BPT Art Trail News – February 2017 – Part 1

 

 

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Fall in love with art this February

There’s so much to love about the arts in Bridgeport this month including exhibition openings and special Black History Month programs.

Plus, learn new skills this new year at creative workshops on painting, sewing, jewelry-making, writing, and more!

We also announce Olivier Kpognon as our February Artist of the Month!
Olivier is exhibiting in “How We See You” at City Lights Gallery.
Don’t miss the Opening Reception and Artist Talk February 10th. Details below.
Look for the feature in our next newsletter on February 22nd.

To learn more about an event click the accompanying image.

-The BPT Art Trail Team

Visit the Bridgeport Art Trail Website to Read More

LET’S GET SOCIAL

Announcing the Bridgeport Art Trail Facebook Submission form. This form allows Bridgeport artists, arts organizations, event attendees, and those involved in related programming to share content to be considered for our Facebook page. Some examples include information on upcoming events, news, photos of projects you’re currently working on, photos of you at arts events, related articles and advice, etc.

SUBMIT TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE HERE

FEBRUARY EVENTS

VISUAL ART: Exhibit How we See You at City Lights Gallery
On View: January 25th- February 25, 2017
Artists’ Talk and Reception Friday, February 10, 2017, 5:30-8:30 pm.
Photography by Ajani Housen

The bulk of the exhibit presents the work of photographer Olivier Kpognon and painting and sculpture by Iyaba Ibo Mandingo. The juxtaposition of styles and media create a stimulating counter point between  fine vivid photography and the abstracted figurative paintings and sculpture.  Also featured is a photograph by Ajani Housen that exquisitely expresses the intention of the exhibit.

WORKSHOP: UPCYCLED JEWELRY-MAKING WORKSHOP
Wednesday, February 8 & 22 6-8:30 p.m., with Robin Jopp

City Lights Gallery

Artist and educator Robin Gilmore Jopp creates unique wearable art and accessories and started her Made In Bridgeport line of Jewelry in 2009. Her love of history, community and industry has given her opportunities to find artifacts / found objects from the past and transform them into beautiful one of a kind pieces of jewelry and spirit filled sculptures.

What You Will Learn
A Quick Course in using tools to create or repair your own jewelry
Identify your designs needs to create your own work of wearable art.
Limited to one item per workshop per person. ( One necklace or bracelet or earring set or ring) But please bring everything you’ve got to work with. Its part of the problem solving segment in designing your piece.

The Writer’s Group is a poetry workshop at City Lights Gallery. 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.

UPCYCLED JEWELRY-MAKING WORKSHOP
Wednesday, February 8 & 22 6-8:30 p.m., with Robin Jopp

VISUAL ART: Exhibit “Selfie” 
The Schelfhaudt Gallery
Opening Reception Friday, February 10, 2017, 5:0-7:30 pm.
On View: February 10, 2017 – April 8th, 2017

The Schelfhaudt Gallery has a special opportunity for artists to express themselves…literally! We are assembling a show of self-portraits.

Pablo Picasso asked the question, “Are we to paint what’s on the face, what’s inside the face, or what’s behind it? .”

OPENING RECEPTION
Please join us on Friday, Feb. 10th, 2017 from 5:00-7:30pm for a wine and cheese reception to celebrate the show!

Please tell family, friends, and guests are welcome!
Free to attend but kindly RSVP.
The reception is free and open to the public. The exhibition runs through April 8th, 2017.
Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, 12 to 4 p.m.

Shintaro Akatsu School of Design (SASD) on the University of Bridgeport campus is located in the Arnold Bernhard Center (ABC), 84 Iranistan Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Off street parking is available.

CITY LIGHTS GALLERY HOSTS PROGRAMS AT THE HSW BUILDINGS

City Lights hosts art programs in two downtown locations.
855 Main St. and 1103 Main, the HSW buildings.

