Antiques Shows______

May 17: Trade Secrets at Wake Robin Inn: A Rare Plant & Garden Antique Event, Sharon Rd/Rte 41, Lakeville, early buying begins 8:30 am ($100, which incl 1 lecture), regular buying opens at 10, adm $35, box lunches $15 (light refreshments also available), lectures $10 each (“Designing Gardens” by Bunny Williams at 11, “Bringing The Garden Inside” by Carolyne Roehm at 1), unusual & specimen plants & garden antiques, also horticulture books old & new, benefit for Women’s Support Services of Northwestern CT, early reservations suggested; 860-364-1080.

May 17-18: Litchfield County Antiques Show, Goshen Fairgrounds, Rte 63, Goshen, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-5 pm, adm $8 good for both days (call for gala party details, May 16, 6:30-9), 39 exhibitors from 10 states, “Folk Art Experience Around The World” lecture (Sat 11 am, free), “Dealers’ Favorites” exhibit of pcs from dealers’ personal collection, show benefits Greenwoods Counseling Services Inc; 860-567-0300.

May 24: Outdoor Antiques Show, Madison Town Green, Rte 1, Madison, 9 am-4 pm rain or shine, adm $4 (early buying 8 am, $10), 100+ dealers, refreshments; 203-245-7394, 888-353-0552.

May 26: 26th Annual Tiffany Windows Antiques Show, Old Post Rd at Beach Rd (building opposite town hall), Fairfield, 9 am-4 pm rain or shine, donation $3.50, benefit for First Church Congregational; 203-929-7312.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

Beaux Arts Gallery, 495 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: M-F 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Sat 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Sun by appt. Call 203-263-3939.

Through June 1, “A Gathering of Artists,” works in watercolors & oils, also prints, by David Dunlop, C.J. Guerin, Frank Henry-Meehan, Helene Brier, Michael Zack, all members of Silvermine Guild (selected & curated by Mr Dunlop).

Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place, Bethel. Hours: Wed 7:30 pm (opens for weekly poetry program), Thurs 4:30-9 pm, Fri-Sat 12-9 pm, Sun 11-4 pm. Call 798-2193 or 740-7351.

Through June 1, “Intimate Italy,” paintings by Jo Ann Simon inspired by the artist’s recent first trip to Italy coupled w/ additional works by BAJ members.

Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury. Hours: (Jan-March) Wed-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 12-4 pm, (April-Dec) Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 778-8337.

Through early 2003, “A Railroad At Work – The New Haven Railroad, 1956-1966,” series of photos from vast portfolio of Jack W. Swanberg depicting New Haven Railroad, incl many taken in & around Danbury.

Permanent exhibitions on railroad history (museum is along old New Haven RR line & housed in former Danbury station & railyard), also original & restored rolling stock incl a New Haven RR Mack FCD railbus, Alco RS-1 diesel locomotive, fully operating turntable, etc. (see Misc calendar for ongoing programs schedule)

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

Through June 23, “Joy Of Color,” several dozen oil & gouache paintings by Connie Aronson.

Gregory James Gallery, Bank Street Plaza, 27 Main St, New Milford. Hours: Tues-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-4 pm. *note new gallery location & hours.  Call 860-354-3436.

Through May 18, “Grand Re-Opening Celebration!” first group exhibition at new location celebrates gallery’s growth & success w/ 50 works of art incl pcs by Deborah Chabrain, Mel Crawford, Tom Key, Edward Martinez, Alain Picard, Bill Rice, John Swatsley, also new artists to gallery incl Micharl Garland, Tom Key, Frank Metz, Lorraine Ryan, et al.

Grey Horse Gallery, 3 Washington Ave/Rte 34 (in old Masonic Temple, 1st floor; behind St John’s Episcopal Church), Sandy Hook. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-4 pm. Call 270-1199.

*(new show) May 18-June 21, “Travels from Maine to Portugal,” new collection of works by Dick McEvoy; May 18, opening reception, 3-6 pm.

