laid by its past to continue to grow in how it serves the Torrington community.

Tickets for the library’s “Taste of Torrington” fundraiser go on sale on August 1, 2021. More information on the program can be found here: http://www.torringtonlibrary.org/taste-of-torrington.html

Calendar and registration for the library’s Outdoor Summer Concert Series can be found here: http://www.torringtonlibrary.org/events1/outdoor-summer-concert-series

Sources and Further Reading

[1] “The Development of Public Libraries in the United States, 1870 - 1930: A Quantitative Assessment” by Michael Kevane and William A. Sundstrom https://www.jstor.org/stable/43737483

[2] “The Public Library Movement, the Digital Library Movement, and the Large-Scale Digitization Initiative: Assumptions, Intentions, and the Role of the Public” by Elisabeth Jones https://www.jstor.org/stable/44667555

[3] “Public Library Rebirth” by Virginia H. Matthews https://www.jstor.org/stable/27770989

Header image from Kiwihug on Unsplash.com.

July 2021 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 17:07:49 GMT

Lots to do this July! See it all in our July calendar of events, workshops and more across our region.

Make Music NWCT 2021

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 18:16:47 GMT

Music filled the air all over Northwest CT on the summer solstice, June 21, 2021. Here are some highlights from this year's Make Music NWCT!

Many from all over CT and beyond visited the Litchfield Hills for Make Music Day, June 21st. Some came from as far as New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island! There were over 25 individual performances to see throughout the region. Participating venues included Charym Yoga Studio, Community Health & Wellness, The Covered Wagon Country Store, Kent Land Trust, Kent Green Gazebo, Red Room Sound Studio, Rock Yer Block Busk Stop, Franklin Plaza, Sunset Meadow Vineyard, The Outlet for the Arts, New Hartford Pavilion, the Warner Theatre Marquee, and Warren Town Center.

Images: The Ukulele Ladies and New Hartford Pavilion audience shot by Maddie Stenson

The New Hartford Pavilion started the day off with the Ukulele Ladies, then ended with Simply Guitar Studio in the evening. Community Health & Wellness in Torrington hosted performances from Andrew DeNicola and Jeremy Driscoll. The Carol & Nick Duo kicked off the morning in Kent at the Covered Wagon Country Store.

Images: Andrew DeNicola - left shot by Maddie Stenson; right shot by Steph Burr

The Rock Yer Block Busk Stop featured jazz music on the street by Andrew DeNicola and band mates, then Adelaide Punkin in the evening. The Warren Town Center hosted a lunch hour performance by the T.J. Thompson Trio - the first of three performances by the Trio that day.

Images: Red Room All Stars shot by Jamie J. Tilley ( @jamie_j_tilley_photography )

For the second year in a row, the Red Room All Stars took to the rooftop of Five Points Gallery in Downtown Torrington to perform classic rock covers.

Images: Ysanne and Mighty Tortuga shot by Maddie Stenson, Audience, Vera, Ian Matthew shot by Steph Burr, KNoWTe shot by Jamie J. Tilley ( @jamie_j_tilley_photography )

The Outlet for the Arts had an all-day lineup featuring Ysanne, KNoWTe, The T.J. Thompson Trio, Vera, Ian Matthew, and Mighty Tortuga.

Adelaide Punkin and Say Love performed at the recently-renovated Franklin Plaza.

Image: The Barn Door Band, Kent Land Trust

Images: Country Jam, Kent Green Gazebo audience, and madlnw shot by Steph Burr

Kent Land Trust hosted The Barn Door Band in the afternoon. Down the road at the Kent Green Gazebo, there was an eclectic lineup including Country Jam, madlnw, The Open Borders Trio, and The Joint Chiefs.

Images: Carol & Nick Duo shot by Steph Burr, T.J. Thompson Trio shot by Miyah Ashe

Meanwhile in Goshen, the Carol & Nick Duo and T.J. Thompson Trio performed at Sunset Meadow Vineyard.

Jeremy Driscoll played the "hang" under the Warner Theatre's marquee, and was one of the final performances to end the night.

Thank you to everyone who participated and collaborated to make this event a big success!

Juneteenth Mural Unveiling

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 16:24:16 GMT

Torrington Organizations Collaborate to Celebrate Juneteenth

On Saturday, June 19th 2021, multiple Torrington nonprofit organizations collaborated to celebrate Juneteenth with an unveiling ceremony for the Torrington Civil Rights Mural.

The mural, entitled "A New Dawn", was completed by artist Ben Keller a few days before the event. This mural was part of a larger project called the MLK39: Racial Equity Mural Tour by RiseUP for the Arts . The goal of the project is to install 39 murals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. around the state of CT, one to celebrate each year of his life.

Jacque Williams of Culture 4 a Cause was the MC for the event. C4C's Dan Morrison also worked with Impact Arts to broadcast the event live along with the other 5 cities unveiling murals on the day.

Many organizations collaborated on the mural project including Our Culture is Beautiful, KidsPlay Children's Museum, the NWCT Arts Council, Torrington Downtown Partners, and Mental Health CT. During the event there were also speakers from different organizations supporting the project including the Torrington Historical Society, the Torrington Library Teen Advisory Board, Five Points Gallery, Shante Reynolds, and a closing prayer from Workman Memorial Ame Zion Church.

Ysanne Marshall of the NWCT Arts Council performs "Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke.

Dancers from the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory perform a choreographed dance to "Meditation" by Florence Price.

Angaza Mwando of Our Culture is Beautiful leads a community African drum circle.

Shante Reynolds, who was appointed "Mayor for the Day" by the Torrington Cultural Affairs Commission.

A crowd of over 200 people gather for the event.

PULSE: Dream Building Workshop

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 17:44:45 GMT

PULSE: Dream Building Workshop

What is PULSE? PULSE Conversations is an interactive monthly conversation & workshop series designed for young creatives to explore ways to shape and influence their local arts communities while centering BIPOC voices. It's a space to connect, share experiences, learn and develop a network.

The PULSE facilitators, Nita Sunday and Eryka Oritz, had me wanting more discussion and community after participating in the PULSE: Dream Workshop, May 20th. Sunday used an online platform that allowed attendees to type in an answer that would pop up on the screen. Kickin’ off the workshop with the chicken wing debate was the best icebreaker; drums or flats? My answer, “Just give me the meat.”

The PULSE event was more interactive than I had anticipated. It felt like we were almost in the same room together, the camaraderie was beautiful. The workshop proposed a few questions: “What would you be creating if there were no limitations? Who would you be? What do you think would be different about your art?”

After reflecting and discussing these questions internally, the next step was to build a dream community, again with NO LIMITATIONS. As we exchanged thoughts and ideas of our dream communities, they did not seem too far fetched - just needed to be fleshed out. Like anything else that we are passionate about, it takes time and work. But it also takes a COMMUNITY. We are here as artists to share stories, uplift, and support each other.

I am certainly looking forward to the next PULSE event. Follow Nita Sunday on Instagram @culturedaf.life.

June Calendar 2021

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 11:00:02 GMT

June is here! Take a look at our June calendar for fun, creative events & workshops!

Mental Health CT Artists Inspired by MLK Mural

Wed, 26 May 2021 11:59:38 GMT

Mental Health CT Artists Inspired by MLK Mural

photos by Shawn Matel and Amy Smith

Amy Smith, Mending Art Coordinator from Mental Health CT, had shared the news about the MLK mural being installed in downtown Torrington to some artist she works with. The artists’ works were displayed at the Franklin Plaza Farmer’s Market alongside Our Culture is Beautiful sharing their stories and keeping the beat of life on the drums.

See how the Torrington Mural installment, part of the MLK:39 Mural Tour , has inspired these emerging artists to create! Check out the artist that Amy Smith has been working with see how they expressed themselves through the arts with the conversation behind the mural.

As of today, we have raised $6,460, with 12 days left to donate! If you would like to support not just the mural but the inspiration and peace it brings to people to have a voice, click here to donate.

Mending Art Artist, Jose M.

After hearing about the Martin Luther King Mural project, I looked into MLK and listened to all his speeches and put them all together. I mixed the past with the present, trying to figure stuff out. Things are repeating themselves. Things are happening in our city but they can be happening anywhere. MLK mentioned the Lord in his speeches and so I added the cross because I think that is important to see. New Paragraph

Mending Art Artist, Doug N.

The Martin Luther King mural is imp ortant for everyone with color. Martin Luther King was not just for black people; he was for white people too. He got people together to meet other people, share ideas and join together. Help someone. For the people, with the people, by the people. My painting is someone who looks like me, it also looks like someone new. We all deserve a change.

Mending Art Artist, Joseph C.

What inspired my work? Thinking about Martin Luther King, Jr., I was reminded of the speech given by Tyler Perry at the Oscars. Although I admit to not watching it live, the spe ech he gave really resonated with me. I thought that it would go well with the mural that you are painting in Torrington. Also, I think that Dr. King's movement can appeal to everyone that is poor and somewhat downtrodden in our society. If people came together across racial and ethnic lines, then they could be a powerful force for change. Together, we could challenge the rich and powerful. Our voices would speak louder if we could get together and bring about the real change that would reshape society.

Mending Art Artist, Koreen S.

The Martin Luther King mural is important because everyone can feel inspired for freedom and liberty. Like Martin Luther King, anyone is capable of making a difference in the world. Make the world a better place.

Again, if you have been inspired you can donate NOW! EVERY DOLLAR donated will be matched! Here is the donation link .

The Basics of Instagram Marketing for Artists

Tue, 25 May 2021 17:30:04 GMT

The Basics of Marketing on Instagram

Instagram is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms, and in the past year the number of Instagram marketers grew by nearly 7 percent . The following article serves as a launching point to get you started on your Instagram marketing journey.

General Marketing Tips

Creating an Instagram Business Profile

Before you even begin marketing on Instagram, you should create a business profile. Having a business profile allows you to obtain the benefits of the business features on Instagram like advertisements and Instagram Insights.

In order to create an Instagram business profile, you will need an Instagram account and a FaceBook business page for your company. If you need help with or more information on setting up a business profile, click here .

Taking Advantage of the Instagram Algorithm

The world “algorithm” can sound daunting, but in order to get started marketing on Instagram, all you need to know is the basics. The main goal of the Instagram algorithm is to deliver each of its users relevant, entertaining, and engaging content. Therefore, when marketing on Instagram, focusing on creating quality content that benefits your audience is essential.

When posting on Instagram, avoid creating content just for the sake of creating content. Be thoughtful, be strategic, and consistently ask your audience what they want and how you can serve them. Creating content for your specific audience is essential to selling your product and your brand.

Producing and Posting Organic Content

Organic content, which is any unpaid/unsponsored content that you post to your page (such as photos, videos, or Instagram Stories) should be at the center of your Instagram marketing strategy. It is much easier to make sales if you are able to keep your audience interested and engaged organically. Instagram, like all social media sites, moves at a mile a minute and makes it extremely easy for users to brush past your content without a second thought. Therefore, the content you post should be interesting, unique and engaging. If done right, customers will stop and look at your content or share it without the need for advertising. For a great, in-depth article on the importance of organic content in media marketing, click here .

Maintaining Consistency

Both posting on your page consistently and staying consistent with your brand are crucial when marketing on Instagram. Posting at least several times a week is ideal. Not every post has to be your art, but should at least relate to your craft in some way and make sense with the context of your other posts.

In terms of branding, you should include the same colors/fonts/images/etc. on your Instagram that you use in other places (like your website and other social media platforms); this makes it easy for you to promote your business in a clear and recognizable way. It is a good idea to use your business logo for your profile photo, as this helps with brand recognition. Adding a link to your website or another external source encourages users to explore your brand.

Utilizing Instagram's Advertising Tools

A more traditional, direct way to make cold sales on Instagram is advertisements. There are several types of ads you can run for a small price. Here are the most common types of ads on Instagram:

Image and video ads show up in user’s feeds like organic posts do, and have buttons that encourage users to take actions, including “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” or “Contact Us.”
Story ads are the fastest growing advertisement method on Instagram. When users watch stories from their followers, story advertisements pop up in between. Story ads are full screen, allow you to make creative and appealing ads, and can be either a still image or video. Because these ads appear when users swipe through stories, making sure these ads are engaging and eye-catching is extremely important.
Shoppable posts allows users to purchase items without leaving the app. These posts allow businesses to tag products in their content; potential customers can click on the tagged item and are brought to the product page on the business’s website. Want more information? Click here.

Utilizing Hashtags

Hashtags can be extremely useful for your marketing strategy because they provide a clear signal to users that you are posting content that is relevant to what they are looking for. Many users actually search for content based on hashtags alone. You can search directly in the search bar in Instagram for what hashtags related to your content are trending or you can use third-party sites from the internet. Instagram allows you to use 30 hashtags per post.

Instagram Marketing Tips Specifically for Artists

Getting Personal with your Audience

Unlike other social media platforms, Instagram gives artists the freedom to choose how they advertise and sell. However, instead of only posting finished products, it is a good idea to use the platform to share the behind the scenes of your work; the aspects of finished pieces that people don’t get from visiting a gallery or looking at your website. If you want to stand out and engage your followers, you have to do more than simply sharing pictures of your work. What can you tell your audience about your work that they can’t infer from looking at it? Tell your audience the story behind your work, why you became an artist, or post a video or a series of photos highlighting the process of a particular piece.

A great way to share behind the scenes of your work in the moment is Instagram stories! Instagram stories can give you an opportunity to spotlight timely items or things that are not substantial enough for a regular post. Here are just a few ways you can use Instagram stories for marketing purposes:

Promote new content
Ask your followers for feedback in general or about a product
Show “behind the scenes” content
Host a giveaway or contest

Show the Person Behind the Art

Only sharing your artwork on instagram does not let your audience into your life, which is what social media users want. People want to know who made the work they absolutely love! Sharing pictures of you making art, you with your pieces, or even just you allows your audience to associate a person with the art on your page. This approach creates a relatable connection with followers that helps bolster popularity and gives artists the chance to interact directly with their followers

Encourage your Audience to Take Action Elsewhere

It is hard to turn Instagram into some money-making machine as an artist without having incredible connections, but that does not mean you can't use Instagram to guide interested people towards where you are selling your work. For example, instead of only linking directly to your website, try inviting followers to a gallery opening or other event where your art will be on display, directing them to your mailing list, etc.

Be Patient!

As with anything, practice makes perfect. If you try a strategy and does not work, try something new. If one type of post does not work, try another. If you do not understand something or need advice, look it up. Eventually you will figure out how to attract and engage followers, but persistence is important. Mistakes are learning opportunities, so make the most of them!

Final Thoughts

Just like any other marketing strategy, an Instagram marketing strategy is more likely to succeed if you have a clear and attainable goal, choose individual tactics that will gradually build towards your goal, and keep track of your progress and tweak when needed.

For a more in-depth, detailed description of Instagram Marketing for artists, click the button below.

Introduction to Photoshop Workshop

Tue, 18 May 2021 17:04:33 GMT

Introduction to Photoshop Worksh op

Thank you to everyone who joined our Intro to Photoshop workshop. If you missed it, you can watch it here to learn some new tips and tricks!

