Antiques Shows__________________________

Jan 7-8: 61st Papermania Plus Antique Paper Show, XL Center, 225 Trumbull St, Hartford, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, $8, 150 exhibitors, free appraisals (Sun 11 am-2 pm); 860-563-9975, 860-529-2234.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places ____________________________

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

Through Dec 31: “Jessica Stockholder: Hollow Places Court in Ash-Tree Wood,” work by sculptor Jessica Stockholder, cabinetmaker Clifford Moran & screenprinter Gary Lichtenstein that utilized wood from an ailing 100-year old ash tree that needed to be removed last year from museum’s sculpture garden.

Through Dec 31: “Judi Werthein: Do You Have Time?” ongoing screenings of film by Ms Werthein, commissioned by The Aldrich, that gives unemployed New Yorker David Kleinman a platform to put forward what he perceives to be untold truths behind official American history.

Through Dec 31: “Kate Eric: One Plus One Minus One,” first museum exhibition of artists Kate Tedman & Eric Siemens will offer sm survey of artists’ early work, “where the human figure was somewhat present, too the latest, which is quite devoid of human life.”

Through Dec 31: “Type A: Barrier and Trigger,” large scale modular sculpture (Barrier) whose primary subject is the fear of terrorist threat felt by gov’t & corporate entities and a second work (Trigger) that addresses “in a dizzyingly complex way with the reasons Americans feel the need to arm themselves,” created by Type A (artists Adam Ames & Andrew Bordwin).

Through Jan 8: “Chelpa Ferro: Visual Sound,” American debut by Brazilian collective Chelpa Ferro (visual artists Barrão, Luiz Zerbini & Sergio Mekler) who likes to prove that any object can simultaneously be an instrument & an artwork.

Art & Frame of Danbury, 60 Newtown Rd (within Route 6 Plaza), Danbury; 203-748-0197.

Through Jan 6: “Small Works,” 200+ original works of art by approx 80 local artist.

Avancé Esthétiques Day Spa, Sand Hill Plaza, 228 Main St South/Rte 25, Newtown.

Through Jan 9: “Art About Town,” works by Betty Christensen, Theresa Caputo, Lisa Greto, Ginger Kleinbart, MaryKaren Merrill, Ruth Newquist, Paula Renee, Susan Sagona, Pam Wilson & Virginia Zic, partial proceeds from all works sold during exhibition will benefit Ann’s Place/The Home of I Can.

Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-4533.

On main floor: Through Dec 30: Hanukkah menorahs loaned by members of The Greater Newtown-Danbury chapter of Hadassah.

Brookfield Craft Center, 286 Whisconier Rd/Rte 25, Brookfield; 203-775-4526.

Through Dec 24: “36th Annual Holiday Sale,” work by 140+ artists in jewelry, wearable fiber, ceramics, toys, glass, wood, paper & steel, proceeds from sale directly benefit Craft Center’s education programs as well as the participating artists.

Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury; 203-778-8337.

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.

Discovery Museum & Planetarium, 4450 Park Avenue, Bridgeport; 203-372-3521.

Through March 4: “Contraptions A to Z,” hands-on exhibit that combines art, history, science, music, literature & language by revealing mechanisms often hidden in black boxes w/ playful, humorous approach incl antique apple peelers, cuckoo clocks & drum machine to zoetrope & 22 other items.

Also on view: “First in Flight,” commemoration of 3 contributions to flight in Bridgeport (Gustave Whitehead’s pre-Wright Brothers airplane, Igor Sikorsky’s helicopters & the Frisbee) through photos, newspaper articles & more (incl contract between Wright Brothers & Smithsonian promising the Wrights credit for flying first).

Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Rd, Fairfield; 203-259-1598.

