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BRIDGEPORT ART TRAIL NEWSLETTER
Welcome to our Bridgeport Art Trail newsletter, providing a listing of arts and cultural events.
Fall in love with the Bridgeport art scene this February!
This week don’t miss the opening reception for two installations at the Housatonic Museum of Art on Thursday! Or if you’re a film buff the Bijou Theatre’s “Reel Law Series” presents The Lincoln Lawyer with an accompanying discussion of the legal issues presented.
Travel back to the roaring 20s with The Downtown Cabaret’s The Great Gatsby, turn up the heat at Design Night’s Out’s latest panel discussion, or cry it out over your favorite record with John Cusack at a viewing of “High Fidelity” – part of WPKN’s “Music on Film” series.
Finish out the month at another art opening. City Lights Gallery presents the exhibit “Never Done”: Manifestations of the Beauty, Inspiration and Constant Strength of Black Women. This exhibit features the work of Bridgeport artists manifesting the ‘work’, spirit and unending potential of Black women through painting and photography.
ARTISTS, don’t miss the latest CALLS FOR ART including a recycled art contest and digital art exhibit!
We’re also excited to feature the Maggie Daly Arts Cooperative (MDAC) as our Arts Organization of the Month for February!
Located in the Read’s Artspace building in downtown Bridgeport, MDAC provides unique programming that assists individuals with disabilities in creative exploration, self-discovery and expansive artistic growth using: Mixed Media, Visual Media, Painting, Music, Dance, Yoga and more!
The Kennedy Center’s Maggie Daly Arts Coop (MDAC) and the Bijou Theatre are recipients of a Regional Initiative Grant to spearhead a Bridgeport EarthFest celebration.
Bridgeport EarthFest 2016 will will bring all sectors of the community together to learn, experience and celebrate Earth Day through various art forms.
Learn more about this organization and the EarthFest programming including a Recycled Art Contest as part of our feature profile.
Details below!
Visit the full calendar of Bridgeport Art listings at the Bridgeport Art Trail Website. |
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VISUAL ART: Mary Giehl: Rice is Life / Kim Waale: Simulacratopia (again), 2015
Housatonic Museum of Art – Burt Chernow Galleries
Opening Reception: Thursday, February 11th, 6-7:30pm
On View: February 12 – March 18, 2016
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Opening reception Thursday, February 11 from 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm with an informal gallery talk by the artists from 5:30 until 6:00 pm. This event is free and the public is cordially invited to attend.
More Info
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FILM: Real Law Series – Lincoln Lawyer
Bijou Theatre
Thursday, February 12th
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Mick Haller (Matthew McConaughey) is a charismatic defense attorney who does business out of his Lincoln Continental sedan. Mick spends most of his time defending petty crooks and other bottom-feeders, so it comes as quite a surprise when he lands the case of a lifetime: defending a Beverly Hills playboy (Ryan Phillippe) who is accused of attempted murder. However, what Mick initially thinks is an open-and-shut case with a big monetary reward develops into something more sinister.
*Stay after the movie for a discussion of the legal themes addressed in the film
Running time – 135 minutes; Rated R
All seats: $12
Doors open at 6:00pm, Film starts at 7:00pm
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LIVE THEATRE: The Great Gatsby
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
February 12th-February 21st
EVENT DESCRIPTION:
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s
The Great Gatsby
Adapted for the stage by: Simon Levy
Director: Julie Bell Petrak
Based on the 1925 novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, THE GREAT GATSBY follows a cast of characters living in Long Island in the summer of 1922. The story primarily concerns the young and mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby and his quixotic passion and obsession for the beautiful former debutante Daisy Buchanan. Considered to be Fitzgerald’s masterpiece, THE GREAT GATSBY creates a portrait of the Roaring Twenties and one man’s pursuit of the American Dream.
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FILM: WPKN 89.5 – FM Presents: Music in Film – High Fidelity
The Bijou Theatre
Wednesday, February 17th 6-10pm
EVENT DESCRIPTION: As a run-up to WPKN’s ‘Music Mash ’16-Record Fair (Saturday March 5th at Read’s Artspace in downtown Bridgeport) we present a cult classic that will resonate with every music fan, record buyer or passionate collector.
Stay tuned for additonal photos, review and other ways we will get you to the film!. This series benefits nonprofit WPKN and the wonderful Bijou Theatre.
High Fidelity is a 2000 American comedy-drama film directed by Stephen Frears. It stars John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Jack Black, Todd Louiso, Tim Robbins, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Lisa Bonet. The film is based on the 1995 British novel of the same name by Nick Hornby, with the setting moved from London to Chicago and the name of the lead character changed.
With a nod to WPKN’s upcoming ‘Music Mash-Record Fair ‘16’ on Saturday, March 5th, High Fidelity celebrates a bit of the vinyl LP culture. Actor John Cusack’s character Rob spends his days at his record store, Championship Vinyl, where he holds court over the customers that drift through. Helping Rob in his task of musical elitism are Dick (Todd Louiso) and Barry (Jack Black), the “musical moron twins”, as he refers to them. Armed with an encyclopedic knowledge of all things musical, they compile “top five” lists for every conceivable occasion, openly mock the tastes of their customers, and, every so often, sell a few records.
