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New Haven, Conn. (March 18, 2024) – Connecticut’s Senator George P. McLean helped establish lasting legal protections for birds, overseeing passage of the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), landmark environmental protection legislation that is still in effect today. Will McLean Greeley, McLean’s great, great nephew, will discuss that vital victory during a time of widespread corruption and political instability in a Zoom lecture, “Birdman of the Senate: Senator George P. McLean and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act,” for the New Haven Museum on Thursday, May 2, 2024. at 6 p.m. Register here. The free event will also stream on FB Live, and is co-presented with the New Haven Bird Club. Conservationists estimate that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act has saved millions if not billions of birds and likely prevented the extinction of many bird species. Greeley says the MBTA also ushered in the watchdog role of the federal government over the environment, adding, “Its passage was a victory for bipartisanship in Congress, something most Americans long for today.” Greeley will base his presentation on his book, “A Connecticut Yankee Goes to Washington: Senator George P. McLean, Birdman of the Senate,” putting McLean’s victory for birds in the context of  the senator’s distinguished 45-year career. Greeley grew up with a deep interest in his ancestor’s life, especially his years in the Senate. “McLean’s name was in the headlines on the 100th anniversary of the MBTA in 2018,” Greeley says.  “I decided then to learn more about him and embarked on four-year research and writing journey culminating in my book.” Greeley hopes that attendees gain a deeper appreciation for McLean’s role as an important conservationist who persevered for seven years in the U.S. Senate to get the milestone legislation passed, despite opposition from hunting groups, business interests, and states-rights advocates.  He says, “It is also a reminder how difficult it is to lead change, and how courageous leaders like Senator McLean are needed to protect our environment for future generations.” As an introduction to Greeley’s presentation, Craig Repasz, former president of the New Haven Bird Club and current conservation chair of the club, will discuss the conservation crisis in the United States and the founding of environmental organizations across the country, with a focus on the New Haven Bird Club’s founding in 1907. Repasz is holds a B.A. in the history of science and medicine from Yale College and has published articles on medical sectarianism and changing conceptions of disease. He has served as coordinator of volunteers for the Connecticut Bird Atlas project, is President of the Friends of Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge and is on the board of the Hamden Land Conservation Trust.

Guilford, CT — Ready for some fresh spring fashion? Come shop at the Designers Circus pop-up shopping event at Guilford Art Center from April 18-20. This event is open to the community and is free admission. Designers Circus is Boston’s premier destination for creative women's clothing at 50 to 90% below boutique prices, a pop up event and experience in social shopping, all in one! You can find unique and few of a kind women's clothing and accessories created by over 70 local, national, and international designers. Designers Circus offers artful casual, work and special event clothing for women of all ages and sizes. The sale will be open on Thursday, April 18 from 10am – 5pm, Friday, April 19 from 10am-5pm, and Saturday April 20 from 11am-3pm. Admission is free and all are welcome. The Shop at Guilford Art Center will also be open, with handcrafted accessories, jewelry, home decor and more, to complement purchases. A portion of proceeds from sales at the Designers Circus event will benefit Guilford Art Center’s educational programs. Admission is free.  All sales are final; there are no returns, refunds, credits or exchanges. For more information contact Guilford Art Center at www.guilfordartcenter.org or 203-453-5947.

Branford, CT - The Keyes Gallery at The Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library in Stony Creek, CT will host an exhibit of Photography and Collage from March 30 through April 22, 2024. Opening reception will be held on March 30 from 2-5 and an artists talk will be held on April 2nd @ 7PM. Jim Fiora has been creating photographs for fine art and commercial clients for over 30 years. Primarily self taught, with no formal education in the arts, he dropped out of college for engineering to pursue his passion for photography. Jim’s work has been widely exhibited throughout CT and is included in many private collections. Jim’s work explores the constructs and quirks of the built environment. His images are punctuated with strong color and bold graphic forms. Often utilizing colorful juxtapositions, asymmetry and whimsy, he creates compositions that transcend their simple form and achieve a poetic balance. All of Jim’s work demonstrates a strong respect for craft and the process of printmaking. Anne Coffey: As a retired high school math teacher, I love precision, neatness, shapes, puzzles and patterns. There is a distinct connection between art and mathematics so I am not surprised that I turned to creating art now that I have more time. I find the relationships between marks and shapes and colors intriguing. Those relationships have the power to evoke memories and feelings, a sense of a specific time or place. For me art making is a kind of meditation…a way of slowing down, of escaping the obligations and business of everyday life.

