PLAN ON IT
Best of the arts in the weeks ahead
BRIDGEPORT Comedy
Anthony Rodia, Bridgeport Stress Factory Comedy Club, 167 State St. Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 19, 20, 7 & 8:30 p.m. $210-$70. Shows resume indoors with 50% capacity, and following all State guidelines for reopening. bridgeport.stressfactory.com
Visual Arts
“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 through 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.
“Sometimes i don’t feel like i’m really here,” the art of Claude Desir Jr., City Lights Gallery, 265 Golden Hill St. Through Feb. 24. Gallery hours: Wed-Fri, noon-5 p.m., Sat noon-4 p.m. Exhibit also 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. 203332-5052, housatonicmuseum.org
DANBURY Visual Arts
“Abstractions: Shadows & Runes” photo exhibit by Joy Bush, Gallery at Still River Editions, 128 E Liberty St. Through March 26. Viewing in-person and virtually. 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
DARIEN Visual Arts
“Poetic Landscapes” outdoor landscape paintings by Stamford artist, Tim Eaton, Geary Gallery, 576 Boston Post Road. On view to the public through Feb. Gallery hours: Wed-Sat 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 203655-6633, gearygallery.com
FAIRFIELD Comedy
Emma Willmann and Alyssa Goggi, Fairfield Theatre Company Warehouse, 70 Sanford St. Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. $30 In-Person & $15 Live-stream. fairfieldtheatre.org
Lectures
“Art in Focus: Walton Ford, Dying Words,” online lecture presented by Fairfield University Art Museum, Feb. 18, 11 a.m. View the exhibit, and send any questions about the artwork to Michelle DiMarzo at mdimarzo@fairfield.edu. 203-2544046, fairfield.edu/museum/museum@fairfield.edu
Samuel and Bettie Roberts Lecture in Jewish Art with “Arthur Szyk and the Art of the Haggadah” given by Rabbi Irvin Ungar, virtual lecture hosted by the Bennett Center for Judaic Studies at Fairfield University on Zoom, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m. Register at fairfield.edu/bennettprograms.
Specials
Open MINDS Institute Virtual Seminars hosted by Quick Center for the Performing Arts at Fairfield University: Meryl Moss: “Please, Sell My: Book, Film, Story!-Agents & Artists,” Feb. 24, 1 p.m. Tune in at thequicklive.com, 203-254-4010.
Visual Arts
“The Art of the Discovery,” Hollis Taggart Gallery, 330 Pequot Ave. Feb. 18-March 27. Opening reception Feb. 18, 4-8 p.m. Masks required and all COVID protocols followed. Gallery hours: Wed-Sat 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Masks required and all State Covid protocols followed. info@hollistaggart.com, 212-6284000.
“Outside” show by Art/Place members, Fairfield Theater Company building, 70 Sanford St. On view in the gallery daily 11 a.m.-5 p.m. until futher notice. 203-3191404
“By Design: Theater and Fashion in the Photography of Lalla Essaydi” art exhibit featuring photos by Lalla Essaydi, 3-D virtual tour and audio guide, presented by Fairfield University Art Museum’s Walsh Gallery in the Quick Center for the Performing Arts, on view through the museum’s website, through May 21. thequicklive.com fairfield.edu/museum
GREENWICH Visual arts
“Lost Landscape Revealed: Childe Hassam and The Red Mill, Cos Cob,” Greenwich Historical Society, 47 Strickland Road. Inperson exhibit on view through March 28. Tickets must be reserved in advance by visiting greenwichhistory.org/visit.
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
MADISON Specials
Virtual programs hosted by Mercy by the Sea: “Centered in Silence: Rhythm of a New Monastic Way of Life” live virtual weekend retreat led by Beverly Lanzetta, PhD, Feb. 20, 11 a.m.-Feb. 21, 1 p.m. $110 per person. For information and registration visit mercybythesea.org or call 203-245-0401.
Visual Arts
“Valentine Gems,” Susan Powell Fine Art, 679 Boston Post Road. Through Feb. 28. Gallery hours: Tue-Sat 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun and anytime by appointment. Ten people in the gallery at one time during the opening and masks must be worn. 203-318-0616, susanpowellfineart.com
MIDDLETOWN Visual Arts
Wesleyan University’s Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery presents “Flames of My Homeland: The Cultural Revolution and Modern Tibet” works by Tsering Dorje, Tsering Woeser, and Ian Boyden, Wesleyan University Center for the Arts, 283 Washington Terrace. Feb. 23April 1. wesleyan.edu
MILFORD Music
“The Roots of Black Music in America,” delightful, educational, and entertaining virtual presentation by Karlus Trapp, hosted by Milford Library on Zoom, Feb. 18, 6-7 p.m. Visit the Young Adult page at milfordlibrary.org to register. For questions e-mail dvalenzano@milforct.gov.