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SPECIAL EVENT: Design Night Out: HEAT
The Bananaland
162 Elm Street, FL3, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Thursday, February 18th 6-8pm
EVENT DESCRIPTION: The heat is ON for our next Design Night Out!
Along with our scintillating panel discussion, DJ Michelle Spinei (WPKN Radio 89.5-FM‘s surfpartyapocalypse) will be cooking up hot tunes during the networking part of the evening. And Bridgeport’s hottest new restaurant Can Tiin will be serving up delicious bites. All with open bar, friend-making, and fun!
Panelists
Susan Clinard, Sculpture Artist
Randi Bayne, Candle-Maker of Rayne Home Decor
Mark Colbert, Weldedworks Mark Andre Colbert
Ray Matthews, Ray’s Glass Blowing Studio
THANK YOU to our Sponsors
CTNext
Kristyn Miller Photography
MOJALVO
ABOUT DESIGN NIGHT OUT: Hosted bi-monthly in HTFD and BPT, an event series that takes a creative theme and explores how great design is transforming that theme here in CT.
More Info
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LACE – 1980s : Photography by Adger Cowans
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VISUAL ART:
“NEVER DONE” Manifestations of the Beauty, Inspiration and Constant Strength of Black Women.
City Lights Gallery NEW location: 866 Main Street*
Opening Reception: Thursday, February 27th at 5:30pm
EVENT DESCRIPTION: “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, Olivier Kpognon, Shanna Melton,. Also featured is the fabric art by Bridgeport’s Gees Bend quilters.
Thank you to Shanna Melton for assistance with curation on this exhibit.
*City Lights is moving to a new downtown location!
Variety is the spice of life!
Don’t miss the visual treat to view art in our temporary venue at 855 Main Street, across the street from People’s United Main Branch and the Barnum Museum.
More Info
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SPECIAL EVENT: WPKN’s “MUSIC MASH ‘16”
Read’s Ground Floor Gallery
Saturday March 5, 2016, 8AM-6pM
EVENT DESCRIPTION:
What is MUSIC MASH ‘16?
MUSIC MASH ’16 is a Record Fair produced by nonprofit, community radio station WPKN 89.5-FM. It has a bit more sizzle than the traditional record fairs–MUSIC MASH ’16 presents 50+ vendors from all over New England selling vinyl LP’s, 45’s, CD’s and music collectibles. There will be LIVE music and WPKN 89.5-FM and celebrity DJ’s spinning discs as well food and drink options. It is our third annual event.
When is it and where is it?
Saturday, March 5th, 2016 at the Read’s Artspace, located in downtown Bridgeport, at 1042 Broad Street. This former department store, features a well-lit massive gallery site on the entire ground floor. The location is a 5-minute walk from Metro North (convenient for New York City, and New Haven), and a 3-minute cab ride from the Port Jefferson Ferry terminal in Bridgeport.
Parking is Available:
FREE indoor parking will be available at the Peoples Bank indoor parking garage with access to the lot from Water Street (across from the Metro North train station). And FREE street parking in downtown Bridgeport on Saturdays! There’s also a parking lot across from Read’s Artspace.
Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM.
What is the Admission: Early Bird hours are from 8 AM to 10 PM. These tickets are $15 and allow first viewing of what is for sale. For many that’s a BIG deal. From 10 AM to 5:30 PM admission is $6 for adults, $5 for students. Children under 12 years old are FREE.
Who is selling?
We are working through Record Riots, a group who own and operate record shows in Philadelphia, Jersey City, New Haven and Brooklyn. We have 50+ of the top dealers in New England specializing is all types and formats (vinyl LP’s, 45’s, CD’s) of music from Jazz, Rock, Blues, World, Motown, New Wave, Reggae, Punk, Ephemera, Soul, Disco, Surf, Country, Rockabilly, R&B and more. Also, there are vendors selling books, posters, artwork and other collectibles. Prices will range from $1 to $1,000. WPKN-FM has several thousand gifted LP’s and CDs to sell as well.
More Info
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CALL FOR ART: EarthFest Recycled Art Contest
Maggie Daly Arts Coop (MDAC)
Deadline: February 26th
DETAILS:
As the recipients of this year’s Regional Initiative Grant, MDAC and The Bijou Theatre are hosting the first ever Bridgeport EarthFest this spring (yay!). The celebration includes a juried, RECYCLED ART CONTEST. First place $1000, Second place $500, Third place Art Supply Gift Cards for up to $400. The Application deadline is February 26th. If you’re interested please read and fill out the attached forms and get them to MDAC via fax (203-690-1610), email (mdac@kennedyctr.org) or mail (MDAC, 1042 Broad St. Bridgeport, CT 06604). I can’t wait to see what you all come up with!
