VISUAL DESIGN: PATTERN
The first in a series of exhibits exploring the principles and elements of design

A new series of exhibits based on the visual elements and principles of design opens Thursday, September 7, 2017 from 5:30-8:30 pm at City Lights Gallery in Bridgeport. Executive Director Suzanne Kachmar is grateful to Jane Davila for contributing her curatorial skills to this collaboration which grew out of conversations regarding programs that explore the basic concepts of visual design.

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT AND ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
The elements of design are “building blocks” and their arrangement forms the composition of a work of art. The principles of design are the guidelines used to arrange the elements into a composition. The elements of design are line, color, shape, value, size, and texture and the principles include balance, emphasis, harmony, rhythm, pattern, movement, proximity, repetition, variety, proportion, and space.

This first exhibit explores the Pattern. The principle of Pattern is constructed by repeating or echoing a form, shape, symbol or mark to create a sense of balance, harmony, contrast, rhythm, or movement.

The exhibition opens September 7 and runs through October 13, 2017.
City Lights Gallery is open Wednesday-Friday 11:30-5, Thursday we are open until 7 p.m. Saturdays 12-4, and by appointment. Call 203.334.7748. Visit www.citylightsgallery.org
City Lights Gallery presents local, regional, and emerging artists to Bridgeport and its visitors. It provides opportunities for artists of all levels, backgrounds and abilities to present and sell their art.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS
The artists selected to participate in this exhibit are showing both large and small works that highlight the many facets pattern and texture, rendered in a variety of media from fiber art to painting to weaving. Participating artists include Adger Cowans and Liz Squillace of Bridgeport, Gwen Hendrix of Oxford, Norma Schlager of Danbury, and Tim Reimer of Stratford.

PATTERN features 3 Bridgeport Art Trail artists.

Adger Cowans resides in his Bridgeport studio. He is a fine arts photographer and abstract expressionist painter has experimented with a myriad of mediums over his artistic career. He was the first Black stills photographer in the film industry. He is renowned in the world of photography and fine art, his works have been shown by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, International Museum of Photography, Museum of Modern Art, The Studio Museum of Harlem, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Harvard Fine Art Museum, Detroit Art Institue, James E. Lewis Museum and numerous other art institutions.

Read more about Adger below. View CBS new archive.

Liz Squillace also lives and works out of her Bridgeport studio and maintains a workshop in the historic downtown Arcade Mall. She is a painter, silkscreen printer and mural artist. Her most recent work is the visual transformation on the steps between Golden Hill St. and Elm St.in downtown Bridgeport. CT. Words cannot do it justice. The steps connect Elm St. and Golden Hill St. leading you to City Lights Gallery. Attendees can enjoy the neighboring steps as an exterior focal point of the exhibit.

Gwen Hendrix is an abstract painter, mixed media and fiber artist. She is a master of surface design. Her working studio is at the NEST Arts Factory in Bridgeport.

Co-curator Jane Davila is Bridgeport Art Trail working from her studio at the NEST Arts factory where she coordinates NEST art events and exhibits, teaches workshops, creates fiber art, prints, and graphic design work.

Adger Cowens served in the United States Navy, he worked as a photographer before moving to New York, where he worked with Life magazine photographer Gordon Parks and fashion photographer Henri Clarke. He is the recipient of a John Hay Whitney Fellowship and the Martin Luther King, Jr., Caesar Chavez, Rosa Parks Visiting Scholars Award, Wayne State University. He attended Ohio University where he received a BFA in photography. He furthered his education at the School of Motion Picture Arts and School of Visual Arts in New York. While serving in the United States Navy, he worked as a photographer before moving to New York, where he later worked with Life magazine photographer, Gordon Parks and fashion photographer, Henri Clarke. Adger Cowans was awarded the Lorenzo il Magnifico alla Carriera in recognition of a Distinguished Career at the 2001 Florence Biennale of Contemporary Art.

“Painted Stairway” is a community mural by artist Liz Squillace in partnership with the social action network Bridgeport Generation Now! The risers of the Broad St. steps have been painted color by color throughout the summer and are finally complete. The unveiling is set to happen on Thursday, September 7th from 5-6pm.