Ruth A. Haas Library, 181 Main St (WCSU main campus), Danbury. Hours: Mon-Thurs 8 am-11 pm, Fri 8 am-4 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 1-9 pm. Call 837-9100.

Through May 25, “The Fantastic Voyage,” works by science fiction artist Vincent Di Fate, fantasy artist Tom Kidd & fantasy & science fiction artist Michael Whelan.

Jeffrey Weiss Gallery, 2938 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport. Hours: Wed-Sun 12-7 pm, also by appt. Call 203-333-7733.

*(new show) May 23-June 15, “Cutting Edge,” assemblage art by Westport artist Nina Bentley; May 25, opening reception, 12-5 pm.

Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-753-0381.

Through May 18, “Memory & Place: Voices of Waterbury,” images from archives of Mattatuck Historical Society selected by leaders of Waterbury community, accompanied by commentary by those who selected the images, incl 1915 photo of Exchange Place, Waterbury Green day before Great Flood of ’55, & North Square circa 1968.

Silvermine Guild Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan. Hours: Tues-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-966-5617.

*(new show) Through June 13, “Art of the Northeast USA,” 54th annual juried competition featuring paintings, drawings, sculpture, mixed media, installations & videos as selected by Aldrich Museum director Harry Philbrick (this year’s juror); June 1, gallery walk & talk with Aldrich curator Richard Klein, 1 pm.

Thirteen Gallery, 13 Library Place, Danbury. Hours: Tues-Fr 7-10 pm, Sat-Sun 12-4 pm, & by appt. Call 790-6754, 845-278-0968.

Through May 17, “10 At 13: Works On Paper,” exploration of drawing practices by contemporary artists incl draftsman Chris Durante, collage artists John Roleke & Bob Ajar, paper panel & scroll artist Eva Lee, sculptor Margaret Roleke, & painters Mary Dwyer, Melinda Hackett, Elizabeth Hazen, Kathryn Lynch & Laura Watt.

Washington Art Association, Bryant Plaza, Rte 47, Washington Depot. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm (closed Wed), Sun 2-5 pm. Call 860-868-2878.

Through May 25, “Paintings On Paper,” works by Rosemarie Beck, Catherine Drabkin, Phyllis Floyd, Barbara Grossman & Victor Pesce.

Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Rd, Wilton. Hours: Wed-Sun 8:30 am-5 pm. Call 203-834-1896.

Through May 18, “Invasive Botanicals: Beauty and Beast,” works by members of The Guild of natural Science Illustrators highlights the threat to native plant & animal life posed by invasive species.

Woodbury Antiques & Fine Art, 473 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Call 203-266-4753.

Through May 31, “A Year of Travel,” new oils & watercolors by Marija Pavlovich McCarthy depicting Serbia, the Australian interior & coast, & New England coast.

Woodbury Public Library, 269 Main St South/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours Mon, Wed, Fri-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Tues & Thurs 10 am-9 pm, Sun 1-5 pm.

Wooster Community Art Center, 73 Miry Brook Rd, Danbury. Gallery hours: M-F 9:30 am-6:30 pm. Call 744-4825.

Through June 30, prints & drawings by Marc Chabot; May 9, opening reception, 5-7 pm.

Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St at York, New Haven. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-6 pm. Masterpiece Tours of Permanent Collection every Sat 1:30 pm, Sun 3 pm. Call 203-432-0600.

Through May 18, “Edgar Degas: Defining the Modernist Edge,” paintings, etchings, drawings & bronze & wax sculptures by Degas that show how the artist defined the edge of modernism in visual culture through cropping, recycling of anatomical & compositional forms, & reapplication of traditional drawing & sculpting techniques in ways that challenged traditional artistic practice.

Through May 28, “The Once and Future Art Gallery: Renewing Yale’s Oldest Museum,” celebration of 50th anniversary of opening of Louis I. Kahn building & start of its complete refurbishing offers historic & contemporary architectural drawings, also photos of building, model & plans for renovation project.