More Info
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CALL FOR ART: CIRCA: Digital Art Exhibit
The Nest Arts Factory
Deadline: March 19th
DETAILS:
Eligibility Open to work made with digital technology as an essential part of the creative or presentation process. Examples include digital collage or mixed media work, 3D printed work, digital painting and illustration, etc. 3D and 2D works. At this time we are not able to accept video or sound work. Entries must be original, entirely the work of the entrant and executed within the last three years and without the supervision of an instructor. Copies of existing artworks or based on copyrighted artworks are not eligible. If selected, work must be sent ready for hanging or display. There is no maximum or minimum size for submitted work, although it should fit through a standard doorway. Pedestals will be provided. Framed works will only be accepted with plexiglass – absolutely no glass. All work must be for sale. Early pick up of accepted artwork is not permitted.
Entry Requirements Artists must enter online. One $25 entry fee covers up to three entries. Entry fees are non-refundable. Each entry must have been completed within the past 3 years. Digital images must be of professional quality in jpeg format, minimum 300 dpi resolution and 1800 pixels on the longest side. File names must include the artist’s last name and the title of the work (i.e. lastname_title.jpg). The NEST reserves the right to refuse a work which has been significantly misrepresented by its entry.
An exhibition catalog will be generated using selected artwork submission images; therefore, it is imperative that artists adhere to the prospectus guidelines regarding images.
More Info
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ARTS ORGANIZATION OF THE MONTH
THE MAGGIE DALY ARTS COOP (MDAC)
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| ABOUT THE MAGGIE DALY ARTS COOP (MDAC)
MDAC, located in downtown Bridgeport, CT, is an exciting and unique new initiative by The Kennedy Center designed to provide an innovative environment where individuals with disabilities can learn, create and benefit by participating in a multi-faceted arts program.
Located in the Read’s Artspace building in downtown Bridgeport, MDAC provides unique programming that assists individuals with disabilities in creative exploration, self-discovery and expansive artistic growth using: Mixed Media, Visual Media, Painting, Music, Dance, Yoga and more!
MDAC’s artists have made connections with neighbors, businesses, universities, museums, and art councils forming innovative partnerships to celebrate the universal language of art.
This Day Support Option program is designed for artists with disabilities ready to take the step to full participation in the arts both independently and collectively with peer artists and artists in the community. The candidates should have a strong commitment and interest in arts and a sincere desire to engage in the art making process.
If you are interested in a tour or learning more about this program please contact: the Program Manager by email or at 203-690-1609. |
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EARTHFEST 2016
DATE: APRIL 21 – EARTH DAY
The Kennedy Center’s Maggie Daly Arts Coop (MDAC) and the Bijou Theatre are very pleased to announce that we have received a Regional Initiative Grant to spearhead a Bridgeport EarthFest celebration that will bring all sectors of the community together to learn, experience and celebrate Earth Day through various art forms. The genesis of this project originated last year when MDAC artists created sculptures, weavings, and collaborative art from recyclable materials. These works were exhibited in an art show and the public was invited to a reception in the MDAC gallery (located in the former Read’s building). The project’s success and the excitement it engendered spurred us to expand this concept and reach out to the community-at-large to engage in an Earth Day commemoration. This year’s vision is to sponsor several opportunities for local artists to create and display recyclable art and for other community members to join together creating art, interacting and learning from each other. With the understanding that this project may grow and evolve, current project activities include:
- A recyclable art exhibit by MDAC artists at the Bijou.
- A recyclable art “contest” where participants works will be showcased at various partnering businesses in downtown Bridgeport.
- A variety of Earth Day workshops on April 21st for community members and artists of all ages as well as a celebration on McLevy Green with tai chi, drumming circle and more.
- A community-wide “ribbon tying” symbolizing connections and intentions.
A culmination of EarthFest activities with a walk around the community culminating in a free celebration with music and awards at the Bijou.
The overall goals of Bridgeport EarthFest are:
- Through collaboration and the efforts of a diverse community, work toward raising awareness and creating a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly Bridgeport through the arts.
- Bring community members together to share resources, knowledge, expertise and promote social relations broadening the definition of an inclusive model.
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CALL FOR ART: EarthFest Recycled Art Contest
Maggie Daly Arts Coop (MDAC)
Deadline: February 26th
DETAILS:
As the recipients of this year’s Regional Initiative Grant, MDAC and The Bijou Theatre are hosting the first ever Bridgeport EarthFest this spring (yay!).
The celebration includes a juried RECYCLED ART CONTEST. First place $1000, Second place $500, Third place Art Supply Gift Cards for up to $400. The Application deadline is February 26th.
If you’re interested please read and fill out the required forms on the MDAC website and get them to MDAC via fax (203-690-1610), email (mdac@kennedyctr.org) or mail (MDAC, 1042 Broad St. Bridgeport, CT 06604). I can’t wait to see what you all come up with!
More Info
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