Art association show winners announced

EAST HAMPTON » The East Hampton Art Association announced the award winners for the June 17 Art Show held on the Congregational Church lawn.

First place, Elizabeth Sennett, “Elizabeth Park Rose Garden”; second place, Joyce Senesac, “Spring Splendor”; third place, Bonnie Desaulnier, “Meadow.” Honorable mention went to Thomas McLean, “In Dymian’s Dream.”

The East Hampton Arts and Culture Commission award was presented to Elizabeth Sennett for her painting, “Comstock Bridge in Springtime.”

The Serra & Associates purchase award went to Carole Jeffries, and The Durkin Award went to Lenora Bear. The show was judged by William Simpson.

Stranded at the Spa opens in Cromwell

CROMWELL » Stranded at the Spa, a new day spa and salon, held a grand opening celebration on June 27. Attendees were treated to free refreshments, raffles and received a 50 percent off coupon for all spa and salon services for their next visit. Employees offered tours of the location and answered questions about services.

Tucked away in between the Dunkin Donuts and Lapels Dry Cleaning off of Route 372 in Cromwell, Stranded at the Spa offers its visitors “a chance to escape from life outside its doors in a pristine environment that echoes the aesthetic of resorts on faraway white sand beaches and turquoise waters,” according to a press release.

Stranded specializes in a wide array of facials tailored to specific needs, body treatments, massage therapy, waxing, hair styling and coloring.

Stranded at the Spa is located at 1 Kirby Road, Unit B in Cromwell. To learn more, call contact Wanda Szarek at 860-978-8346, or email info@ strandedatthespa.com.

Library features show

CLINTON » Mandala Musings, a series of 36 drawings and origami works by Cromwell artist Ann Grasso will be on exhibit at Henry Carter Hull Library in Clinton, through July 30. Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning circle. Historically, the circle was filled in prescribed detail. Today, they are created in various media and meaning. This exhibition features mandalas in pen and ink, embroidery, collage, origami, and found objects such as buttons and antique jewelry. Each includes a short statement providing insight into Ann’s thoughts while creating. Found in every culture, the Mandala Musings collection brings together traditions from Buddhist, Native American, Quaker, Japanese, and Christian spiritual practices.

Much of the art will be in the library conference room. Check to see that it is available and not in use. Summer library hours are posted on http://hchlibrary.org/

Grasso’s fine art work and photography, including The Begging Bowls and Offering Bowls series, can be found on anngrasso.com.

Church to host Connecticut River Pilgrims

EAST HADDAM » St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church will host the Connecticut River Pilgrims as they pass through East Haddam on their 400 mile journey today, July 7. This is a part of the spiritual journey of renewal, restoration, and reconciliation, shaped by the Christian tradition around a series of activities along the Connecticut River, from the Source to the Sea. Come celebrate their arrival with us and take the opportunity to hear their stories and learn about their experiences with a cookout starting at 5:30 p.m. Following the meal, we will have a special panel discussion, “Navigating our Faith in Politically Turbulent Waters,” moderated by the Rev. David Grafton, Professor of Islamic Studies & ChristianMuslim Relations at Hartford Seminary. The panel will consist of the Rev. Bonita Grubbs, Executive Director of Christian Community Action; the Hon. Byron Rushing, State Representative in Massachusetts; and Gov. Lowell Weicker, former governor of Connecticut. For more information and to register for this event visit www.ststeves.org/river. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church is located at 31 Main Street, East Haddam.

Art submissions sought

NEW BRITAIN » The Joy of Art! Program at Hospital for Special Care (HSC) in New Britain is hosting its 14th Annual Juried Art Show with an opening reception on Thursday, July 20 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Artists are welcome to submit one or two works of art for the exhibition, which runs through Sept. 28. Five prizes totaling $1,200 will be awarded this year, and honorable mentions may also be awarded at the discretion of the juror. The entry fee is $25 for one submission, $40 for two submissions. Make checks payable to: Hospital for Special Care. For information, call Monica Obrebski at 860827-4758.