Ethan has also created a "Cheat Sheet" to share with you for some reminders of the basics.

How to Set up an Online Store with Etsy

Fri, 14 May 2021 16:34:56 GMT

How to Set Up an Online Store with Etsy!

Setting up an online store for the first time can be intimidating. Below is a step-by-step guide to creating and setting up an online store with Etsy!

Before You Start...

Before you start selling on Etsy, there are a few things you should know:

There are a few fees associated with selling on Etsy
Listing Fee - It costs $0.20 to post a listing on Etsy, and you must pay the fee regardless of whether you sell that particular listing. Listings expire after 4 months.
Auto-Renew Fee - If you choose to auto-renew your listings, Etsy will automatically charge the $0.20 listing fee.'
Transaction Fee - Whenever you make a sale on Etsy, you will be charged 5% transaction fee of the price you set for each listing and 5% shipping transaction fee.
Payment Processing Fee - The payment processing fee is 3% + $0.25

1. Sign into Etsy or Create an Etsy Account

Open Etsy in a new window in your browser. If you already have an Etsy account, sign in. If you do not have an Etsy account, click or tap "Sign In" and then select "Register."

2. Open a Shop

In order to create an Etsy shop, click or tap your profile icon in the upper right corner and then select "Sell on Etsy" towards the bottom of the dropdown menu.

On the next screen you are brought to, scroll down until you see the "Open Your Etsy Shop" button and select it.

3. Customize and Personalize

After you shop is open, customization and personalization are important! Choose your shop language, country, and currency, and then select "Save and Continue."
Choose your shop name and then select "Save and Continue." These are the parameters for shop names:
4-20 characters in length
No spaces or special characters
No profanity or foul language
The name you choose cannot already be in use by an existing Etsy user (if the name you enter is already in use, you will be prompted to enter a different name)
The name you choose cannot infringe on another's trademark

Now your shop is set up! Its time to move on to the most important part:

4. Listing Your Items

To list items in your shop, click the Shop Manager icon (it looks like a little farm stand) in the upper right corner. Then select "Your Shop" and finally "Add a Listing." There are several steps to creating a listing:

Add photos or videos of what you are selling
Choose the main display image for what you are selling
Add details about what you are selling
Describe what you are selling
Add the amount of the item you have and pricing
Set up delivery (how you want to ship what you are selling)
Publish or save your listing

After you have added a few listings, setting up your shop is complete ! Congratulations!

Have more questions? Need additional assistance? Check out the resources below:

NWCT Emerging Songwriter Scholarship

Tue, 11 May 2021 18:42:29 GMT

Applications Now Open

Applications are now open for the NWCT Emerging Songwriter Scholarship Program . Young adults aged 16-25 with a passion for creating music are invited to apply. Five applicants will be selected based on merit to participate in the program. The deadline for applications is June 11, 2021.

Awardees will be given the opportunity to participate in creative writing workshops, access licensing to beats by local producers, and to record their own song in a professional setting. The workshops will cover topics such as techniques for songwriting, resources available for marketing and distribution, and guidance from an entertainment lawyer.

Scholarship recipients will be selected June 15 and the program will run from June 26 - July 31. All workshops and recording sessions will be hosted by The Outlet for the Arts, a new recording/production studio in Torrington, CT.

Eligible applicants can apply at: https://www.artsnwct.org/emerging-songwriter-scholarship

Program Guidelines

Overview:

Qualifications:

The program is open to emerging songwriters aged 16-25.
Applicants must reside in the Arts Council’s 25 town service area.
Applicants must show aptitude for songwriting and work ethic.
Must be available to participate on both program workshop dates.

Scholarship Award Package:

2 Group Songwriting Workshops
Workshop 1: Saturday June 26, 2021. 9am- 12pm Creative writing workshop, selecting beats. Breakfast included.
Workshop 2: Saturday July 10, 2021. 9am- 12pm Presentation on how to use PRO Affiliate. Presentation from entertainment lawyer Robert Sciglimpaglia. Song presentation & group feedback. Booking recording sessions. Breakfast included.
Licensed use of 1 professionally produced backing beat.
One private recording session up to 4 hours to record and master the final track.

Timeline:

May 16: Applications Open
June 11: Applications Close
June 15: Recipients will be notified.
June 26: Workshop 1
June 27- July 9: Creative Songwriting Period
July 10: Workshop 2
July 12 - July 31 : Recording Sessions

Application Deadline: June 11, 2021

The scholarship program is made possible through funding from the CT Office of the Arts; Bridge Builders Program and matching funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. The program is presented by the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council in partnership with the Outlet for the Arts.

May 2021 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 19:45:30 GMT

Find both live and virtual events in our May calendar - concerts, gallery exhibits, and plenty of workshops for all ages!

Laugh Out Loud

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 19:02:39 GMT

Our Culture is Beautiful Host Laugh Out Loud

Drums and laughter filled the atmosphere, while Our Culture is Beautiful hosted their Laugh Out Loud event at Five Point Gallery on Saturday April 24 ^th . We were able to play instrumentals and participate in the drum circle! I picked up the tambourine with excitement. The conversations about the arts and how it helps us as a human being to cope with life. Beautiful words from Effie and Angaza, including amazing performances by Coleus with guest drummers, Ghazi , Steve on conga drums, and myself ( Ysanne ) singing a couple songs. Amy from Mental Health gave us stats about how laughter makes dopamine (“happy hormone”), promoting our happiness and positive attitude. Ngola shared his research about Vitamin D deficiency and how it can affect our wellbeing on a larger scale. The event ended with a jam session, whether playing an instrument or dancing. Check out the pictures below. Be sure to follow OCiB to keep up to date on their next event.

Level Up Your Virtual Presence

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 17:17:22 GMT

A4A Webinar: Level Up Your Virtual Presence

The Level Up Your Virtual Presence was filled with resources to use and practices to implement. Engagement shared through a simple wiggle of fingers of celebration directly into the webcam verses clapping. For any of my 90’s kids reminded me of spirit fingers from the movie “Bring It On”.

The utilization of the breakout rooms was also demonstrated, this is where the group of attendees were digitally separate into “rooms” to discuss the questions given to us to break ice and network.

Level Up Tips:

1. Ween off wireless connection and connect with an ethernet cord. Usually there is a female ethernet input on your modem. This will provide a better internet connection.

2. Test bandwidth on www.speedtest.net

3. Use headphone. Helps presenter and participants.

4. Making sure your webcam is set up at head level

5. Enable all music and professional audio. Found in your settings. Change to Zoom’s original sound. (Zoom uses 48k for standard sound, really good quality)

To give some comfort to the online presenter/performer have a “shadow” present. This gives the presenter some comfort that they are NOT talking to a screen but to people on the other end. Having a “shadow” during zoom or similar streaming could allow for natural interactions.

Suggested qualifications for selecting a “shadow”:

· Someone who is quiet and does not move too much, but may have natural interacting noises or comments that will compliment or create an in-person experience.

· The job of the shadow would be to unmute themselves for the majority of event and would naturally react to meeting, workshop, or event being presented.

Resources for equipment to level up your virtual presence: https://kit.co/digifiddler

I would reach out to Todd Reynolds and his team to assist you in your leveling up your online presence. The tools that were shared were plenty and I am sure a couple slipped through as I took my notes. Connect with Todd and his team by going to www.toddreynolds.com

April 2021 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 15:22:15 GMT

Spring is here! Find workshops, activities and events to do in our April calendar.

Taxes for Artists

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 14:33:17 GMT

A4A Webinar: Taxes for Artists w/Amy Smith

Assets for Artist have provided another workshops that hit a home run for artist's to

WOW! (Woman Of Wisdom) Amy Smith shares her knowledge and expertise to educate artist. So thank Amy for your time your dedication.

I just want to highlight a few points from the webinar that jumped out to me as simple tasks, they will benefit you in the long run. The key is to be consistent and to document.

1. Tracking expenses.

a. Having some form of how you keep record of your receipts.

b. Separate bank account for your business.

2. Don’t be afraid to write off expenses. What helps you create? Do you go to different place to be inspired? Do you rent out a space? Do you go to a museum? Go to a workshop or conference? For example, as a performing artist I will write off any studio rentals, travel, gas, independent contracts, software, concerts, music, sheet music, equipment, marketing campaigns and memberships. Just to name a few.

3. 1099s and Schedule C. A couple of forms we should familiarize ourselves with when it comes to filing as artists.

Amy reassured that “THE IRS IS NOT OUT TO GET YOU.” She goes on saying that “Many artists underreport their expenses for fear of triggering an audit, but the IRS actually wants you to deduct your expenses accurately. An audit can happen any time, but your chances of being audited art tiny – less than 1%.”

I highly recommend going to amyelainesmith.com to get this free document and more, here’s the direct link to the document shared in this article. Deadline to file your taxes have extended to MONDAY, MAY 17, 2021.

"Rock The Boat"

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 21:07:01 GMT

Sandglass Theatre's Production of "Rock The Boat"

The brilliant titled production Rock the Boat has my mind lingering. Saturday, February 20th , Norfolk Library

hosted Sandglass’ production of Rock the Boat accompanied by a Q & A with the cast after performance. This puppet

show was my first experience with virtual production, and I was not disappointed! The story follows a poet on a boat on

a quest to write the best poem ever. The adventure unravels at sea by addressing relocation, displacement, the

interconnectedness of racial climate and social justice. Yet the production shares a story of hope and togetherness. The

title is so fitting because it shows how rocky life can be, and how our beliefs can change over time. Families will enjoy

the excitement as the characters dance to life appreciating the life we have and giving a different perspective of another

life. Check out some highlights from the video clip below. Make sure to check out Norfolk Library for more events!

March 2021 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 21:40:56 GMT

Lots to do this March in the Litchfield Hills! Check it out in the March Calendar below!

Local Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 19:06:39 GMT

Local Valentine's Gift Guide

Shop Local this Valentine's Day. CLICK HERE to see the local shop directory, or check out the gift guide .

40 Ways You Can Celebrate Black History Month in February and Beyond

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 23:11:34 GMT

Our Culture is Beautiful ask that you celebrate Black history a different way each day in February, 2021. Here are several ways you can get started:

1. Watch a Black film with all Black actors.

2. Become a member of NAACP or Urban League.

3. Write an article about a Black senior.

4. Donate to a Black business in your town.

5. Trace your family history.

6. Spend time or interview a Black veteran in your community.

7. Attend a Black church service.

8. Dine at a Black owned restaurant.

9. Purchase Black art.

10. Prepare and cook a soul food meal.

11. Become a mentor to a Black student.

12. Listen to Black music for one day all day.

13. Tune into one Black radio station.

14. Watch Black History documentary.

15. Give a gift a card to Black employees.

16. Pay forward grocery bill for a Black family.

17. Subscribe to Black newsletter or magazine.

18. Host a social networking event for Black entrepreneurs.

19. Create a poster of Black scientists.

20. Write a letter to a Black friend or neighbor.

21. Send a positive card to Black residents in nursing homes.

22. Attend a Black webinar or event.

23. Hire a Black plumber, painter, electrician, landscaper, realtor or insurance agent for the year.

24. Wear jewelry made by a Black person.

25. Do something nice for a homeless Black person

26. Volunteer at a Black organization for six months.

27. Give to a charity that supports sickle cell patients.

28. Learn about Africa traditions and tribes.

29. Pray for all generations of people who were oppressed and punished because of their skin tone.

30. Create a "Black Lives Matter" sign and make it visible for one day or six months.

31. Read a bedtime story to your family about Black heroes.

32. Research two Black artists who are millionaires.

33. Wear a t-shirt reflecting positive Black statements.

34. Have a family discussion about Black Wall Street.

35. Speak with civil leadership about cultural differences and solidarity.

36. Post positive pictures of Black leaders on social media.

37. Apologize to a Black person for not listening or dismissing their opinions.

38. Send flowers to residents at a domestic violence shelter.

39. Create a crossword puzzle with children about Black teachers, engineers and pilots.

40. Watch BET or TV One cable channel for one day or six months.

February 2021 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 18:48:36 GMT

Check out the February calendar of events & workshops from all over the Litchfield Hills!

2020 Annual Report

steph@artsnwct.org (Steph Burr) — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 19:50:24 GMT

2020 Annual Report

This year, the focus and mission of our organization has been urgent and clear-cut. We have been working tirelessly to do everything we can to ensure that all artists and arts organization employees are supported through this crisis.

Here is an overview of the work we have done in 2020. Click here to view our annual report.

January 2021 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 16:29:11 GMT

Happy New Year! Check out the upcoming virtual and in-person events, workshops and more in the January 2021 digital calendar!

December 2020 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 22:05:11 GMT

Check out events, workshops, exhibits and more happening in December!

Holiday Gift Guides Featuring Your Favorite Local Creative Shops

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 20:25:24 GMT

You've seen the NWCT Artists Shop Directory - but there are so many shops to explore, where do you start? We created these fun themed gift guides to help you choose the perfect present!

Click the guides to open the full interactive PDF versions, with links to each product featured.

1. For the one with creative style

2. For the Bohemian

3. For the Minimalist

4. For the Nature Lover

5. for the pop-culture enthusiast

6. For the Pet Owner (And their furry friends!)

Highlights from "Online Sales & E-Commerce for Craft Artists"

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 17:26:04 GMT

Tips & Highlights from MASS MoCA's Assets for Artists Webinar
w/ Ayumi Horie and Alicia Goodwin

Utilizing your digital presence is critical when selling your work, especially as we navigate an increasingly digital world. On Thursday, 10/29, we joined potter Ayumi Horie and jewelry maker Alicia Goodwin for a webinar about what strategies they use to effectively and consistently sell their hand-crafted products. This virtual workshop was presented by MASS MoCA's Assets for Artists program to over 80 artists and makers from Connecticut. Be sure to check out more free upcoming webinars available for CT artists here.

In this list, we will break down some of the key tips that Ayumi and Alicia shared for selling your work online and keeping your audience engaged.

1. Use great quality images

Whether they are for your website, social media, or email communications, high quality images will make you stand out and draw your audience in. The digital world is also an extremely visual world, so it is important to convey your product in a way that will capture the eye of the user. Pay attention to what appeals to you as a consumer. What kind of product photography keeps your attention, and what does not?

Share photos of your work using multiple different views. Details, in-context, far away, or in-the-making shots will give the buyer a clearer idea of scale and how the product exists in space.

When taking photos of your products, consider a high contrast background or neutral back drop, and good lighting. Natural daylight is a good solution if you do not have lighting equipment. Retouching photos in Photoshop will also help your product images stand out. Here is a tutorial on how to white balance photos in Photoshop. You may also consider hiring a photographer or someone who is familiar with product photography to help you capture images of your work.

Sharing a picture of the packaging is a nice added bonus so buyers will know what to expect in the mail. The images above are examples from one product on Alicia's website, linguanigra.com.

