PLAN ON IT
Best of the arts in the weeks ahead
BRIDGEPORT
Holidays
New Year's Eve Special: Quantico Marine Corps Band from Quantico, Virginia, virtual concert hosted by Klein Memorial Auditorium, Dec. 31, 7 p.m. theklein.org
Winter Wonderland Walk, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave. Through Jan. 6. Safe, outdoor setting that includes Polar Palace, Fairy House Lane and Imagination Station, Poinsettia Pass, Winter Village Square, Snowman Park, Nutcracker Palace, Dreidel Drive, Gingerbread Boulevard, Kris Kringle Corner, Evergreen Lane, train display, custom artist and children-designed snowmen. Open seven days a week, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $15 adults, $10 children age 3-11 and seniors over 62. Children under three are free. Masks and social distancing required. Tickets at beardsleyzoo.org.
Visual Arts
“In Accordion Time, Unfolding,” show by London Calling Collective, featuring mail art in the form of poetic accordion-fold books as well as diverse digital dialogues, the show reflects the bonds between artists as individuals and as a group as they reimagine community for life during and after a pandemic, Ursa Gallery, 100 Main St. Through Feb. 12, noon- 6 p.m. ursa.gallery
“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.
“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-ondemand catalog. 203-332-5052, housatonicmuseum.org
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo online Zoo Photography Exhibit, “Photography Goes Wild.” beardsleyzoo.org
DANBURY
Visual Arts
Joy Bush will exhibit her work, Gallery at Still River Editions, 128 E Liberty St. Jan-March. 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
FAIRFIELD Holidays
Holiday Express Model Train Show, Fairfield Museum And History Center, 370 Beach Road. Through Jan. 03, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $5 nonmembers and children over 5, free members and children 5 and younger. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are for specific dates and times. Each ticket allows for a 50 minute visit. Visit fairfieldhistory.org/eventscalendar/ and click on the date you wish to attend to purchase tickets. 203-259-1598, info@fairfieldhs.org
Visual Arts
“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
“Crossing the Border: The Challenging Truths of Human Migration,” Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Ave. Through Jan. 23. In-person exhibit browsing hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m.; Fridays, 3-5 p.m.; Saturdays, 2-4 p.m. Masks and physical distancing required. 203-259-0346, pequotlibrary.org
“Hiroshige I, Fuchu: The Abe River,” online viewing offered by Fairfield University Art Museum. fairfield.edu/museum
GREENWICH Visual arts
“Tabula Rasa,” features pieces by Ben Quesnel, Greenwich Art Center's Bendheim Gallery. 299 Greenwich Ave. Through Jan. 5. Viewing hours by appointment, weekdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m., weekends noon-4 p.m. greenwichartscouncil.org
“MASKED/ UnMASKED,” by Serge Clement and Marina Kamena, Gilles Clement Gallery, 45, E. Putnam Ave. Through Jan. 19. Hours: Tue-Sat 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. 203-489-3556, e-mail derdos@gclementgallery.com, gclementgallery.com
“Places We Love” oil paintings by Jennifer Williams, Galerie 888, 96 Greenwich Ave. Exhibit on display through Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. galerie888.ct@gmail.com 203-856-9048.
“Animal Attraction” by Heidi Johnson, Greenwich Library Flinn Gallery, 101 W. Putnam Ave. Through 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
Exhibit of children’s book illustrations from the archives of artist, illustrator, and author James Stevenson, “Fun / No Fun: Children’s Book Art,” through April 18; “She Sweeps with ManyColored Brooms:” Paintings and Prints by Emily Mason, Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. Exhibit on view through March 21; “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. Tue-Sun, 9:3010:30 a.m. for self-selected individuals over the age of 65 or who are immunocompromised; TueSun, 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.” 203869-0376, brucemuseum.org
MYSTIC
Holiday Lights Spectacular, Olde Mistick Village, 27 Coogan Blvd. Through Jan. Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri & Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun, 11a.m.-6 p.m. Face coverings required and social distancing is maintained in our wide open campus of stores. oldemistickvillage.com
Visual Arts
“Sailor Made: Folk Art of the Sea,” Mystic Seaport Museum, 75 Greenmanville Ave. New exhibit now open, C.D. Mallory Building “A Way with Wood: Celebrating Craft,” exhibit on view in Collins Gallery. 860-572-0711, mysticseaport.org
NEW CANAAN
Visual Arts
“Peter Monaghan: Fold” solo exhibit, Heather Gaudio Fine Art, 66 Elm St. Through Jan. 9. 203801-9590, heathergaudiofineart.com
“Texture + Transparency,” virtual tours and online programming hosted by The Glass House, available on the website. theglasshouse.org
“The Golden Door,” Silvermine Gallery, 1037 Silvermine Road. Through Jan. 16. In-person viewing, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Related events: Michelle Loh, New York City-based art advisor and gallery director will produce video interviews with the “Golden Door” artists that premier weekly. Schedule in advance at 203-9669700, ext. 3, silvermineart.org
