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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 April and the Bridgeport art scene is alive this month with visual art, theater, music, and more!
Thursday, April 7th don’t miss the opening of Davila & Davila at City Lights Gallery. Enjoy the counterpoint of subject matter and materials in the 2 person exhibit of husband and wife artists. Also on view is the University of Bridgeport’s Fifth Annual Alumni Art Show.
Show your support of City Lights Gallery at their “12 YEARS” NEW BEGINNINGS – City Lights Anniversary, Fundraiser event on April 19th. A nonprofit organization located in downtown Bridgeport that serves the community through art, City Lights will be moving to a new location on 1103 Main Street. Donations can also be made via paypal on their website.
Don’t miss live music, comedy, film, and performances at Bridgeport’s theaters: The Bijou Theatre, The Klein, and The Downtown Cabaret. Events include improv, Alfred Hitchock’s The Wrong Man, A tribute for The Eagles, and a fundraiser for the Greater Bridgeport Latino Network presents Rick Reyes Sings the Puerto Rican Songbook with Rick Reyes and Campo De Humo.
Saturday, April 16th celebrate Obscura Day at The Barnum Museum. Obscura Day guests will have the opportunity to join the Museum Executive Director and Curator on a special and private tour of the collections. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to join on an exclusive hard-hat tour of the historic Barnum building.
Color Yourself Serene!, an adult coloring workshop, is just one of variety of programs hosted by The Bridgeport Public Library including historical, literary, and fiber arts workshops!
Plus, don’t miss the CALL FOR ART: Pre-Application Workshop and Meet & Greet for exhibition: Reimagining Little Liberia: Restoration and Reunion – A Multimedia Art, Architecture, and History Exhibit.
The month wraps up with the special event Bridgeport EarthFest 2016, sponsored by The Kennedy Center’s Maggie Daly Arts Coop (MDAC) and the Bijou Theatre.
Details below!
Visit the full calendar of Bridgeport Art listings at the Bridgeport Art Trail Website. |
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VISUAL ART: DAVILA & DAVILA
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 7th, 5:30-8:30PM
City Lights Gallery
855 Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
EVENT DESCRIPTION:
A MUST SEE EXHIBIT IN OUR TEMPORARY LOCATION…
Art and place complimenting and contrasting…
Enjoy the counterpoint of subject matter and materials in the 2 person exhibit of husband and wife artists. A master’s eye and touch are evident in the individual works of Jane and Carlos Davila.
Carlos Davila distills elements of ancient forms and motifs into technically precise colorful shapes punctuated with black. His clean yet complex constructions take us on a visual exploration of form, and a quiet journey through time and space. His works are included in the Yale University Art Collection.
Jane Davila incorporates printmaking and quilting in her fiber and mixed media art. A focus on fish, birds and insects as subject matter reflects her fascination and respect for nature. Her prints can be found in many private and corporate collections around the world, including the Lila Acheson Wallace Collection.
The exhibit “Davila & Davila” was an exhibit curator/executive director Suzanne Kachmar has wanted to do for some time. She decided to rearrange her calendar of events and take advantage of the current site because it is designed with a wall of windows facing an impressive edifice that is the epicenter of downtown business. The landmark designed by Richard Meier for People’s United Bank enters the viewer’s field of vision providing a provocative juxtaposition of scale, architectural elements and simple forms in pastel colors. Part of the idea is to encourage viewers to keep looking at art, design when they leave the gallery space and continue to be aware of it in their daily lives.
The title Davila & Davila is meant to sound like a business firm of lawyers, accountants etc. reminding the greater community that artists are business people, deserving to be treated and compensated as professionals.
More information on Carlos Davila: http://www.carlos-davila.com/#!sculpture/ctzx
More information on Jane Davila: http://www.janedavila.com/#!Voices/zoom/c1jsh/i3ehi
More Info
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LIVE SHOW: “It’s All Fun and Games” presents Improv
Friday, April 8th, 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Bijou Theatre
EVENT DESCRIPTION:
“It’s All Fun and Games” features the improv of Ron Hill, Anthony Reimer, Chris Booth, Rebecca Vigil, Nick Carillo, Josh Hurley, Langston Belton, Devin Heater, and Jack Carter. Many trained at NYC’s Gotham City Improv (formally Groundings East) which have given us the greats, such as Will Farrell and Lisa Kudrow.