Through June 1, “Homer To Hopper: Masters of American Watercolor,” works by Winslow Homer (ca 1870s) coupled w/ pcs that follow elevated standing of watercolor in American art history incl Eakins, La Farge, Prendergast, Singer Sargent, Demuth, Burchfield, Hopper, et al.

Through June 8, “Masters of American Watercolor: Homer To Hopper,” 26 works from museum’s permanent wide-ranging & rich collections of watercolors incl pcs by Homer, Hopper, Sargent, J.M.W. Turner, Eakins, O’Keeffe, Moran, et al.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

 

Brookfield Curtains Summer Theatre, at Brookfield High School, Long Meadow Hill Rd, Brookfield. Call 775-7148.

  May 19: Auditions for Smokey Joe’s Café, 6 pm, seeking high school & college singers & dancers (can be strong in just one area), performances will be weekends July 26-27 & Aug 1-2, contact Linda Davies for details.

Danbury Music Centre, 256 Main St, Danbury. Call 748-1716.

Oct 20: Applications must be postmarked for 2nd Annual Concerto Competition, open to student musicians within greater Danbury, up to senior year of high school by Sept, open to performers of all orchestral instruments, also piano & voice, winner will earn solo performance during Feb 2004 Danbury Symphony Orchestra concert, contact Nancy Sudik at music center for details.

Sherman Players, Sherman Playhouse, Rte 37 at 39, Sherman. Call 798-0437.

May 18-19: Auditions for West Side Story, Sun begins at 2 pm, Mon 7 pm, director Lanny Mitchell is looking for ethnically diverse cast of daners between ages 18-22 who sing & act, also 4 adult roles for ages 30-50, bring Broadway song & be prepared to make specific moves to music, performances will be in Aug, contact director for details.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

 

May 17: “Music from Tibet by Dadon,” Black Rock Art Center, 2838 Fairfield Ave, Black Rock (Bridgeport), 8 pm, suggested donation $10, performance by leading singer & composer of popular music in Tibet; 203-367-7917.

May 18: Family Barn Dance, Dodgingtown Firehouse, Rte 302 at Jacklin Road, Dodgingtown, 3-5 pm, adm $6 adults, $3 ages 11 & under, live calling and music by Patricia Campbell and The Reel Thing, all dances taught and called, all ages welcome; 426-5191, 792-7865.

May 18: CT Master Chorale & Orchestra Spring Concert, St Rose of Lima, 46 Church Hill Rd, Newtown, 8 pm, tickets $15/advance, $18/door, performance of Handel’s Judas Maccabæus with guest soloists, also Joseph Jacovino on organ; 743-0473.

May 18: 4th Annual Ct Choral Society Kannengeiser Benefit Concert, North Congregational Church, 11 Main St North, Woodbury, 2:30 pm, suggested donation $10, performance by Jane Pappas, Nicole Zuraitis & Jane E. Kim (this year’s scholarship winners), also Pamela Hoffman, Heather Narducci & Daniel Narducci (judges for April’s scholarship auditions), also The CCS Chamber Singers, annual concert is celebration of & fundraiser for CT Choral Society, post-performance reception; 800-55-5250.

May 18: Manhattan String Quartet at St John’s Church, Rte 47, Washington Green, 4 pm, tickets $15, final concert of church’s 2002-03 series will feature quartet performing works of Haydn, Bartok & Beethoven; 860-868-2527.

May 23: Project Poetry Live! Gala Wrap-Up Concert, Naugatuck Valley College Fine Arts Center, 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, 7:30 pm, tickets $15 adults, $6 students, performances by Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance, The Don Braden Trio, and student dancers & musicians of Project Poetry Live! (cross-curricular approach to integrating arts into education at middle school level), presented by Litchfield Performing Arts; 860-567-4162.