Specials
MAC-a-thon, featuring music, theatre, art, dance, arts activities, and more in a fundraising marathon variety show. Virtual experience hosted by Milford Arts Council, Feb. 20, 4 p.m. or Feb. 21, noon. In order to view the show, patrons may purchase donation tickets to receive a unique link code. The ticket options vary and include different incentive levels. Information and ticket link can be found at milfordarts.org, for questions email info@milfordarts.org
Visual Arts
“Home” Member Exhibit, virtual exhibit hosted by Milford Arts Council, through March 18. 203878-6674, milfordarts.org
NEW CANAAN
Visual Arts
“Martin Kline: Allover” solo exhibit, Heather Gaudio Fine Art, 66 Elm St. Through March 6. 203-8019590, rachael@heathergaudiofineart.com. heathergaudiofineart.com
“Texture + Transparency,” virtual tours and online programming hosted by The Glass House, available on the website. theglasshouse.org
“Photography Exhibit,” Carriage Barn Arts Center, 681 South Ave. Through Feb. 27. In gallery & virtually online. Gallery hours: Wed-Sat 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun 1-5 p.m. Admission is free. Masks required. Indoor capacity is maximum twenty-five people. 203-594-3638, carriagebarn.org
“The Golden Door,” Silvermine Gallery, 1037 Silvermine Road. Through March 13. In-person viewing, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Galleries open Tue-Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Schedule in advance at 203-966-9700, ext. 3, silvermineart.org
NEW LONDON
Visual Arts
“Xanda McCagg Recent Work: Icon,” Lyman Allyn Art Museum, 625 Williams St. Through Apr. 18; “Almost True Tales” works by Brian Keith Stephens, through May 9. Galleries and general gathering areas have social distancing procedures and safety measures. 860443-2545, lymanallyn.org
NORWALK Films
Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk IMAX Theater, 10 N. Water St. opens its new 4D Movie Theater. 3D glasses send the action spilling off the screen and over audiences, with additional sensory special effects, such as scents, bubbles, wind, mists and more. Two films: BBC Earth’s “Shark: A 4D Experience” at 15 minutes after each hour, and “Ice Age: No Time for Nuts 4D” at 45 minutes after each hour, weekdays, and on weekends & holidays, the movies will run alternatingly every 20 minutes starting at 10:20 a.m. 4D movie tickets: $7 per person, $6 members. Tickets optional in addition to Aquarium admission. Aquarium admission: $26.95 adults, $24.95 seniors (age 65+), $19.95 children (ages 3-12). COVID precautions include reduced capacity, physical distancing and required face masks. See the entire movie schedule, and reserve tickets at maritimeaquarium.org.
Lectures
ArtScapades Lecture: “Impressionists in the Garden: From Vista to Vase,” virtual presentation hosted by Norwalk Library on Zoom, Feb. 18, 7 p.m. Register by e-mail to info@rowaytonarts.org
Black History Month Event: “Honoring the Silent: Documenting African American & Native American History in Connecticut” by Dennis Culliton, Founder and Executive Director of the Witness Stones Project and Dr. Katherine A. Hermes of “Uncovering Their History: Africans, African Americans and Native Americans in Hartford’s Ancient Burying Ground, 16401815.” virtual lecture hosted by Norwalk Historical Society on Zoom, Feb. 18, 5:30 p.m. Q & A to follow. Registration required at norwalkhistoricalsociety.org
Outdoors
Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 N Water St. Seal-Spotting and Birding Cruises: Feb. 20, 11 a.m.; Feb. 21, noon. Advance reservations required. $31.50, $26.50 for Aquarium members. COVID precautions include reduced capacity, physical distancing and required face masks. 203-852-0700, ext. 2206, maritimeaquarium.org
Stage
“Becoming Dr. Ruth,” Music Theatre of Connecticut MainStage, 509 Westport Ave. Through Feb. 21. Showtimes: Fri 8 p.m.; Sat 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m. Performances in-theatre and live stream. In-person tickets can only be purchased by calling the MTC Box Office at 203-454-3883. Live-stream tickets $25 and may be purchased online at musictheatreofct.com.