Branford, CT 3/1/2024: The Legacy Theatre in Branford, CT will present the Connecticut premiere of Eva’s Promise on Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 pm. This special event will include a post-film talk-back with the film’s co-producer, Susan Kerner. On a train to Auschwitz, 15-year-old Eva made a promise to her older brother Heinz. If he did not survive the camps, Eva promised to retrieve the paintings and poetry Heinz hid under the floorboards of his attic hiding place. Heinz Geiringer’s story sits in the shadow of the better-known The Diary of a Young Girl. After the war, Eva became the posthumous stepsister of Anne Frank when her mother married Anne’s father. While the world knows Anne’s story, this film introduces Heinz, his artistry, and his sister’s efforts to find and share his remarkable legacy. Jeff Provost, Managing Director of The Legacy Theatre, commented: “We are honored to have been selected as the venue for the Connecticut Premiere of Eva’s Promise. This unique and special story, along with the filmmaker’s talk-back, will be a highlight of the start of our fourth season serving the Shoreline communities and all of Connecticut.” The film has already screened at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, and the Zekelman Holocaust Center, to high praise. Tickets, $20, are available at LegacyTheatreCT.org or via the Legacy Theatre Box Office at (203) 315-1901.

An inspiring experience for anyone who is a writer or simply appreciates the power of words. Guilford, CT - Guilford Art Center is pleased to announce its upcoming Literary Open Mic Night event, set to take place on Friday, April 5, 7:00-9:00pm in the GAC gallery. The Literary Open Mic Night is a collaborative effort between Guilford Art Center and local social media influencer duo, Bookish Babes & Brews. This unique event aims to provide a platform for writers of all genres and backgrounds to showcase their work in a supportive and inclusive environment. Local poet, playwright and theater arts performer Julie Fitzpatrick will emcee the event. Performers are invited to read an example of their own written work of poetry, prose, short stories and excerpts from novels, but are also welcome to perform work written by someone else. Performance slots will be up to 10 min long. Writers interested in participating are encouraged to sign up in advance; registrations are also accepted at the event. To register or for more information, please contact aseneco@guilfordartcenter.org or call (203) 453-5947. In addition to performances, attendees can indulge in a “Blind Date with a Book.” Local literary matchmakers Caroline Shelton and Alyssa Korzon of Bookish Babes & Brews, will offer recycled reads from theirs and others’ personal libraries. The books are neatly disguised in brown paper, and decorated with dried flowers, stickers, handmade bookmarks, and a basic description that encourages readers to take a chance on something new! There will be a small charge for these books; cash and Venmo payments will be accepted. "We are thrilled to host the Literary Open Mic Night in collaboration with Bookish Babes & Brews," said Maureen Belden, Executive Director of Guilford Art Center. "This event underscores our commitment to fostering a vibrant arts community while providing a platform for emerging and established writers to share their work." This event will be set against a backdrop of mixed media work in the gallery from the New Haven Paint & Clay Club. The Literary Open Mic Night is open to the public, and admission is free. To register or for more information, please contact aseneco@guilfordartcenter.org or call (203) 453-5947.