May 24: Yale Glee Club Commencement Concert, at Woolsey Hall, Grove St at College St, New Haven, 8 pm, tickets $20 adults, $10 students, Class of 2003 featured in program of spirituals, folk songs & Yale songs; 203-432-4157, 203-432-4158.

May 25: Yale Concert Band Commencement Concert, Yale’s Old Campus, entrances off College St (through Phelps Gate) & at 67 High St, New Haven, 7 pm, free; 203-432-4111.

Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestras, Klein Memorial Auditorium, 910 Fair-field Ave, Bridgeport. Call 203-452-0003.

May 18, GBYO Spring Concert, 3 pm, tickets $10 adults, $7 students & seniors, final concert of season will offer performances by all 4 orchestras, also recognition for 25 graduating seniors.

Merryall Center for the Arts, Chapel Hill Rd (off Merryall Rd), New Milford. Call 860-354-7264.

Performances 8:30 pm (unless noted), tickets $15, season tickets available: May 17, Black Ledge, woodwind quintet will be performing classical to contemporary program.

Films _________________

Bethel Cinema, 269 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. Call 778-2100.

May 16-22: A Mighty Wind (PG-13), daily 7:15 & 9:15 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:10, 3:10 & 5:10 pm; Bend It Like Beckham (PG-13), daily 7 & 9:45 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:30 & 4:10 pm; City Of God (R), daily 9:45 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 4 pm;  The Dancer Upstairs daily 6:50 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:20 pm; Nowhere In Africa (NR), Fri-Sat, Mon-Thurs 8:45 pm, Sun 9:25 pm, mat Sat, Wed 3 pm, Sun 2:40 pm; Rivers and Tides (NR), Fri-Sat, Mon-Thurs 6:40 pm, Sun 7:35 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1 pm.

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

May 16-21: The Pianist (R), Fri, Mon-Wed 7 pm, Sat-Sun 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun 12:30 & 3:50 pm.

Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St, Norwalk. Call 203-852-0700.

IMAX film through June 12: Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West, Mon-Fri 11 am, noon, 1, 2 & 3 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am, noon, 1, 2 3 & 4 pm.

IMAX double features through June 12: Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West and The Discoverers, Fri-Sun 7 pm.

For Kids & Families _________

May 17: New Pond Farm’s Annual Founder’s Day Fair, New Pond Farm, 101 Marchant Rd, West Redding, 11 am-4 pm (rain date May 18, 1-4 pm), free adm, Maypole dancing, sheep sheering & spinning demos, hayrides pulled by team of Belgian draft horses, hands-on crafts projects (sm materials fees), picnics welcome (organizers requesting dogs be left home); 203-938-2117.

May 18: Family Barn Dance, Dodgingtown Firehouse, Rte 302 at Jacklin Road, Dodgingtown, 3-5 pm, adm $6 adults, $3 ages 11 & under, live calling and music by Patricia Campbell and The Reel Thing, all dances taught and called, all ages welcome; 426-5191, 792-7865

May 20: Magic Story Hour, Tarrywile Park Mansion, Southern Blvd, Danbury, 11 am-noon, free program w/ storyteller Joyce Marie Rayno for preschoolers, pre-registration requested; 744-3130.

May 27: Magic Story Hour, Tarrywile Park Mansion, Southern Blvd, Danbury, 11 am-noon, free program w/ storyteller Joyce Marie Rayno for preschoolers, pre-registration requested; 744-3130.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Danbury Square, 15 Backus Ave, Danbury. Call 730-2733.

Free public programs: May 22, Unusual People Storytime, 11 am, meet interesting people found in picture books incl an upside down boy, a hippie grandmother & a little girl w/ a powerful yawn.

Beardsley Zoological Gardens, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport. Call 203-394-6565.

Zoo adm is $7 adults, $5 ages 3-11 & seniors, free ages 3 & under, programs included w/ adm: May 18-24, “Bear Awareness Week,” daily 9 am-4 pm, Defenders of Wildlife sponsors week of talks & crafts about bears incl zoo’s 2 spectacled bears.

