Arts News

Founded in 2006 by Guilford residents Michael and Lori Cartwright, the ensemble began with a simple idea—to bring the joy of traditional holiday caroling to Connecticut. After relocating from Delaware, where Michael had sung with a caroling group, the Cartwrights were surprised to find no similar ensemble in their new home state. Drawing on their community theater connections and Lori’s background in arts administration, they gathered six singers and launched the Connecticut

Earl Grenville Killeen, 77, of Clinton, artist, author, and friend of the arts passed away on August 24, 2026, while receiving hospice care at home. He is survived by his body of artwork, and by his contributions to the arts community. He will be deeply missed by his son and daughter-in-law, Jared and Rebecca Killeen; and grandchildren Henry and Clara; as well as by his former wife of nineteen years, and later, his devoted companion of twenty years, Leah Raechel Killeen; and

Community Preview Concert · Saturday, October 3, 2026 · Clinton, CT Free and Open to All We were made for togetherness. Tradition and human experience point toward it. Yet the arts—one of our oldest forms of connection—are often treated as expendable, just when they're most essential. Connection is not a luxury; it is medicine. On Saturday, October 3, 2026, Angelface Records, founded by Clinton residents Joe and Angelica McCarthy, presents the ONE: For Harmony, For Humanity C

There is something magical about live theatre. It brings people together, sparks conversation, creates lasting memories, and reminds us of the stories that connect us all. Right in the heart of East Haven, Cabaret on Main Theater has become one of Connecticut's award winning destinations for live entertainment, offering audiences an experience unlike any other on the shoreline. Founded by Billy DiCrosta and Neil Fuentes, Cabaret on Main Theater was built on the belief that li

“New Haven’s Unfinished Revolutions,” a major exhibition exploring New Haven’s role in national movements that have redefined the meaning of freedom is on view now at the New Haven Museum. The exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the founding principles of our democracy as the nation commemorates the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. With bold and immersive design, “Unfinished Revolutions” emphasizes significant moments when freedoms were expanded or r

“We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time.” — T. S. Eliot The above quote has been with me for much of my life. For years, it stirred my curiosity; only recently have I chosen to live by it. In many ways, I have come full circle, returning to where I began. It is true that this place is different from the one I left—or perhaps I am the one who has changed. More

Singer-songwriter and pianist Cyndie Hasty is stepping into 2026 with an exciting new artistic collaboration alongside harmonica player Johnny Russell, bringing to life a concert program that blends timeless American songwriting with fresh, contemporary original work. The duo—already known individually for their expressive musicianship—are now developing a unique performance experience designed for community venues, arts organizations and libraries across Connecticut. Their u

by Susan Yankee Phillip Ventre is the highly regarded conductor of the Wallingford Symphony, I call him “Maestro”—and that title is used to honor what he brings to our community: music, care, and real passion. For over 50 years, Maestro Ventre has been a founding member of the Wallingford Symphony—and his leadership has helped shape the heart of our community through music. Back in 1974, the Wallingford Symphony was created by Choate Rosemary Hall’s Philip Ventre and Terrence

2026 is a special year for the Madison Art Society Plein Air Painters as we celebrate 200 years of the beautiful shoreline town of Madison. MAS will commemorate the Bicentennial by dedicating the first 13 weeks of our 22-week plein air season to painting Madison’s 13 historic districts. Each week, artists will gather in a different area of town, from scenic coastlines to nature trails, capturing the beauty and character of each district. The series will culminate in a special

Gail Martino’s Feathered & Famous Celebrates America’s All-Star Birds As the country prepares to mark America’s 250th anniversary, New Haven author Gail Martino is inviting families to look at American history through a lively and unexpected lens: birds. Martino’s newest book, Feathered & Famous: Meet America’s All-Star Birds, introduces children ages 6–12 and their families to the birds that represent the United States, from the Bald Eagle to state birds and other official b

Mel Chomsky’s History of the World is an original comedy written and directed by Playhouse Artistic Director Dic Wheeler. This high-energy play blends theater, circus, and Commedia dell’Arte. Beginning in Melilli, Sicily in 1626, three performers are swept into a wild time-travel adventure led by a dead philosopher-comedian, Mel Chomsky, journeying from Melilli to Mattabasset, ancient Greece, the American Revolution and beyond. It’s a bold, slapstick ride through history that

Shoreline Arts Alliance member, Cyndie Hasty, is a southern singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and band leader. She has performed her Americana music in New York City at Lincoln Center, Harlem Stages, House of Blues, The Bitter End, CBGB’s, Tribeca Performing Arts Center and Gotham Comedy Club, among others. In the past, she has opened for jazz great, Mose Allison, legendary vocalist, Margaret Whiting and New Orleans favorites, Nathan & The Zydeco Cha-Cha’s and now she is embar

Earl Grenville Killeen with his painting, Over the Edge Earl Grenville Killeen is a longtime member of Shoreline Arts Alliance, the founder of SAA’s high school juried art competition and exhibition, Future Choices, and the sponsor of the event’s Founder’s Award, shared by an art teacher and a student. Mexican Stagecoach Jack 3 (Mechanostalgia series) 2018 Earl remembers when art transformed his life – he

Since 1981, Shoreline Arts Alliance has championed Scholarships in the Arts, a juried scholarship competition for high school juniors and...

Since 1981, Shoreline Arts Alliance has championed Scholarships in the Arts, a juried scholarship competition for high school juniors and...

Since 1981, Shoreline Arts Alliance has championed Scholarships in the Arts, a juried scholarship competition for high school juniors and...

Since 1981, Shoreline Arts Alliance has championed Scholarships in the Arts, a juried scholarship competition for high school juniors and...

Since 1981, Shoreline Arts Alliance has championed Scholarships in the Arts, a juried scholarship competition for high school juniors and...

By Lily Paine It’s time to meet Eric Dillner, the Chief Executive Officer and person responsible for the management of Shoreline Arts...