2. Consistent Branding Across Your Social Media Platforms & Website

Your website, Facebook page, Instagram account, and other social media associated with your online store should all have the same branding, name, and logo. This will help buyers find you across any platform they use. Your shop's branding could also carry over into the packaging you use when you ship a product.

3. Video Content is the Most Engaging

A video is arguably the most valuable and engaging content you could share online. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram use auto-play video which captures viewer attention as they are scrolling through their feeds, even when they aren't actively seeking out video content. Something as simple as a loop animation or how-to/process video can go a long way in marketing your craft. Here is an example video from Ayumi's website to spark some inspiration:

4. Timing and Predictability as Tools on Instagram

Ayumi said it perfectly: Instagram rewards predictability. This is not necessarily a bad thing. If you post consistent content around the same time per week, your audience will know what to expect, and your overall feed will look polished. If you consistently post similar content, but then post something random/unrelated (i.e. if you post mostly your art, but then share a picture of food), this may confuse your followers. Look at an artist or maker whose work is similar to yours, who you consider to be successful in the field, and see what strategies they use on social media. Try attributing those strategies to your own brand in your own unique way. Find the aesthetic that is true to you, your work, and your brand.

On Instagram, you also have the ability to create or switch to a business account. A business account allows you to see insights about your followers, activity, engagement, and reach. You can see when your followers are most active per hour/day of the week, and plan your posts according to that information.

Here is a screenshot from Alicia's Instagram feed:

5. Email Marketing

Your subscribers care about what you are up to, so your content is a digital gift to share with them. It is worth dedicating time to building an email newsletter at least twice a year to keep your buyers, subscribers, friends and family engaged and up to date.

Your email subscribers are the people who are giving you the most direct attention, as opposed to social media followers or website viewers. This is a great way to get your content directly in front of the right people. Take this opportunity to share something special to this audience that you would not normally share to the public. This could be a piece of writing, personal story, a coupon code for your online shop, or some insight into what you have in progress.

Some email marketing platforms to look into include:
Mailchimp
Seguno - both a desktop and mobile app that integrates with Shopify
Campaign Monitor
Sendgrid

6. Integrating your Shop onto your Website

If you already have an e-commerce shop, like Etsy or Shopify , that's great! We highly recommend your online shop, whatever platform you use, is integrated or linked somewhere on your website to provide a smooth shopping experience for buyers. Alicia recommended Shopify because it integrates seamlessly into her site without redirecting to a different website.

If you are considering creating an online shop, check out this in-depth guide to e-commerce platforms to help you decide which is right for you.

7. Create a LinkTree

Linktr.ee is a free platform that allows you to put multiple links (website, Etsy store, YouTube, etc.) in one place. It generates one link that contains buttons to the other links you input. We use this tool in the bio of our Instagram. This allows us to reference "Link in Bio" in our post captions without having to change the specific link for each post.

8. Keep Inventory

Keeping your inventory organized will make selling your work and knowing whats available much easier. Alicia recommended having a shopping platform on your website or an e-commerce store instead of making sales through direct messages because it will quickly get overwhelming and hard to track. She also suggested to keep inventory of your products in a spreadsheet, label them with a SKU (physically and in the spreadsheet), and store them in a way that is easily accessible in your studio or workspace. Alicia uses bakers' racks to organize the jewelry she makes.

Special thanks to our partners at MASS MoCA's Assets for Artists program for hosting this valuable webinar! Thank you to the USDA Rural Business Development Program for sponsoring Assets for Artists and making these resources and workshops possible!

If you are an artist or artisan in CT, check out future A4A webinars at assetsforartists.org/connecticut !

November 2020 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 13:00:02 GMT

Check out events, workshops, exhibits and more happening in November!

Haunted Opera House Tours at Landmark Community Theatre

steph@artsnwct.org (Steph Burr) — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 17:03:41 GMT

“Theatre of the Macabre” - Haunted Tableaus of Past Shows

As we know, COVID has been particularly brutal to the theater industry. This fall, Landmark Community Theatre in Thomaston created Haunted Opera House Tours that not only envoke the Halloween spirit, but also serve as an eerie metaphor for what theater has become... dead.

WARNING: This article contains spoilers about the contents of the show. If you would prefer a surprise, stop reading and get your tickets here.

The event began with excitement as groups lined up on Main Street for their turn to walk through the socially-distanced event. Waiting in line was an experience in itself, as Halloween music played and a colorful light show illuminated the outside of the building. There were even appearances by the Mystery Machine and the Ghostbusters.

It was clear that safety was a top priority. All the proper precautions were taken including requiring masks, temperature readings, and audiences were spaced far away from performers using tape on the floor to show where to stand.

While in line, each group is assigned a guide to bring them through the tour. The first part of the tour consisted of 5 small tableau stages, with scenes from past Opera House shows including the Scarlet Pimpernel, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Carrie, Sweeney Todd, and Little Shop of Horrors. Next, the guide brings you through a courtyard full of zombies and up a creepy elevator which leads to haunting organ music as you enter the main theater hall.

The show culminates with a live scene from Beetlejuice, where the cast sings about the Whole "Being Dead" Thing.

Overall, "Theatre of the Macabre" was a fun night and a great way to celebrate the Halloween season. The tableaus from the past shows remind the audience what is was like to see live theater, and really spotlight that it is not a part of our lives right now. Although the show does make you miss live theatre, it is a great homage to all the wonderful shows Landmark has done in the past.

The theater's embrance of the the Whole "Being Dead" Thing is an amusing nod to the state of community theater today. It is nice to laugh and joke about it because... what else can we do? But, like the ghosts that haunt Landmark Community Theatre, the productions may be dead for now, but it doesn't mean they are gone forever.

___________________

The theater is also presenting a second tour option called "Graveyard Stories". This tour brings patrons to the basement, and highlights replicated graves of Thomaston residents that were once buried in the site of the current Thomaston Opera House and old firehouse. Patrons on this tour will actually be walking in the subterranean space where the bodies were buried some 140+ years earlier .

Shows are running Thursday-Friday-Saturday nights through November 7, 2020.

Click here to learn more or purchase tickets.

Create the Vote - Virtual Candidate Forum

steph@artsnwct.org (Steph Burr) — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 17:12:06 GMT

Here is what our candidates had to say about the importance of the arts.

As a part of Create the Vote , we partnered with the The Arts & Culture Collaborative, Waterbury Region to ask candidates about their views on the importance of supporting the arts. Among the candidates who participated were Eric Berthel (Senate 32 - R*), Jeff Desmarais (Senate 32 - D), George Logan (Senate 17 - D*), Maria P. Horn (House 64 - D*), Michele Zommer (House 69 - D), John Piscopo (House 76 - R*), and Ron Napoli Jr., (House 73 - D).

* Incumbent candidate.

You can watch the forum here:

1. Your Personal Connection to the Arts

The pandemic has been challenging for so many in CT and in so many ways.

How have you personally benefited from the arts or creative expression in the last few months? What local arts experiences have you missed most during the shutdown?

2. Arts + Economic Recovery

CT can’t recover without the arts. Arts and culture are key for CT’s economic recovery. Creative industries pump $9 billion into the state and account for 3.5% of CT’s total economy. Our non-profit arts organizations support 23,000 jobs, generate $800 million annually, and return $7 back in tax revenue for every $1 invested by the state.

How will you help harness the power of the arts for CT’s economic recovery?

3. Arts Support Racial & Social Justice

The pandemic has deepened existing divides in Connecticut, particularly along the lines of race and class. The arts create shared experiences that can unite people and bridge divides to acknowledge the strength in our differences.

Do you believe the arts can help build racial and social justice in Connecticut? If so, how?

4. CT Needs Help from the Arts

With 62% of artists unemployed and most arts organizations unable to reopen, the industry needs emergency support to recover and thrive. CT’s arts and culture sector has suffered an estimated $400 million in economic losses.

Will you support emergency funding to support the arts industry in Connecticut? If so, from what source and at what level?

5. Arts Heal + Rebuild

Creativity helps us process loss, fight loneliness, and create vibrant, resilient communities that attract and retain residents, businesses, and visitors.

What do you think is an important role for arts and culture to play in healing, mental health, and rebuilding the social fabric of our cities and towns?

Artist Q & A #3: Sarah Kushwara

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 13:00:02 GMT

Interview with Sarah Kushwara, local CT painter, illustrator & photographer.

Sarah Kushwara is a painter, illustrator, print maker, and photographer. In this interview, she discusses her process illustrating in lino-cut prints, her involvement in the Visionary Art movement, and her techniques in oil painting.

5 Free Sewing Pattern Sites for Kids' & Family Halloween Costumes

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 12:15:02 GMT

Fun, Free Halloween Costume Patterns and Family Crafts

Trick-or-treating may not be an option for all this year, but parents and kids can still have Halloween fun making costumes! Here are five free pattern sites and how-to's for simple costume designs and festive crafts.

1. Scholastic Parents - Easy-to-make Costumes

Includes downloadable patterns for capes, coveralls, bat wings, robes, and beards.

2. Lia Griffith - No Sew Little Dragon Costume

A step by step how-to and pattern download for an adorable felt dragon mask and wings.

3. How to make a tutu quick and easy (YouTube Tutorial)

A tutorial for how to make a simple, cute, and colorful tutu with minimal sewing - great for ballerina or fairy costumes.

4. On The Cutting Floor - Free Sewing Patterns for Teens and Adults Ages 15+

Download free sewing patterns for various characters from Sci-fi to Superhero.

5. All Free Sewing - Various Patterns for Halloween Costumes and Decorations

DIY crafts for Halloween decorations, treat baskets, and costumes for the whole family.

Whose Land Do We Live On? Indigenous Peoples of NWCT

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 22:28:42 GMT

The First Peoples of NWCT

In honor of Indigenous People's Day, we would like to offer a brief introduction to the indigenous history and culture of our region.

NWCT Land Acknowledgement Statement:

“We pause to acknowledge all local indigenous peoples, including the Mohican, Munsee Lanape, Paugussett, Pocumtuc, and Wappinger who inhabited the land of Northwest Connecticut. We embrace their continued connection to this region and thank them for allowing us to live, work, learn, and collaborate on their traditional homeland. Let us now take a moment of silence to pay respect to their elders and to all people, past and present.”

To find out what tribe's historic native land you live on, click here.

Present Day

Today, Connecticut law recognizes five tribes: Golden Hill Paugussett, Mashantucket Pequot, Mohegan, Paucatuck Eastern Pequot, and Schaghticoke.

The Schaghticoke Tribal Nation is located in NWCT, with 300 members and a roughly 400-acre state reservation in Kent.

Schaghticoke Tribal Nation

(Mahican/Mohican, Potatuck, Weantinock, Tunxis, and their descendants)

" The 18th century Tribe followed a traditional seasonal round of group movements involving a winter-spring village, a summer village, and numerous smaller camps at which economic activities occurred, such as fishing, hunting, tin crafting, and collecting materials for basket and broom-making. The community supported itself through a mixed economy of maize agriculture, home gardens, hunting and fishing, and small livestock farming. Tribal members added to these subsistence activities by selling woodsplint baskets, brooms, canoes, tin products, and other wood objects to white farmers and shopkeepers. In 1736, the Connecticut General Assembly established the borders of the tribe’s reservation. " [1]

The Schaghticoke people were famous for their basket making, and it was their only source of income for a period of history. Their baskets were know for being weaved very tightly. They would freeze them, which it made it possible to carry water. Learn more about the history of the Schaghticoke people here.

The recent history of the Tribe has been marked by oppression.

" From 1925 to 1972, Connecticut intensified a policy of detribalization and termination , making it extremely difficult for tribal members to live and gather on the Reservation. Tribal members were forced out, while those wanting to return home were refused permission. Except for farming, no business could be transacted and no buildings or improvements could be added without the written consent of the state. This anti-Indian policy is underscored by the fact that there were no public powwows on the Reservation between 1941 and 1972. All in all, tribal members recall, the Reservation was a “difficult place to live and survive” during this century. " [1]

In 2014, the remains of several natives were unearthed due to residential construction. These remains date back to the mid-17th century. According to the tribe's website, " Thanks to Nick Bellantoni, retired Connecticut State Archeologist, the remains were returned to our land on November 2, 2014 during a ceremony led by Ed Sarabia. Many were in attendance to see our ancestors reunited with Mother Earth. "

Today, the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation is currently in the midst of an ongoing land dispute and and quest for returned federal recognition.

In 2004 the tribe was awarded federal recognition, only to have it rescinded in 2005. According to the Tribe's website, "The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has approved only 16 of the 81 tribes that have submitted complete applications for federal tribal acknowledgement. But only two tribes have earned federal acknowledgement only to have it rescinded: Connecticut’s Schaghticoke and Eastern Pequot tribes. The Schaghticoke Tribal Nation’s petition for recognition was “among the best and most thoroughly researched petitions ever reviewed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs” according to the sworn affidavit of former BIA Assistant Secretary Aurene Martin.

What led the Department of the Interior to disregard 45,000 pages of documentation, change its position, and decline to acknowledge the Schaghticoke as a tribe? A highly politicized dispute has resulted in the Schaghticoke having to endure what the Manataka American Indian Council calls “the ultimate insult – having to prove they are indeed descendants of this continent’s original inhabitants in order to keep from being obliterated from the pages of modern history.”

Schaghticoke Tribal Nation Chief Richard Velky calls it “cultural genocide.” [2]

To learn more about the Schaghticoke Tribe, check out this interview with Chief Velky or visit their website .

Organization Spotlight:

The Institute for American Indian Studies, Washington

The Institute for American Indian Studies is a cultural landmark and educational museum located in Washington, CT.

"The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS) museum, education and research center in Washington, CT opened its doors in 1975 as an outgrowth of local efforts to recover New England's, then largely unknown, indigenous history. IAIS' core values of preservation, education and sharing of Native American cultures, traditions and community from deep history to contemporary times are the foundations of our programs, lectures, events, workshops and research. IAIS is open year-round, seven days a week (except major U.S. holidays) offering 4 exhibit galleries, a Children's Discovery Room, replicated outdoor 16th century Algonkian village, the Four Directions Gift Shop plus outdoor gardens and trails along our 15 acres of woodland landscape. Come explore the past, engage with the present, and embrace Mother Earth at the Institute for American Indian Studies. Walk in the footsteps of Native Americans past and present and experience Life in the Woodlands!" [3]

In 2019, the museum announced the opening of its Wigwam Escape Room . The award-winning game presents a series of interactive puzzles and invites visitors to immerse themselves in the world of the Native people from over 500 years ago.

The attraction is open and they are taking special precaution to ensure safety according to the COVID-19 guidelines.

Check out the Wigwam Escape Here

Artist Spotlight:

Jean Morningstar Kent

Jeanne Kent was named Spozowialakws (Morningstar) by an Abenaki Elder many years ago. It means: " One who leads others out of the darkness into the light...a teacher."