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

Free programs (unless specified): May 21, Young Adult Book Discussion, 4 pm, Liz Arneth & Margaret Brown will lead discussin of Rodman Philbrick’s Freak The Mighty; May 31, Author Visit & Book Signing, 2 pm, program w/ children’s author & former schoolteacher Laurie Krebs to celebrate her new release, We All Went On Safari: A Counting Journey Through Tanzania.

Downtown Cabaret Children’s Theatre Co., 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-1636.

Hansel & Gretel, through May 25, curtain Sat-Sun 12 & 2:30 pm, tickets $11.50.

Miscellaneous ___________

Through May 18: 27th Annual St Mary Home School Association Carnival, Dolan Field, Library Place, Bethel, Thurs-Fri 6-11 pm, Sat 12-11 pm, Sun 1-9 pm, rides, games, kids’ area, concessions & food; 744-2922.

May 16: Art Auction, at Ability Beyond Disability (formerly DATAHR), 135 Old State Rd, Brookfield, preview 6:30 pm, auction begins 7:30, adm $10/person, $15/couple, auction presented by Ross Galleries to benefit “prevention of child abuse & other community needs”; 775-7060.

May 17: Barn Crafts & Perennial Plants on Main Street, 51 & 59 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 10 am-3 pm, local artists and gardeners will be offering antique pins, Americana, wooden bowls and boxes, decoratives, fresh baked goods, more.

May 17: 7th Annual A Taste of Bridgewater, Bridgewater Congregational Church Parish Hall, 10 Clapboard Ridge Rd, Bridgewater, 6-8 pm, tickets $20, gourmet selection appetizers & desserts from local professional chefs, also silent & live auctions, live music by pianist Ed Witkin; 860-354-6937.

May 17: 2nd Annual Armed Forces Day Tribute, Edmond Town Hall gymnasium, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 6:30-10:30 pm, adm $5/adv, $7/door, performances (and dancing encouraged) by The Church Hill Boys, The Shore Grass Band and The Heartstone Gospel Singers, refreshments, door prizes, soft-soled shoes required for dancers; 267-5445.

May 17: Redding Garden Club Annual Plant Sale, Redding Town Green, Lonetown Rd/Rte 107, Redding Center, 9 am-2 pm rain or shine, perennials, annuals & other plants, also raffle; 203-938-3608.

May 17: Bellamy-Ferriday Plant Sale, Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, 9 Main St/Rte 61, Bethlehem, 10 am-3 pm, sale of trees, shrubs & perennials, many propagated from historic plants of Ferriday garden, also Re-Pot-A-Thon (1-3 only) w/ staff offering potting & pruning tips, visitors can bring plants to be repotted; 203-266-7596.

May 17: Beginner & Intermediate Hike & Tree ID program, Tarrywile Park, Southern Blvd, Danbury, 10 am-2 pm, free (pre-registration requested), program led by staff of Danbury Eastern Mtn Sports (EMS) store, all welcome; 794-1043.

May 17: Craft Fair, Southbury Training School, Rte 172, Southbury, 10 am-4 pm.

May 17: WUMC Italian Bistro, Woodbury United Methodist Church, 3 Church St, Woodbury, 5-7:15 pm (special pre-concert seating at 7:15, reservations required, combo dinner-concert tickets $25), adm $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3.50 children, al-you-can-eat monthly event features full spaghetti dinner, soft drinks & desserts; 203-263-4775.

May 18: Family Barn Dance, Dodgingtown Firehouse, Rte 302 at Jacklin Road, Dodgingtown, 3-5 pm, adm $6 adults, $3 ages 11 & under, live calling and music by Patricia Campbell and The Reel Thing, all dances taught and called, all ages welcome; 426-5191, 792-7865.

May 18:  Beginners’ hike at Tarrywile Park, Southern Blvd, Danbury, 10 am start, free 45 min hike over easy terrain at easy pace, bring water, canceled if heavy rain, pre-registration required; 744-3130.