Through Jan 2: “Holiday Express Train Show,” dazzling, train-filled experience for all ages; Dec 27, Choo Choo Storytime, 10 am, included w/ museum adm; Dec 27, “Terrific Trains,” 11 am, $5 (registration required, call above phone #), ages 6-10 invited to build & decorate wooden model train during 1-hour workshop; Dec 28, puppet plays, 11 am, $5 (registration required, call above phone #), ages 6-10 invited to create playful puppets from felt, also adorn table-top puppet theater; Dec 29 & 30, See A Model Steam Train, 11 am-3:30 pm (ongoing), free, collector & train enthusiast Harvey Campbell will share hand-built steam trains display that travels around elevated track.

Fairfield University, North Benson Rd, Fairfield.

*Bellarmine Museum of Art (within Bellarmine Hall, call 203-254-2215)  — Through Jan 27 (exhibition extended): “James Prosek: Un-Natural History,” 70 detailed watercolor paintings of animals (incl to-scale watercolor of sailfish, more than 8 ft long) artist, writer & activist Prosek & pieces created for show such as taxidermied fox w/ bird wings & cockatiel w/ plumage featuring tools from Swiss Army knife.

Gregory James Gallery, 93 Park Lane Rd/Rte 202, New Milford; 860-354-3436.

Through Jan 15: paintings by Christopher Magadini.

Gunn Memorial Museum, 5 Wykeham Road (at Rte 47), Washington Green; 860-868-7756.

Through Jan 22: “The Magical Christmas Horse,” original works of art by Wendell Minor featured in new Mary Higgins Clark children’s book The Magical Christmas Horse (based on a toy horse in the museum’s collection), also collection of toy horses of many shapes & sizes from museum’s & private collections.

Housatonic Community College, 900 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport.

In Beacon Hall (third floor): Through Jan 7: “Stanley Learner: A Is For…,” “alpha boxes” that feature assemblages of objects all beginning w/ same letter of alphabet, created for fun by the prolific artist who took everyday objects to larger-than-life proportions.

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

Through Jan 31: “Native American All-Stars: Contemporary American Indian Heroes,” celebration of professional athletes, musicians, actors, writers & other well known individuals, all of Native American descent, who have been integral part of culture & history of United States.

Knights of Columbus Museum, 1 State St, New Haven; 203-865-0400.

Through Jan 8: “Full of Grace: Crowned Madonnas fro The Vatican Basilica,” nearly 100 restored artistic images of the Blessed Mother from around the world.

Through Feb 5: “Christmas Across Africa,” seventh annual crèche exhibition by museum features nearly 100 crèches, statues & other artwork from 23 African countries & tribes incl wood & stone sculptures, Coptic icons, banana leaf Nativity scenes, polished stones & papyrus paintings; Dec 28, “My Christmas at Home in Africa,” 6 pm, free lecture by Yosola Sholagbade-Adeoye (also Dec 29); Dec 29, “My Christmas At Home in Africa,” 1 pm, see Dec 28 details.

Through Feb 5: “11th Annual Christmas Tree Festival,” Christmas trees decorated by elementary school children from across Connecticut.

Koenig FrameWorks, 97 Main St South/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-270-1887.

Through Dec 24: “Small Works,” affordable art for small spaces by regional artists, all priced $100 or less.

Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury; 203-753-0381.

Through Feb 26: “Toys!” vintage dolls, toys & games from museum’s collection & private collections incl portion of Bill Brinley’s hand carved miniature circus.

Through March 18: “Shared Sensibilities: The Art of Sol LeWitt and His Friends.”

Morrison Gallery, 5 Maple St, Kent; 860-927-4501.

Through Jan 22: new works by American painter Chris Armstrong (dramatic waterscapes) & sculptor Peter Kirkiles.

Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven; 203-432-5050.

Through Jan 8: “Invasion of the Bloodsuckers: Bedbugs and Beyond,” family-friendly multi-media display w/ interactives, giant models, preserved & living specimens, film footage of blood feeding & signage that explores how & where bedbugs, lice, mosquitoes, fleas & other blood-sucking arthropods live & how they differ from other household pests, also large-scale photos & specimens to help compare & contrast w/ common look-alikes incl spiders, mites, beetles, millipedes & silverfish, plus info on how to treat for & protect from these unwelcome guests.

