Upcoming Events

Time Passages—7 week show The Spectrum Art Gallery in Centerbrook, CT is putting out a call for artists for their next show – “Time Passages”. This show features pieces in all mediums including painting, mixed media, photography and sculpture that show the passage of time.  Examples might be new to old, young to older, day to night, etc. Opens January 25, 2019 Closes March 17, 2019 For information on how to submit artwork or items for the artisan store please…

This class FILLS FAST! Adult painting sessions for intermediate, advanced and beginner levels.  Artists work from reference photos (yours or supplied - primarily landscape or still life). Regular painting demonstrations and the instructor painting along with allows for total freedom to explore the medium and help if needed. Each artist receives individual attention working at their own pace and within their own abilities to develop confidence with better techniques of drawing, composition and color theory.  Paintings are developed to a finished…

Reception and Exhibit Opening Time Passages, featuring work by artists whose pieces depict the passage of time conceptually or thematically.  Opens Friday, January 25 with a Reception (6:30-9pm) and runs through March 17.  Spectrum Gallery & Store, 61 Main St, Centerbrook, CT.  Gallery Hours: Wed-Sat (12-6pm) and Sun (12-5pm).  (860) 767-0742. spectrumartgallery.org

The purpose of this class is to develop an understanding of the use of pastels on color paper and Velour. Drawing-and composing illustrations are done in charcoal. Color is applied using and combining pastel colors, shadows and shading.  Perspective and 3D rendering are reviewed. Working with the color wheel participants learn to blend hues with primary and secondary color intensity and values.  Sketching is done from still life, static displays and studio props. Individual reviews throughout every session. Basic drawing…

Build upon your already innate skills as an artist. Yes, you are an artist! In this class we explore the elements of art such as line, color, shape, space, movement, and balance. We will draw from life— learning to cultivate our sense of sight. Students will need to bring a sketchbook on the first day of class to use for the duration of the class. Acrylics will be the medium of choice for the painting sessions. Time: 4:45-5:45pm Dates: Wednesdays…

Learn to make an assortment of things out of polymer clay, from 2 Dimensional portraits to 3-Dimensional miniature sculptures. In this class we will explore color, texture, techniques, tools and applications relevant to polymer clay. From miniature food and miniature creatures to caning and wearable art, this class is sure to spark your child’s creativity! Polymer Clay will be baked and returned to students upon completion. Time: 3:30-4:30pm Dates: Wednesdays Jan. 30; Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb. 20, Feb. 27.…

Look through magazines, old picture books to find your image.   Once you find a subject of interest have a large color print made of your image and bring it to the first class. Examples: birds, butterflies, cows, zebras, trees, flowers, etc. Learn how to trace the enlarged image onto a substrate (canvas panels work well), choosing a size that fits your enlarged image.  Bring in handmade or specialty papers.  Instructor will also supply a variety of collaging materials as well.…

In this class for beginning watercolor artists, learn the steps of using transparent watercolor such as building up color from light to dark, painting flat washes, graded washes, layering transparent washes, and wet on wet techniques. Going from light to dark as you preserve the lights and highlights is key to watercolor technique.  This approach will be discussed at length as well as studying excellent examples of this way of working.  There will be still life setups to work from…

Transform fabric into a unique work of art.   Learn to thread paint with your sewing machine.  You will be instructed in how to free motion quilt, determine stitch length, thread selection, how to “read the fabric” two ways to make a quilt sandwich, and options for finishing the piece.  Knowledge of your sewing machine (with open toe foot) is essential. Sewing machines are supplied by participants.  Material list is available. Date: Sunday, February 24 Time: 1:30-4:30pm Cost: $60 + $20 material…

Community Music School will be offering a new take on music technology this spring, “Music Technology for your Creative Projects Workshop”, to be held on March 9, 2019 from 9:30 am to 12 pm. The program is designed for students who are interested in learning how to record, notate, compose, and produce music using today’s technology! The workshop is open to the public and costs just $40 for a 2.5 hour hands-on workshop. Ages 10 through adult, all skill levels,…

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, singer and guitarist Jeff Snow will put on a concert of Celtic music at the Essex Library at 7 p.m. on March 12. Jeff’s concert will include music and stories from Scotland, England and Ireland. He’ll play vibrant arrangements of traditional classics along with his own compositions on six and twelve-string guitars, autoharp, Celtic Bouzouki and Bodhran. Jeff’s concerts always delight their listeners who are welcome to clap and sing along. This concert…

Sculpting with Spirit for Ages 9-11 Learn how to create fun 3 Dimensional objects using paper maché, mixed media, and found objects. In this class we will explore form, structure, techniques and applications relevant to sculpture. From giant 3D pencils using found objects and paint, to giant paint tubes using paper maché and mixed media, this class is sure to be exciting! Sculptures will be put on display for a short time following completion of class and then returned to…

Sculpting with Spirit for Ages 9-11 Learn how to create fun 3 Dimensional objects using paper maché, mixed media, and found objects. In this class we will explore form, structure, techniques and applications relevant to sculpture. From giant 3D pencils using found objects and paint, to giant paint tubes using paper maché and mixed media, this class is sure to be exciting! Sculptures will be put on display for a short time following completion of class and then returned to…

William Hosley, former curator and exhibition developer at the Wadsworth Atheneum, will present the innovation and history of design of Connecticut furniture in an illustrated lecture at the Essex Library on Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m. Hosley will explore various traditions of style as he describes the evolution of furniture making from its beginnings to a modern industry while also offering up a look into the tastes and cultural history of Connecticut residents. His talk will trace the story…

Essex Winter Series 2019 Season New Haven Symphony Orchestra with Violinist Tai Murray An inspiring talent with a silky and sweet tone from even the highest registers of her instrument, the well-schooled and hugely musical Tai Murray has become an essential personality in today’s classical music world. Ms. Murray performs with the Orchestra under the direction of William Boughton in his final season with NHSO. Tickets are general admission and are $40 for adults and $5 for students. Valley Regional…

Essex Winter Series 2019 Season Chanticleer A program celebrating the ensemble’s 40th Anniversary, Then and There, Here and Now contains music by some of Chanticleer’s favorite composers, from Palestrina and Victoria to Mason Bates and Steven Stucky, lustrous examples of the South American baroque, as well as audience favorite arrangements by Jennings, Shaw and others. Tickets are general admission and are $40 for adults and $5 for students. Old Saybrook High School 1111 Boston Post Road Old Saybrook, CT Call…