Art Exhibits____ _____

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

In Olga Knoepke Meeting Room (lower meeting room) — Through Feb 27: images by members of Candlewood Camera Club; Jan 30, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

Connecticut Historical Society, One Elizabeth St, Hartford; 860-236-5621.

*(new show) Jan 26-July 17: “Pictures for Victorian America: Prints by Hartford’s Kellogg Brothers,” colorful images of everyday life that were mass-produced & sold by Hartford printing firm The Kellogg Brothers, depicting activities, fashions & interests of 19th Century Conn. Residents; Jan 26, open house, 12-4 pm, reception at 4, gallery talk on origins of the exhibit at 5:30.

Through Jan 27: “She Shoots… She Scores! Women’s Basketball in Connecticut,” memorabilia & footage from last century tracing the game since inception & correlation between women’s changing social & political roles paralleling game then to now, representing teams incl UConn Huskies, CT Sun, New England Blizzard, All American Red Heads, et al.

Through Feb 13: “Honoring Abraham Lincoln,”  Lincoln related items from CHS collection in honor of the bicentennial of his birth.

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

Through Jan 31: “Ninth Annual Christmas Tree Festival,” artificial trees decorated w/ handmade ornaments by 500 CT students in grades K-5.

Through Jan 31: “A Latino Christmas: Nativities of Latin America,” Nativity scenes, or crèches, from 16 Latin countries, 4 southwestern US states & Puerto Rico.

Koenig Frameworks and Art Gallery, 97 South Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-270-1887.

*(new show) Through Feb 27: “The Art of Assembly,” unique, humorous works by local artist Steph Slater, who reinvents objects by assembling them in new environments, altering their pre-existing context.

Mattatuck Museum Art & History Center, 144 West Main St, Waterbury; 203-753-0381.

Through Feb 7: “F. Luis Mora and The Expression of Beauty,” 45+ works incl paintings, murals, drawings & preparatory studies by master painter (1874-1940) who made his home in Gaylordsville; Jan 22, “The Art of Flamenco Guitar: A Recital & Reception with Val Ramos,” $7 ($5 museum members), performance by CT resident & master flamenco guitarist will serve as complement to exhibit & related reception.

Mocha Coffee House, 3 Glen Rd, Sandy Hook;

203-364-9200.

Through Jan 31: paintings & mixed media works by James Randall.

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

*(new show) Jan 23-Feb 20: “Fresh Pics,” work by approx 50 contemporary artists from CT & surrounding states (incl DeAnn Prosia of Newtown) in painting, works on paper, photography & sculpture; Jan 23, opening reception, 2-4 pm (snow date Jan 24) incl curator-led walk-through of exhibition at 2; Feb 6, “Resources & Opportunities for Artists,” 2 pm, panel discussion w/ reps from area art organizations & tour of exhibition (snow date Feb 7).

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 800 Main St, Hartford; 860-838-4055.

Through Jan 24: “Rembrandt’s People,” small scale dossier exhibit showcasing Rembrandt’s portraits w/ works on loan from public & private collections in US & Canada, aiming to demonstrate the artist’s talent as a figure painter.

Through Feb 28: “The Allure of Lace,” individual lace pieces, along with lace incorporated into clothing, handkerchiefs & fans from Europe and the Middle East, as well as 20th Century dresses, samples, lace making tools & portrait miniatures, all drawn from the museum’s costume & textile collections.

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

In Main Galleries: Through Jan 30: “Young Talent 2010,” selected works of emerging American artists under the age of 30: Justin Varner, Derrick Riley, Harvey Bayless, Christopher Rose, Dominic Lippilllo, Cuyler Remick, Jessica Bartlet & Kate Gartrell.

Wisdom House/Marie Louise Trichet Gallery, 229 East Litchfield Rd, Litchfield; 860-567-3163.

*(new show) Jan 23-April 17: fine art photography by John Talbert.

Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St at York, New Haven; 203-432-0600.

*(new show) Jan 26-March 7: “Jane Davis Doggett: Talking Graphics,” works by artist known for a career of creating graphic identities & wayfinding systems for massive public spaces, including 40 international airports.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Jan 23: Jazz at The Grange featuring The Chris Coogan Quintet, Norfield Grange, 12 Goodhill Rd, Weston, 8-10:30 pm, $20, live jazz by Mr Coogan, Jim Royle, John Mobilio, Jim Clark & Rex Denton, first of what is planned as monthly series w/ rotating musicians, originals & items from The Great American Songbook; 203-454-4695.

Jan 24: “A Concert for All Ages: Danbury Symphony Orchestra at Danbury High School, 43 Clapboard Ridge Rd, Danbury, 3 pm, free performance to incl Peter and the Wolf, Carnival of the Animals, also performances by Danbury High School Symphonic Band; 203-748-1716.

Jan 24: Pat Wictor at The Acoustic Celebration, Temple Shearith, 46 Peaceable St, Ridgefield, 4 pm, $15-$20, blues & lap slide guitar; 203- 431-6501.

Jan 30: Monthly ballroom dance, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Park Ave, Bridgeport, 7 pm-midnight, adm $17, singles & couples welcome, free dance lesson at 8, music provided by DJ Piers Stonehart, performance by Dimitrios & Maria Damalas (national professional Latin Ballroom Dancers, Greece) at 9, complimentary snacks; 203-374-7308.

Jan 31: 29th Greater Bridgeport Symphony Carlson-Horn Competition for Young Instrumentalists Finals, Arnold Bernhard Arts & Humanities Center at the University of Bridgeport, 84 Iranistan Ave, Bridgeport, free, public welcome; 203-576-0263.

