Art Exhibits _____________

Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St, Ridgefield; 203-438-4519.

Through May 24: “Frank Poor: Enon Cemetery Main Street Sculpture Project,” outdoor installation taking form of 19th Century cemetery from artist’s hometown in Woodstock, Ga.

Through May 24: “Kwang Young-Chun: The Soul – Journey to America,” largest freestanding paper sculpture to date (14+ ft & approx 650 lbs) by Korean artist who uses recycled pages of Korean books & medicine wrappers on mulberry paper.

Through May 31: “Dave Cole: Flags of the World,” American flag cut & resewn from official UN “Flags of the World” set.

Through May 31: “David Taylor: Frontier/Frontera,” photos & video works offering a real-time glimpse into the dynamics of the US-Mexico border.

Through June 7: “Alejandro Diaz: Blame it on Mexico,” lg & sm scale language related works created 2003-09 incl selections from artist’s campy-political cardboard signs series.

Through June 7: “Full Circle: Ten Years of Radius,” recent works incl paintings, works on paper, sculpture, video & collage produced by alumni of Radius exhibitions of last decade, which have jump-started careers of many area artists.

Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, 9 Main St South/Rte 61, Bethlehem. Call 266-7596.

Through May 31: botanical & nature themed pencil drawings & watercolor paintings by Betsy Rogers-Knox & her students of all ages.

Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 426-4533.

In Olga Knoepke Meeting Room (lower meeting room) — *(new show) Through May 31: “Past Due,” paintings by Sandy Hook resident James Jeffrey plus paintings & mixed media works by friend & co-worker John Slaney of Oakville; May 9, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

Brookfield Museum & Historical Society, 165 Whisconier Rd (Rtes 133 & 25), Brookfield Center; 740-8140.

*(new show) May 16-Aug 15: “Candlewood Lake Celebrates 80 Years,” rare & unusual photos, maps, posters & magazines highlighting the creation & impact of Connecticut’s largest manmade lake; May 16, opening reception, 12-4 pm.

Easton Public Library, 691 Morehouse Rd (at corner of Center St), Easton; 261-0134.

*(new show) May 13-June 30: “Soundscapes,” large (avg 30 x 30) acrylic on paper paintings by Jim Aldworth; May 23, artist’s reception (public invited), 12-2:30 pm.

Garden of Ideas Gallery, 647 North Salem Rd, Ridgefield; 203-431-9914.

*(new show) Through May 31: recent watercolors by Melissa Bisbee Orme.

Good News Café & Gallery, 684 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury; 203-266-4663.

Through May 11: “Common People in Uncommon Places,” black & white images by Southbury photographer Hy Charniak taken w/ Rollei he purchased after WWII, depicting people in more than 12 countries betw 1949-1997.

*(new show) May 12-July 7: “Antarctica,” photographs by New Milford & NYC resident Hank Meirowitz, many featuring penguins as his main character; May 17, opening reception, 3-5 pm.

Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd, Washington; 860-868-0518.

Through June 30: “Made of Thunder, Made of Glass: American Indian Beadwork of the Northeast,” 100+ intricately Native American beaded bags, purses & hats from 1800-1900, during an era when Native Americans responded to growth of tourism & desire of Euro-Americans for stylish native American crafts, from collection of Gerry Biron & Jo Anne Russo, also portraits by Mr Biron of Native People adorned w/ images of the beadwork.

Through June 30: “Beadwork of the Plains,”  Plains Indian beadwork dating from late 1800s to early 1900s revealing geometric designs & images of spiritual power & personal strength, also distinct regional & tribal characteristics.

Kent Art Association, 21 South Main St/Rte 7, Kent; 860-927-3989.

Through May 25: “Annual KAA Spring Juried Show,” 100+ works in oil, watercolor, pastels, graphics & sculpture by prize-winning local & regional artists.

 

Auditions, Juried Events ______

Seven Angels Theatre, Hamilton Park, 1 Plank Rd, Watebury. Call 203-757-1316 x15.

May 11-June 2: Auditions by appointment only for 2nd Annual Summer Community Collaborative (w/ Palace Theater) for production of Thoroughly Modern Millie, auditions Mon, May 11; Sun, May 17; Mon-Tues, June 1-2, all 6-9 pm, director Semina De Laurentis & choreographer Ralph Cantito seek actors, dancers & singers all ages (13 & up), visit SevenAngelsTheatre.org for full cast breakdown, contact Casting Director ichelle Gotay at above phone # for appointment, performances will be at Palace Theatre, July 31, Aug 1-2.

