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March 2019
Weekend Paint Nights and Private Parties
Every Friday and Saturday night and Sunday afternoons. Guests can produce their own works of art while guided by the skilled hands of one of the many local artists on staff. As aspiring Da Vinci's paint scenes of the river, landscapes, or their own pet, they can enjoy a wide selection of wines and beer available during each session. Afterwards, guests can leave with a work of art in-hand and the knowledge that their leftover paint won't destroy the picturesque…
Find out more »April 2019
Sunday Hunt Breakfast at The Gris
Sunday Hunt Breakfast / Every Sunday (except holidays) Enjoy the thrill of the hunt each Sunday when a bountiful spread is laid out buffet-style. This sumptuous offering includes a wide array of breakfast and lunch entrées with made-to-order Belgian waffle and omelet stations, breakfast breads, freshly prepared salads, and assorted desserts. The brunch gets jazzier with Dixieland by Freight Train beginning at noon! Reservations recommended. For more information visit http://www.griswoldinn.com 11am to 1pm $24.95/adults; $12.00/children between 7-12; under 6/complimentary
Find out more »Psychedelic ’60’s at The Gris
Every Friday, 8:30pm - 12:00am Psychedelic ’60’s, a power trio that pays tribute to the ground-breaking musical super groups of the sixties, plays the Tap Room at The Griswold Inn every Friday night. Take this nostalgic trip and listen to the music of the Kinks, the Beatles, the Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival... ROCK N' ROLL!
Find out more »Sea Chanteys at The Gris
FREE! Every Monday. 8:00pm - 11:00 pm Join us every Monday as the Jovial Crew brings the Tap Room to life with this old seafaring tradition, extremely popular today. "Jovial Crew" is a good description for both performers and patrons, a very spirited bunch making a very spirited evening indeed!
Find out more »September 2019
After School or Saturday AM 3-D Sculpture Fun for Ages 7-11!
In this class, young artists use a variety of art materials to create 3 Dimensional forms. From paper maché fruit to ceramic animal bowls, they learn the skills and techniques to become comfortable with each medium. Additional projects include making their own salt dough clay miniature tiles and pendants! Dates: Wednesdays 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23. Makeup 10/30 or Thursdays 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24. Makeup 10/31 or Saturdays 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26. Makeup 11/2. Time: Wed/Thur 3:30-4:30pm; Sat…
Find out more »Collage a Master Art Work
This class focuses on how to alter a well-known work of art and make it your own. Select a Picasso, Klimt, or any art work you have fancied. Color copy it to suit the size of your canvas, for example, 9x12 or 10 x 10, etc. Using tracing paper learn to outline the image onto the canvas panels and then select from a mix of papers, script, maps, canceled postage stamps, newspaper and other collected ephemera to create and compose…
Find out more »After School Drawing and Painting for Young Artists Ages 7-11
All levels welcome! In this class, students practice drawing and painting from life as well as from the imagination. They explore various mediums such as watercolor and acrylics and the tools & techniques associated with each of these mediums. In drawing students learn about traditional practices, such as contour drawing, brush-play, and still-life, while also exploring experimental methods, such as abstract art. Please bring a 9”x12” Sketchbook to the first class. Dates: Wednesdays 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23. Makeup 10/30…
Find out more »Beginning Drawing for Adults
Observe and learn to draw forms and shapes. Develop perspective, work with line, contour drawing, shading and tonal values. Charcoal, pencils and pastels are used. Material list available or purchase from instructor. Teaching Artist Edward Rosado studied commercial art and graphic design at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. He worked at Hartfield & Zody’s Retail Dept. Stores and was hired as Art Director at Garwood Mills in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Moving to New Britain, CT he was…
Find out more »Sat AM The Sky is the Limit with Mixed Media for Ages 7-11
In this class for ages 7-11, participants take their art making to a new level by combining various mediums to make unique and self expressive art! They learn the important art elements and technical skills relevant to each medium. Projects to explore a variety of mediums include Paper Maché bowls, Clay Slab Weaving, Chihuli inspired Faux Glass Sculptures, and All About Me Collage if time allows. Be prepared to have fun, get messy, and express yourself through the fun of…