She is an enrolled member of the Nulhegan Band, Coosuk Abenaki of Vermont. Her art work contains Native American symbols and designs of the Northeast Woodland People with focus on the Wabanaki group. Her medium is gourd art. Currently, she is working on a series of gourd designs which she hopes will provide a visual language for the woodland People. Her work is now part of the permanent collections of six museums and in private collections here and abroad.

" There is something wonderful about putting one's hands into the soil to plant the seed, nurturing it until the blossoms form, then protecting them until they develop into natural canvases upon which to work my art, " she said. "Working with gourds is a combination of my art and heritage bound together in a spiritual journey with Mother Earth."

Check out Jean's website and more of her work here.

Call for Advocacy:

Sign the Petition to Update Torrington's School Mascot from the "Red Raiders"

Torrington Connecticut is a city that takes pride in its history of being the birthplace of famous abolitionist John Brown. Despite this claim to fame, Torrington High Schools mascot still remains the "Red Raiders", a outdated homage to the oppression of Indigenous people that even makes mention of the skin tone stereotype. There has been action to remove the word "Red" but we feel this is not enough.

By signing this petition , we encourage you to help us advocating for the change of the current mascot to a much more relevant and modern mascot of the "Torrington Abolitionists".

Instead of the shallow symbol of colonialism and oppression, the town should honor its own history and give the high school students a mascot that they can be proud to represent.

No high school student should be deterred from participating in sports due to the shame of wearing outdated symbolism. Most high school student today understand the troubling implications of the current mascot, and may look back on their days wearing the uniform with shame rather than pride.

Now is the time for change, and we are proposing a great alternative.

Please sign the petition to show your support for modernizing the mascot, rejecting colonialism, and honoring one of the greatest revolutionary leaders in American History, John Brown.

Sources:

[1] Schaghticoke Tribal Council. “History.” SCHAGHTICOKE TRIBAL NATION, 2020

[2] Schaghticoke Tribal Council. “Quest for Federal Recognition.” SCHAGHTICOKE TRIBAL NATION, 2020

[3] Facebook. "Institute for American Indian Studies."

October 2020 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 16:45:01 GMT

Check out events, workshops, exhibits and live shows happening in October!

For full event info, visit our online calendar.

Behind the Scenes of "Assassins," the Warner Theatre's First Socially Distant Live Musical

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 20:02:09 GMT

In case you missed it, the Warner Theatre (Torrington) produced their first socially distant live musical, "Assassins." The Warner's first performance of Stephen Sondheim's "Assassins" was in 2015 and performed on the Main Stage. This time around, the performance was held at Pleasant Valley Drive-In (Barkhamsted) on September 23rd, with the same 2015 cast.

How did the Warner Theatre pull off a live musical while maintaining social distance? In this interview, Maddie Stenson, Program Director of the NWCT Arts Council, speaks with Sharon Houk, Producing Artistic Director at the Warner Theatre, for some behind the scenes insight.

M: What was the biggest challenge with putting on a socially distant live musical at a drive in?

S: There were several challenges with putting on a socially distant, live musical. First, was finding the right musical that could be performed in a socially distant manner. Most often, characters/actors need to be in close proximity to each other on a stage to perform a musical. My friend (and ASSASSINS director) and I were talking one morning and she was telling me of a dream she had where we put on a socially distant, concert version of RAGTIME. I said that there would be no way for us to do that – the cast was too large and the story too dependent on the relationships between characters that it would be nearly impossible to do and do safely. We started thinking and at the same time said ASSASSINS. When we did the show at the Warner in 2015, the performers were set in “train cars” and moved out into a common play area for certain scenes. Kat [my friend] also directed that production. I said what if we eliminate the common area and keep all the performers in their own ‘pod.’ Knowing that they would need to be a great distance apart, the only option for this type of performance was going to be finding a place we could do it where the performers could be videoed live and projected so everyone in attendance could see and hear and still be socially distanced.

Second, finding the venue was critical and we are so thankful to Donna McGrane and the Pleasant Valley Drive-In Movie Theater for allowing us to use the facility, projector and FM transmitter for the performance. The couldn’t have been more welcoming and helpful throughout the process.

Third, getting all the technical elements into place in a venue outside the theater was a huge challenge, especially with a very limited budget. When we work inside the theater, everything is right there – lighting, sound, power…we had to bring everything to the drive-in and had only one night to work the bugs out before putting this up in front of an audience. Generators needed to be brought up so we could power the band, sound and pars of the set; pickup trucks needed to be brought to the venue as well as other set piece items for the actors to perform on at a safe distance from each other; video equipment needed to be secured in order to utilize the projector and screen on site - We did a lot of planning behind the scenes and talking through how it would all work but we honestly didn’t know if it was going to click in action until Tuesday night – the day before the performance.

M: Behind the scenes, how did you achieve lighting and sound?

S: We had to be very creative with lighting on this one. Knowing we would be spaced nearly 200 feet apart at the widest spot, getting electricity and cabling to all the performance pods was going to be difficult. So we had to be creative – my husband Steve and I have access to wireless, battery powered LED lighting units that are portable and can be placed in a variety of spots. Again, we talked all of this through during the process but had no idea if it was going to work the way we hoped until the Tuesday night rehearsal. Normally, in the theater, we have a lighting control console that will operate individual instruments – changing levels of brightness, turning them on or off, etc. We weren’t going to have that at the drive-in so the lights would always be on (which was another challenge for the actors). In this case, everything we talked through in planning, worked out beautifully in its execution.

Jim Luurtsema of JPL Music Services (and a long time theater volunteer), along with Randale Nunley, our Director of Operations, was responsible for sound. Again, it was a highly technical operation – we brought in equipment from the theater (microphones, antenna, etc.) which combined with Jim’s equipment provided the platform for sound. We did one rehearsal with the actors in the parking lot behind the theater where Jim had brought in wired microphones for the actors to use in a proof-of-concept rehearsal but we were going to be completely wireless at the drive-in. There were some issues at our Tuesday night rehearsal with antenna not picking up microphones, etc., sound cutting in and out over the FM transmitter at the drive-in but we were able to address those issues and have a great sounding performance on Wednesday night.

M: What were the rehearsals like leading up to the show?

S: The majority of the rehearsals took place remotely over Zoom with the actors working with Kat on character and dialogue both as a group and then individually. We only had three music rehearsals where the actors worked with Dan Koch, music director at the theater in the parking lot so proper social distancing could be done (and a bit more in this case because singing was involved). This process really happened over the course of two months with very limited rehearsal time. One of our cast members had relocated to Maine since the original production was done in 2015 so we only had him in person for one rehearsal before the final dress and performance.

M: Would the Warner do another live event at a drive in in the future?

S: I think at this point all sorts of outside live events are possible. If the right show and drive in were available, yes it would be considered. We are also considering other outside possibilities for performances – area parks, in front of the theater, the possibilities are endless. We just have to think creatively and outside the box ��

_____

Congratulations to the Warner Theatre and Pleasant Valley Drive-In Movie Theater for a successful performance!

All photos by Mandi Martini/Luke Haughwout.

Introducing the NWCT Artist Shop Directory

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 20:25:42 GMT

Explore over 250 local artist’s shops from the Litchfield Hills.

Announcing the NWCT Artist Shop Directory - a robust collection of e-commerce shops from local artists, artisans, and creators around the Litchfield Hills. The NWCT Arts Council has built this directory with the intention of promoting direct online buying of locally made art and creative products. This is part of the organization’s strategy to help supplement income for artists who have lost revenue from COVID-19 and to stimulate the local economy.

Shoppers are invited to explore the brand new NWCT Artist Shop Directory.

There are over 250 e-commerce shops by creative businesses and artists to explore. The shop directory features original art, prints, furniture, home decor, band merchandise, jewelry, pottery, stationery, literature/books, apparel, bath & herbal products, and artists taking commissions.

Artists and creative businesses are encouraged to apply to be included in the Shop Directory online . Shop Directory applications will be sent to the Arts Council staff for approval. There is also an FAQ to assist with any questions or concerns. Applicants should refer to the FAQ before applying if they have any questions about the NWCT Artist Shop Directory guidelines.

The Arts Council will market and promote the NWCT Artist Shop Directory on all social media platforms, email, in print advertisements, radio advertisements, video promotions and more. Promotion of the Shop Directory and individual listings will be provided as a free service through the end of 2020 to help local artists whose sales and engagement were severely affected by COVID-19.

The development and promotion of the NWCT Artist Shop Directory is part of a larger project in collaboration with the NWCT Economic Development Corporation. Funding for this project has been provided in part through the Economic Development Administration's CARES Act Economic Development District Supplemental Disaster Recovery Award.

Which Online Shop is Right for You?

steph@artsnwct.org (Steph Burr) — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 22:35:37 GMT

A Guide to Choosing a Platform for your Online Shop.

In 2020, the era of COVID and online shopping, setting up an online shop can be very beneficial to artists . The problem is that there are a lot of options, and it takes time to set up. Choosing the right online shop platform in the beginning can save you a lot of time and energy.

Marketplace Shopping Platforms

Diffifcutly Level: 1

Marketplace platforms are places that people already go to shop for specific types of items . These are great because there is already an audience built in that can shop for your products.

1. Etsy: Sell Your Crafts & Handmade Items

Etsy is a marketplace for handmade items . It is relatively easy to set up and great for beginners. Etsy is the best option for artisans making unique custom products such as jewelry, home decor items, bath products, and more.

Pros: Large audience of 35 million active buyers. Allows you to be discovered organically, with minimal marketing efforts required. Easy to use, direct deposit payment processing. Good built in analytics to see your most viewed items.

Cons: Competitive market, there are more than 2 million sellers on Etsy. Unless you sell extremely unique items, you’ll be competing with thousands of other who are offering similar products. You can only sell handmade or vintage items.

Cost: Etsy charges $0.20 to list an item and takes five percent of your sale (including shipping and gift-wrapping fees) as a transaction fee. In addition, if you choose to use Etsy payments , which allows customers to pay by credit card, you’ll be charged an additional fee of three percent plus $0.25. Even if your customers choose to pay through PayPal, they payment is processed through Etsy rather than PayPal, so you’ll still be subject to the fee.

Tips: Etsy shops look best with a cohesive collection of products. If you are a jack-of-all-trades, you might want to curate your Etsy shop to have an aesthetic look and feel.

2. Saatchi Art: Sell Original Fine Art

Saatchi Art is an online marketplace for original fine art sales. This is a good option for listing original paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other fine art works.

Pros: Expand your exposure to collectors all over the world. Supplement your income and reach a wider audience. This is a marketplace platform so your work can be discovered organically. You can also offer Open Edition print sales that Saatchi will print for you and ship directly to customers.

Cons: Many buyers expect lower price points online. According to industry expert Alan Bamberge r, online art sells between $300 - $1200 on average. Optimizing your price point for online sales may affect your valuation if your work typically sells higher than that range. When you leave the sales to an online marketplace, you won’t have the chance to build personal connections with buyers.

Cost: If you sell an original artwork, Saatchi Art will take a 35% commission on the final sale price. They cover the cost of shipping the artwork, and the artist is responsible for the cost of packaging.

Tips: It is very important to use high-quality images of your work. Photos should be straight and properly white-balanced. It also helps to have photos from multiple angles of the work.

Print-On-Demand Platforms

Diffifcutly Level: 2

On Print-on-Demand platforms, you upload your art files digitally and place them on products . When your product sells, the company prints the product and ships to the customer .

1. Fine Art America: Print Your Artwork on a Wide Variety of Products

Fine Art America is one of the world's largest online art marketplaces and print-on-demand companies that partners with artists and sells their goods online. They custom print and sell products for thousands of artists around the globe including graphic designers, illustrators, painters, photographers, and more.

Pros: Fine Art America has generally lower prices for a lot of their products, compared to Zazzle and Society6. As far as product variety goes, Fine Art America has a ton of different products you can print artwork on. Products can be integrated to be sold on Facebook and Instagram marketplace. They take care of the shipping so you don't have to worry about it.

Cons: Lots of competition to sell organically. Prices on certain products can be higher than other Print-On-Demand Platform. Limited selection on apparel items compared to other sites.

Cost: Fine Art America sets the standard product price for an item, and you are able to set your sale price and keep any additional profit made on the item. Let's say that the base price for a 24" x 36" canvas print is $50 and that you set your markup to be $25. A buyer would pay $75 for the canvas print, and you would earn $25. Fine Art America has 2 Membership Levels . They have a robust free membership, but if you want to add your products to your own shop on your website, you will have to upgrade to their Premium Plan for $30/year.

Tips: This is a great way to allow your collectors to be creative with your work and have it printed on whatever they like.

2. Printful: Print Your Own Clothing

Printful is a Print-On-Demand service primarily for apparel design.

Pros: The prices and quality are good, and there is a wide selection of apparel products. The company prints and ships products directly to your customers upon order. They offer the option to customize your labels, branding, and packaging. There is a 20% discount on sample orders.

Cons: Printful is not a marketplace or storefront platform, so you have to set up a separate online shop through a service like Shopify or Ecwid to offer your products for sale.

Cost: Like Fine Art America, Printful sets the standard product price for an item, and you are able to set your sale price on your website and keep any additional profit made on the item. You will have to get a subscription for another online shop integration service such as Shopify or Ecwid.

Tips: This is a great platform for creating and selling custom t-shirts. The best one we have found and tried.

3. Spoonflower: Print Your Own Fabric

Spoonflower is a Print-On-Demand fabric company that makes custom fabric for patter and surface designers.

Pros: Spoonflower has relatively competitive prices on custom fabric printing, good quality, and fast turnaround. They also offer design challenges to help you get inspired and spotlight your work. The design portal is easy to work with, and listing is an easy supplemental way to monetize existing pattern designs that you have created for other product design purposes.

Cons: The commission rate is low and there is a lot of competition.

Cost: It is free to list on Spoonflower. If someone buys fabric with your design you will receive a commission of 10% of the retail price paid by the buyer.

Tips: Order a fabric swatch book so you can see and feel all the fabric options for printing. You can also get a printed color guide to help choose the perfect colors for your design.

eCommerce Shop Platforms

Diffifcutly Level: 3

ECommerce shop platforms allow you to create your own custom shop that can live on your website and integrate other print-on demand platforms. These options are the most technical to set up, but are the most customizable and professional option for owning your own online store. The offer the most room to grow your brand into a robust online presence. They are also the most expensive option when it comes to building an online shop.

1. Squarespace

Squarespace is the best option if your website is already hosted through Squarespace. They make it relatively easy to set up a clean professional-looking online shop to sell your products.

Pros: Squarespace allows for unlimited products and makes it easy to include variants of each product. Accepting payments and keeping in touch with your customers is fairly easy, as well.

Cons: Marketing and business management are severely lacking. It does not integrate with Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, or Google.

Cost: Plans start at $12/month and increase if more premium features are desired. Squarespace provides 4 plans:

Personal— $12 per month
Business— $18 per month
Commerce — $26 per month
Advanced Commerce — $40 per month

See details of pricing structure here.

Tips: If you don't already have a website, you can use Squarespace to create a website and shop all in one.

2. Ecwid

Ecwid is a large and powerful eCommerce shop platform that can automate and integrate across many platforms.