Visual Arts
“A Slug’s Life: Facing the Climate Endgame,” Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St. Through June 13. Exhibit features forms and adaptations of animals from ocean reefs, discover the important warnings they can tell us about climate change. The exhibit blends live marine animals with sculptures of a type of sea slug called nudibranchs by New Haven artist Gar Waterman, plus photos by divers from around the world. Limited guest capacity, masks required, ticket sales online with timed entries. $26.95, $24.95 age 65+, $19.95 ages 3-12. Free with admission. 203-852-0700, maritimeaquarium.org
“In the Garden,” Rowayton Arts Center, 145 Rowayton Ave. Through March 6. Related event: Silent Auction Fundraiser for the Rowayton
Gardeners, Feb. 12. Preview noon-5 p.m., followed by a reception, 5-7 p.m. Silent auction ends 6:30 p.m. Gallery hours: Tue-Fri noon-5 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-1 p.m. rowaytonarts.org
“Days to Remember: Members Exhibit,” Center For Contemporary Printmaking, 299 West Ave. Ingallery through Feb 21. Related event: “William Evertson: Mythologies,” recognizes the work of member William Evertson’s woodcut prints. Free. Admittance is by timed entry. Contact CCP to reserve a timeslot at 203-899-7999. E-mail: info@contemprints.org
RIDGEFIELD Books
Author Talk event hosted by Ridgefield Library on Zoom: Dr. Steven Phillips and singer/songwriter Dana Parish, authors of “Chronic: The Hidden Cause of the Autoimmune Pandemic and How to Get Healthy Again,” Feb. 18, 7 p.m. Register at ridgefieldlibrary.org or call 203-438-2282.
Music
Pepsi Rock Series on Film: “The Rolling Stones-Shine a Light,” Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge. Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. $10; Raul Malo of The Mavericks, Feb. 20, 4 & 8 p.m. $55; Sophie B. Hawkins, Feb. 21, 4 & 7:30 p.m. $35; Pepsi Rock Series on Film: “Get on Up-The James Brown Story,” Feb. 23, 7 p.m. $12.50. Socially distanced, limited capacity performance. Face masks required at all times. Tickets at ridgefieldplayhouse.org, or visit or call the box office. 203-438-5795, ridgefieldplayhouse.org
Specials
“Snapshots-A Musical Scrapbook,” ACT Of Connecticut, 36 Old Quarry Road. Available to stream through Feb. 28. Both in-person and Livestream tickets start at $10. Visit website for ticket link. Socially distant seating. boxoffice@actofct.org, 475-215-5497
STAMFORD
Outdoors
Maple Sugar Festival, Stamford Museum & Nature Center, Feb. 21, 28 & March 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $10 nonmembers, $7 members. Register at stamfordmuseum.org
Visual Arts
“Welkom to Amsterdam et Vienna” online exhibit featuring Gayle Gleckler and Tony Woolner, Stamford Art Association Townhouse Gallery, 39 Franklin St. Through March 13. 203-325-1139, stamfordartassociation.org
“Global Garden: Resonant Beauty” Solo Exhibit of Orchid Paintings by Patricia Laspino, Museum & Nature Center’s Bendel Galleries, 151 Scofieldtown Road. Through March 21. 203-977-6521, stamfordmuseum.org
WASHINGTON Lectures
Artist Lecture Series: “A MidCentury Artist’s Haven and The Early Days of the Washington Art Association” with Sarah Griswold, former Curator of the Gunn Museum, virtual event hosted by Gunn Historical Museum on Zoom, Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m. Registration required at bit.ly/3puWkH2
Outdoors
In-person outdoor Maple Sugar Workshops, Institute for American Indian Studies Museum, 38 Curtis Road. “The Sweet Taste of Success,” Feb. 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; and “The History of a Sweet Tradition,” Feb. 27, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $15 adults, $13 seniors, $11 children, and $5 members. All reservations must be made in advance on the website or e-mail events@iaismuseum.org 860-868-0518.
Visual Arts
Washington Arts Association announces it’s latest exhibit, that will be on display in the Association’s three galleries: Gallery Three with “Post Pandemic;” Galleries One & Two: “Portraits of Front Liners,” “I Heard the News Today Oh Boy,” and “Quarantine 2020Through a Crow’s Eye.” Exhibit runs Feb. 20-March 28. washingtonartassociation.org.
WESTPORT
Visual Arts
“Vanishing Species Vanishing Murals,” outdoor gallery in downtown Westport. Murals on exterior walls visible to shoppers, diners, and visitors, and will depict a different endangered animal species. Locations: courtyard at Bedford Square; next to Jeera Thai on the back of Sconset Square; Post Road below Amy Simon Fine Art, and along the handicapped ramp at the front of Anthropologie. amykaplanartwork@gmail.com
“Say the Word,” Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road. Exhibit on view through March 31 in the South Gallery near the main entrance. Online exhibit, “Westport’s Suffragists-Our Neighbors, Our Crusaders.” westportlibrary.org