Find out more »Introducing Pastels Classes
Student painting from pastel class 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…
Find out more »October 2019
Just Added! Additional Fall Acrylic Studio
FILLS QUICKLY! 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 stage,…
Find out more »Scarecrow Festival 2019
Scarecrow FestiFall Press Release As the Essex Scarecrow Festival’s outdoor movie showing in the Essex Town Park is coming up, there have been concerns about the festival regarding the possibility of mosquitoes carrying the EEE virus and WNV to be an issue during the time of the event at 6:30pm. The Essex Park and Recreation is working directly with the Town of Essex Public Health Director to address any concerns about the mosquito EEE virus and WNV (West Nile Virus).…
Find out more »ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 77TH ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE
St. John’s HUGE ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE is back again – this year is our 77th year! Come and find lots of fun and exciting items.The Sale will be on Friday & Saturday, October 18th & 19th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. This is the perfect place to find just what you have been looking for – we have beautiful furniture, small appliances, clothing – designer & vintage, books, toys, art. Hundreds of items under $10.Come across a real fashion…
Find out more »Ivoryton Pumpkin Chase: Come for the run/stay for the fun
Do you fancy a run (or walk) in the country? Come to Ivoryton Library’s annual Pumpkin Chase on Saturday, Oct. 19. Registration starts at 7:30 at the village green. The kids’ fun run starts at 8:30, with a 5k run/walk at 9 a.m. The longer run includes a one-mile trail trek. Special running socks are free to the first 150 registrants, and there’ll be individual and team costume awards. Awards will also be given to the top finishers, male and…
Find out more »Onrust Sails – Last Day to Sail for the Season!
Onrust is a 53' gaff rigged and auxillary engine powered replica of Adriaen block’s vessel - one of the first western style ships built in the new world, and the first ever to sail up the Connecticut river! Join us for a sail on the historical and scenic Connecticut river Thursday 2:00pm & 6:00pm Friday 2:00pm & 6:00pm Saturday 2:00pm & 6:00pm Sunday 2:00pm Monday 2:00pm $28 - adult daytime cruise $12 - child daytime cruise $33 - all ages…
Find out more »Paint a Bird in its Habitat in Watercolor!
Learn how to paint a familiar garden bird in its environment with drama! Discover how to incorporate the subject with its background using techniques that apply to almost any motif. Giving plenty of individual attention, the instructor, an experienced and award-winning artist who has taught watercolor painting for years, demonstrates each stage of the watercolor painting process with emphasis on color, value, shape, and line. Expect to complete or nearly finish your painting. A familiarity with contour line drawing and…
Find out more »Connecticut River Ferries with Prof. Wick Griswold
America's oldest continuously operating ferry service began running between Rocky Hill and Glastonbury in 1655. More than one hundred ferries have operated on the Connecticut River since the seventeenth century. Explore the enduring cultural relevance of the ferryboats of the Connecticut River with Professor Wick Griswold at the Essex Library on Tuesday, October 22 at 7 p.m. Hear about the stories of the captains, crews and passengers define the history and personality of the region. Learn how Captain Ham Sandwich…
Find out more »Woody Sez
Woody Sez– The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie Devised by David Lutken with Nick Corley and Darcie Deaville, Helen J. Russell and Andy Teirstein Wednesday, October 23 - Sunday, November 10, 2019 David Lutken and his trusty band of musicians return to the Playhouse in a show featuring Woody Guthrie – the original folk hero and an iconic American troubadour. Tap your feet and sing along with Woody Sez in this uplifting musical portrait. You will be transported…
Find out more »Haunted River 2019
Witch Trials, the XYZ Bandit, Madam Sherri and more. ALL NEW stories based on Connecticut River Valley Myths and Legends! Ghost tours depart every twenty minutes beginning at 6:00 pm each night. Tickets $17 Adults, $13 Children ages 7-12. Purchase tickets at: ctrivermuseum.org (This event is not appropriate for children under 7) -Tours begin at the Lay House just west of the Museum. -Event takes place in all weather conditions, please dress accordingly. -Delays on departure time are normal and…