Through Jan 8: “X-Ray Vision: Fish Inside Out,” 40 black-and-white digital prints of diff specimens of fish, arranged in evolutionary sequence, to offer tour through the stream of fish evolution & to see what scientists use to study the skeleton of a fish without altering the sampling, also interpretive panels describe how scientists differentiate one species from another, examine fish anatomy & evolutionary development.

Ridgefield Guild of Artists, 34 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield; 203-438-8863.

Through Dec 24: “Festive Home: Objects for Living & Giving,” seventh annual holiday exhibition & emporium features vignette designs by 13 designers, also decorative & useful objects for the home, apparel & handcrafted jewelry.

Washington Art Association, 4 Bryan Plaza, Rte 47, Washington Depot; 860-868-2878.

In Main Galleries: Through Dec 24: “Holiday Gift Gallery 2011,” annual holiday selection of unique, distinctive & unique gift items incl oil paintings, watercolors, drawings, glassware, pottery, ceramics, hand-knit & hand-woven items, jewelry, candles, children’s toys, personal care items, kitchenware & more, from local artists, artisans & craftspeople; Dec 24, Tax-Free Day.

Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road, Wilton; 203-762-7257.

Through Jan 16: “The Great Trains,” annual exhibition, this year featuring favorites incl Thomas the Tank Engine & range of makes, models & gauges from O-gauge to 1920s style G-gauge truck incl HO & S gauge sets, also collection of toys, dolls & miniatures incl die cast sleighs, wagons, cars, etc from early 1900s, stuffed animals incl 1930s Shirley Temple.

Yale Center For British Art, 1080 Chapel St (at High St), New Haven; 203-432-2800.

Through Dec 31: “Adapting the Eye: An Archive of the British in India, 1770-1830,” exploration of complex & multifaceted networks of British & Indian professional & amateur artists, patrons & scholars in British India in later 18th & early 19th Centuries, and their drive to create & organize knowledge for aesthetic & political purposes, as seen through high art & popular culture incl albums, scrapbooks, prints, paintings, miniatures & sculpture.

Through Jan 1: “Permanent Collection on View,” selections from YCBA’s permanent collection incl works of Constable, J.M.W. Turner, Sir Joshua Reynolds & William Blake, plus major figures from Europe & America who lived & worked in Britain.

Through Feb 12: “Johan Zoffany RA: Society Observed,” first exhibition ever devoted to Zoffany in US offers approx 70 oil paintings & selection of drawings & prints, many of which have been rarely or never exhibited, from public & private collections around the world, exhibition offers reevaluation of life & career of “brilliant & enigmatic artist” who, in 18th Century England, explored complexities of Georgian society & British imperial rule.

Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St at York, New Haven; 203-432-0600, http://artgallery.yale.edu.

Through Dec 31: “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: American Art from the Yale University Art Gallery, an exhibition presented in three parts – Part One: We The People,” paintings, decorative arts, coins & medals, historic prints & photographs that create a portrait of a young country as it struggled to define itself geographically, politically, socially & artistically.

Through Jan 19: Remembering 9/11,” tenth anniv rumination of tragic events of Sept 11, 2011 incl works by Yvonne Jacquette, Nathan Lyons & Judith Shea, also special installation of “Wounded Cities,” Leo Rubinfien’s acclaimed series of photographs.

Auditions, Juried Events    _________________

CT Poetry Society, PO Box 270554, West Hartford; 860-233-7852.

Jan 30: Entries must be postmarked for Al Savard Poetry Contest, CT poets invited to enter up to 3 unpublished poems, and form, 40-line limit each (incl 2 copies of poem, 1 w/ complete contact info & 1 without info, both marked Savard Contest), selected/winning poems will need to be submitted elec-tronically following notification, poets who won prize in any CPS contest last year not eligible for this, top prizes of $100, $75 & $50 & publication in Long River Run, contact JoAnne Bauer at above phone # for additional info.