Southbury Volunteer Firemen’s Assn Ladies Auxiliary Flea Market, at Center Firehouse, 461 Main St/Rte 6, Southbury. Call 262-1059.

May 16: Vendor spaces available for flea market-tag sale, running 7 am-2 pm, 10x8 ft indoor space or 25x30 ft outdoor spaces available $30 (indoor spaces must be prepaid), BYO table, proceeds to benefit fire dept & ladies auxiliary community projects, contact Brenda Weir at above phone # for details.

Concerts, Musical Events ______

May 9: “Toward the Unknown Region” by Danbury Concert Chorus & Danbury Symphony Orchestra, St James Episcopal Church, 25 West Street, Danbury, 8 pm, free performance of 3 seldom performed masterworks for chorus & orchestra incl works of Ralph Vaughan Williams (title work), William Grant Still (Wailing Woman, w/ guest soloist Cheryl Hill) & Sergei Teneyev (John of Damascus); 748-1716.

May 16: CT Master Chorale 10th Anniversary Concert, St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Rd, Newtown, 8 pm, $20 adv, $25 at door, performance of 55-voice vocal group to celebrate first decade of performances with program of classi-cal, ethnic, samba & more, w/ accompanist Joseph Jacovino Jr & CT Master Chorale Orchestra; 743-0473.

May 17: “A Canadian Spring” by Newtown Choral Society, Christ the King Lutheran Church, 85 Mt Pleasant Rd (at Tory Rd), Newtown, 4 pm, $9, $7 students and seniors, program to include classical & contemporary works by Canadian composers; 426-3769.

Western CT State University Midtown Coffeehouse, Alumni Hall, James Roach Ave (off Osborne St, behind Roberts Ave Elementary School). Call 837-9700.

Coffeehouse each Thurs, open mic 8 pm, featured performance 9 pm (schedule follows), free, refreshments available for purchase: May 14, Mike Falzone, indie-rock (final event of semester).

Films __________________

May 9: Dolly & Me Tea, South Britain Congregational Church, Rte 172 at East Flat Hill Rd, Southbury, 11 am-2 pm, girls, their dolls, mothers, grandmothers & anyone young at heart invited for tea sandwiches, sweets, tea & punch, also shopping area filled w/ homemade doll clothes for many styles; 267-5312.

May 9: Children’s Printmaking Workshop, Mattatuck Museum Art & History Center, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, 2-4 pm, $7 ($4 members), ages 7-12 invited to create art using printmaking techniques incl monoprinting, relief prints, Styrofoam engraving prints, stenciling & stamping & rolling prints, led by artist & certified teacher June Kozloski, registration requested; 203-753-0381 x10.

May 16: Farm Day Celebration at Flanders Nature Center, Flanders at Church Hill Rd, Woodbury, 1-4 pm, $5, $10/family, $30 groups of 8 or more, farm animals, tractor rides, gardening talks & planting tips, fiber art demos, beekeeping basics, kids crafts & story time, live entertainment, refreshments & more; 263-3711.

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-4533 (children’s dept 426-3851).

Children’s programs, free unless specified: May 13, Mother Goose on the Loose, 10 am, free 20-min award-winning early literacy program for ages 2 & under & parents, walk-ins welcome.

Family programs: May 10, Plays For Our Mothers, 3 pm, presentation by The Mask & Wig Players will incl creative fun, old-time radio melodrama & special gift for moms.

 

Miscellaneous _____________

May 8: Mother’s Day Flower Sale, Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 11 am-2 pm, locally grown potted plants and hanging baskets, proceeds to benefit American Cancer Society through bank’s Relay For Life teams; 426-4440 x3160.

May 8-9: SVFA Annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale, Southbury Volunteer Firemen’s Assn main station, 461 Main St/Rte 6, Southbury, Fri 12-7 pm, Sat 9 am-mid afternoon, hanging baskets, flats of annuals & perennials, individual plants & more, proceeds to benefit SVFA Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship Fund.

May 9: Town & Country Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale, The Inn at Newtown, 19 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 9 am-2 pm, member grown & other flowering perennials, bushes, lilacs, deer resistant varieties & more.

May 9: Mother’s Day Flower Sale, Dodgingtown Fire Station, 55 Dodgingtown Rd/Rte 302, Newtown, 10 am-5 pm,  flowers and plants for sale by Boy Scout Troop 270/Newtown Venture Crew; 426-3833.

