THINGS TO DO
Best of the arts in the weeks ahead
BRANFORD Visual Arts
Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance, presents “The Painted Doors of Branford,” Nov. 7, 8. Over sixty decorated doors will be displayed on Main St. as a symbolic reopening of our community. Visit the display, vote for your favorites, and participate in the silent auction to purchase and bring your favorite door home. All monies raised fund college scholarships for deserving & talented students who will be furthering their education in the written, visual & performing arts. Jeanettemobeck@yahoo.com
BRIDGEPORT Films
Art- inspired film series presented by the Housatonic Museum of Art and curated by Connecticut Film Festival, online Nov. 6, 7 p. m. Line- up concludes: “With Dad,” Nov. 6. For film links visit housatonicmuseum.org
Visual Arts
Bridgeport Art Trail, city- wide arts celebration runs Nov. 5- 15. Ten day calendar of online and onsite programs adapted to comply with Covid19. BAT Kickoff Party, Nov. 7, 6- 9: 30 p. m. will include visual art, music, and projections indoors and outdoors. Attendees can safely assemble outdoors near the Read’s ArtSpace building and Peacock Alley and indoors at the Arcade Mall. Face masks and physical distancing protocol required. Full schedule posted on website and social media platforms. bridgeport- art- trail. org “Winter Wonderland” at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave. Zoo grounds will have 10 one- of- a- kind snowpeople sculptures from local artists on display at the Zoo from Dec- March. Online public vote to choose a first, second, and third place winner with cash prizes of $ 250, $ 125, and $ 75 respectively. beardsleyzoo.org jtaylor@beardsleyzoo.org. “Scream and Shout,” the art of Carlos Bautista Biernnay, absurd fiber art influenced by the artist's personal reactions to events on 9/ 11 in the United States and in Chile, Now online on the City Lights website. citylightsgallery.org “Photorealism: Fixing the Fleeting Moment,” Housatonic Museum of Art on the Housatonic Community College Campus, 900 Lafayette Blvd. New exhibit on view through Dec. 2021; “The Roots of Abstraction,” exhibit on view through Aug. 31, 2021. An appointment to visit the museum is necessary, and visitors must be prepared to comply with social distancing rules and wear protective face masks. Housatonic Museum of Art will also make the exhibit available as a slideshow, virtual tour and as a print- on- demand catalog. 203- 332- 5052, housatonicmuseum.org Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo online Zoo Photography Exhibit, “Photography Goes Wild.” beardsleyzoo.org
DANBURY Specials
Hidden Expansion- From the Infinite to the Infinitesimal, virtual program hosted by Danbury Library on Zoom, Nov. 9, 7 p. m. Registration required. 203- 797- 4505, danburylibrary.org
Visual Arts
“Fall Celebration of the Great Swamp,” hosted by Friends of the Great Swamp, virtually, through Nov. 15, 8 p. m. Virtual adult and children’s art shows, online demos for children’s activities that can be recreated at home, art show sale, and other unique items available for sale including FrOGS t- shirts. No cost to view the celebration, donations accepted. FrOGS- NY. org “Postcards to an Island” Photo collages by Ann Nicholson Brown, Gallery at Still River Editions, 128 E Liberty St. Through Dec. 18. Regular gallery hours: Mon- Fri 8: 30 a. m.- 5 p. m. Open to 1 or 2 visitors from the same household at one time, masks required. 203- 791- 1474, stillrivereditions.com Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut is hosting an online show meant to uplift and show the strength of community members during crises of the past year. “Arts Are > Greater Than” is open to artists in Connecticut and New York. Exhibit will run through Jan. cawct.org
DARIEN Films
“Hometown Habitat, Stories of Bringing Nature Home,” virtual film screening hosted by Darien Land Trust, Darien Pollinator Pathway, and Darien Library on Zoom, Nov. 10, 5 p. m. Registration required at darienlibrary.org sskerrett@darienlibrary.org
FAIRFIELD Comedy
Rachel Feinstein, Fairfield Theatre Company StageOne, 70 Sanford St. Nov. 7, 7: 45 p. m. $ 34. fairfieldtheatre.org
Lectures