Long Wharf Theatre Stage II, 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven; 203-787-4282.

Jan 13-14: Non-Equity auditions for Lowell Swortzell’s The Mischief Makers, Fri 4-8 pm, at 10 am-1 pm, callbacks Feb 15 (2-5 pm), director Kristianna Smith has openings for 4 local actors to fill gender-neutral roles in family comedy to presented for young audiences March 23-25, particularly seeking ac-tors who can play drums, wind or string instruments & are comfortable in improv style w/ expertise in storytelling & vocal work, prepare 1-min child-friendly monologue & 16 bars of child-friendly song to be sung a cappella, call above phone # for appt (one hour time slot, which will incl time for movement workshop; plan to spend entire hour at theater).

TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford; 860-350-6863, www.theatreworks.us/actors.

Jan 9-10: Auditions for Martin Casella’s scathing modern comedy The Irish Curse, 7-9 pm, director Robin Frome has openings for 5 men, ages 20-55 (character breakdowns at website above), auditions will be readings from script, professionals & amateurs welcome, no appointment needed, rehearsals to begin in Jan, production to run weekends March 2-24.

Concerts, Musical Events ________________

Jan 1: Annual Messiah Community Sing, Roxbury Congregational Church, 24 Church St/Rte 317, Roxbury, 4 pm, free, Schirmer scores available for purchase $15 (or bring your own), local singers & groups invited to join 4 vocal soloists (soprano Kimberly Baron, alto Gwynne Wittman, tenor Sean Fallon & bass Corey Gaudreau), string quartet & director Friso Hermans for Handel’s most popular oratorio, presented by The Shepaug Friends of Music; 860-355-0025.

Jan 4: Mid-Day Jazz: David Morgan at The Mark Twain Library, 439 Redding Rd/Rte 53, West Red-ding, 11 am-12:15 pm, free performance by Mr Morgan, in variety of styles (early to modern); 203-938-2545.

Jan 6: Pat Wictor at Lyrics Coffeehouse, Redding Community Center, Rte 107, Redding, 7:30 pm, $10/adv, $12/door, $6 seniors & children, monthly music offering featuring singer-songwriters, refreshments available; 203- 938- 2551.

Jan 8: Yossi Kohrman-Glaser: Classical Guitar Recital, St John’s Episcopal Church, 5 Washington Ave/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, 2 pm, free performance by Newtown High School student will serve as culmination of NHS Junior-Senior Project, also collection of non-perishable food items for FAITH Food Pantry.

For Kids & Families _______________________

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-4533 (children’s dept 203-426-3851), www.CHBoothLibrary.org.

Children’s programs, free unless specified: Jan 9, Theatre Games, 4 pm, children in grades K-3 invited to join acting teacher & director Twyla Hafermann-Kessler for theatre game workshop, registration requested, program also being offered Jan 23 & 30 (diff topics).

 

Miscellaneous          ___________________________

Jan 8: Post Holiday Train & Toy Show, Trumbull Marriott, 180 Hawley La, Trumbull, 9 am-2 pm, $5, free ages 12 & under w/ adult, vendors from sev states, sev small operating displays & lg O gauge layout operated by Booth Memorial Railway Society; 203-926-1327, ClassicShowsLLC.com.

Jan 9: Town Historian’s Annual Lecture: “The American Revolution in Newtown,” C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7:30 pm, free lecture by Dan Cruson will examine many facets of the war in and around Newtown, hosted by Newtown Historical Society; 203-426-5937.

Bethel Public Library, 189 Greenwood Ave, Bethel; 203-794-8756.

Jan 10, Memoir Writing Workshop, 6:30 pm, free (reservations required, space limited), writing teacher Linda Chiara will help attendees get started telling their unique story using fun yet effective process she has developed.

Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-2475.

(FILM) Dec 26-31: Dolphin Tale (PG), Mon-Fri 7 & 9:05 pm, mat Mon-Sat 1 & 4 pm.

Newtown Hikers. Call 203-788-1398 (Ester Nichols), 203-270-4340 (Newtown Parks & Rec).

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 10 am (winter start time), free, all welcome (children must be accompanied), bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders (in parentheses) as follows: Jan 7, Bear Mountain, Danbury (Molly Schleiss, 203-798-6516); Jan 14, Tarrywile Park, Danbury (Molly Schleiss, 203-798-6516).

Newtown Toastmasters, Town Hall South Parks & Recreation Conference Room, 3 Main St, Newtown; 203-313-5507, NewtownToastmasters.FreeToastHost.cc.

Local chapter of international organization meets 1st & 3rd Wed/month, guests & newcomers welcome.

Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall (lower level, use rear parking lot), 45 Main Street, Newtown; 203-270-4377.

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.

Shepaug Eagle Observation Area, Shepaug Housatonic Hydroelectric Station, River Rd, Southbury; 800-368-8954 (reservations line open Tues-Fri 9 am-3 pm), www.firstlightpower.com/eagles/viewing_shepaug.asp.

Seasonal: Observation area open Dec 28-March 14 for 2011-12 season, Wed, Sat-Sun 9 am-1 pm (closed New Year’s Day/Sun, Jan 1), free adm but reservations absolutely required.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-6224 (ask for Betty) or 203-264-3728 (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.

Wednesday Night Poetry Series, at The Garage (Newtown teen center), 53 Church Hill Rd, Newtown. Call 203-426-6242, 203-364-0631.

Open mic 7:30 pm, featured poet at 8:45, poetry editing workshop follows featured poet: NOTE: WNPS is on winter hiatus until Feb 2012.

 

Theatre  _________________________________

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

Mainstage: Through Dec 31: It’s A Wonderful Life, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, Mon-Wed 7 pm, mat Sat 2 pm; notes: Dec 24/Christmas Eve performance will be at 6 pm, also LWT is partnering w/ CT Food Bank to collect non-perishable food during this production, esp tuna & other canned meat, peanut butter, chunky soups & beef stew, macaroni & cheese, spaghetti & sauce, rice, dry & canned beans, canned vegetables & fruits, powdered milk, fruit juice & items that are sugar free, low sodium and/or no salt.

Sherman Players, Sherman Playhouse, 5 Route 39 North (Rte 37 at 39, behind the firehouse), Sherman; 860-354-3622.

Through Jan 1: Sleeping Beauty: a British Christmas panto, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm, tickets $20, $10 students (w/ ID) & ages 12 & under; Dec 31, New Year’s Eve gala performance, 8 pm, $40 incl hors d’oeuvres & open bar w/ beer, wine & soft drinks.

Stray Kats Theatre Company, Edmond Town Hall Alexandria Room, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-514-2221.

Staged readings, 7:30 pm, $25 (season subscription available), Q&A w/ actors & reception follows: Jan 14, Kent R. Brown’s Butcher’s Cabin.

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

Through Jan 7: Present Laughter, curtain Fri-St 8 pm, tickets $20; Dec 31, New Year’s Eve gala performance, 8 pm curtain, tickets $60 incl hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine & soft drinks.

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Events that appear by date have Newtown items listed first, with additional events listed by their start time.

 

EXPANDED CALENDAR ONLINE

Want to know about more regional events? Find an expanded edition of this calendar online at www.NewtownBee.com. Click on the Features tab and look for Enjoy/Regional Calendar of Events.

 

Shannon Hicks is the calendar editor for The Newtown Bee. To submit an item for the Enjoy Calendar, send her an email at shannon@thebee.com no later than Tuesday at 5 pm for each week’s calendar. For additional information contact Miss Hicks at The Newtown Bee, 203-426-3141.