Pros: If you already have a website, or are particularly wedded to using a particular platform (for example Wordpress or Wix), then Ecwid is the more obvious choice. It allows you to add full selling capabilities to an existing online presence with a minimum of fuss, and provides you with all the tools you need to turn any website into an online store.

There are no charges for using a third-party payment gateway (Shopify applies a transaction fee if you don’t use its built-in payment gateway).

Cons: Point-of-Sale retail sales are only available at the $99/month unlimited plan.

Cost: Ecwid provides four plans - and the good news is, one of them is entirely free. The USD prices for the plans are as follows:

Free — $0 per month
Venture — $15 per month
Business — $35 per month
Unlimited — $99 per month

See details of pricing structure here.

Tips: Click here to see a deeper analysis of Ecwid vs. Shopify.

3. Shopify

Shopify i s one of the largest and most robust eCommerce shopping platforms available. This is a good option if you have a complex system of different shops and products, and want to seamlessly integrate them all into one place.

Pros: If you’re starting your store entirely from scratch, and online selling is the main focus of your project, then it’s hard to argue against Shopify — an established solution that will let you build a complete, elegant standalone online store.

Adding products as well as managing payment and shipping options and processing orders is absolutely painless. Excellent 24-hour customer support. There are tons of other platforms that integrate with Shopify. Seamlessly sell on Facebook and list products on Instagram.

Point-of-sale is more tightly integrated with Shopify than with Ecwid, and you can use a more extensive range of POS hardware at a cheaper price point.

Cons: They only offer about 10 free templates, you have to pay for a template if you want something more specific. It can become expensive the more your customize and use the features.

Cost: Plans start at $29/month and increase if more premium features are desired. Shopify provides 5 plans:

Lite — $9 per month
Basic Shopify — $29 per month
Shopify — $79 per month
Advanced Shopify — $299 per month
Shopify Plus — pricing varies depending on requirements, but typically comes in at around $2000 per month

See details of pricing structure here. There are transaction fees on all sales, and extra fees if you do not use Shopify as your payment processor.

Tips: Click here to see a deeper analysis of Ecwid vs. Shopify.

Shipping

If you set up your own ECommerce shop on your site, you will be responsible for managing the shipping . Here is a bonus resource that we recommend to integrate with your shop.

Pirate Ship

Pirate Ship is a free shipping software to get the cheapest USPS shipping rates, which can save you up to 90%. It can also integrate with your eCommerce platform, save customer addresses, and automatically generate shipping labels that you can print at home.

Have you tried one of these options or a different option that is not on the list? Comment below about your experience setting up your shop.

$6,250 Distributed to Artists in Need

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 15:29:39 GMT

NWCT Artist Emergency Relief Fund- Final Report

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, the NWCT Arts Council took immediate action in assisting artists in getting the support and resources they needed to navigate the different relief programs. Through early surveys, it was identified that some individuals would become in dire need of financial support.

The NWCT Artist Emergency relief fund was established to assist artists most affected by the pandemic with basic living needs. This report outlines some data that has been collected from the NWCT Artist Relief Fund applicants and recipients. This data shows the diverse set of challenges and needs that arts industry workers are facing.

Applications were received from 51 artists from 13 towns around the region. They represent arts educators, performing artists, musicians, commercial artists, fine artists, and artisans who rely on craft fairs to sell their work.

The most alarming findings from the data were that 73% of applicants were not receiving unemployment and 31% of applicants were housing insecure.

Special thanks to everyone who donated and helped support our COVID-19 Emergency fundraising efforts.

The NWCT Artist Emergency Relief Fund was made possible by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund, the Neighbor to Neighbor Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, the Torrington Savings Foundation, and fundraising assistance from the Torrington Collective.New Paragraph

Here are stories from some of the individuals who donors have supported through the relief fund:

“I demonstrate and get paid by state and county fairs, and also sell my wares at shows. I have had 6 months of contracts cancelled. I am concerned the next 5 this year will probably be cancelled also. I cannot apply for unemployment as I work in several other states that I do not live in. So even though I have 1099s for last year, they do not fit each state’s guidelines as I live in CT.” - Potter

“The studio I was teaching out of was closed due to the virus and I have been out of work since 03/13/2020. I have been unable to teach or perform for three months now, rendering me with no income.” - Independent Dance Choreographer

“I’ve sold some work but only about 20% of what I did in the last quarter of 2019. I am approaching a point of financial distress.” - Fine Artist

“In February I had 44 voice students and contracts for two opera in Europe this fall. After March 20 my student load dropped to 20 (only those who wanted to learn virtually ) and the operas were cancelled. My income is approximately one third of what it was prior to the pandemic.” - Professional Opera Singer / Voice Teacher

“Because of the closing of my studio building, and my reluctance to go back during quarantine, I was not able to continue working. I basically pivoted from a 900 sq. ft. studio, equipped with all kinds of media, tools, visual resources, easels, etc. to my kitchen table.” - Fine Artist

“I make my living as a full time artist, selling my work at high end craft fairs across the country. My shows traditionally start in mid March. As of today, all my scheduled shows for 2020 have been cancelled through November, and I have had no venues for selling, at all. Unfortunately, my work sells best in person, and my website does not generate enough sales to live on.” -Artisan

“As a choral director, voice teacher and singer, I have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. No choirs will be singing together for the foreseeable future, all voice lessons/workshops have cancelled and, although I have presented some online singing, it is on a volunteer basis, certainly not a way to create a job.” - Choral Director / Voice Teacher

“As a pit musician at the Warner Theatre I was booked to play all through the 2020 season. Sadly we were getting ready to open Dogfight right when Covid-19 hit. I was also already working on the score for The Producers at The Warner - another show that I worked on but won’t get paid for. I am having trouble paying rent right now.” - Musician

“I work for a small record label. We had planned a 30 date nationwide tour of the States over the course of 6 weeks. All of the dates have been indefinitely postponed because of covid.” - Graphic Designer

“My biggest concern at this time is keeping the apartment that I live in. The situation has become very tense because the lease is up for renewal August 1 and the landlord has the idea that he could get more if he rented to someone from New York. I will have to come up with a deposit on another apartment and it will be much harder to find an affordable place because of the pandemic and people who moved to the area from New York, the cost of housing is inflated.” - Fine Artist

September 2020 Calendar

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 17:48:14 GMT

Check out events, workshops, exhibits and more happening this September!

Create the Vote CT 2020

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:52:16 GMT

Pledge Now to #CreateTheVoteCT

This November, you will vote in one of the most important elections in recent history. The Coronavirus pandemic has affected Connecticut’s residents, businesses, economy, and social fabric. Our communities have benefited from the power of the arts to help us heal and connect, even virtually or with physical distancing. At the same time, our local artists and cultural organizations are struggling to survive financially. The creative sector in Connecticut is at risk to suffer irreversible damage at a time when we need the arts more than ever.

Connecticut can’t recover without the arts. You will elect statewide representatives that must quickly address complex issues facing the future of our state. They must understand that supporting and protecting the arts and culture sector is critical to rebuild our economy, revitalize our neighborhoods, and re-imagine our way of life during and beyond the pandemic. Harnessing the power of the arts must be part of their plans for a resilient Connecticut.

With so much at stake, CT Arts Alliance needs YOU to act. Create the Vote CT will provide you with tools to connect effectively with local candidates running to represent your interests and concerns at the State Capitol. Pledge to #CreateTheVoteCT so YOUR voice is amplified alongside artists, cultural organizations, and residents for the future of our industry and state.

The first step is to pledge your participation and invite others to pledge.

Why are the arts critical right now?

ARTS DRIVE ECONOMIC RECOVERY: Connecticut’s non-profit creative sector supports 23,000 jobs and generates $800 million annually
ARTS HEAL + REBUILD: Creativity helps us process impact and loss, build and rebuild vibrant and resilient communities, and attract new residents, businesses, and visitors
ARTS SUPPORT RACIAL & SOCIAL JUSTICE: Embracing the diversity of our cultures and experiences is at the heart of the arts and the fight for justice
ARTS NEED HELP: With 62% of artists unemployed and most arts organizations unable to reopen until 2021, the industry needs emergency support to thrive

Create the Vote CT is a nonpartisan public education campaign to raise awareness and support for the arts among voters and candidates running for public office. CT Arts Alliance launched the first Create the Vote CT during the gubernatorial election in 2018 and inspired focus on the arts during Governor Lamont’s transition and helped stabilize statewide public funding for the first time since the Great Recession. The initiative was originally conceived and developed at MASSCreative , a state arts advocacy organization in Massachusetts.

Artist Q & A #2: Leslie Elias

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 19:06:31 GMT

Exclusive interview with Grumbling Gryphons' Leslie Elias

Leslie Elias is the director of local NWCT children's theatre group, Grumbling Gryphons. In this video, Leslie is interviewed by Maddie Stenson, Program Director of the NWCT Arts Council. She gives insight into her perspective as a performer herself, a theatre leader, and how she handles performances during the era of COVID-19.

Summer Drive-In and Outdoor Events in the Litchfield Hills

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 17:35:22 GMT

Summer Drive-In and Outdoor Events in the Litchfield Hills!

Below is a list of both drive-in and outdoor events happening during the remainder of the summer in the Litchfield Hills!

1. Torrington Drive-In Theatre at Five Points Center

Catch a movie at the new Torrington Drive-In Theatre at the Five Points Center! There are new showings every Saturday!

Gates will open at 7:30pm and movies start at 8:30pm. There are food trucks, but you are welcome to bring your own food. Tune your radio to FM 91.1 to hear the movie!

2. Twilight Concerts on the Farm at South Farms

The first of many live Twilight Concert shows features Grammy-nominated singer Grace Potter! All Twilight concerts are socially-distanced events. Tickets available starting Friday, August 7th!

The first live Twilight Concert is Saturday, August 22 @8pm. Guest Grids must be reserved in advance by purchasing tickets online.

3. Pl easant V a ll e y Drive-In

Catch a movie at he Pleasant Valley Drive-in in Barkhamsted! Pleasant Valley Drive-in continues to offer a wonderful outdoor family fun venue catering to all ages! The theater hosts a capacity for up to 250 cars and maintains the nostalgic American drive-in appeal.

This week, (8/7, 8/8, 8/9) watch Shrek and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back ! Tune your radio to 87.9 FM to hear the movie! $10 per person 13 and up, $5 per child ages 6-12, Free ages 5 and under (CASH ONLY)

4. Summer Concert Series at Coe Memorial Park

See local bands perform every Tuesday and Saturday at Coe Park! FREE admission!

Everyone attending concerts should adhere to all CDC Guidelines related to COVID-19. Please wear a face mask!

5. Outdoor Drive-In Movie Night at Washington River Walk Pavilion

Catch a movie at the drive-in movie night at the Washington River Pavilion!

Watch The Shawshank Redemption on Friday, August 7th or Ratatouille on Saturday, August 8th! Gates open at 8:15pm, movie starts at dark.

6. Sherman Chamber Ensemble and Blue Grass Band and Kent Center

Kent Barns is pleased to announce the Sherman Chamber Ensemble and Blue Grass band will perform under the majestic maple tree.

Sherman C hamber Ensemble will perform on Friday, August 14th at 7:30pm

Digital Art Making Tool and Resource Guide

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 15:27:40 GMT

Tool and Resource Guide for All of Your Digital Art Making Needs!

Below is a compiled list of several apps, softwares, and other resources for all of your digital art making needs!

Apps/Software

1. Krita (Windows, iOS, Android)

FREE

Krita is a free and open-source raster graphics editor designed primarily for digital painting and 2D animation
Krita features beautiful brushes, brush stabilizers, wrap around mode, resource manager, layer management, training resources

2. Autodesk SketchBook (Windows, iOS, Android)

FREE (for education)

SketchBook is a raster graphics software application intended for expressive drawing and concept sketching
SketchBook features pencils, inks, markers, over 190 customizable brushes, rulers and ellipse guides
With SketchBook, you can use your device's camera as a scanner and directly scan sketch imports into the software

3. MediBang (Windows, iOS, Android)

FREE

MediBang Paint is an easy and intuitive way to make digital art
Medibang Paint features a wide selection of brushes and materials, cloud sharing for collaborative work, and a large variety of pre-installed fonts
You must create a Medibang account to access all of the features

4. ibisPaint (Windows, iOS, Android)

FREE

ibisPaint is an app which began with the desire to share the joy behind digital drawing. It’s a social drawing app where that very concept comes to life
ibisPaint includes a wide range of features which allow you to draw exactly the images you dream up

5. Procreate (iOS only)

$9.99

Procreate is a raster graphics editor app for digital painting
Procreate gives artists all the benefits of working digitally (the ability to easily delete and correct, create art faster, and to share work instantaneously) while recreating the familiar experience of pens, pencils, and paint on paper

6. Adobe Photoshop (OS devices only)

Price ranges, $19.99/month for students/educators, $52.99/month for regular subscription

Photoshop features a pen tool, clone stamp tool, shape tools, measuring and navigation, selection tools, video editing, 3D extrusion, freely rotating canvas, and mobile integration
Somewhat complicated interface

7. Adobe Illustrator

$20.99/month

Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor and design program.
With Adobe Illustrator, create freehand drawings, trace and recolor graphics, Use your illustrations anywhere (including on printed pieces, presentations, websites, blogs, and social media), get all the drawing tools you need to turn simple shapes and colors into sophisticated logos, icons, and graphics

Tablets

1. Huion INSPIROY

$89.99

11"x6.87" inches digital tablet with 8192 levels of pressure, pen holder

2. Wacom Intuos Pro Digital Graphic Drawing Tablet

$379.95

Wacom’s trusted professional Pro Pen 2 technology in a precision graphics tablet, optimized for hours of image editing, illustration or design work
Slim tablet design (13.2” x 8.5”)

3. Apple iPad Pro

$524.40

10. 5-Inch Retina Display with Promotion, true Tone, and wide Color, A10X Fusion chip, four speaker Audio, 802. 11AC Wi-Fi and LTE cellular data, up to 10 hours of battery life

Styli

1. Apple Pencil

$99

“Apple Pencil sets the standard for how drawing, note‑taking, and marking up documents should feel - intuitive, precise, and magical. All with imperceptible lag, pixel‑perfect precision, tilt and pressure sensitivity, and support for palm rejection. Incredibly easy to use and ready when inspiration strikes"

2. Fojojo Stylus Pen

$29.99

Economic Replacement Pencil for Apple (Only Supports 2018-2020 iPad models, not Compatible with iPad Pro and iPhone), Upgraded stylus pen for iPad, you can rest your palm on iPad screen without an uncomfortable glove

3. Meko Universal Stylus

$13.95

T he Meko is an all-purpose stylus made of stainless steel and aluminum that has a genuine non-plastic pen-like feeling. It is compatible with a wide range of touch screen devices including Apple iPhones and iPads, Kindle, Samsung Galaxy smartphones, and more

4. Adobe Ink & Slide

$30

If you’re invested in Adobe’s Creative Cloud, the company’s Ink & Slide stylus and ruler combo may be the perfect tools for you. Compatible with any iPad 4 or later, iPad Air, or iPad Mini via Bluetooth. It’s also synced with Creative Cloud

5. Adonit Mark

T he Adonit Mark lets anyone with a smartphone, tablet, or touchscreen laptop have access to a solid, all-purpose stylus. The best thing about the Mark is how the stylus feels in the hand — it’s made of anodized aluminum and is smooth, but has a good grip. It’s also has a triangular shape, so it doesn’t roll, which feels natural.