May 18: DEE Coin & Collectibles Coin & Sport Card Show, Danbury Sheraton Hotel, 18 Old Ridgebury Rd, Danbury, 10 am-4 pm, free adm, 50 tables w/ dealers from Northeast, information & limited appraisals also available; 746-7531.

May 18: Difficult Hike at Tarrywile Park, Southern Blvd, Danbury, starts 10:45 am, steady pace will go from red barn to beacon & back (about 4-4½ hours), recommended for ages 12 & up, limited to 15 hikers (pre-registration required), bring water & light lunch; 744-3130.

May 18: Walking tour of Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, 9 Main St/Rte 61, Bethlehem, 3 pm, $2, walking tour of grounds of historic home & gardens incl variety of shrubs in bloom & property’s plant collection incl 15 lilac varieties; 203-266-7596.

May 18: “The Principals of Collecting American Furniture & Folk,” Wayne Pratt Antiques, 346 Main St South/Rte 6, Woodbury, 5:30 pm, tickets $20/advance, $22/door, lecture by dealer & antiques expert Wayne Pratt will incl hands-on pcs & Mr Pratt’s theories on collecting American furnishings, first in new Glebe House series “Insights Into Antique Furnishings – Evening with The Experts”; 203-263-2855.

May 19: Redding Garden Club meeting, Redding Community Center, Lonetown Rd/Rte 107, Redding, meeting begins w/ light lunch 11:30 am, guest fee $4, program by floral designer Bill Graham will be “Floral Arrangements for the Home,” w/ arrangements to be raffled after presentation; 203-938-3133.

May 19: Candlewood League of Artists meeting, New Fairfield Library community room, Brush Hill Rd (Rte 37 at 39), New Fairfield, 7-8:30 pm, non-members welcome, program by Barbara Goodspeed on painting an oil landscape; 746-9100.

May 21: “Backpacking Basics,” Eastern Mountain Sports, Danbury Fair Mall, 7 Backus Ave, Danbury, 7 pm, free presentation & discussion on getting correct gear, planning trips & where to go, more, pre-registration required; 794-1043.

May 22: “Rock of Ages,” Masonic Temple, Park Rd (off Rte 6), Woodbury, noon, bring light lunch (dessert & beverages provided), program by Dr Craig McClellan & Jamie Monckton will investigate the role of Bethel Rock in the lives of early Woodbury townspeople, followed by optional walking tour, reservations requested, final program of “History Bites: Putting A Face on History” series; 860-868-7756.

May 24: Third Annual Great Pootatuck Duck Race & Festival, Sandy Hook Center, 10 am-3 pm, annual duck race by Newtown Lions Club takes place at 2 (tickets $5), festival offers live music performances, magic shows, face painting, booths by civic organizations, tag sale, karate demos, visits by Governor’s Horse Guard, more; 426-8971, 426-4529.

May 24: Newtown Craft Fair, Canaan House & grounds (Fairfield Hills campus), off Mile Hill Rd, Newtown, 10 am-5 pm rain or shine, free adm, juried event will feature 30+ crafters from throughout New England w/ all original work in wood, leather, photography, ceramics, jewelry, etc, refreshments also available; 426-2122.

May 24: Annual Lillinonah Audubon Society Birding Breakfast, Audubon Center at Bent of the River, 185 East Flat Hill Rd, South Britain, begins 9 am rain or shine (preceded by optional 7 am walk), reservations needed for breakfast (space limited), $5, BYO place setting, followed by nature walks; 748-2599, 798-0477.

May 24: 2nd Annual Gallery Walk, Main St, Kent, 3-7 pm, walking tour of 4 galleries & their current shows – The Cosmic Hippo Gallery of Fine Artisans (50+ artists’ work in varied media), The Gallery at Kent Art Assn (spring show feat. Barbara Goodspeed), The Nutmeg Gallery (debut show feat. Robert Lenz & other Kent artists) & The Gallery Upstairs at Foreign Cargo (collection of African, Asian & Pacific Island art), escorts & maps available, refreshments, ample free parking; 860-927-3069.

