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BRIDGEPORT ART TRAIL NEWSLETTER
Welcome to our Bridgeport Art Trail newsletter, providing a listing of arts and cultural events.
It’s a new year and that means new opportunities to beat any winter cabin fever and take part in Bridgeport’s active arts scene.
This January WPKN hosts their Music on Film series at The Bijou Theatre with “Amy – The Girl Behind the Name”, the 2015 documentary of singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. Come back later this month for a live production of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”
Looking for something for the kids? The Downtown Cabaret Theatre presents “The Jungle Book” for the entire family!
Writers! Is getting more creative part of your New Year’s resolution? Join fellow writer’s at “The Writer’s Group” at City Lights Gallery January 16th. Or if memoir is your genre the Bridgeport Library hosts a class as part of their Bridgeport History Center.
This January, we’re happy to feature artist Adger Cowans as our Artist of the Month!
This Bridgeport photographer has an extensive history. We’re happy to share that his work is included in the book Timeless, an anthology of photography by African American photographers of a collective called Kamoinge: black artists documenting events from the past 50 years. Adger’s work will also be featured in an upcoming exhibit, “Never Done”: Manifestations of the Beauty, Inspiration and Constant Strength of Black Women, at City Lights Gallery, opening Thursday, February 25, 2016.
Scroll down to learn more about his experience as an artist, view his iconic images that include Katherine Hepburn and Mick Jagger, and find out who he most wants to photograph today.
“I have always had an eye for art, even before I could articulate or define myself as an artist. I was drawn to pictures,”- Adger Cowans
Be sure to check out all the details below!
Visit the full calendar of Bridgeport Art listings at the Bridgeport Art Trail Website.
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LIVE THEATRE: The Jungle Book – Children’s Theatre
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
January 9th-February 14th
EVENT DESCRIPTION: It’s a rock and roll party in the middle of the jungle with all your favorite party animals! A young orphan named Mowgli has been raised by animals his whole life, but the jungle is no longer safe for him and it is time for him to make his way back to his village. With the help of some unconventional friends Mowgli soon learns the true meaning of home and family.
Our Children’s Theatre shows approximately run 75-80 minutes with a 10 minute intermission.
More Info
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LITERARY ARTS: The Writer’s Group
City Lights Gallery
Saturday, January 16th, 2-4pm
EVENT DESCRIPTION: The Writer’s Group gathers again on January 16th from 2-4pm!
This is a time and space for writing and sharing, It is not an open mic. Sharing and feedback are optional but encouraged. Bring your pen, pad and an open mind. Please share this invite with your friends as all are welcome to attend. Admission is Free. The group is guided and created by Shanna Melton of Poetic Soul Arts and sponsored by City Lights Gallery.
Also join The Writer’s Group ~ Bridgeport Facebook page for updates and inspiration between groups. It is also a great way to stay connected with other members. Click the link and join the party!
More Info
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LITERARY ARTS: Memoir Writing Class
Bridgeport History Center
Bridgeport Public Library
Saturday, January 16th, 2pm
EVENT DESCRIPTION:
Writer and published author Elizabeth Hilts leads the class which will include free form writing exercises and an exploration of the nature of memoirs, and examining voice and perspective. Drop in any month.
The History Center has sponsored a Bridgeport Memoir Writing Class since 2002. Our class has continued to write about memories not only of Bridgeport, but about the stories that we find have linked our lives. We all have shared landscapes of memories, common experiences in daily life. Newcomers are welcome. Please join us!
More Info
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VISUAL ART: CT Arts Against Violence Exhibit
Read’s Ground Floor Gallery
Saturday, January 16th, 5-9PM
More Info
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FILM: WPKN’s Music in Film Series
“Amy – The Girl Behind the Name”
Wednesday, January 20th at 6pm
The Bijou Theatre
EVENT DESCRIPTION: 2015 British documentary film that depicts the life and death of singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse and is directed by Asif Kapadia. The film depicts Winehouse’s life largely from the standpoint of her struggle with substance abuse problems both before and after her career began to blossom, and which eventually caused her premature death. The film was selected to be shown in the Midnight Screenings section at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival and received its UK premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
More Info
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LIVE THEATRE: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
The Bijou Theatre
January 29th-February 7th
It’s a rock and roll party in the middle
Winner! 2001 Tony® Award for Outstanding Revival of a Play
Winner! Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Revival of a Play
Kirk Douglas played on Broadway as a charming rogue who contrives to serve a short sentence in an airy mental institution rather in a prison. This, he learns, was a mistake. He clashes with the head nurse, a fierce artinet. Quickly, he takes over the yard and accomplishes what the medical profession has been unable to do for twelve years; he makes a presumed deaf and dumb Indian talk. He leads others out of introversion, stages a revolt so that they can see the world series on television, and arranges a rollicking midnight party with liquor and chippies. For one offense, the head nurse has him submit to shock treatment. The party is too horrid for her and she forces him to submit to a final correction a frontal lobotomy. Winner of the 2001 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Revival.
