Herscovitch releases ‘Shine Sister Shine’ storybook

DURHAM — Former Connecticut State Troubadour Lara Herscovitch has been navigating her path in the same way she always does – by focusing on contribution and service, according to a statement.

In addition to releasing a new album and performing in concert online all year, she also turned to publishing, and has recently released her new, uplifting storybook for inspiration. While the book is fun and joyful, Herscovitch says it also carries a serious, underlying message of courage and hope.

“I want to live in a world where we lift each other up, help each other be our best selves and share our superpowers. The world needs us, and we need each other. The byline is: Be who you are, Do what you love, Share your superpowers. I hope the book and story helps inspire readers and listeners to appreciate and share their gifts.”

Her new album, Highway Philosophers, was released in early April of 2020, as the first wave of COVID-19 was sweeping across the globe. The work has received critical acclaim: The Boston Globe called her “a luminous voice and a buoyant stage presence… big-hearted lyrics embrace the sum of life… Herscovitch’s music blows on the embers of a lagging spirit or dormant creative life.”

But after the pandemic cancelled or postponed all in-person events, Herscovitch instead performed concerts from her home studio, calling the series “Songs From Seclusion.” She also worked with long-time collaborator and animator Matt Rasch of Michigan, to create a music video for her song “Shine Sister Shine” (you can see the music video on her YouTube Channel). And then, with support from a successful Kickstarter campaign and in partnership with Design Monsters in New Haven, she turned the music video into a hard-cover, fullcolor illustrated storybook, released on New Year’s Day.

Herscovitch said that she wrote the song on a day she felt tired. “It’s written from the perspective of the sun. She’s weary, because she never gets to sleep or take a break. When we’re sleeping here, she’s still working on the other side of the globe. She’s exhausted, and forgot what she loves about her life and work. By the end of the song and story, she remembers. And I hope the reader will remember too – whether they’re four or a hundred and four.”

Herscovitch earned a policy MSW at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work (she was recently profiled by UConn Today), focusing in the U.S. and abroad on education, community development, environmental protection, and justice system reform. She has seven full-length albums to her credit, tours regularly, and was honored to serve as Connecticut State Troubadour (2009-2010). More information can be found at LaraHerscovitch.com

Spectrum Art Gallery offers classes

CENTERBOOK — Spectrum Art Gallery & Store is offering classes this winter. Classes and workshops are held online until further notice. Register and pay at spectrumartgallery.org or call 860-663-5593. Material lists are available.

In Gallery: Winter Acrylic Studio. Develop confidence with better techniques of drawing, composition and color theory. Work from reference photos (yours or supplied) of primarily landscape or still life images. Painting demonstrations and instructor painting along allows for freedom and assistance to explore the medium. Develop to a finished stage, working with final values to make your pieces cohesive and dynamic. A list of basic supplies will be sent to interested artists. All levels welcome. Fridays Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26; March 5. 12:30-2:30. Cost: $160 per person. Members save $16.

Zoom Class: Watercolor Adventure. Learn a variety of watercolor techniques such as flat washes, gradient washes, wet on wet and direct paint. This course welcomes all skill levels. Instructor will take you from start to finish on your pieces. These methods can be applied to most any subject. Material list and ZOOM access information will be sent upon registration. Thursdays, February 4, 11, 18, 25; March 4. 6:30-8:30pm. $130. Members save $13.

Corn maze supports supports the Connecticut Cancer Foundation

OLD SAYBROOK — Lyman Orchard’s 2020 corn maze’s proceeds supported the Connecticut Cancer Foundation. The maze included a Statue of Liberty adorned with a giant heart for thanks and appreciation for frontline workers during this COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Visitors learned about nurses, medical professionals, EMT’s, fire fighters, charitable organizations, and more. The corn maze was four acres, and there was a total of one mile of paths and hundreds of decision points. There were 10 positions in the maze, which coincide with 10 multiple choice questions on a passport that guided the visitors. If they answered correctly they went the right way; incorrect answers got visitors lost in the maze.

John Lyman, Executive VP, said, “This was our 21st Corn Maze. This will be the first year that we will donate fifty cents of every ticket sold to the Connecticut Cancer Foundation.

Jane Ellis, CCF Executive Director acknowledges their generous donation with “sincere appreciation for supporting a local charity to financially assist cancer patients with everyday living expenses right in our own backyards.”

The Connecticut Cancer Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1987 to provide financial assistance to CT cancer patients and their families and to fund cancer research. To learn more go to www.ctcancerfoundation.org