May 9: Old Fashioned Auction & Flea Market, Shepardson Community Center, Rte 188, Middlebury, flea market 8 am-2 pm, preview party & silent auction 5:30, live auction 7 pm (adm $10), sponsored by Middlebury Congregational Church & proceeds to benefit MCC missions; 203-758-2671.

May 9: Fairfield County Pomona Grange Tag & Bake Sale, Grange Hall, Rte 110 at 111, Monroe, 9 am-2 pm, vendors, crafters, baked goods & refreshments; 371-1909.

May 13: “Organic Land Care,” Newtown Senior Center, 14 Riverside Rd, Sandy Hook, 7 pm, free presentation by master gardener Brid Craddock hosted by Town & Country Garden Club of Newtown; 426-5359.

May 14: “Working in Nature’s Garden: Development of a Garden in the Woods,” Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7 pm, presentation by professional gardener, author and educator Sydney Eddison (to be followed by annual Newtown Forest Assn meeting; 270-3650.

May 15-17: Heritage Village Library Book Sale, Heritage Village Meeting House paddock lot, Heritage Rd, Southbury, Fri-Sat 9:30 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-3 pm, hardcovers & paperbacks, also puzzles, CDs, tapes, DVDs & more, proceeds to benefit HV Library; 264-5381.

May 16: Community Tag Sale & Flea Market, Southbury Volunteer FD main station, 461 Main St South/Rte 6, Southbury, 7 am-2 pm rain or shine, proceeds to benefit Southbury Volunteer FD & its ladies auxiliary; 262-1059.

May 16: Saturday Morning Bird Walk, Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby, 8 am, free walk to observe birds in the wild, sharpen bird ID skills or just for enjoyment of leisurely morning hike, may last up to 2 hours, all levels of birders welcome, meet in parking lot; 734-2513.

May 16: Community Tag Sale & Flea Market, Center Firehouse, 461 Main St/Rte 6, Southbury, 7 am-2 pm, hosted by Southbury Volunteer Firemen’s Association Ladies Auxiliary to benefit fire dept; 262-0615.

May 16: Farm Day Celebration at Flanders Nature Center, Flanders at Church Hill Rd, Woodbury, 1-4 pm, $5, $10/family, $30 groups of 8 or more, farm animals, tractor rides, gardening talks & planting tips, fiber art demos, beekeeping basics, kids crafts & story time, live entertainment, refreshments & more; 263-3711.

May 16: Treasures & Talent Auction, First Congregational Church, 40 DeForest St, Watertown, 5:30-9:30 pm, $10, live & silent auctions, also hot & cold hors d’oeuvres & dessert, proceeds to benefit work & missions of church; 860-274-5569.

May 17: Open House & Pottery Demo, Newtown Historical Society, 44 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 12-4 pm, free, tours by docents, potter’s wheel will be set up & in use by Reggie DeLarm (East Knoll Pottery), creating hand-thrown yellowware pottery w/ historically correct clays, glazes, designs & applications; 426-5937.

May 17: Antiques Appraisals Day, The Woods at Newtown, 176 Mt Pleasant Rd/Rte 6, Newtown, 12-4 pm, $5/item, limit three items, verbal appraisals by Jay St Mark; 426-0847.

May 17: Frisbee Golf & Walking Tour of Orchard Hill Nature Center, Huntingtown Rd, Newtown, 2-4 pm, guided & self-guided tours w/ members of Town & Country Garden Club, Frisbee golf hosted by Lions Club, refreshments and more; 426-5426.

May 17: “Home Is Where the Art Is,” home of Benjamin Ortiz & Victor Torchia Jr, Ridgefield, 3-7 pm, $75, benefit for Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center in Woodbury will offer private tours of home, garden & gallery that has been a work in progress for the 2 owner-collectors for 30+ years, proceeds to benefit museum, reservations required;

203-753-0381 x10.

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call

426-4533.

Films: May 13, The Pope’s Toilet, at 1 pm.

Misc programs: May 11, The Daytime Book Group, 1 pm, 1,000 White Women by Jim FergusMay 11, at 1 pm, newcomers welcome;  May 14, “Working in Nature’s Garden,” 7 pm, presentation by master gardener Sydney Eddison on the growth, change & interaction of her Newtown property w/ surrounding state forest incl illustrated methods, techniques & plantings that accent native woods, meadows & wetlands; May 21, Job Search Workshop: The Interview, 3-4:30 pm, registration required, Cheryl Schwartz, MS, MSW, LCSW, CRC, will cover types, managing interviews, possible questions & dos & don’ts; May 21, The Evening Book Group, 7:30 pm, Innocent Blood by PD James, newcomers welcome.