Other Resources

1. Vectorizer.io (Website)

FREE

V ectorizer.io allows you to convert raster images like PNGs, BMPs and JPEGs to scalable vector graphics (SVG, EPS, DXF) for digital art making

2. Ctrl+Paint

FREE

Ctrl+Paint is a free learning resource dedicated to the basics of digital painting. Each bite-sized video covers a different concept, allowing you to learn complex subjects in manageable increments.

3. Miscellaneous

August Calendar of Online & In-Person Events

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 20:01:44 GMT

Check out August's local online and in-person events!

Tools for Monetizing Videos and Music

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 18:10:00 GMT

Tools for Monetizing Video and Music Content

So you want to make money from your content. Great! Now comes the hard part; deciding where and how you want to sell your work. Below are several tools where creatives can monetize their videos and sell their music.

Monetizing Videos

1. SkillShare

SkillShare is a website where users can create courses relating to topics they want to share and get paid when people watch the courses they've created.

Pros
Every time somebody watches a course you've made, you earn money
SkillShare offers a teacher center where you can go through the process of creating your class
It is free to post classes on SkillShare
Videos are automatically monetized
Cons
It may take a while to start earning money from the videos because you need to build up a following
You do not get paid a flat rate for the videos you post

There are two ways to make money on skillshare:

Receive $10 commission for each premium subscription referral via personal referral link
Receive a portion of Skillshare’s monthly profits based on how many premium minutes people watched with regards to your skillshare classes

2. Twitch

Twitch is a relatively new, popular video service mostly used for live streaming (mainly) and posting other video content

Pros
Popular
Very simple interface
Twitch is free to use
Cons
You can't directly monetize videos
It can take a significant amount of time to build the audience necessary to monetize content on Twitch
Twitch has become a very saturated platform

You can monetize videos on Twitch through Tips/Donations, bits, GameWisp, Streamloots, Amazon affiliates, and sponsorships.

3. Patreon

Patreon is a crowdfunding site aimed at a particular audience: artists and online personalities in the business of content creation.

Pros
While it might take a few days to process the payments, everything runs smoothly and they’ve even added a direct deposit option
Good customer support
Patreon is free to use
Cons
Discoverability is difficult, because while Patreon has fixed searching and added tags, category tags are very broad

4. YouTube

YouTube is an extremely popular video sharing/streaming service

Pros
Relatively easy to use
No time limit for uploads
Very popular platform
Cons
You have to gain a certain amount of subscribers before you can start monetizing videos
You have to create a separate AdSense account in order to put ads on your videos
Extremely saturated platform
Monetization rates are comparatively low; a large number of views is necessary for any significant monetary gain

You have to gain a following, partner with YouTube, and create a separate AdSense account before you can start making money.

Selling Music

1. Bandzoogle

Bandzoogle is a web hosting platform which is exclusively dedicated to musicians. It provides tools for musicians to build a professional website, promote music as well as selling direct to fans.

Pros
Since Bandzoogle is dedicated to musicians, extra care is taken to provide sufficient bandwidth with no choking. It restricts users only based on pages, tracks, and photos.
The basic plan (and all others) supports most of the rudimentary features required for a music website. You can sell music downloads easily using these features.
Includes advanced features such as video headers, inventory tracking, sound scan recording, album pre orders, and more.
Cons
There are certain features that cost extra, such as email hosting.
Not free to use, however you can get a 30 day free trial.

2. Deezer

Deezer provides on-demand streaming access to your music through an application.

Pros
Available outside the US
Truly free version on mobile
Not as saturated as other platforms like Spotify and Apple Music
Cons
Mobile apps lack MP3-upload compatibility
Can't rewind live radio streams
Lacks Hi-Res Audio

For songs streamed via streaming or tethered downloads, you receive a proportionate share of Deezer's monthly advertising revenue. The actual amount varies and depends on the ratio of advertising revenue to your total number of streams in Deezer in a given month.

3. Spotify

Easily, the most popular music streaming app of the bunch is Spotify. Boasting an impressive 180 million users, it’s even credited with launching the career of Grammy Award-winning artist, Lorde.

Pros
Spotify has partnerships with many other digital services
Free for artists
180 million users and almost a million streams per minute
Cons
Direct uploading for Indie artists is by invitation only
Spotify only pays out $0.006 to $0.0084 per every stream (Worse, revenue is paid directly to the music holder, meaning the revenue is often split between artists, writers, music producers, and their record labels)

You must create an artist page before uploading music to Spotify.

4. Music Glue

Music Glue lets you create a website with no advertising, as well as your own custom domain name, completely free of charge.

Pros
Music Glue is free to use
All tracks sold/streamed on Music Glue count towards the digital and physical charts
Specifically designed for selling music
Cons
Music Glue takes 10% commission on all sales

5. Apple Music

Apple Music is a “premium” subscription streaming service. It does not include a "free" ad- supported tier

Pros
Apple Music pays $0.00783 per stream, more than Spotify
When a subscriber streams your music, you get paid a proportionate share of Apple Music's subscription revenue per month calculated on terms set out in TuneCore's blanket agreement with the store
Cons
Apple Music requires a third-party distributor as a middleman.

6. SoundCloud

SoundCloud is an online audio distribution platform and music sharing website based in Berlin, Germany, that enables its users to upload, promote, and share audio.

Pros
SoundCloud Premier is the direct monetization program for independent creators of original music. SoundCloud Premier monetization is rolling out to all eligible SoundCloud Pro and Pro Unlimited subscribers
Uploading music to the platform is relatively easy
SoundCloud is rising in popularity
Cons
Under the free membership, you do not have access to the direct monetization program
An expected payout can range from $0.0025 to $0.004 per stream (So for every 1000 plays, you'd receive between $2.50–$4.00 )

Soundcloud premier participants receive a share of net revenue generated from advertising and listener subscriptions

COVID-19 Art and Creative Resources for Families

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 18:19:05 GMT

COVID-19 Safe and Fun Art, STEAM, Theatre, and Cultural Resources and Activities

COVID-19 has made harnessing creativity hard. Here, find websites detailing activities and resources to stay creatively, artistically, and culturally engaged during COVID-19.

1. Spontaneous Art Therapy Activities for Teens

Click the button below and find a list of 22 art activities for teenagers that encourage spontaneity, original thinking and imagination and involve passion, fun, intensity, and confidence. All projects focus on the creative process instead of an end-product.

2. Creative Prompts for Art Projects During Social Distancing

During this time of isolation, we can come together to bridge the social distance through community and art. Click the button below and find a list of prompts! Let’s spread creativity and cultivate community through art.

3. Zoom Games and Activity Ideas

As we’re all staying at home, Zooms have become very popular. It’s a great way to just “hang out." The key to games and activities on Zoom is that they get everyone involved. When everyone has a turn or a way to participate, that makes it fun. Click the button below and find many Zoom-friendly games and activities!

3. Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take on Your Couch

Experience the best museums from London to Seoul in the comfort of your own home. Google Arts & Culture teamed up with over 2,500 museums and galleries around the world to bring everyone virtual tours/online exhibits of some of the most famous museums around the world. Google Arts & Culture’s collection includes the British Museum in London, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Guggenheim in New York City, and literally hundreds of more places where you can gain knowledge about art, history, and science. This collection is especially good for students who are looking for ways to stay on top of their studies while schools are closed. Click the button below to start a virtual tour of a famous museum of your choice!

4. Petite Galerie du Musee du Louvre

Virtually explore the Petite Galerie of the world renowned Louvre Museum from the comfort and safety of your own home! See the art up-close (via zooming in) and find information on your favorite pieces. Click the button below to start the virtual tour.

5. Take a Virtual Visit to a National Park

Got a bit of downtime? Take a trip to a national park from wherever you are! Many national park sites across the country offer digital tours and experiences that you can access anytime, anywhere. From digitally diving under the sea to watching the cherry blossom trees bloom, there are countless ways to #FindYourPark. Click the Botton below to start (virtually) touring national parks!

6. 25 Theatre-Related Online Resources for Kids and Families

From free remote classrooms and live streams, to donation-based early childhood dance classes that turn your living room into a tap studio—check out this list of theatre-related online resources for families, children, and teens. Click the button below and find 25 theatre-related resources!

7. Ideas for Musical Games

Music activities are perfect to get your students up and moving. Try one of these games, created by Music Together teachers, in your classroom. If you try them, let them know by tagging them on Facebook ( @MusicTogether ). Click the button below to browse through some fun ideas for musical games!

8. Musical Instruments to Make at Home

Get crafty and make your own musical instruments at home! In this article, find instructable videos that walk you through the process of making an instrument using common materials. Make pipes, kazoos, guitars, drums, shakers and more! There are even a couple tutorials that use 3D printing and Tinkercad to make an instrument. Click the button below and start making instruments today!

9. Photography for Kids

Click the link below to find photography project ideas for kids ages 5-10+ !

10. DIY Guide: How to Build a Darkroom at Home

These days anyone and everyone with a smartphone can be a photographer. But, like with all art, there are still photography purists out there, using 35mm film to capture moments of simplicity, complexity and, of course, beauty. Many of them take their film to be processed, but there are some who prefer to do the developing themselves. For that, you need a darkroom. Click the button below to find out how to build a DIY darkroom.

11. 6 Techie Ways to Make Pixel Art

Making cool things with pixels is super fun and creative. Click the button below to find some fun ways to make pixel art on the computer or using electronics.

12. 7 Online Courses to Get Kids Excited About STE(A)M

While there are many ways to learn online, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) activities are among the most fun and accessible. STEAM education is crucial to your child’s growth and development. STE(A)M skills will also increase your child’s opportunities in their future careers. Here are a few of the top rated courses to look into for your little one. Click the button below to find STEAM activities to do with your child.

Special thanks to Patricia Hill for sending us these awesome resources!!

Ensuring Your Images are High-Resolution for Print

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 16:17:24 GMT

Ensuring Images are High Resolution - What is DPI?

Most printers ask for images at 300 DPI, but what does that mean?

DPI stands for “Dots Per Inch”. Remember the dots on newspaper comics? DPI refers to the number of pixels that are printed per inch.

The standard resolution needed for printing is 300 DPI. A higher DPI means a higher quality print and is the standard quality for most professional printings (Side note: If you plan on submitting a piece for our Art in the Windows project, the image needs to be at least 150 DPI!).

The resolution of a computer/phone screen is 72 DPI. This means that even if an image looks like it is high quality on a screen, it may still look bad when it prints out.

To check the resolution of an image, you can upload your image here and see what size and quality you can print.

If your image is too low resolution, there is no way to make it higher resolution. Even if you change the image settings to a higher DPI, the image will still be just as blurry. For example, if your image is 100 DPI and you change the settings to 300 DPI, it will duplicate the pixels 3 times, so the image will look just as blurry (even though it is technically a higher DPI).

Most newer cell phones take high resolution photos, just ensure that when you export your image you export it at full resolution.

Art in the Windows of Downtown Torrington

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 15:59:12 GMT

NWCT Arts Council's Art in the Windows Project is Up in Downtown Torrington!

Several posters featuring artists from the NWCT area are up in the windows of Michaels, the Warner Theatre's box office, and the Allen Building! The aim of this project is to feature local artists while bringing some life and color to downtown Torrington!

Listed below are the artists featured in this round of the Art in the Windows project!

Kent Madia , Torrington, @itsyourboykent
Laurel Archambault , Torrington, http://laurelarchambault.wixsite.com/artist
Maddie Stenson , Torrington, www.madelinestenson.com , @madelinestensonart
DJ Stenson , Torrington, www.djstensonart.com , @moonlitautumn67
Eric Hammer , Torrington, eric-hammer.com
Susan Rood , New Hartford, www.susanrood.wordpress.com , @susanroodarts
Pat Damiani , Goshen, @patdamiani
Cyd Gorman , Barkhamsted, www.kritterkams.com
Caylin Jensen , Litchfield, www.caylinjensen.com , @caylinjensen
Paul Kulikowski , Burlington, http://pkulik1000.wixsite.com/paul-kulikowski-art
Ash Royer , Thomaston, @aa_artprints

Due to the success of the first installment, the NWCT Arts Council is doing another call for artists for Art in the Windows posters! Follow us on social media for updates!

Guidelines:

Artists must live/work in Northwest CT to qualify.
The cost is $35 per artist for a 24"x36" poster.
Once we create a proof of the poster for your approval, you can pay via check or PayPal.
Please send a high resolution image (24" W x 30" H, 300dpi ) to intern@artsnwct.org. (If the file is large, please send via WeTransfer.com).
Please send: your name, title of piece, size, medium, your hometown, your website URL, and your social media handle.

COVID-19 and NWCT Community Theatre

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 18:00:07 GMT

The Impact of COVID-19 on NWCT Community Theatre

The COVID-19 pandemic has heavily effected all forms of art and artists across the country and the world. However, out of all genres of art, the pandemic has perhaps taken the biggest toll on theatre. With Broadway going dark until 2021, community, school, and professional theatres all over the world have had to make the difficult decision to go dark and remain that way for an extended period of time. This article focuses on the community theaters of NWCT and the impact the pandemic has had on them, and includes links to donate to all of the theatres mentioned!

Warner Theatre - Torrington, CT

"The impact of Covid-19 was immediate with a venue of the Warner's size, (1700 seats in our Main Stage and 300 in the studio) and we have been shut down since March 13th. We had to furlough all staff except for myself (Executive Director) and the Director of Operations and have only recently been able to start bringing on staff through the shared work program. Because of the size of our venue we are likely going to be facing capacity restrictions through the rest of this year and into the first quarter of next year. There is a massive financial impact as well, as we rely on ticket sales and bringing our community together to generate revenue. We had about $300,000 in ticket sales that were directly impacted and have been delayed into 2021 and estimate $250-300,000 in lost revenue from lack of rentals, shows and fundraising."

"There is also a large regional impact on other nonprofits who use our space, families that rely on our summer camp and education programs, and the businesses who rely on us bringing in around 100,000 people to downtown Torrington every year. We have been using our social media and newsletters to keep in touch with our community, and using our platforms to signal boost other organizations who are able to operate in our region. This is the primary way we are also assisting the community and public, by using our network to promote ways artists and other organizations can find relief during the pandemic. There have been some great efforts to exit our silos and connect across sectors to find ways to support the community at this time."