Doors Open at 7:00pm
Show Starts at 8:00pm
Theatre Seating: $20
Table Seating: $25
Student Tickets: $10 theatre seats
More Info
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FILM: Reel Law Series: The Wrong Man
Thursday, April 14th, 7:00pm
The Bijou Theatre
275 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Event Description:
Musician Manny Balestrero (Henry Fonda) needs money to pay for his wife Rose’s (Vera Miles) dental procedure. When he tries to borrow money from their insurance policy, someone at the office mistakes him for a man who had robbed them twice at gunpoint. After Manny is arrested, his defense attorney, Frank O’Connor (Anthony Quayle), works to demonstrate that Manny has an alibi for the crimes. The stress of the case, however, threatens to destroy Manny’s family before his name can be cleared.
Film is accompanied by Q & A and refreshments.
Running time – 105 minutes; Rated NR
All seats: $12
Doors open at 6:00pm, Film starts at 7:00pm
More Info
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LIVE MUSIC: Desert Highway – The Eagles*
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
Saturday, April 16th, 5pm and 8:15pm
Event Description:
Since its formation, Desert Highway Band “A tribute to the Eagles” continues to captivate & entertain major audiences. They attribute this achievement by performing a non-stop journey via numerous radio hits, top ten singles, and album favorites. Both musically and visually, they present the excitement of a live Eagles concert.
Desert Highway Band is a passionate group of six talented professionals of studio and concert tour veterans with major recording artists, who together recreate ‘live’ the inspired rich vocal harmonies and intricate guitar styles made famous by the legendary Eagles. From the country inspired “Take it easy” to the soaring guitar layered rock anthem “Hotel California” to the provocative edge of destruction lyricism “life in the fast lane”. Desert Highway Band -“A tribute to the Eagles”- channels the music of this legendary band that to this day, continues to resonate with long-time and new found fans of all ages.
More Info
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LIVE MUSIC/SPECIAL EVENT: Rick Reyes Sings the Puerto Rican Songbook
With Rick Reyes and Campo De Humo
The Bijou Theatre
Saturday, April 16th at 8PM
Event Description:
The Bijou Theatre is partnering with the Greater Bridgeport Latino Network to raise funds for their organization!
RICK REYES HOSTS THE SENSATIONAL CAMPO DE HUMO.
Join the incomparable Rick Reyes at his year long residency at The Bijou Theatre. Rick will bring extraordinary guest artists to share the sounds of the world with all of our guests, including this month’s special guest – Campo de Humo. You won’t be able to see anything like this anywhere!
Doors open at 7:00pm, Show starts at 8:00pm
All Seats – $25*
*includes pre-show appetizers and door prizes provided by GBLN. Cash bar.
More Info
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SPECIAL EVENT: Obscura Day 2016
Saturday, April 16th, 11am-1pm
The Barnum MuseumEvent Description:
This Obscura Day, the historic Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, CT will open its doors to all seekers of the rare, the unusual and the wondrous!Conceived and built by American icon P.T. Barnum, the Barnum Museum has served a global audience since its opening in 1893. Although P.T. Barnum did not live to see the completion of the landmark site, the exotic building and collection is a reflection of Barnum’s fascination with the world and his pioneering spirit to bring curiosity and wonder to all seeking knowledge.
Obscura Day guests will have the opportunity to join the Museum Executive Director and Curator on a special and private tour of the collections. Rarely seen artifacts including Tom Thumb’s clothing, carriages and personal items, P.T. Barnum’s wedding top hat from 1829 and his fascinating hand-written Copy Book that chronicles the European tour of Tom Thumb in 1845.
In addition, guests will have the opportunity to join us on an exclusive hard-hat tour of the historic Barnum building. Currently under restoration after an EF1 tornado strike in 2010, the Museum has been actively restoring and re-envisioning its future. Guests are invited to be among the very first to witness the disaster recovery effort and learn the Museum’s exciting plans for the future!