Danbury Library, 170 Main St, Danbury. Call 797-4505.

Reel Justice: Great Courtroom Dramas, free screenings 2 pm, free, lecture notes, discussion & refreshments follow: May 10, Mother of Mine (Finland/Sweden, 2005).

Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-2475.

(FILM) May 8-13: Grand Torino(PG-13), Fri-Sat 7 & 9 pm, Sun-Wed 7 pm, mat Fri 4:30 pm, Sat-Sun 1 & 4 pm,

Tues 1 pm.

Flanders Nature Center/Van Vleck Farmhouse, Flanders & Church Hill Rd, Woodbury. Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am-5 pm. Call 203-263-3711.

Sundays, through May 31, Spring Bird Walks, 7 am, free early morning hikes through natural habitats, binoculars encouraged, gentle terrain, suitable for all ages.

Sundays, through May 31, Botany Trail Walks, 2 pm, guided strolls along award-winning trail to be led by experienced naturalist watching for native perennials, trees, shrubs & ferns, gentle terrain, suitable for all ages.

Newtown Chess Club, at C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-4533.

Weekly games, Sat 1-5 pm, drop-in chess open to all skill levels, sets & boards provided, hosted by US Chess Federation expert Glenn Budzinski.

Newtown Hikers. Call 788-1398 (Ester Nichols), 270-4340 (Newtown Parks & Rec).

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 9 am (spring & fall start), free, all welcome (children must be accompanied), bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders (in parentheses) as follows: May 9, Webb Mountain, Monroe, easy to medium hike (Sally Cox, 426-9903); May 16, Putnam Park, Bethel, easy to medium hike, short (Ray Falk, 520-3793); May 23, The Trapps, Minnewaska/Mohonk Preserve in NY, medium hike, all day event, dinner out (Ildiko Gramling, 263-0086).

Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall (lower level), 45 Main Street, New-town. Call 270-4377.

Shop is open every Wed 12-3 pm & Sat 9 am-noon, access is from town hall’s back parking lot, shop carries discounted items from local businesses & private donors incl clothing, sm home accessories & more.

Society of Creative Arts of Newtown, Inc. (SCAN), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-6654 or 798-0560.

Programs 2nd Wed/month, 7:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: May 13, pastel painting demo by Tom Brenner, program to incl history of pastels, materials, important considerations on setting up still life & demo using still life setup.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-6224 (ask for Betty) or 264-3728 (ask for Krista).

Non-profit weight loss support group meets every Mon 6:30-7:30 pm (weigh-ins 5:45-6:15, meetings 6:30-7:30), meetings $2/week, membership $24/year.

Theatre_________________

Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, Brookfield Playhouse, 182 Whisconier Rd (Rte 25, behind library), Brookfield Center. Call 775-0023.

Harvey, through May 16, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (May 10 only) 2 pm, tickets $20.

Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven. Call 203-787-4282.

The Glass Menagerie, May 13-June 7, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun, Tues-Wed 7 pm, mat Sat 3 pm, Sun & Wed 2 pm, tickets $32-$62.

TheaterWorks Hartford, 233 Pearl St, Hartford. Call 860-527-7838.

The Year of Magical Thinking, through May 24, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, Tues-Thurs 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2:30, also (Wed) May 13 at 2:30, tickets $37-$57.

TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford. Call 860-350-6863.

The Fourth Wall, through May 23, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (May 17) 2 pm, tickets $20; May 9, special benefit for Washington Art Assn, $35.

Town Players of Newtown, at The Little Theatre, Orchard Hill Rd, Newtown. Call 270-9144.

Caught in the Net, through May 17, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (May 10 & 17) 1 pm, tickets $18 eves, $15 mats; May 8, benefit performance for Newtown Congregational Church, tickets $20, wine & cheese at 7:30, silent auction during intermission.

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Events that appear by date have Newtown items listed first, with additional events listed by their start time. At the time of printing, the information here is accurate as presented; a call ahead is always a good idea to be safe.

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Press releases for the Enjoy calendar of events or the Enjoy section must be received by MONDAY NOON for publication in that week’s edition of The Newtown Bee. Send to the attention of Shannon Hicks, Associate Editor, Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470, or to shannon@thebee.com. Photos are welcome and can be black & white or color, but must be in sharp focus. Please call for specs if you plan to email digital photo files.