SPECIAL EVENTS AT HSW
1103 Main St. Bridgeport , CT

SCREENINGS/DISCUSSIONS
Downtown Bridgeport CT 06604 

Movie Screening

Daughters of the Dust: Film Screening

Friday February 17, 2017


13th” Friday February 24, 2017
6:30 Mingle, 7:00 screening begins

FASHION SHOW…’ N TELL
Designers discuss their work
Featuring: Iyabarts & Kultjah Designs
Saturday February 25, 2017
7:00- 9:30 pm

AFRIKA 360″
PERFORMANCE & DISCUSSION

created and performed by Iyaba Ibo Mandingo
Friday March 3, 2017 6:30 – 9:00 pm

DON’T MISS “AFRIKA 360”
One man autobiographical performance and installation by Iyaba Ibo Mandingo
Followed by discussion, Friday March 3, 2017 6:30 – 9:00 pm
at the HSW Buildings, 1103 Main St. Downtown  Bridgeport , CT

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING: WPKN 89.5 FM radio celebrates Black History Month

The non-profit WPKN 89.5 FM radio celebrates Black History Month throughout February 2017 with a broad and in-depth program including music, poetry, interviews, authors, and film. This unprecedented one-month recognition of Black history intends to develop a deeper understanding of the history of Blacks in America and celebrate their inestimable contribution to all aspects of American culture.

Throughout the month programmers will present interviews with African-American musicians, noted Africa-American authors, poetry, with pre-recorded speeches and discussions featuring Martin Luther King, Cornel West, author James Baldwin and the famous appearance of Paul Robeson before the House Committee on Un-American Activities in 1956.

In addition, WPKN’s popular Music On Film Series at the Bijou Theatre in downtown Bridgeport will feature films about Nina Simone,Tupac Shakur and others.

THEATRE: Amadeus at The Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DATES:: February 3-19th

It’s an epic battle of the composers as the famed musical prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart squares off against the well-connected but less-than-genius composer Antonio Salieri. Salieri, who was jealous of Mozart’s genius and aware of his own mediocrity, vows to do anything it takes to destroy his rival. What follows is a secret war of deception and intrigue that plays out on the Downtown Cabaret Theatre stage. Peter Shaffer’s AMADEUS won five Tony Awards including Best Play, and the 1984 film adaptation won eight Academy Awards including Best Picture.

By: Peter Shaffer

Director: Lance Gray

ART WORKSHOPS:  Workshops at The Nest Arts Factory
DATE: Winter and Spring 2017
Full calendar available here.

CONCERT: On the Serious Side – Tower of Power Tribute Band w/ Sacred Fire – Santana Tribute Band at The Bijou Theatre
DATE: Friday, February 24th

On the Serious Side is New England’s Premier Tower of Power Tribute band.  Covering the best of Tower of Power 47 years of music.  Covering such great hits as—What is Hip-Still a Young man–Don’t Change Horses–I like your Style–Diggi’n on James Brown–Only so Much oil–Squib cakes and many more.

Sacred Fire will also be performing on this night.  Comprised of seasoned experienced musicians and singers.  Sacred Fire is a solid six-piece Latin Rock Santana Tribute band.

CONCERT:
Bennie and the Jets – Elton John* (Tribute show)
DATE: Saturday, February 25th

Bennie and the Jets is the Premier Elton John Tribute Band. Bennie and the Jets is led by Greg Ransom whose vocals are exactly like Elton John’s and whose piano playing is right on the money! Greg has the ability to make you believe that you’re at an Elton John concert. If you were to attend an Elton John concert today, you would miss seeing the plumage and costumes of yesteryear. With a Bennie and the Jets show, you get both — SUPERB MUSICIANSHIP and an AMAZING THEATRICAL EVENT.

 BAND OPENER: Bridgeport Local, Elle Sera

ON VIEW

VISUAL ART: Exhibit Steve McCurry: India at Houstatonic Museum of Art
On View: January 12th- February 10, 2017

Best known for his iconic ‘Afghan Girl’ image that graced the cover of National Geographic over 30 years ago, McCurry stands as one of the most important voices in contemporary photography. With scores of magazine and book covers, over a dozen books, and countless exhibitions around the world to his name, McCurry recently turned to India for inspiration

Steve McCurry: India features forty-four incredible photographs that capture the vibrant color and chaos of this ancient country, providing a stunning backdrop for the ordinary people who live and work in an extraordinary place.