The iconic stairway starts where Broad St. meets Elm St. and leads up to the Downtown Cabaret Theatre. –Fairfield Hamlet Hub

“The mural was designed and implemented with the theme of celebrating the diverse population of Bridgeport collaborating together to achieve unity and prosperity.” -Artist, Liz Squillace

Housatonic Museum of Art is pleased to present SCROLLS, paintings by JOE ZUCKER, on view in the Burt Chernow Galleries at the Housatonic Museum of Art September 7 through October 15, 2017. A reception with the artist will be held on Thursday, September 7 from 6 to 7:30pm. This event is free, and the public is cordially invited to attend.

The exhibit features unique, double-sided paintings exploring the legends and lore of pirates. Images of cannon balls, sailing frigates, oceans, islands and the iconic Jolly Roger flag with skull and crossbones share the spotlight only with the materials themselves. Scrolls of varying sizes, evoke impressions of commerce raiders, seaborne warriors, and adventurers in search of booty.

“With inspired ingenuity, Joe Zucker has once again intertwined history, subject matter and the physical materials of his work,” said Robbin Zella, Director of the Housatonic Museum of Art, “to create an inventive iconography that aptly captures the swashbuckling energy of these infamous buccaneers.”

An early celebration of national Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), Benjamin Casiano has curated this exhibition of work by notable Latino and Latina artists.

Artists included are:
Ricky Mestre
Benjamin Casiano
Mercedes Tata Arensberg
Yolanda Petrocelli
Ruben Marroquin
Rene Soto
Sandra Rossini
Ana Ruiz Castillo

A wine & cheese reception to celebrate the start of a new art exhibit in The Klein mezzanine.
Curated by Ben Casiano.
Open bar. Admission is free.

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT:
Please join me in celebrating local art and small business!

I am excited to showcase my seven piece abstract painting series in a space that shares my zest for dreaming and creating.

We’re kicking off the artwork display with an exhibit opening:
Friday, September 8th from 7-9pm.
Delicious refreshments and beverages available!

ABOUT MY WORK
Planes is a vibrant abstract painting series inspired by who we are, how we change, and our interaction of personal energy in each position.

Works explore how different emotional or identity states influence a moment and the creation of various energy thumbprints.

Through visuals a conversation occurs on the themes of transient existence, space in different forms, and transference of energy. Meditation, energy vibrations, quantum and astral physics are also considered as part of this expressionist series.

September 2017
Open Studios
Come spend the afternoon at the NEST – talk to the artists and see where they work. Find art, jewelry, and wearables to purchase for yourself or as gifts. All events are free and open to the public.
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Saturday, September 9, 2017
2-5 pm      Open Studios
Visit the artists of the NEST, explore the studios, learn about new techniques and processes. 
2-5 pm      Opening Reception: Black Rock Art Guild
The artists of the Black Rock Art Guild exhibit in the NEST Passageway Gallery. 
2-5 pm      Opening Reception: Underexposed 
Exhibiting in the NEST Gallery are emerging photographers, including Alison Frank, Pam Poling, Samantha Davila, and Harry Lee.
5-6 pm      Outspoken, the voice of the poem
Join featured poet Iyaba Ibo Mandingo and guests for spoken word poetry and stories. Open mic slots available. Refreshments served.

The Klein Gala will take place outside under the tent preceding the one-woman show With Love, Marilyn

The Board of Directors of The Klein Memorial Auditorium cordially invites you to our annual fundraising gala honoring Maureen Hamill.

Proceeds support programming and operations as well as our after school arts program, ASK.

Each ticket includes ample hors d’oeuvres, complimentary wine and beer, award presentation, and performance of With Love, Marilyn. This benefit evening will honor Maureen Hamill with the Jacob Klein Leader of Distinction Award.

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS: $175

https://www.theklein.org/buy-tickets/upcoming-events/2017-klein-gala/

About ”With Love, Marilyn”
The first stop of the national tour is at The Klein! Presented by Broadway Producers Michael Rubenstein & Stephanie Rosenberg.