"This is a bleak time for performing arts, as many people around the country have lost their jobs and are hurting. We need performing arts spaces to bring the community together to heal when this is all over. If people are interested in helping their local performing arts centers they should reach out and ask what they can do. Donations help, purchasing shows that are still on sale (with the knowledge that dates may change!), or donating ticket prices instead of asking for refunds. The other way that you can help is email or call your representatives and elected officials to let them know how important these performing art centers are to your communities and businesses. Using your voice to show how important art is will go a long way to ensuring the future for Northwest Connecticut."

- Rufus de Rham, Executive Director

Landmark Community Theatre - Thomaston, CT

“COVID-19 has caused us to shut down all live performances in the Thomaston Opera House, resulting in over $150,000 in lost revenue. The pandemic has also impacted our fundraising abilities; one fundraiser was canceled and the other postponed to the end of July."

“To stay in touch with patrons, we communicated through email and social media. We made personalized videos with updated messages and provided behind the scenes videos of our facilities. We have been able to produce a few Zoom/Youtube performances for our audiences to view at home, including a live organ concert and a live reading of “The Letter Project.” We are working to stream some of our past shows. Our volunteers have been anxious to participate in virtual programs. With some restrictions being lifted, volunteers are returning to the Opera House to help clean, paint, and prepare for reopening.

“If you would like to help out the Opera House, the most effective way is through donations. We are constantly modifying our budget and looking for ways to stretch our limited funds to make it back to reopen. Ticket refunds are costly, so we ask anyone holding tickets to hold them until we can reopen and mount the scheduled shows from 2020. We will also offer unlimited exchanges for the foreseeable future. Though of course, patrons are always entitled to a full refund, but we would ask these patrons to consider receiving credit for a future production or to make the refund a donation to the LCT. This would help LCT’s cash flow tremendously.”

“As we move forward, I am hopeful that all of the community theaters and performing arts organizations can help each other support their missions and get back to normal operations.”

“LCT is looking for opportunities to expand how we present performing arts. We are looking at combinations of live performances that will also be streamed; patrons with limitations or concerns will be able to watch from their homes while others will be able to return and experience live theatre. We are also interested in collaborating with other groups to present in the Opera House.”

- Gary Kingsbury, Chair

The Goshen Players - Goshen, CT

"The Goshen Players is a small community theater that has continually produced shows since 1949. In addition to producing shows, we own and maintain our historic building. The pandemic has forced us to close our doors and postpone our next in person production until the spring of 2021. We’ve suffered a loss of revenue as well as the ability to do what we love - theater. On a more positive note, the pandemic has given us the time to step back and review our current processes in an attempt to become more efficient. We’ve looked at inventive ways to raise revenue and use our space. COVID-19 has forced us to think creatively and appreciate everything and everyone involved at the theater."

"We’ve been involved in some virtual readings and have had a virtual paint night. We plan on presenting two additional virtual readings in the fall. Over the next few months we plan on emailing our patrons with our plans for 2021. With respect to educating the public, we have been reviewing presenting some readings that will challenge our audience to think differently. We’re also reviewing our 2021 season to look for opportunities to present some more diverse productions."

"People can attend our virtual offerings, as they are announced, and continue to donate. With no ticket sales for a year we are relying on donations to pay the bills. We are continually evaluating creative options to raise the capital needed to keep our building in good repair until we can once again open out doors."

- Joe Guttadaro, Vice President

Grumbling Gryphons Theatre Company - West Cornwall, CT

"Grumbling Gryphons has been seriously impacted by COVID-19, as our interactive theater work takes place in venues such as schools, theaters, libraries, summer camps, senior centers, etc. Due to Covid-19 our entire spring season was cancelled and the majority of our summer season was cancelled/postponed. To remain viable and sustain our services throughout this uncertain time of social distancing, we needed to shift gears and transform our live dramatic productions into interactive digital performances and workshops for children. The strange silver lining of this pandemic was that it provided us with a huge creative challenge which we have actively embraced. We are now offering and launching a variety of engaging, interactive virtual programs, including master classes, performances and a new hybrid combination of “real life” physical theater programs mixed with virtual visibility and engagement."

"I have found that fellow performing artists and performance venues large and small are actively informing the public about the serious challenge that we all face. It is essential and necessary that artists stay informed and help inform our audiences about the importance of keeping the arts alive, especially during this daunting, unprecedented time. Special outdoor performances observing strict COVID 19 social distancing are now beginning to be held outdoors in parking lots, lawns, parks and responsible COVID- protocol is being observed. Arts Councils such as NWCT provide valuable information about the arts and strive to feature artists and connect them to each other and to the public community."

"We greatly appreciate your support! All donations are tax-deductible and are needed now more than ever to help us through this entire year! We greatly appreciate volunteers to help our theater."

"Despite the myriad challenges of COVID-19 affecting our world, I have found a silver lining; despite the hardships, the love and appreciation of our fellow humans has brought our world closer together and made it a better place. It is time for artists to lead the way in bringing the community together, whether physically, virtually or spiritually. Now is the time to be increasingly creative, resourceful and resilient! The show must go on!"

- Leslie Elias, Artistic Director

TheatreWorks - New Milford, CT

"TheatreWorks had to end our season early, only after the first of five scheduled shows. Our plan right now is to reopen in September with smaller, scaled-down productions. We will also be putting new safety and cleanliness procedures in place to make our patrons comfortable and safe. We sent out a survey to our patrons asking how they have been affected by the pandemic, what their plans are to attend theater, and what TheatreWorks can do to make them feel the most comfortable at any given performance."

"We send periodic emails to update our followers about our plans and intentions regarding the future of TheatreWorks. Participating in our survey and sending financial support are our two asks. Specifically, once we reopen in September, we hope patrons will attend the productions or, if not, tell us what we can do or where we can improve to take any stress out of their experience at the theater."

- Mary Kimball, Administrator

Despite the hardships the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on theaters in Northwest CT and around the country, the strength of those who love the theatre will prevail. Below are resources to help mitigate the effect that COVID-19 has had on community theaters.

The Art of the Face Mask

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 15:40:28 GMT

The Art of the Face Mask

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in face masks becoming a part of every day fashion. Like with any article of clothing, face masks have slowly become a way for us to express ourselves. Featured here are some masks that, along with serving protective purposes, serve artistic purposes as well.

Ellen Moon - Cornwall

"This mask (left) features hand embroidered dill flowers, gem marigolds and camomile flowers. All are edible and have medicinal uses in calming inflammations. This mask took about 12-15 hours to make."

Kristie Arbesman - Burlington

"I wanted to help others during the pandemic so I joined the Sewing Face Masks - Farmington Valley CT Facebook Page. I signed up to sew masks for the Midstate Hospital in Middletown. I also learned through my church that Cherry Brook Health Center in Canton needed face masks so I sewed 15 for them. I also made masks for friends/family that were on the front lines. After posting photos of the masks online friends even asked me to make masks for their families. I made more than 50 masks. It felt so good to help others during this time."

Laurel Archambault - Torrington

"I made these masks because as an art educator I will have to wear these when we return to school. I wanted to create something that would educate and hopefully inspire students as we try to navigate this unusual time in our schools. I plan to also create a few that have more images and some humorous art sayings as well."

Robin McCahill - Thomaston

"These masks were made to promote kids wearing masks. I started with the line drawing and then participants finished the design."

Paul Kulikowski - Burlington

"One of my original face masks!"

Wendy Tam - Harwinton

"I took ideas from YouTube and added my own twists for style and function. The masks feature a r eplaceable wire nose bridge, an internal pocket for disposable supplemental filter material, c olor coordinated stitching, elastic straps, a ccent colors for the lining, t hree dimensional pleats for snug fit around the nose and chin, and come in t hree sizes."

Erika Crofut - Great Barrington

"My mask is called 'New tricks with the old dog.'"

Want more inspiration for creative masks? Check out the links below!

Discover NWCT Authors During Quarantine

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 16:51:00 GMT

Discover Local Authors During Quarantine!

When all of us are stuck at home, it's a great time to cozy up on the couch with a good book, especially one written by a local author who you can support during this difficult time! Featured below are authors from Northwest CT and their favorite book(s) they've written.

1. Elizabeth Barone - Watertown

"The pandemic hasn't affected my actual writing much; I always become socially distant when writing a new book. It definitely upset my release schedule, though. It's a good time to be a creator; people are looking for entertainment while stuck at home. Once I was feeling up to it, I wrote some free short pieces for fans of my River Reapers MC series. It was a way to bring new readers into the series, and a little something extra for longtime fans. We're very fortunate to have the technology we have. We can get really creative."

Elizabeth's most recent release, A Risky Prospect , part of the River Reapers MC series, follows "social worker Olivia, who has been through her own personal hell and come out the other side, tattered but determined to make things better in her corrupt town. Her roommate's current situation is the perfect place to start. When ex-con Cliff's wild ol' lady Olivia comes to him and the River Reapers for help, he's on board. His vigilante motorcycle club can get the job done, and it'll help convince Olivia to take the next step in their relationship. But when Olivia's traumatic past walks through the club's doors, there's no stopping her from doing whatever it takes to settle her own score. Even if it means crossing a line that Cliff might not be able to pull her back from."

2. Jack Sheedy - Harwinton

"COVID-19 has forced everyone to change their way of creating and promoting art. I would love to do a packed-house book launch and meet with readers, share wine and cheese, read from my books, sell a few, and make new friends. The packed house is out of the question, but Zoom events are a good new way of 'gathering.'"

Jack recently published a collection of essay's titled, "Magical Acts in Two Suitcases," which is available to pre-order at House of Books and Amazon. Below is the opening of an essay titled "Opening the Cereal":

"When was the last time you struggled with a cereal box? I don’t mean the sensible kind, where you open the flap on the top, pull apart the foil and pour. I mean the kind with a semi-circular perforation near the top of the narrow end. 'Press Here,' it says. Maybe my thumb is weak, but I’m just not strong enough to break the perforation. Last week I crumpled three boxes of cereal beyond recognition before I gave in and grabbed a steak knife. 'What’s all that rattling out there?' my wife called. 'Nuttin’, honey,' I said."

3. Jacque Lynn - Cornwall

"My children's book, Space Matters, will be published in October. While I hope we will no longer be in quarantine, the concept might still be relevant as this year has demonstrated two examples of why space matters: social distancing and the importance of a pause."

Space Matters raises multiple thinking points for children; "C an empty space be useful? Can it lead to new perspectives and new appreciation? Might it even be inspiring? Find out in a winsome book that draws on a child’s everyday experiences to prompt readers to look twice at their surroundings and notice the significance of sights, sounds, and spaces otherwise taken for granted."

4. Lonnie Carter - Falls Village

"COVID-19 has lost me two jobs. I was about to begin doing Press for Music Mountain when the season was cancelled, I was also about to do freelance for Scholastic Publishers when the work was cancelled."

Lonnie's play, The Romance of Magno Rubio, "focuses on Magno Rubio, an illiterate Filipino farmer and his pen-pal courtship with Clarabelle, a white woman from Arkansas who advertises in the back pages of a “lonely hearts” magazine. Believing he's found the woman of his dreams, Magno fantasizes about their life together, only to soon realize that reality and dreams do not always align."

Be sure to check out and support these wonderful authors from NWCT!

July Calendar of Online & In-Person Events

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 18:32:03 GMT

Check out what's happening in July, virtually and in-person as venues begin to open!

Art and Artists in the Era of COVID-19 - NWCT

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 18:25:51 GMT

NWCT Art and Artists in the Era of COVID-19

There's no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on everyone in many ways, whether that be mentally, physically, or emotionally. But what has been the creative/artistic toll of COVID-19 on artists, and how do artists recover from it? In this article, Northwest CT visual artists from all mediums give their take on how COVID-19 has impacted their art and creative process, and some advice for staying creative in these challenging times.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in difficult times for artists everywhere. Click the links below for COVID related financial and creative resources

2020 Make Music NWCT

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 20:39:44 GMT

The Third Annual Make Music NWCT was a Success!

David Taylor Coffey performing at Howard's/Noelke Gallery. Photo by Anya Stephenson, @shotbynya.

The COVID-19 pandemic couldn't stop Make Music Day on June 21st! Northwest CT featured creative, socially-distant performances at venues in Torrington, Kent, and Warren. The community came together at a safe distance to see live music and celebrate the summer solstice.

In Torrington, musicians took to the rooftops of Five Points Gallery and Howard's/Noelke Gallery . The Red Room All Stars (Lucinda Rowe, Mick Connolly, Gary Fiandra & Marc Russell) performed three sets of classic rock songs, including a full Beatles tribute!

Red Room All Stars performing on top of Five Points Gallery, Torrington. Photos courtesy of Red Room Recording Studio.

Howard's/Noelke Gallery had an all day set filled with all kinds of genres. The bands included Olive Tiger (chamber pop), Olde Bones (indie rock), Hallowz (indie rap/rock), Knowte (rap/pop), David Taylor Coffey (folk-punk), Say Love (indie folk), Taken Alive (rap/pop), 3mbrace (rock), Vera (vaporwave/electronic), and Gloom Cake (Jennifer Vinegar Avery) (experimental/performance art).

From Left: Knowte, Olive Tiger, Olde Bones, and 3mbrace. Photos by Anya Stephenson @shotbynya.

In the afternoon, Our Culture is Beautiful put on an educational all-ages drum circle and story time at KidsPlay Children's Museum!

Our Culture is Beautiful drum circle in KidsPlay Children's Museum's parking lot. Photos by Steph Burr and Maddie Stenson.

Later in the evening, Matica Circus performers Joel Melendez and Heidi Kirchofer made an appearance to liven up the event. Joel juggled on a unicycle during David Taylor Coffey's set, and Heidi walked on stilts, twirled ribbons and hula-hooped among the audience while 3mbrace and Vera played.

Left: Heidi Kirchofer, photo by Anya Stephenson, @shotbynya ; Right: Joel Melendez, photo by Steph Burr.

In Kent, Tina Pierce (country classics singer) and The T.J. Thompson Trio (jazz) performed at the Covered Wagon Country Store. T.J. Thompson's daughters even joined in for a song - a great way to also celebrate Father's Day!

Video: T.J. Thompson's daughters singing/accompanying the jazz trio at the Covered Wagon Country Store in Kent. Courtesy of T.J. Thompson.

Free drumsticks (courtesy of Vic Firth) and harmonicas (courtesy of Hohner) and custom Make Music NWCT tie-dyed shirts were available at the Arts Council's info booth. There was even a drone photographer at the Howard's performances to capture an aerial view of the happenings!

Left and top right: Make Music NWCT t-shirts, drumsticks and harmonicas. Photos by Anya Stephenson, @shotbynya . Bottom: Knowte pointing at the drone camera. Photo by Maddie Stenson.

Check out more pictures from 2020 Make Music NWCT below:

Announcing New & Upcoming Website Features

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 20:36:24 GMT

Announcing the NWCT Arts Council's New Website - New features and benefits, a new look, and lots more to come!

We are excited to share our new website and its features with you! Thank you for your patience while our site is under construction.