For Kids & Families _________

Jan 23-24: Blue’s Clues Live! The Most Spectacular Place, TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford, Sat 10:30 am & 1 pm, Sun 1 pm, $15, local actors will offer theater production de-signed for young (preschool & up) audiences; 860-350-6863.

Danbury Library, 170 Main St, Danbury; 203-797-4528.

Jan 28, Snowman Craft Day, 10:30 am-1 pm & 3-6 pm, kids of all ages & families invited to drop in during either session.

Miscellaneous ___________

Jan 23: Haitian Dinner & Reggae Band Night, Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown,

6-10 pm, $10, $30/family, live music by The Skanktones, refreshments, all ages welcome, proceeds to benefit Rotary Haitian Fund; 203-426-9024.

Jan 24: “Moving From Dark To Light: Reframing Our Sacred Stories,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 7 pm, free program by Romie Palladino will be followed by group meditation (free instruction available) & tea reception; 203-263-2254.

Jan 29: “The Odd Couple … Landscape Designers & Landscape Contractors,” Naugatuck Valley Community College, 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, 1:30 pm, $10/adv, $15/door (free for APLD-CT members), program by award-winning landscape designer & landscape contractor Jody Shilan will offer insights to what can help both parties work better together, hosted by Assn of Professional Landscape Designers & NVCC Science Division.

Jan 31: Screening of HEART, The Congo Chronicles, The Watermark at East Hill, 611 East Hill Rd, Southbury, 2 pm, donations to benefit One Small Step (501c3), pre-screening performance of music from the film, post-screening talk-back w/ producer-director Jeffrey Luken Hartlage & director-composer Kenneth Lundquist Jr; 888-570-6659.

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

203-426-4533.

Jan 26, “Protecting Your Family Jewels,” 7 pm, jeweler Joe Brandy will discuss home security measures, proper care, options for selling, what to look for & more when considering fine jewelry purchases & protection; Jan 27, memoir discussion series, 7:30 pm, Girls of Tender Age  by Mary-Ann Tirone Smith.

Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown;

203-426-2475.

(FILM) Jan 22-25: Couples Retreat (PG-13), Fri-Sat 7 & 9 pm, Sun-Mon 7 m, mat Sat-Sun 1 & 4 pm.

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

Jan 23, Winter Walk, 12:30-2:30 pm, $8 ($6 members), $4 kids, join Jamie Leffler for walk & learn how to start fire in snow, what to eat, where to find shelter & more during winter, dress for weather, registration requested.

Newtown Chess Club, at C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-4533.

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 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 23, Fairfield Hills Trail/Horse Barn (leader Sally Cox, 203-426-9903); Jan 30, Twin Brooks Park, Trumbull (leader Irene Juthnas, 203-268-2254).

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).

Seasonal: Observation area open to March 7 only, Wed, Sat-Sun 9 am-1 pm, free adm but reservations absolutely required (reservations line now open.

Society of Creative Arts of Newtown, Inc. (SCAN), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-6654 or 203-798-0560.

Jan 23-31, Color in January Annual Show & Sale, at Lexington Gardens, 32 Church Hill Road, daily 10 am-4 pm, non-juried show of works by SCAN members, opening reception Jan 23 (2-4 pm), artist demos each Sat-Sun 12:30 (Jan 23, watercolor landscape by Patricia Barkman; Jan 24, oil still life by Janice Papayani; Jan 30, pastel landscape by Alain Picard; Jan 31, acrylic portrait by Beverly Branch).

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 Blue Z Coffee House, 127 South Main St, Newtown. Call 203-426-6242, 203-364-0631.

Open mic 7:30, featured poet follows: Jan 27, Return of the Hosts Night, featuring series hosts past & present, also new host Lisa Marie Ackerly will lead open mic session.

Theatre ______________

Jan 23-24: Blue’s Clues Live! The Most Spectacular Place, TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford, Sat 10:30 am & 1 pm, Sun 1 pm, $15, local actors will offer theater production de-signed for young (preschool & up) audiences; 860-350-6863.

Jan 29-Feb 6: A Night of One-Acts… an introduction to modern playwright David Ives, Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin La, Ridgefield, doors open at 7, performances Fri-Sat 8 pm, $20, cabaret seating, BYO food & drink, for mature audiences; 203-431-9850.

Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin La, Ridgefield;

203-431-9850.

“A Night of One-Acts… an introduction to modern playwright David Ives,” Jan 30-Feb 6, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, tickets $20 (performances of Sure Thing, The Philadelphia, A Singular Kind of Guy, English Made Simple & Time Flies).

Sabrina’s Encore Productions, performances at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown. Call

203-304-1235 x0.

The Jungle Book, Jan 30, curtain 2 pm, tickets $8-$10.

Annie Junior, Jan 31, curtain 2 pm, tickets $10-$15.

13, Jan 28-29, curtain Thurs 7:30 pm, Fri 8 pm, tickets $15-21.

Smokey Joe’s Café, Jan 30-31, curtain Sat 8 pm, Sun 7:30 pm, tickets $15-$23.50.

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

Nunsense, through Jan 24, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm, call for ticket details & reservations.

Song Man, Dance Man, Jan 29-31, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm, call for ticket details & reservations.

Western CT State University’s Reimhold Theatre (in Berkshire Hall), Osborne St, Danbury; 203-837-8732.

Trust, Jan 22-24, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm, $5 suggested donation; NOTE: ages 17 & under must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

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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.

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, 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 203-426-3141 for specs if you plan to email digital photo files.