Open Visions Espresso l: Johnathan Petropoulos, PhD with “Herman Göring’s Man in Paris: The Story of a Nazi Art Plunderer and His World,” online lecture presented by Fairfield University Art Museum, Nov 10, 7: 30- 9 p. m.; Open Minds Institute with Erik Novoa, “Opera: Who Cares? And Why Should We,” Nov. 11, 1- 2 p. m. Both lectures available at thequicklive.com 203- 2544010, quickboxoffice@fairfield.edu Virtual Lecture hosted by Fairfield University Art Museum: “The Body Paramount: Gender, Tradition & Design,” Nov. 5, 5- 6 p. m. Register on Eventbrite for the link to the lecture. 203- 254- 4046, fairfield. edu/ museum Veteran’s Day “Women at War: The Forgotten Heroes,” Trinity Episcopal Church, 651 Pequot Ave. Nov. 8, 5 p. m. Masks and social distancing required. Advance registration required at tinyurlcom/ tecnov8, 203- 255- 0454
Visual Arts
Art in Focus: “Hiroshige I, Fuchu: The Abe River,” online discussion hosted by Fairfield University Art Museum, Nov. 5, 11 a. m.- noon. 203- 254- 4046, fairfield. edu/ museum “Ruby Sky Stiler: Group Relief,” online exhibit at Fairfield University Art Museum, through Dec. 19. 203- 2544046, museum@ fairfield. edu “Abstract is Not a Style: Five Woman Painters,” group exhibit featuring paintings by five contemporary female artists, Hollis Taggart, 330 Pequot Ave. Nov. 5- Dec. 12. Opening reception Nov. 5, 5- 8 p. m. Masks required and all COVID protocols followed. info@hollistaggart.com
GREENWICH Music
Greenwich Choral Society announces its virtual performance, James E. Moore’s arrangement of “An Irish Blessing,” available for viewing through the Choral Society’s website, gcsct. org. Rehearsals on Zoom every Tuesday 7: 30- 9 p. m. until Dec. 15. Rehearsals are free. If interested contact admin@greenwichchoralsociety.org
Visual arts
“Animal Attraction” by Heidi Johnson, Greenwich Library Flinn Gallery, 101 W. Putnam Ave. Nov. 5- Jan. 6. 203- 622- 7947, flinngallery. com Historical Society Museum Gallery, 47 Strickland Road. Advance reservations are required to visit the museum galleries, and the number of visitors will be limited. Museum Store is also open. Library and Archives open by appointment only. Heirloom gardens and historic grounds open, and new docent- led Site & Landscape Tours to come. The Bush- Holley House remains closed. Reserve at greenwichhistory.org or 203- 869- 6899 Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. “House on the Hill: The Changing Face of the Bruce Museum,” Online version of the exhibit available at houseonthehillexhibition.com. Admission by advance reservation, with timed ticketing. Admission free. Tue- Sun, 9: 30- 10: 30 a. m. for self- selected individuals over the age of 65 or who are immunocompromised; Tue- Sun, 10: 30- 11: 30 a. m. members. All remaining hours are unchanged. Mask or cloth face covering required. Museum store open. Online exhibits: “On the Edge of the World: Masterworks by Laurits Andersen Ring from SMK- the National Gallery of Denmark,” “Under the Skin,” and “House on the Hill: The Changing Face of the Bruce Museum.” 203- 8690376, brucemuseum.org
LITCHFIELD Visual Arts
Nigerian Refugees photographer Lee Cantelon in- house exhibit of “Nigerian Refugees,” Wisdom House Spiritual Retreat and Conference Center, 229 E. Litchfield Road. Exhibit runs thru Nov. 15. Face masks and registration required. 86o- 567- 3163, wisdomhouse.org
MILFORD Lectures
Virtual lectures hosted by Milford Library on Zoom: “Let’s Talk Physicist Carl Sagan,” Nov. 7, 3 p. m. Register at milfordlibrary.org; “Roadmap to the Stars: The Night Sky Explained,” Nov. 10, 7 p. m. Register at nabbey@milfordct.gov.
Specials
Spirits of Milford Ghost Walks, through Nov. 14. Walk starts at Hotchkiss Bridge, Factory Lane. Online ticket price $ 18 per person, $ 23 walk- up ticket per person exact cash only. To ensure health, and safety walk is strictly limited to no more than 25 people. Advance tickets recommended. 203214- 7554, spiritsofmilford.com
Visual Arts
Milford Arts Council’s exhibit “The Story of Women.” runs through Nov. 19. 203- 878- 6674, milfordarts.org Milford Arts Council announce their project grant, “Meet Me At The Bench,” awarded by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development: Office of the Arts. Bench designs by creatives, artists, and craftsmen who created and will install six unique benches re- imagined as artistic and community experiences throughout downtown Milford. Project which will launch in Spring 2021.