Adapted from the Book by Charles Dickens With Music by Keely Baisden Knudsen & David Bell Performances 2pm & 7pm Wed., Thurs., & Sat., 7pm Fri., 2pm Sun. “A real triumph, offering a great deal of pleasure and glad tidings.” (Zander Opper, Talkin’ Broadway) “...Enter the lovely holiday spirit of the performance. There is no Bah Humbug tolerated here.” (Bonnie Goldberg, The Middletown Press) BRANFORD, CT March 7, 2024 – The holiday tradition returns! The spirits of Christmas will once again tread the boards at Branford’s Legacy Theatre when A Christmas Carol returns to the historic venue for the production’s fourth engagement. Legacy Theatre’s enchanting musical adaptation of the classic tale by Charles Dickens, adapted and directed by Artistic Director and co-founder Keely Baisden Knudsen, illuminates the journey of one Ebenezer Scrooge and his guided self-reflection amidst the Christmas Season in 1800s England. A Christmas Carol has pleasantly haunted generations of audiences around the globe, and Legacy invites audiences to make merry and ring in the holidays with their annual acclaimed rendition of the famous story. The fourth annual holiday engagement of Legacy Theatre’s A Christmas Carol will run December 4-15, with performances Wednesdays through Sundays: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday at 2pm & 7pm, Fridays at 7pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Legacy is pleased to announce that James Andreassi, founder and artistic director emeritus of New Haven’s renowned Elm Shakespeare Company, will also return to the production for the fourth year as Ebenezer Scrooge. Andreassi has performed at theatres across the country, from New York Theatre Workshop to American Repertory Theatre, Cleveland Playhouse to Long Wharf Theatre, and he also boasts an impressive teaching resume at universities such as Yale and Quinnipiac. Of his past performances in the role, it was said that “James Andreassi is great from the moment he takes the stage, and he makes Scrooge’s transformation from a miser to a generous man feel natural and believable” (Zander Opper, Talkin’ Broadway). Tickets for A Christmas Carol are on sale now and can be purchased through the Box Office (203.315.1901) or Legacy’s website, LegacyTheatreCT.org. The Box Office is open Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm on non-performance days. For a full schedule of Box Office hours and performances, please visit Legacy’s website. The Legacy Theatre is located in the village of Stony Creek in Branford, CT, at 128 Thimble Islands Road. For more information on upcoming productions, classes, community events, and sponsorship and partner opportunities, please email Kiersten@LegacyTheatreCT.org.

Photo credit: RicArtDesign New Haven, Conn. (March 8, 2024) – The New Haven Museum (NHM) will offer a demonstration and exploration of art and history with artist Ricardo Gutiérrez, “From Canvas to Legacy: The Artistry of William Lanson's Portrait,” on April 11, 2024, at 6 p.m. Register here. The free presentation will relate to the work Gutiérrez donated to the museum, “King Lanson, 2022.” Gutiérrez will highlight the processes behind the creation of his portrait of Lanson, a 19th-century New Haven civic leader, entrepreneur and engineer who was elected Black governor in New Haven in 1825, and whose monument in the Elm City was dedicated in 2020. “Lanson’s story is one of resilience, ingenuity, and determination in the face of adversity, and it serves as a poignant reminder of the power of individuals to effect change and inspire others,” Gutiérrez says. Visitors will discover the historical context and significance of Lanson's life, his enduring impact on New Haven, and the importance of preserving his legacy for future generations. In a convergence of art and history, the artist will also share insights into his vision, techniques, and the profound significance of portraying Lanson's legacy on canvas. From initial sketches to the final strokes, Gutierrez will discuss the transformation of raw materials into a timeless work of art that honors the life and contributions of Lanson. “I hope that this work sparks curiosity, dialogue, and reflection about Lanson's life and contributions,” says Gutiérrez, “ And that it serves as a lasting tribute to Lanson and a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.”

ESSEX, CT –Essex Winter Series' 47th season closes on April 7 with a gathering of cream-of-the-crop performers – Ani Kavafian and Ida Kavafian, violins; Steven Tenenbom, viola; Peter Wiley, cello; Timothy Cobb, double bass; David Shifrin, clarinet; Frank Morelli, bassoon; and William Purvis, horn – who will showcase Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” and Schubert’s Octet in F Major, D. 803. These world-renowned musicians have all appeared on the EWS stage before, most recently at our BeethovenFest concert a few years ago. Their joy in playing together for that event resulted in the creation of this new group, Essex Octet, so named for performing together through Essex Winter Series. See them at Valley Regional High School. Concerts begin at 3 pm and all seating is general admission. For tickets and information visit essexwinterseries.com or call 860-272-4572. Adult - $45 / Student (with ID) - $5. For all our venues, parking, entry and seating accessibility is available. Our 2024 season is generously sponsored by ASP Trust. Concerts are sponsored by BrandTech Scientific, Clark Group, Essex Financial Services, Essex Meadows, Essex Savings Bank, Jeffrey N. Mehler, CFP LLC, and Tower Laboratories. WSHU is the media sponsor and Masonicare at Chester Village is the piano sponsor. We also gratefully acknowledge the support for our mission of concerts and community outreach received in part through grant funding by the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, Connecticut Office of the Arts/DECD, Connecticut Humanities, Essex Community Fund, Essex Savings Bank Community Investment Program, and The Kitchings Family Foundation.

