THINGS TO DO
Best of the arts in the weeks ahead
BRIDGEPORT
Comedy
Bassem Youssef, Bridgeport Stress Factory Comedy Club, 167 State St. Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 12, 13, 7 & 8:30 p.m. $150-$50. Shows resume indoors with 50% capacity, and following all State guidelines for reopening. bridgeport.stressfactory.com
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 oneof-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. 203-332-5052, housatonicmuseum.org
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo online Zoo Photography Exhibit, “Photography Goes Wild.” beardsleyzoo.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. 203-6556633, gearygallery.com
FAIRFIELD
Lectures
Open VISIONS Forum launchs its online lecture lineup: Student Forum with 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad, author of the memoir “The Last Girl: My Story of Captivity and My Fight Against the Islamic State,” Feb. 11, 8 p.m. $20, $10; Orin Grossman: “USA: From Ragtime to Stride: American Music Comes of Age,” Feb. 12, p.m. $10; Holly Wasilewski and Charlie Grady #UNLOAD FOUNDATION Guns: The Ultimate in Feminine Protection?, Feb. 16, 7 p.m. Free. quickcenter.com or contact the box office at 203254-4010.
Outdoors
Nature Walk at Oak Lawn Cemetery & Arboretum, 1530 Bronson Road. Self-guided tour highlights some of the specimen trees and historic markers. Brochure with map available at the office kiosk or click the QR code from your smartphone to use the audio tour.
Specials
Open MINDS Institute Virtual Seminars hosted by Quick Center for the Performing Arts at Fairfield University: Michael Ciavaglia, DMA: “Russian Opera-ganda,” Feb. 17, 1 p.m. Free. Tune in at thequicklive.com, 203-254-4010.
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. 203-319-1404
“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
Bruce Museum is temporarily closed to the public. Visit website for updates and to view exhibits and related activities. 203-869-0376, brucemuseum.org
MILFORD
Specials
The Navel of the World: An Exploration of Easter Island, take a virtual “trip” with Gerri Griswold hosted by Milford Library on Zoom, Feb. 17, 7 p.m. Register at milfordlibrary.org
Cocoa & Kisses Gram Delivery, Friends of the Milford Library seasonal fundraiser. Each gram includes hot chocolate, Hershey kisses, and an uplifting note to let those special people in your life know you are thinking of them. $2.50 each with an option to add on a Milford Public Library mug for an additional $5. Order online at milfordlibrary.org.
Visual Arts
“Home” Member Exhibit, virtual exhibit hosted by Milford Arts Council, through March 18. 203-8786674, milfordarts.org
NEW CANAAN
Specials
Barney Loehnis: Walks Across Continents, virtual presentation hosted by New Canaan Library on Zoom, Feb. 17, 7-8 p.m. Register at newcananlibrary.org
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
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. 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.
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
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- 8319063, norwalkpark.org/public-art
“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
Films
Great Art on Film Series: “Botticelli-Florence and the Medici,” Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge. Feb. 11, 7 p.m. Tickets must be reserved in advance. Masks and social distance required at all times. 203438-5795, ridgefieldplayhouse.org
Music
Pepsi Rock Series on Film: “Ray,” Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge. Feb. 13, 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
Stage
“Snapshots-A Musical Scrapbook,” ACT Of Connecticut, 36 Old Quarry Road. Available to stream Feb. 13-28. Livestream tickets start at $10. Visit website for ticket link. actofct.org, 475-215-5497
Valentine’s Day events
Broadway Stars Jarrod Spector and Kelli Barrett performing their show “Funny How It Happens: A
Valentine’s Day Celebration,” Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge. Feb. 14, 4 & 8 p.m. $75-$45. Live, socially distanced, limited capacity performance. Each patron will receive a free glass of champagne and a chance to buy a raffle ticket to win big prizes. Virtual tickets also available for those who want to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home. To purchase touchless print at home tickets visit.ridgefieldplayhouse.org or visit or call the box office 203438-5795.
Visual arts
Exhibits: “Aldrich Care Box,” Through Dec. 31, 2021. Care Boxes available for loan out to the public, from the Museum’s Front Desk; “Frank Stella's Stars, A Survey,” on view in the Sculpture Garden and in the galleries, through May 9. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St. aldrichart.org
STAMFORD
Outdoors
Maple Sugar Festival, Stamford Museum & Nature Center, Feb. 21, 28 & March 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 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. Feb. 13March 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
“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
STRATFORD
Lectures
“Conversations on Racial Equity ” series presented by Stratford CARE (Citizens Addressing Racial Equity) and sponsored by the Town of Stratford, Stratford Clergy Association and the Stratford Library on Zoom. Programs are: “Employment Disparities,” March 4; and “Criminal Justice Disparities,” April 1. All sessions run 7:30-8:45 p.m. 203-3854162. Register at stratfordcare.org /courage
Music
Soulful Sounds of Antwan, Station House Wine Bar, 2520 Main St. Feb. 11, 6-9 p.m.; Gregory Zigmont, Feb. 12, 6-9 p.m.; SpellBound, Feb. 13, 6-9 p.m.; Elizabeth Ashkin, Feb. 17, 6-9 p.m. Dine inside or outside. Mask required. 203-377-1648
Valentine’s Day
Valentine's Day Sucks, Fright Haven, Stratford Square Shopping Plaza, 411 Barnum Ave. Cutoff. Feb. 12-13, 7:30-10 p.m. $25. Safety protocols in place. 203-795-4737, frighthaven.com frighthaven@gmail.com
Visual Arts
“The Power of Diverse Voices: In Their Words,” Stratford Library, 2203 Main St. Lawn Sign exhibit extended through Feb. Project of the Library Board’s Anti-Racism committee features select quotations from people of color on over 50 lawn signs. A display providing brief biographies about all the authors is located in the Lobby. stratfordlibrary.org
WESTPORT
Visual Arts
“Artists in Residences,” hosted by Miggs Burroughs and Westport Library Exhibit Curator Carole ErgerFass, includes twenty-four videos that provide an exclusive look inside the home studio of working Westport artists. westportlibrary.org
“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
WILTON
Lectures
Scholarly Series: Connecticut Creativity: Vision + Imagination + Inspiration, with “Charles Ives and the American Music Identity” by Dr. Gil Harel, virtual lecture hosted by Wilton Library and Wilton Historical Society on Zoom, Feb. 11, 5-6:30 p.m. Series continues with four Thurs evening lectures, from FebApril. Registration required for each individual program. Visit wiltonlibrary.org for all the lectures, speaker, topics, and registration, or call 203762-6334.
Visual Arts
Wilton Historical Society’s online show, “Citizens at Last: Hannah Ambler, Grace Schenck and the Vote”on-line exhibit runs through Sept. 21, 2021.