NEW CANAAN Visual Arts
“The Golden Door,” Silvermine Gallery, 1037 Silvermine Road. Through Jan. 16. In- person viewing, 10 a. m.- 4 p. m. Schedule in advance at 203- 9669700, ext. 3; silvermineart.org
NORWALK Books
Indie Author Day, virtual celebration hosted by Norwalk Library on Zoom, Nov. 7, 10 a. m.- 4: 30 p. m. Day of education, networking, writing, open mics, panels, and more for local indie authors, writers and their communities. To join contact Cynde Bloom Lahey, at clahey@norwalkpl.org
Educational
Focus on Fiction: Adult Writing Program, hosted by Norwalk Public Library on Zoom, through Nov. 30, 10: 30 a. m.- noon. Sessions: Nov. 9, 16, 23, 30. Registration required at clahey@norwalkpl.org Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 N Water St. Online Programs for Families: “Fish Tales,” “All About Sea Turtles,” “Shark Safari” and other similar educational programs available for live streaming each week. Suggested donation. All require advance reservations to receive the link. 203- 8520700, ext. 2206; maritimeaquarium.org/ virtual- programs
Lectures
“The Legal Aftermath of the 2020 Presidential Election” virtual presentation by Kevin Zezima, Attorney at Law, hosted by Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County, Nov. 9, 7 p. m. Register by e- mail hffc@optimum.net subject: “Aftermath.” First Ladies Tea, virtual lecture hosted by Lockwood- Mathews Mansion Museum, Nov. 8, 2- 4 p. m. The event features a talk titled, “The Media’s Fascination with First Ladies” by Dr. Lisa M. Burns. Hat contest with prizes and a silent auction. $ 20 members, $ 25 nonmembers. All proceeds benefit the Museum’s cultural and educational programs. Tickets at lockwoodmathewsmansion.com
Visual Arts
“Color Burst: Pastels and Paintings,” Solo show by Ronnie Gold, Art Annex CT, 112 Rowayton Ave. Through Nov. 20. Gallery hours: Tue- Fri noon- 5 p. m.; Sat- Sun 10 a. m.- 1 p. m. or by appointment. e- mail artannexct@gmail.com, artannexct.com Lockwood- Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Ave. is open daily from noon- 2 p. m. The exhibit, “About Women,” in collaboration with Silvermine Arts Center will mark the physical reopening of the galleries, and will run through Jan. 3. $ 10. 203- 838- 9799, lockwoodmathewsmansion.com “Autumn Juried Show,” Rowayton Arts Center, 145 Rowayton Ave. Through Nov. 14. Gallery hours: Tue- Fri noon- 5 p. m.; Sat 10 a. m.- 1 p. m. 203866- 2744, ext. 2, rowaytonarts.org
RIDGEFIELD Christmas
“Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays,” a festive holiday competition offered by Lounsbury House and Ridgefield Guild of Artists, Lounsbury House, Nov. 27- Dec. 20. Create your own gingerbread- styled version of a historic Ridgefield building or design your own. Selected houses will be displayed for public viewing from Lounsbury’s outdoor veranda ballroom windows. Entries due by Nov. 20, 4 p. m. Holiday Stroll, kick off Nov. 27. Fri, Sat, Sun through Dec. 20. 203- 4386962 or christina@lounsburyhouse.org.