Guilford, CT - Guilford Art Center is thrilled to announce its upcoming exhibition, featuring mixed media works of the New Haven Paint & Clay Club. The exhibition will run from March 18 – April 12 and promises to captivate art enthusiasts with its diverse range of artistic expressions from local and regional artists. The New Haven Paint & Clay Club (NHP&CC), with its rich legacy and commitment to fostering artistic excellence, brings together a community of passionate painters and sculptors. It showcases the work of its members and regional artists through annual exhibitions, and actively supports and promotes the visual arts in the greater New Haven area and beyond. The Club also engages local communities by sharing loaned artworks from its permanent collection, offering merit awards, scholarships, free programs and lectures, and other art related activities. Bon Appetit by Earl Grenville Killeen "We are honored to welcome the New Haven Paint & Clay Club to Guilford Art Center," said Maureen Belden, Executive Director of Guilford Art Center. "This exhibition celebrates the power of artistic expression and the vibrant cultural landscape of our community. We invite art enthusiasts of all ages to join us in experiencing the beauty and inspiration of these incredible artworks." The art and awards for the Club’s open juried show this year were selected by Professor Kathryn Meyers from the University of Connecticut at Storrs. She chose pieces in a wide variety of styles and media, well representing the traditional and contemporary works common to NHP&CC shows and its permanent collection. Visitors to the exhibition can expect to encounter a dynamic array of paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media pieces, each offering a unique perspective and narrative. From traditional landscapes to abstract compositions, the artworks on display promise to ignite imagination, provoke thought, and evoke emotional resonance. For more information, contact Guilford Art Center at info@guilfordartcenter.org or call (203) 453-5947.

Guilford, CT - The renowned Guilford Craft Expo returns to the Guilford July 19-21, 2024 for its annual celebration of fine craftsmanship, creativity, and community spirit. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Guilford's historic green, Guilford Craft Expo 2024 promises to dazzle visitors with an array of exceptional traditional and contemporary craft by over 170 American artists and makers. The Guilford Craft Expo marks its 64th year as one of New England’s premier craft shows. Organized by the Guilford Art Center, this highly anticipated event draws thousands of visitors each year, offering a unique opportunity to discover exceptional handmade goods while supporting the arts.This year's event will feature over 170 nationally recognized artists and makers showcasing their extraordinary talents across various mediums, including pottery, glass, leather, jewelry, clothing, fiber art, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, print making and gourmet food and specialties. In addition to browsing and purchasing one-of-a-kind pieces, visitors will have the chance to engage directly with artisans, gaining insight into their creative processes and inspirations. Visitors will be entertained by live craft-making demonstrations, as well as a Family Art Tent for young visitors. There will also be a silent auction of exhibitor-donated work.   "We're thrilled to welcome both seasoned collectors and first-time visitors to the Guilford Craft Expo," said Maureen Belden, Executive Director of the Guilford Art Center. "This event is a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and community, and we're proud to showcase the incredible talent of artists from across the nation." Beyond the array of exquisite crafts on display, the Guilford Craft Expo offers a vibrant atmosphere complete with live music, delicious food offerings, and interactive activities for the whole family to enjoy. With something to delight every palate and interest, the Guilford Craft Expo 2024 promises an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages. The Guilford Craft Expo is the Guilford Art Center’s single most important fundraiser, providing proceeds that support all of its educational and community programming.