May 25: Open House & Demonstration at Matthew Curtiss House, 44 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 1-4 pm, free, demonstrations in ancient art of shoemaking by Greg Geiger, also tours of home that serves as headquarters for Newtown Hist Society; 426-5937.

May 25: Public Day at Beatrix Farrand Garden, Promisek at Three Rivers Farm, Skyline Ridge Rd, Bridgewater, 10 am-4 pm, historical garden designed by in 1921 Ms Farrand (founding member American Society of Landscape Architects) will be open for visits 4th Sun/month through Sept; 860-350-8226, 860-354-1788.

Audubon Center at Bent of the River, 185 East Flat Hill Rd, Southbury. Call 264-5098.

Free programs unless noted, reservations requested, call if weather is questionable: May 18, Bird Walk, 7 am, members of Western CT Bird Club will lead walk during most exciting month of year for bird watchers; May 20, Nature Walk for Adults, 9 am, $3 suggested donation, leisurely hike on one of sanctuary’s trails will seek birds in their brightest plumage & listen for males singing to attract mates & defending territories, designed for moderately active, on mostly level ground w/ occasional slope; May 24, Annual Lillinonah Audubon Society Birding Breakfast, begins 9 am rain or shine (preceded by optional 7 am walk), reservations needed for breakfast (space limited; call 748-2599, 798-0477), $5, BYO place setting, followed by nature walks.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Danbury Square, 15 Backus Ave, Danbury. Call 730-2733.

May 18, book signing & discussion w/ Tony Anthony, 3:30 pm, Westport author Anthony will sign & discuss his Beneath Buddha’s Eyes.

Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, 9 Main St/Rte 61, Bethlehem. Hours: MAY 2-OCT 28 Wed, Fri-Sun 11 am-4 pm. Call 203-266-7596.

1754 home of Bethlehem’s first minister complemented by outbuildings, 18th C apple orchard & 1915 formal parterre garden is open for summer tours (Wed, Fri-Sun 11 am-4 pm).

Special Events: May 17, Plant Sale, 10 am-3 pm, sale of trees, shrubs & perennials, many propagated from historic plants of Ferriday garden, also Re-Pot-A-Thon (1-3 only) w/ staff offering potting & pruning tips, visitors can bring plants to be repotted; May 18, walking tour, 3 pm, $2, walking tour of grounds of historic home & gardens incl variety of shrubs in bloom & property’s plant collection incl 15 lilac varieties.

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

POSTPONED: May 16, Agnes DeMille Dancing at The Library, show to be rescheduled for Sept.

Programs free unless noted: May 20, Mystery Group meeting, 7 pm, discussion of Barry Maitland’s Chalon Heads, all welcome; May 28, blood pressure screenings, 10 am-noon, sponsored by Ashlar, free information also available.

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

Springtime Bird Walks: Each Sun in May, begins 7:30 at Trail House, free, members of Western CT Bird Club will lead walks through trails & fields to help participants find natural habitats & learn which species make their home in each habitat & which are heading further north for summer.

Springtime Botany Walks: Each Sun in May, begins 1 pm at Trail House, free, members of Pomperaug Valley Garden Club will lead walks along Botany Trail to discover some of center’s 250+ species of native wildflowers, trees, shrubs & ferns, & also to see results of last fall’s dredging & planting project.

Highstead Arboretum, 127 Lonetown Rd, Redding. Call 938-8809.

Programs 10 am, $5 each, reservations suggested: May 17, Azalea Walk, guided tour of Arboretum will focus on azalea collection, the color & fragrance of the woodland planting, also discussion of deer fencing & cultural requirements.

Garden Conservancy Sunday Walks, guided walks at 10 am, noon & 2 pm: May 18, tour of Arboretum will focus on North American native azaleas (different subjects in June & Aug).