Marilyn Monroe was the ultimate romantic. Lovers come and go in this musical journey “With Love, Marilyn”TM, a sensual and playful one-woman tribute performance which pays homage to the many loves and romances in
the life of the iconic ingenue.

Starring Erin Sullivan, who recently received critical acclaim for her performance as Marilyn Monroe in Mark Medoff’s “Marilee & Baby Lamb: The Assassination of an American Goddess ” at the Rio Grande Theater, Sullivan as Monroe performs songs Marilyn made famous such as “I Wanna Be Loved By You,” “My Heart Belongs To Daddy”, and “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend,” while weaving the love stories behind the many men in Monroe’s life.

“With Love, Marilyn”TM will transport you back in time with an intimate behind-the-scenes evening with Sullivan portraying the immortal goddess you know and love.

https://www.theklein.org/buy-tickets/upcoming-events/with-love-marilyn/

The Bridgeport FLEA, 1103 Main St. an ArtFul Flea Market-style Pop-up, the 3rd Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
VENDORS reserve your space. www.citylightsgallery.org

This month the FLEA will offer a family friendly craft conducted by Robin Jopp of Made In Bridgeport, an ice cream vendor and a projection are installation by Dustin DeMilio.

Discover Bridgeport’s (CT) Downtown Vintage Shops!
While you’re downtown check out the eclectic vinatge shops:
City Lights Vintage at 855 Mian St, Bridgeport CT
Academy Books and Records 305 Fairfiled Ave.
The Archive Movies and Music 118 Congress St.

Join us for a murder-mystery cocktail party and fundraiser.

Limited tickets are available. September 29, 2017 from 7:30-10PM.

True Treasure Tales & Legends of Bridgeport
Who hasn’t dreamed of unearthing buried treasure? Lost gold mines of the Old West might be far removed and sunken ships difficult to reach…but according to legend and the historical record, vast riches might be secreted in Connecticut’s own Gold Coast: Fairfield County. From pirates to gangsters to a forgotten treasure map, author Michael Bielawa will share his original research highlighting some of Bridgeport’s mysterious lost caches!

About SPUN:
SPUN began in 2006 as the brainchild of Elin Waterston and Jane Davila and was originally held at the Anderson Chase Gallery in Katonah NY as an exhibit of small art quilts. SPUN has since expanded to include all fiber media, with an emphasis on innovative interpretations of fiber, and continues under the direction of Jane Davila.

Full details can be found on the prospectus: www.spunfiberexhibit.com

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Photo Credit to #karynleitophotography Karyn Duda Leito

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Throughout the season each market offers interactive programming such as market tours and cooking demonstrations by Chef Raquel Rivera-Pablo of A Pinch of Salt.

For more information please view BFMC’s website, bridgeportfarmersmarkets.org.

The SNAP Matching program invites individuals to use their SNAP/EBT cards when shopping at the markets. Every dollar of SNAP swiped is an additional dollar to shop with ($1=$2). There is no minimum or maximum with this program! The Collaborative also operates a $2 or $5 coupon-program, otherwise known as Bridgeport Bucks, redeemable for fruits and vegetables. All seven markets also accept payment in forms WIC and Senior FMNP Checks, Cash, Credit, Debit.

The produce for both St. Vincent’s Farm Stand and East Side Market is provided by Cecarelli Farms in Northford, CT. Get to know your local farmer here through inquiring about specific produce and ways of preparation! St. Vincent’s operates Tuesdays, June 27-October 31, 11:30am-4pm and East Side Market operates Wednesdays, July 12-October 25, 10am-2pm.

Reservoir Community Farm is not only aesthetically pleasing but their produce shows pure beauty as well! This Farm Stand is open multiple days of the week and welcomes community involvement.   Thursdays, 4-7pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm June 24-October 14.

East End Market is returning stronger than ever! This year, the market is driven towards community involvement and increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables. East End Market will operate Saturdays, July 22-October 21, 12-4pm.

South End Market offers a variety of delicious food options, from fresh fruits and vegetables to delicious cookies and jams. South End Market will operate Sundays, July 9-October 8 12:30-3:30pm.