Check out the new and upcoming features below:

What's New:

New Look - we have updated the look of the website to be more visual and easier to navigate. It will now be easier to find resources , events , and information about the Arts Council.
Event submissions - Your events will appear on the Arts Council’s Calendar, as well as a network of other websites in the region with one single submission! We are continuing to partner with CivicLift/ DiscoverLitchfieldHills.com , and have adopted their online calendar layout. Please continue to submit your events through the Arts Council's site using your CivicLift login. If you haven't yet, please create a CivicLift account.
Blog - we have started creating blog articles to feature artists and relevant local topics in the arts. Members will have the opportunity to be featured in dedicated posts and interviews. Check out the full blog here!
New innovative method for sharing local art via curated shows in our Digital Gallery - currently featuring "Resiliency," art, music, videos, and writing created during quarantine.
Easy access to COVID-19 Resources , listed on our home page menu and updated regularly.
Easy sign up for our Weekly Email Newsletter (no login required) - sign up to stay in the loop about local events, calls for artists, grant & job opportunities, and more.
Economic Development Information
Community Wellness

What's Coming Next:

Interactive Member Portal - Arts Council members will be able to create a personalized profile, interact with other members, ask and answer questions on a peer-to-peer platform
Membership auto-renewal annually
More curated blog articles to build a source of information about arts and culture in our region
Digital Gallery - we plan to give regular opportunities for local artists to show in our digital gallery! Keep an eye out for our next call for artists!
Digital mall for Arts Council members' shops and promotion during the holiday season.

We look forward to sharing more new website features and member benefits as they are developed!

NWCT Artist Emergency Relief Fund

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 18:36:40 GMT

NWCT Artist Emergency Relief Fund - Applications Open

Applications are open to individual artists and small arts organizations in NWCT.

DEADLINE EXTENSION: Apply by July 15th, 2020

The NWCT Artist Relief Fund is open to artists, musicians, actors, creative professionals, and small arts organizations in Northwest CT who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. All funds will go directly to those in need in the form of micro-grants of $250.

Eligibility:

Artists or organizations must be residents/located in the NWCT Arts Council's service area.
Those who have applied for our previous relief fund are still eligible to apply again through this new application.

Please share this information with any artists or arts organization that have been impacted financially by the COVID-19 outbreak. All are encouraged to apply.

The need for funding is ongoing, as the arts are anticipated to be one of the last industries to recover from the COVID-19 outbreak. To contribute to the fund, please visit Northwest Corner Gives program through the NWCT Community Foundation.

The NWCT Artist Emergency Relief Fund is made possible thanks to the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, the Covid-19 Rapid Response Fund, the Neighbor to Neighbor Fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, and the Torrington Savings Foundation.

The Art of Protest

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 17:58:43 GMT

The Art of Protest - A Sign is Worth a Thousand Words

Protest art, in its many forms, has existed throughout the world since the 1500s. Protest art acts as an important tool for individuals to express their beliefs and values in a universal, cost-effective manner. Protesters produce works such as signs, banners, and posters in order to convey particular causes or messages. Often, such art is used as part of demonstrations or acts of civil disobedience. Since art, unlike other forms of dissent, takes few financial resources, more groups and parties can rely more on art as an affordable means of protest.

There are many politically charged pieces of fine art, including Picasso's famous oil painting, Guernica, which is regarded by many as one of the most moving and powerful anti-war pieces in history.

However, in this article, I focus more on the artistic elements of protest signs and banners which anyone, artist or not, can create in order to stand up for what they believe is right.

In America, protest signs and banners were extremely useful and influential during the Suffragette movement in the early 20th century. Banners and signs demanding President Wilson to use his political power and influence to give women the right to vote were extremely influential to the movement. The persistence of the Suffragettes to demand change eventually paid off when women were given the right to vote in 1920.

During the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, calls for change could be seen on sidewalk posters and protests signs protesters carried with them during demonstrations. Signs calling for the end of segregation, equal rights for African Americans, and demands for the end of both de facto and de pure segregation, along with the persistence of those protesting, influenced government policies. More importantly, these protests contributed to public desegregation and voting rights for African Americans.

Since the killing of George Floyd by police officers on May 25th, 2020, Black Lives Matter protests and demonstrations calling for justice have swept across America and the world. Throughout Northwest Connecticut specifically, protesters are calling for police reform as well as the protection and recognition of Black individuals. At these protests, protesters carry signs displaying short, often personal messages of empowerment, anger, and solidarity are prevalent. The signs carry personal moral as well as artistic weight, both of which can be appreciated.

In Winsted, the cardboard signs held by several protesters demonstrate how quickly people are willing to organize and come together regarding Black Lives Matter. People utilized whatever materials they can find around their homes in order to advocate for that they believe in, whether that be a piece of cardboard on a tree branch (far left) or a large piece of paper and markers (far right).

In Waterbury, thousands turned up for a Black Lives Matter protest on June 1st. With the ever present threat of COVID-19, organizers required that protesters wear masks to protect themselves and others. Several protesters decided to use their masks as a medium for advocacy and expression, painting short statements of solidarity on their personal protective equipment. Masks were adorned with sayings such as "SAY LESS," "I CAN'T BREATHE" and "BLACK LIVES MATTER" (far left). Like Winsted, Waterbury protesters held cardboard signs displaying statements of Black power and strength, seemingly ready to organize for a cause they believe in at a moments notice.

In Torrington, many protesters had several days notice about the demonstration. This resulted in more complex protest signs with moving art and messages. Signs calling for the respect of Black people, signs urging all people to carry on the fight for what they believe is right and just, and signs simply reading "Black Lives Matter" could be seen throughout the group of protesters.

Both George Floyd's memory and his image have spearheaded the recent Black Lives Matter protests. Throughout the world, the image of George Floyd was - and is - prevalent on protest signs. The memory of Floyd is one factor which motivates people to fight for equality. Artists of all mediums and genres have used Floyd's image to create messages of justice.

Throughout history, protest signs have allowed individuals to more easily use their voice and be a part of a cause that they believe in. Protest signs at demonstrations have been extremely influential to several movements, including the Suffragette movement, the Civil rights movement, and the Black Lives Matter movement. Separate from their message, protest signs can be appreciated for their artistic and aesthetic qualities as well. The protest signs of the recent Black Lives Matter protests and demonstrations simply and artistically capture a moment in time which will be written in the history books.

Call for Artists - Art in the Windows

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 19:28:58 GMT

Call for Artists: Display your artwork in the storefront windows of Downtown Torrington

Call for Artists: Display your artwork in the storefront windows of Downtown Torrington!

Artists must live/work in Northwest CT to qualify. The cost is $35 per artist for a 24"x30" poster.

Once your image/information have been submitted we will create a proof of the poster for your approval. Then, you can pay via check or online donation to have the poster printed and hung.

Limited spaces available, first come first serve!

To apply please send a high resolution image (24" W x 30" H, 300dpi) to intern@artsnwct.org. (If the file is large, please send via WeTransfer.com). Please also send: Your Name, Title of Piece, Size, Medium, your hometown, your website URL, and your social media handle.

12 Influential Black Artists from NWCT

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 18:36:40 GMT

1. Anya stephenson, photographer/Model

Anya is a photographer from Torrington who will be entering her senior year at the University of Hartford. She is the founder of "Just Creatives," a group on campus that consists of photographers, videographers, visual communicators, music producers, performance artists, painters, illustrators, and everything art.

2. Effie & Angaza Mwando, our culture is beautiful

Effie is a storyteller and performer who currently resides in the Northwest corner of Connecticut. She is one of the founders of Our Culture is Beautiful with her husband Angaza. She performed as Rosa Parks at several events in Connecticut. During this time of her life, storytelling began to emerge as something she wanted to learn more about and include within her performance. In the past four years she began to make storytelling a central part of her performance.

Angaza is a poet and traditional African drummer who coordinates drum circles to bring people together and promote peace.

3. Jasmine Bailey, illustrator/Musician/Animator

Jasmine is a visual artist and musician from Torrington, who wants to make genuine connections and change the world with her creations. She makes illustrations, animated short films, composes, performs, and records music.

4. Dela Musik, Rapper

Dela Musik is a rapper from Torrington. He was born in the Dominican Republic and came to the United States when he was nine. He released his first full album in 2019 called "Short Days & Long Nights" available on all major platforms.

"My journey into music began through writing poetry in my early teens. I eventually wanted to share these poems with my friends and wanted to make them sound cool, so I started reciting them over beats. Music has always been my escape, whether listening to it or creating it. I have always struggled to relay my emotions any other way."

5. EJ Grubbs, Photograpther/Graphic Designer

EJ is a photographer and graphic designer from Waterbury. He licenses many photos through Shutterstock.

"Taking photos is a passion. As a Graphic Designer I have 30 plus years of experience working at an Advertising Agency. During that time I’ve worked with some of the top photographers in the country and they have inspired me to express myself through photography. I try to illustrate a photographic style that is unique in its sense of design and color. Much of the qualities I attribute to my experience as a graphic designer. I believe that strong colors and shapes are part of a good composition that contribute to an emotional response. An emotion that I hope will be be stimulated by anyone who sees my images. Now I couldn’t think of doing anything else.”

6. Magaly O'Hika, Mixed Media Artist

Magaly is a mixed media artist from Cornwall. Magaly's paintings are a result of the embracing of her inner little girl, whic h allows her to be free, have a voice, and make a difference in the world.

7. Jacque Williams, SInger/DJ/Host of City views/Community Leader

Jacque started in music by singing in his elementary school’s choir which allowed him to delve deep into both producing and performing music. This interest continued through elementary school, high school and eventually into college. He is the director of the Singer/Songwriter Network of Torrington, which provides support activities, programs and resources for artists performing original music. Jacque is also an on air personality with local community radio station WAPJ. Jacque’s show entitled, “The Feel Good Show,” airs Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM until Noon at 89.9 and 105.1 FM with a live stream in stereo at WAPJ.ORG. He is also the host of "City Views," a public access TV show on channel 5, that airs Tuesdays at 7:30 pm.

"My greatest joy is building relationships. Building partnerships and building community. My mentorship in music impressed upon me the importance of making the connection from your art to the people. As a result, I am blessed to be able to work daily on and with the two things that I appreciate the most. The arts and the people. It is my hope to continue my endeavors with both!"

8. Pastor Kevin Johnson, Civil war reenactor

Pastor Kevin Johnson of Workman Church in Torrington is an employee of the State Library’s History and Genealogy Unit. He does historical reenactments of Jordan Freeman, and has been presenting as Pvt. William Webb, a soldier in the Civil War, for more than 16 years. He has given more than 500 presentations.

9. Arnetha Douglas, Mixed-media Artist

Arnetha is a mixed media artist from Bristol, and has a studio through the Five Points Center for Visual Arts' Launchpad program. She recently received her BFA from the Hartford Art School with a focus in printmaking, and is now an MFA Candidate, class of 2022.

10. Michael Walker, Painter

Michael is a painter from Harwinton. In his paintings, he takes symbolism to an unexpected place, and exhibits a natural sense of balance and color. Michael draws inspiration from modern guerrilla and street style post impressionism.

11. Coryse Villarouel, Dancer/Dance Educator/Actor

Coryse Villarouel is a dance educator, choreographer and actor from Torrington. She is originally from Trinidad and Tobago and has been been dancing for over 20 years. She was a principal dancer with two Caribbean dance companies in Hartford and a Caribbean dance teacher at Dance N Beyond. She is also an actor and a member of The Screen Actors Guild. She most recently acted in Defending Jacob, Castle Rock, and has a reoccurring home health commercial on TV.

June 2020 Calendar of Digital and Socially Distant Events

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Fri, 29 May 2020 19:30:40 GMT

Click the calendar to check out what's happening in June!

Make Music NWCT, June 21st!

maddie@artsnwct.org (Maddie Stenson) — Thu, 28 May 2020 18:13:45 GMT

The Arts Council is hosting the 3rd Annual Make Music NWCT, June 21st!

The Northwest CT Arts Council is proud to be a part of this international celebration of music, after two successful Make Music Day events in 2018 and 2019. Whether it is socially-distant live performances, or social media live stream takeovers, the well-loved event will go on despite the pandemic.

Registration is open for venues and musicians across Northwest CT at makemusicday.org/nwct . Through the online Make Music Day platform, venues and musicians will be able to match up and schedule performances for the day.

People of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to create music at participating venues all over the region on the longest day of the year. All performances will be free and open to the public, to allow access to music performances to communities that might not otherwise have the opportunity to witness.

As situations develop with COVID-19, venues and musicians should use their discretion when signing up to participate, and get creative to host safe and socially distant performances. Venues are strongly encouraged to register as soon as possible, and start promoting their participation in this event.

“I am so excited to coordinate Make Music Day this year! Listening and viewing live performances will be as special as ever after we have been quarantined all spring. I am looking forward to the creative and innovative ways venues and performers will execute both live and virtual performances. I can’t wait to celebrate the summer solstice with a day full of local music.” says Maddie Stenson, Program Director of the NWCT Arts Council.

Last year, Make Music NWCT featured 44 musicians, 24 venues, with a total of 65 performances throughout the day.

Amelia Ellis, a Make Music spectator in Torrington said, "It was wonderful to be able to go someplace so full of life, magic, and color after a long day at work.

Make Music Day this year was a celebration of the city for what it is. It was a celebration of the local talent and the local audience -- the people who live here and the people who make Torrington a genuine city."

Make Music Day began in France in 1892 as the Fete de la Musique, and has spread to over 800 cities across 120 countries.

Make Music NWCT is sponsored in part by the CT Office of the Arts and Make Music Alliance.

NWCT Arts Council and Discover Litchfield Hills Partner to Co-brand Calendar

Wed, 27 May 2020 21:13:20 GMT

The two organizations begin collaboration to become the centralized resource for events in Northwest Connecticut.

Northwest Connecticut Arts Council is partnering with the Northwest Connecticut Economic Development Corporation (EDC) around the Discover Litchfield Hills (DLH) website. This project will involve fully integrating the DLH calendar system with the Arts Council’s website, as well as co-branding their monthly print calendar and weekly email newsletter.

The Arts Council will be launching its new website on June 1st, 2020 as part of this initiative. The integration of the DLH calendar in the NCAC website will further develop the infrastructure needed to make DLH a vibrant resource for the region. Arts, culture, and creative events will be filtered into the NCAC online calendar from the “Find the Arts” section of DLH’s website. Arts Council members will continue to have the benefit of listing their events once through the NCAC website to be included in both the Arts Council and DLH calendars.

“This integration is a major step forward in creating a centralized events platform for our region, and we are excited for the positive impact that it will have on the arts and culture community in NWCT,” says Steph Burr, Executive Director of the Arts Council.

The partnership is a significant pillar of NCAC’s strategic plan, as well as the tourism focus area of the EDC’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Plan. The Arts Council is focusing on deep regional collaboration and economic development through the arts. This partnership is part of a larger year-long marketing and communication plan to highlight this collaboration, and increase brand awareness of both DLH and NCAC as a central sources of information for events in the region.

Visit the NWCT Arts Council’s website at artsnwct.org or Discover Litchfield Hills at discoverlitchfieldhills.com .

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