Kismet, programs at Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place, Bethel. Call 748-3125.

Meetings 2nd & 4th Sun each month, 4-6 pm, $20: May 25, “Conversations With The Other Side” w/ clairvoyant & spiritual medium Cheri Scheinin; June 8, “Conversations With The Other Side” w/ clairvoyant & spiritual medium Cheri Scheinin.

Newtown Hikers. Call 426-2897, 270-4340.

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 9 am, free, all welcome, bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders as follows: May 17, Farmington Rail-Trail – hike, bike or roller blade (Ester Nichols, 426-2897, Pilgrim555@aol.com); May 24, hike & leader TBA (call for details); May 31, Cheshire Rail-Trail – hike, bike or roller blade (Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025).

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

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

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

Meetings 4th Wed/month, 1:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: May 28, oil program by Bob Crofut.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meetings, Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-6224.

Non-profit weight loss support group meets every Mon, 6-8 pm, weigh-ins 6-6:45, meetings 7-8, meetings $2/week, membership $20/year.

Wednesday Night Poetry Series, Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place (in former railroad station), Bethel. Call 426-3388 (Faith Vicinanza), 270-6202 (Michael Seri), 748-2828 (BAJ).

Series presented ev Wed 7:30-10 pm (featured poets 8:30 pm, poetry work-shop 9:15 pm), adm $1 ($3 if out-of-state or major guest poet), guest/featured poets as follows: May 21, workshop leader Gayle Danley; May 28, Eli Rosenblatt, Trumbull native & freshman at Sarah Lawrence College, member 2001 & 2002 CT National Youth Poetry Slam Teams.

 

Theatre ______________

Country Players of Brookfield, Brookfield Playhouse, Rte 25, Brookfield Center.

Playwrights Collective readings, 1 pm, suggested donation $5, readings of original work followed by audience discussions: May 18, T.F. Maguire’s New Bridge Cross.

Downtown Cabaret Theatre, 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-1636.

Swing! through May 18, curtain Fri 8 pm, Sat 5:30 & 8:30 pm, Sun 5:30 pm, tickets $34-$42, discounts for seniors (5:30 shows), students & groups, rush tickets 30 min before shows.

Hartford Stage, 50 Church St, Hartford. Call 860-527-5151.

Diosa, through May 11, remaining performances Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 2:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm, tickets $22-$60.

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

Mainstage: The Triumph of Love, through June 1, curtain Sun & Tues 7 pm, Wed-Fri 8 pm, Sat 8:30 pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Sun 2 pm, mat Wed (May 21 & 28) 2 pm, tickets $15-$47.50, student & senior discounts available; call for special programs schedule.

Playhouse on The Green (formerly Polka Dot Playhouse), 177 State St, Bridgeport. Call 203-333-3666.

Ain’t Misbehavin’, through May 18, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $25-$35.

Seven Angels Theatre, Hamilton Park Pavilion, Plank Rd, Waterbury. Call 203-757-4676.

The King Of Memphis: The Music of Elvis, through June 8, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Thurs, Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets $24-$38.50.

Square One Theatre Company, Stratford Theatre, 2422 Main St, Stratford. Call 203-375-8778.

Wonderful World, May 16-31, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat (May 31 only) 4 pm, Sun (May 18 & 25) 2 pm, tickets $16 adults, $15 seniors & students.

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

The Laramie Project, through May 24, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (May 11 only) 2 pm, tickets $15.

Page-to-Stage Playreading Series:

Town Players of Newtown, Little Theatre, theatre is on Orchard Hill Rd (mailing address is PO Box 211), Newtown. Call 270-9144.

Barefoot in the Park, through May 24, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (May 18 only) 2 pm, evening performances $12, mat tickets $10, season tickets available.

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Events that appear by date have Newtown events 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.

DEADLINE INFORMATION

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, Arts Editor, Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown 06470, or to shannon@thebee.com. Photos are welcome and can be black & white or color prints; please call for details concerning photo files to be emailed.