NEW MILFORD Holidays
“Holiday Happenings,” Gallery 25 and Creative Arts Studio, 11 Railroad St. Through Jan. 9. Gallery hours: Thu noon-3 p.m., Fri & Sat noon-6 p.m., Sun noon-3 p.m. 860-355-6009, Gallery25CT.com
Visual Arts
“When the Snow Flies,” Gallery 25 and Creative Arts Studio, 11 Railroad St. Through Jan. 9. Gallery hours: Thu noon- 3 p.m.; Fri & Sat noon-6 p.m.; Sun noon-3 p.m. gallery25ct.com
NEWTOWN Holidays
2020 Break Up New Year's Eve Celebration, Aquila's Nest Vineyard, 56 Pole Bridge Road. Dec. 31, 6-8 p.m. $27. Let's break up with 2020 in a socially distanced, limited availability celebration. Ticket price includes two glasses of wine and live music. El Puestito food truck will be in the vineyard. 203-518-4352, aquilasnestvineyards.com
NORWALK Holidays
Dancing New Year’s Eve, Dance Dimensions, 15 Cross St. Offering dancers an afternoon of in-person beginner lessons in Salsa, Hustle, and West Coast Swing, Dec. 31, 2-5 p.m. Pre-registration required. Rules for safety: Masks required, hand sanitizer provided, and 20 person limit. Register at dancingnewyearsevect.com
“Christmas Playtime at the Mansion,” Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Ave. Through Jan. 3. Wed-Thu, Sat-Sun noon-2 p.m. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 youth, free children (7 and under). Museum’s doll collection along with several vintage toys will be exhibited. First floor of the Mansion will feature Christmas trees decorated with periodappropriate ornaments, a dining table adorned with antique silver and china, several playful dolls and toy vignettes and Victorian gowns. Contemporary displays and trees also on display. Tours of the new exhibit will be on a limited basis due to the continued threat of COVID-19 and to achieve safe distancing measures. Tickets must be purchased online through the website. No walkins accepted. 203-838-9799, lockwoodmathews mansion.com
Visual Arts
Call to artists for a juried exhibit titled, “Socially Distant Art: Creativity in Lockdown,” Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Ave. Submission deadline is Feb. 15, noon. Exhibit will open April 8 and run through Aug. 29, and will be held in the Billiards Room. Fine arts media, watercolor, oil, acrylic, drawing, pastel, small sculpture, mixed media, photography, monotype, monoprint, and fiber art accepted. $35 fee for four images inclusive of a one-year membership will be required to enter. Enter submissions on the website. 203-838-9799, lockwoodmathewsmansion.com
City of Norwalk Parking Authority’s Maritime Garage Gallery is holding a virtual exhibit entitled “Splash.” Featuring artwork with pieces that bring light and energy via bright colors and dynamic composition. The exhibit will run through March 14. Artists and the public are encouraged to participate via the Gallery’s social media. 203- 831-9063, norwalkpark.org/public-art
“Days to Remember: Members Exhibit,” Center For Contemporary Printmaking, 299 West Ave. In-gallery 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
Visual arts
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. aldrichart.org
SHERMAN Holidays
First Friday Hike/Snowshoe Excursion, Connecticut Audubon Society Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road. Jan. 1, 1 p.m. Free. Start the new year with a hike or snowshoe excursion for fresh air, exercise and good company. Different trails and routes each month. 860-799-4074, ctaudubon.org
Visual Arts
“Light Reveals” by Suzanne Ashley, Sherman Library, 1 Sherman Center. Artwork on display in-person through Jan. 6. Tue-Sat 2-4 p.m. Also available virtually on the Sherman Library website. 860-354-2455, shermanlibrary.org.
STAMFORD
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
“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
TORRINGTON
Stage
International Playwrights Festival production of “Put on a Grumpy Face” by Reed Halvorson, virtual production presented by Warner Theatre, streams beginning Jan. 1, 7 p.m. and runs through Jan. 13. No fee to watch but donations accepted. warnertheatre.org
WALLINGFORD
Holidays
Magic of Lights, Toyota Oakdale Theater, 95 South Turnpike Road. Through Jan. 2, 5-10 p.m. daily. Standard vehicle: Mon-Thu $30; Fri-Sun $35; Limo/bus: MonThu $55, Fri-Sun $60. Drivethrough from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path. magicoflights.com
WESTPORT
Holidays
“A Merry Little Christmas Carol,” audio play presented by Westport Country Playhouse, in partnership with WSHU Public Radio, available through Jan. 3 at westportplayhouse.org
Visual Arts
“Artists in Residences,” hosted by Miggs Burroughs and Westport Library Exhibit Curator Carole Erger-Fass, includes twenty-four videos that provide an exclusive look inside the home studio of working Westport artists. westportlibrary.org
“World Peace Exhibit,” MoCA Westport, 19 Newtown Tpke. Through Jan. 17. $10, $5 students/ educators, seniors (60+), free children 12 & under, Military Personnel and Healthcare Providers with ID. 203-572-2720, mocawestport.org
“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
“Westport In Focus,” online exhibit collaboration between the Westport Museum for History & Culture and Westport photographer Jerri Graham. The exhibit on social media platforms allows Westporters to tell their own stories about living in the town considered “ground zero” for the coronavirus epidemic in the state.