“Cuckoo is captivating.” – N.Y. Post. “Scarifying and powerful.” – N.Y. Times. “Funny, touching, and exciting.” – N.Y. Daily News. “Brilliant. The stuff of great theatre.” – WQR Radio “Transforms the audience into one wild cheering section.” – WNYC Radio. “One of the finest, most meaningful and most moving play of recent times.” – WPIX TV.
Doors open one hour prior to show.
Theatre seats: $23, Table seats: $28. Student seats: $18
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” is directed by Tanya Feduik-Smith, starring:
Dale Harding- John R Smith Jnr
Billy Bibbit- Jhulenty Delossantos
Scanlon- Christopher Cooney
Cheswick- Daniel J Mulvihill
Martini- Tom Torpey
Ruckley- Ian C Smith
Randall P McMurphy- Geoffrey Gilbert
Aide Warren- Nick Kaye
Aide Williams- Ainsley Andrade
Dr. Spivey- Bryn Berg
Nurse Ratched- Avery Eady
Nurse Flinn/Sandra- Nicole Yates
Aide Turkle- Brian J. Alvarado
Candy Starr- Betzabeth Castro
Dates
Fri 1/29 8:00pm , Sat 1/30 8:00pm , Fri 2/5 8:00pm ,
Sat 2/6 2:00pm & 8:00pm , Sun 2/7 5:00pm
More Info
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FEATURED ARTIST: JANUARY 2016
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Adger Cowans – Photo by Mark Lee Blackshear 2015
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| I have always had an eye for art, even before I could articulate or define myself as an artist. I was drawn to pictures, I grew up looking at LIFE, LOOK and other magazines that sparked my creativity for photography. My Mother and my Uncle Wilbur were amateur photographers and this allowed me to learn much of the process through observation. By the age of 15, I was committed to “Image Making” and my path was set.
In 1954 I went to Ohio University and saw for the first time, my first real hand-painted photograph by Edward Weston. The beauty of his work inspired me to delve deeper. I immersed myself in research studying the works of W. Eugene Smith, Gordon Parks, Roy Decarava, Ansel Adams. I became obsessed with the darkroom, the process of the stop baths and fixers and watching what I created materialize before my very eyes. I honed my eye for detail, and trusted my creative vision and learned the craft and discipline to construct really beautiful prints.
I came to New York City in the summer of 1958 and I worked with Gordon Parks at “LIFE” magazine that fall. That same year I also began my service in the U.S. Navy: when I returned to New York in 1960, I began my career as a professional photographer.
Everything I see translates into an artistic creation in my mind. I practice and train my eyes, like a musician practices scales and plays beautiful music.
I want my work to inspire, jump start imaginative thinking, and provide color for people who only see black, white and gray. |
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SUN & TREES – 1960
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KATHARINE HEPBURN -1981
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“I became obsessed with the darkroom, the process of the stop baths and fixers and watching what I created materialize before my very eyes.” -Adger Cowans
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- How would you describe your artwork/style?
- I am a fine art photographer.
- What medium do you work in?
- Photography, painting, and music.
- What is your process like?
- I read, reflect, study, and experiment with new materials.
- What inspires you?
- Jazz music and nature.
- How do you think you’ve changed or developed as an artist?
- I am always learning and trying to stay open to new things.
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LEATHER LOUNGE ( CHICAGO) – 2000
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MICK JAGGER ( BRASIL) – 1968
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Your photography is included in the book Timeless, an anthology of photography by African American photographers of a collective called Kamoinge: black artists documenting events from the past 50 years.
- That’s quite the accomplishment! Can you share what it means to you to be included in this publication? It is an honor to be in this book. We worked for 10 years putting it together.
- What does being part of the Kamoinge photo collective mean to you?
- I am Vice President and one of the original founding members of Kamoinge.
- What future individuals, events, or movements do you think are important to document?
- I think the art of all Americans is important to document.
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“Everything I see translates into an artistic creation in my mind. I practice and train my eyes, like a musician practices scales and plays beautiful music.” -Adger Cowans
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FOOTSTEPS (HARLEM) – 1960
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- If you can photograph any individual, location, or event, past or present, what would it be?
- I would like to photograph President Obama
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- Any other upcoming news, events, or anything else you’d like to share? Glitterati Co. will publish a book of my photography in Fall 2016.
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LACE – 1980’S
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Adger Cowans will be a featured artist in an upcoming exhibit at City Lights, opening Thursday, February 25, 2016.
“Never Done”: Manifestations of the Beauty, Inspiration and Constant Strength of Black Women.
The saying reminds us that “Women’s work is never done” The work to love, fight for social justice, actualize spiritual building and leadership, to nurture our families and create joy is never done.
This exhibit features the work of Bridgeport artists manifesting the ‘work’, spirit and unending potential of Black women through painting and photography by Adger Cowans, Alicia Cobb, Janelle Gordon, Jefferine Jean-Jacques, Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, Shanna Melton, Olivier Kpognon, Shanna Melton and others. Also featured is the fabric art by Bridgeport’s Gees Bend quilters.
More Info
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| CONTACT INFORMATION
Visit Adger Cowan’s Website at: adgercowans.me
Purchase the book Timeless: Photographs by Kamoinge online here. |
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