Films
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie,” Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge. Nov. 7, 1 & 7 p. m. $ 12: 50; “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” Nov. 8, 1 & 5 p. m. $ 12: 50; Diversity Film Series: “Moonlight,” Nov. 10, 7 p. m. Free. Tickets must be reserved in advance. Masks and social distance required at all times. 203- 438- 5795, ridgefieldplayhouse.org
Visual arts
Rudy Shepherd: Somebody's Child" on view at The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum through Nov. 29. Exhibit “Frank Stella's Stars, A Survey,” on view in the Sculpture Garden and in the galleries, through May 9, 2021. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St. In- Person exhibits: “Rudy Shepherd: Somebody’s Child,” through Nov. 29. Timed- entry tickets or reservations required. “Twenty Twenty, “exhibit through Jan. 3. aldrichart.org
STAMFORD Books
An Evening with Jerry Zezima, author of “Every Day is Saturday: Sleeping Late, Playing with Grandchildren, Surviving the Quarantine, and Other Joys of Retirement,” hosted by Ferguson Library on Zoom, Nov. 9, 6 p. m. Registration required at bit. ly/ 31J9h6c
Festivals
Fall Family Fest Sunday, Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road. Nov. 8, 11 a. m.- 2 p. m. Free with admission. Pumpkin painting and sock skating, live animal shows and apple cidering demonstrations. 203- 322- 1646, stamfordmuseum.org
Films
Avon Theatre, 272 Bedford St. InPerson screenings: James Bond series with Sean Connery-“Dr. No,” Nov. 6; “From Russia with Love,” Nov. 7. Both screenings are 7: 45- 9: 45 p. m. $ 9 Avon members, $ 14.50 public. avontheatre.org
Specials
Friends of The Ferguson Library and the Mystery Writers of America/ New York Chapter host “CrimeCONN Express,” series of five one- hours virtual sessions for writers and mystery lovers on Zoom, through Nov. 19. Sessions take place Thursdays 7 p. m. Line- up: The Art of Writing, Nov. 5; Finding New Ways to Stay Connected, Nov. 12; How Bestsellers Got That Way, Nov. 19. Free to attend. Registration required for each individual session at fergusonlibrary.org/ crimeconn- express 203 351- 8231.
Stage
Avon Theatre Film Center & Greenwich Theatre Company present “A Journey- A Musical One- Woman Show” written and performed by Kimberly Wilson, Avon Theatre Film Center, 272 Bedford St. Nov. 11, 2: 30 & 7 p. m. $ 20. Tickets at avontheatre.org
Visual Arts
“BIOPHILIA: A Dialogue with Art, Nature and Science,” Museum & Nature Center’s Bendel Galleries, 151 Scofieldtown Road. Through Jan. 10. 203- 977- 6521, stamfordmuseum.org “Faber Birren National Color Award Show,” online exhibit presented by Stamford Art Association, through Nov. 8. stamfordartassociation.org Loft Artists Gallery, 575 Pacific St. “Multiplicity- Psyche, Culture and Change in 2020,” virtual exhibit only runs through Dec. 1. Gallery hours: Fridays 5- 7: 30 p. m.; Saturdays 1- 4 p. m. Facemasks required. 203- 247- 2027, loftartists.org “Faces of Pandemic Front Lines” presented by The Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists ( CSOPA) in collaboration with Stamford Downtown, currently offers an online gallery, and a storefront display, 170 Bedford St. csopa. org
WEST HARTFORD Dance
Ballet Theatre Company’s “Through the Tulle,” exhibit showcases its vast collection of tutus and performance costumes in museums and galleries throughout New England. Open in its entirety at the West Hartford Art League, through Nov. 22. finally to the Hill- Stead Museum in Farmington, through the end of the year. dancebtc. org
Music
Online Organ Recital Series, on live video- stream via St. John's YouTube channel and St. John's Facebook page featuring local musicians: Edward Clark, organ, Nov. 11; Ezequiel Menendez, organ, Nov. 18; Christa Rakich, organ, Nov. 25. All concerts are 12: 1512: 45 p. m. No charge. Listeners are encouraged to donate to Hartford- area organizations that are assisting hungry and homeless people affected by COVID- 19: Loaves & Fishes, Journey Home, and/ or Food Share. reddoormusic. org/ events/
Specials
Whiskey Tasting, taste 4 exclusive whiskeys with nationally known and well- respected Level 3 Whiskey Sommelier Irene Tan from Whiskey Mentors in Canterbury, on Zoom, Nov. 12, 7 p. m. Tickets are $ 150 ( includes a whiskey sample kit). Ticket holders will be required to pick up their sample kits at Playhouse on Park in West Hartford, CT, prior to the event. Pick up times TBA. Tickets at playhouseonpark. org, by phone at 860- 523- 5900 ext. 10, or in person at 244 Park Road, West Hartford, CT. 06119.
WESTPORT Lectures
Malloy Lecture in the Arts with guest speaker, Anna Deavere Smith, virtual event hosted by Westport Library on Zoom, Nov. 10, 7 p. m. Register at westportlibrary. org