Find out more »CENTERBROOK ARCHITECTS LECTURE SERIES PRESENTS DR. CHUCK BENSON WITH “THE TIMELESSNESS OF JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE – SHINTO AND BUDDHIST MASTERPIECES OF DESIGN”
The Essex Library is honored to welcome back Architectural Historian Chuck Benson as part of its Centerbrook Architects Lecture Series on Friday, October 25th at 7 p.m. in The Cube at Centerbrook’s offices. Benson will present an illustrated talk that focuses on travelling to ancient Japan architecturally – and unlocking the secrets of its two great architectural traditions – Shintoism and Buddhism. From the Ise Shrine for Shintoism to the Buddhist Temples of Horyuji, Todaiji, and Yakushiji, he’ll explore this…
Find out more »Kaleidoscope Fun
People of all ages enjoy kaleidoscopes! In this work shop learn to decorate a kaleidoscope tube and to assemble all the parts of a real, working kaleidoscope complete with glass mirrors and lens. After assembly decorate the outer tube with polymer and, after baking assemble the kaleidoscope so it is ready to use. There are numerous options for decorating the tube. Instructor, an accomplished polymer clay artist, will demonstrate how to make an Ikat stack that can be used to…
Find out more »MYSTIC SEAPORT MUSEUM PRESENTS: J.M.W. TURNER: WATERCOLORS FROM THE TATE
The Mystic Seaport Museum is the only U.S. venue for this milestone exhibition of almost 100 of J.M.W. Turner's watercolor masterpieces from the collection of the Tate Museum in London. Watercolors from Tate brings together luminous landscapes and atmospheric seascapes, architectural and topographical sketches, travel drawings, and even a number of intimate interior views. The exhibition, which runs from October 5 to February 23, 2020, spans the entirety of Turner’s long career and, by focusing on the artist’s watercolors, provides…
Find out more »November 2019
MIGRATION THROUGH MAPS: A CARTOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW OF AMERICAN IMMIGRATION
On Saturday, November 2 at 2 p.m. at the Essex Library, Dr. Francis Coan will illustrate how populations, cultures, and time periods have evolved throughout the geography of America. Through the use of maps, supplemented by statistics and a brief discussion of migration push and pull factors as well as public policy (past and present), Dr. Coan will provide an overview of American immigration patterns and trends from the arrival of the first inhabitants to the present day. Dr. Francis Coan…
Find out more »Get Wired Bracelet Workshop
Create a stunning wire-wrapped bracelet for yourself or as a gift. You will learn the process in this workshop discussing the gauges of wire used in different jewelry applications. If you have round nose pliers, chain nose pliers and flush cutters please bring them. If not you can use tools supplied by the gallery and instructor: If time allows, instructor will also show you how to make French ear wires so you can make your own earrings! No jewelry making…
Find out more »Let’s Celebrate! Holiday Show
We all celebrate in different ways for many occasions, including various holidays, births, anniversaries, weddings or just because we’re happy! We are calling for abstract and representation art in all mediums including photography which illustrate through imagery, color, pattern or subject matter this idea. This is an extremely popular show at Spectrum and space is limited. The gallery store will be looking for seasonal items including ornaments for the gallery’s annual tree. Store items do not need to follow the…
Find out more »December 2019
15th BIENNIAL HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR
SHOP & STROLL AT THE 15th BIENNIAL HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR IN HISTORIC ESSEX presented by the Essex River Valley Auxiliary of the Child & Family Agency of Southeastern CT (Essex, CT) - The town of Essex opens their homes this December to support Child & Family Agency of Southeastern CT. On Saturday, December 7, 2019, the Essex River Valley Auxiliary presents a self-guided walking tour through seven distinctive houses, beautifully decorated for the holidays in downtown Essex. Visitors can also…
Find out more »Shop & Stroll
Shop & Stroll at the 15th Biennial Holiday House Tour in Historic Essex Presented by the Essex River Valley Auxiliary of the Child & Family Agency of Southeastern CT The town of Essex opens their homes this December to support Child & Family Agency of Southeastern CT. On Saturday, December 7, 2019, the Essex River Valley Auxiliary presents a self-guided walking tour through seven distinctive houses, beautifully decorated for the holidays in downtown Essex. Visitors can also get a…
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Contact Us
Essex Board of Trade, Inc., P.O. Box 322
Essex, CT 06426 860-767-3904 or email message@experienceessex.com