The Teaching Artist Hub CT invites Teaching Artists in all art forms to a daylong Conference in Middletown, CT on Sunday, March 24, 2024. Keynote Speaker, Eric Booth The Southern New England Teaching Artist Conference will be held at Oddfellows Playhouse, 128 Washington Street, Middletown, CT from 10 am to 5 pm on March 24. The conference is hosted by the Teaching Artist Hub, an initiative of a partnership between the Connecticut Office of the Arts and Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater. The conference intends to nurture the field of teaching artistry in southern New England by bringing together artists, educators, administrators and organizational leaders for a day of workshops, panel discussions, food, fellowship and a rousing keynote address by eminent teaching artist and author Eric Booth. “This is a day for anyone interested in the arts and education, from school administrators to young people just starting up as teaching artists,” says Teaching Artist Hub Coordinator Lanea Sellem-Collins. “From the keynote by Eric Booth to the closing panel discussion on Teaching Artistry, the conference should be inspiring and rewarding for anyone from the most seasoned teacher to a young artist wanting to find out more about the field.” The day will kick off with Eric Booth’s Keynote, titled “What is a Teaching Artist, and Why Do We Matter?” Booth is an author, educator, actor and co-founder of the International Teaching Artist Collaborative. He is a pioneer in the field of teaching artistry. His most recent book, published in 2023, is Making Change: Teaching Artists and Their Role in a Changing World.” Following the keynote, the day will feature three hour-long workshop sessions, each session offering three workshops to choose from. Workshops, led by regional experts, will address topics which are practical (Connecting to Curriculum, Residency Planning, Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices, Teaching in Challenging Spaces), administrative (Grant Writing for Teaching Artists, Taxes) and human/social justice (Representation Matters, Kingian Nonviolence through the Arts, Artist as Cultural Healer) and more. At the middle of the day lunch will be served to all participants, and there will be time to mingle with fellows teaching artists from throughout New England. The conference will end with a panel discussion, moderated by Hartford-based fine artist Andre Rochester, addressing “Teaching Artistry Today”. Panelists include CT Office of the Arts Director Liz Shapiro, Arts for Learning CT Executive Director John-Michael Parker, and New England Teaching Artists Collaborative Executive Director Paul Gambill. The Southern New England Teaching Artist Conference is offered to participants free of charge, thanks to generous support from the Connecticut Office of the Arts/DECD. Registration is required. For more information, or to register, go to www.theteachingartisthub.org or call (860) 347-6143.

[Ivoryton, CT - March 4, 2024] - Ivoryton Playhouse is thrilled to announce the first show of its highly anticipated 2024 season, the electrifying Everly: The Music of the Everly Brothers, has already enjoyed such high demand for tickets that the Playhouse has extended the run for a full week (now to April 28th). Set to captivate audiences starting April 5th, this spectacular production will transport theatergoers on a nostalgic journey through the timeless hits of the legendary Everly Brothers. Renowned for their impeccable harmonies and unforgettable melodies, the Everly Brothers have left an indelible mark on the music world, influencing generations of artists across all genres. Everly promises an unforgettable evening filled with classic tunes such as "Wake Up Little Susie," "Bye Bye, Love," "All I Have to Do Is Dream," and dozens more. Audiences can expect an immersive, intimate experience with dynamic performances, stunning visuals, and a celebration of the Everly Brothers' enduring legacy. Performance Schedule: Opening Night: April 5th, 2024 Show Dates: April 5th through April 28th, 2024 Performance Times: Wednesdays – p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays – 7:30, Fridays and Saturdays – 8 p.m., Sundays – 2 p.m. Created by and featuring Broadway’s Eric Anthony* (Ring of Fire) and Ben Hope* (Once), this production guarantees an unforgettable night of entertainment for music lovers of all ages. Says Anthony, who also music directs the show: ‘We’ve taken the orchestrations of each of these twenty-seven hits and paired them down to just two acoustic guitars and two voices, giving audiences a renewed sense of the intricate lyricism of the Everly Brothers catalog.’ Hope adds: ‘Most people don’t remember that Don and Phil broke up for ten years. We want to highlight the nuances of their music, but, more importantly, we want to document the turmoil that was caused once the machine of commercialism kicked into gear. The story is chilling when that personal tension is juxtaposed with their melodic and harmonic mastery.’ (*denotes an actor appearing in connection with the Actors Equity Association.) Rounding out the creative team are Jessica Drayton on lighting and projection design and Jonathan White with sound design and projection programming. Tickets are $60 for adults, $55 for seniors, and $25 for students. Tickets are available online at ivorytonplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 860.767.7318. (For information on group rates, please get in touch with the box office.) The Playhouse is located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton. About Ivoryton Playhouse: Ivoryton Playhouse is a renowned small professional theatre in South Central Connecticut. For many years, it has been a beacon of creativity, culture, and intimate theatrical engagement. The theatre is committed to presenting exceptional productions and creating unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.