Following our tour, guests will have the opportunity to engage in lively conversations with the Museum staff and enjoy light refreshments in the special events gallery
More Info
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Color Yourself Serene!
Saturday, April 16th, 3-4PM
Bridgeport Public Library – Black Rock BranchEvent Description:
Adult coloring workshop. Release your inner kid! Come on in, choose a picture, choose some markers and see how coloring patterns, landscapes, symbols and portraits takes you out of your head, your cares and your troubles!Library: Bridgeport Public Library-Black Rock Branch
Contact: Michele A. Jacobson
Contact Number: 203-576-7025
Presenter: Black Rock Library Staff
More Info
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ARTIST’S ORIENTATION: Pre-Application Workshop and Meet & Greet (required)
Saturday, April 16th, 2016, 1-3PM
Bridgeport Burroughs Saden Library (Main Branch)
925 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604Event Description: Reimagining Little Liberia: Restoration and Reunion – A Multimedia Art, Architecture, and History Exhibit
(October 2016 – March 2017; Burroughs-Saden Library; Bridgeport, CT)
Funded in part by grants from Fairfield County’s Community Foundation (CT) & The Graham Foundation (Chicago)
Call to Visual Artists: All genres
Pre-application workshop & “Meet-and-Greet” (with Freeman Center historians & board) for visual artists who would like to create commissioned pieces for “Reimagining Little Liberia: Restoration and Reunion.
The Mary & Eliza Freeman Center for History and Community in Bridgeport, Connecticut is accepting applications from artists who would like to create and exhibit works of art inspired by the story of Little Liberia, the Freeman sisters, the Mary & Eliza Freeman Houses, and actual artifacts found at the historic site.
These works of art will be on exhibit (alongside 3-D displays, manuscripts, architectural features, artifacts, etc.) in a new gallery at the Main Branch of the Bridgeport Library. Afterwards, selected pieces will be acquired and become part of the Center’s permanent collection. Successful applicants will receive an honorarium. Artists will be chosen through a competitive application and review process.
Participation in this workshop (or scheduled conference call) is essential to the selection process, and should be considered a requirement. We will discuss this process, project requirements, and curating/creating for this unique project. The exhibit is designed to increase awareness of our region’s important cultural places, and support efforts to restore the Mary & Eliza Freeman Houses.
FAQs
Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Contact: Maisa Tisdale; 203-307-0405; freemancenterart@gmail.com; www.freemancenterbpt.com
When: Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Where: Burroughs-Saden Library (Main Branch) – 925 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604
More Info
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SPECIAL EVENT: “12 YEARS” NEW BEGINNINGS
City Lights Anniversary, Fundraiser
Tuesday, April 19th, 2016, 5:30-8:00 PM
City Lights Gallery Temporary Location
855 Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604City Lights Celebrates 12 Years and prepares to move to 1103 Main St.Celebration – Moving Fundraiser: $35 per person, $50 for 2
Art by Carlos and Jane Davila
Acoustic Music by Rick Reyes & Friends
Light Refreshments
City Lights & Company is a nonprofit organization located in downtown Bridgeport that serves the community through art.
Please make a donation: via pay pal www.citylightsgallery.org
Checks payable to City Lights & Company
THANK YOU!
Join us in our new temporary home. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy art events in our short term site. The natural light and design compliments the work on view. We’re located across from the landmark architecture by Richard Meier, the People’s Bank main branch downtown, Main St. Bridgeport, CT.
http://www.citylightsgallery.org
BE A 12 YEAR SPONSOR: _____$5000 ______$2500_____$1000______$500 _____$200
More Info
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| EVENTS: Programming at the Bridgeport Public Library
Event Description:
An assortment of film, literary, historical, and craft programs available to the Bridgeport community.
More Info
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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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VISUAL ART: University of Bridgeport 5th Annual Alumni Art Show
On View: March 24th-April 9th
Schelfhaudt Gallery in the Arnold Bernhard Center
Arnold Bernhard Arts & Humanities Center
84 Iranistan Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Event Description:
Alumni, friends, family, and guests are invited to view the University of Bridgeport 5th Annual Alumni Art Show. The installation will be open to the public from March 24 through April 9 during regular gallery hours:
Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Parking available on site.
More Info
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