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April 2019
Chanticleer
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…
Find out more »Exciting New Plants at Acer Gardens Nursery
Are you searching for something new and unusual to plant in your garden this year? Join Rosemary and Bill Harris of Acer Gardens on Thursday, April 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the Essex Library for a 60-minute discussion on the many new annuals, perennials and shrubs available for the 2019 growing season. Learn about the new perennial cultivars featuring extended blooming periods, dazzling annuals in new and unusual color combinations and shrubs that are available in smaller sizes well-adapted to…
Find out more »Centerbrook Architects Lecture Series
Centerbrook Architects Lecture Series Presents: The Harvard Five: Mid-century Modern In New Canaan with Architect William Earls Since the fifties, "the Harvard Five" has been the catchphrase for the five architects- Marcel Breuer, Landis Gores, John Johansen, Philip Johnson and Eliot Noyes who all built houses for themselves and for clients in New Canaan, Connecticut. Other architects, well known (Frank Lloyd Wright, for example) and not so well known, also contributed significant modern houses that elicited strong reactions from nearly…
Find out more »Wine Dinner with Chef Mellie Lynn
A Special Wine Dinner with Chef Mellie Lynn of Tiny Kitchen Big Heart Wine, the nectar of the gods, is the perfect accompaniment to an exquisitely prepared meal. Please join Chef and Sommelier Mellie Lynn of Tiny Kitchen Big Heart for a special wine dinner. Each wine in this dinner will be perfectly paired to bring out the flavors of the food heightening the dining experience to a new level. Chef Mellie Lynn will entice your senses at this dinner…
Find out more »Zentangle Fun Workshop
The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. In this workshop we will be creating a Zendala, or a mandala comprised of Zentangle Patterns. You will leave with a 10.5 x 10.5 work of art and supplies to continue on your Zentangle journey at home! Place: Spectrum Art Gallery, 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT 06409 Contact: www.spectrumartgallery.org, 860-767-0742 Date: Sunday, April 14 Time: 1-4pm Cost: $50 plus a $13 material fee…
Find out more »April School Vacation Week Workshops
April School Vacation Week Workshops April 15th-19th | 9-4:00PM |AGES 6-12 Children ages 6-12 are invited to participate in April Vacation Day Workshops. Each day is a different theme and will be filled with fun, engaging activities in the Museum and outside around Essex. We have new expanded hours; Drop-off is at 9am and Pick-up is at 4pm. Register for one day or the whole series at ctrivermuseum.org
Find out more »Fishers in Connecticut
FISHERS IN CONNECTICUT WITH DEEP MASTER WILDLIFE CONSERVATIONIST RICHARD TAYLOR Fishers are also known as fisher cats but they're not cats at all. The fisher is a large member of the weasel family. Its name is misleading because unlike the closely related river otter, fishers seldom eat fish. The fisher is one of a few carnivores known to prey on porcupines; they also eat rabbits, small rodents, birds, carrion, fruits and nuts. Though active day and night, fishers are primarily…
Find out more »Fermentation Workshop
Clean Food Fermentation Workshop with Terry Walters Cultivating Nutrition, Taste and Good Health This hands-on fermentation workshop will empower you with knowledge and know-how to make fermented foods part of your daily ritual. Known to improve taste, increase nutrients, and support a strong immune system, fermentation has been used for centuries as a sustainable and delicious way to preserve the harvest and sustain good health. Participants will learn a variety of approaches to fermenting seasonal produce and will make and…
Find out more »Milkofsky Trust Annual Dinner
Milkofsky Trust Annual Dinner April 18th, 5:30PM | Old Lyme Country Club Help our collections grow by supporting the Milkofsky Curatorial Fund. This fund is for the acquisition and conservation of Connecticut River Museum’s collections. For more information, please contact the Museum at ctrivermuseum.org
Find out more »Film Screening and Discussion: Being Mortal
The Essex Library, in collaboration with AARP Connecticut, is honored to invite the public to a free screening and discussion of the PBS FRONTLINE film Being Mortal on Thursday, April 18 at 6 p.m. This is part of a national dialogue taking place in our communities that asks "Have you and your family had the tough conversations and planned ahead?" Carol Bozena, AARP CT Community Engagement Specialist will moderate the discussion after the film. Based on the best-selling book by…
Find out more »Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner Written by Todd Kreidler Wednesday, April 24 – Sunday, May 12, 2019 A progressive white couple's proud liberal sensibilities are put to the test when their daughter brings her black fiancé home to meet them in this fresh and relevant stage adaptation of the iconic film, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. Blindsided by their daughter's whirlwind romance and fearful for her future, Matt and Christina Drayton quickly come to realize the difference between reading…
Find out more »Natives with a Twist
NATIVES WITH A TWIST " BY ADAM WHEELER FROM BROKEN ARROW NURSERY The Essex Library continues its gardening programs this spring with Horticulture Manager Adam Wheeler of Broken Arrow Nursery for this informative and educational lecture that explores the unique and exceptional side of our native flora. On Wednesday, April 24 at 7 p.m., Adam will present his current favorite native trees and shrubs for general garden use including design considerations, cultural requirements and other critical details. Both novice and…
Find out more »Author Talk with Mathew Duman
Author Talk With Mathew Duman: “The Grotesque 10: Amazing Architectural Sculpture From Ten American Colleges & Universities Armed with only a camera, a sense of humor and a host of frequent flyer miles, Mathew Duman embarked on a "grotesque safari", traveling to ten universities around the country to photograph the grotesques and gargoyles roosting on their academic buildings. Mathew found that this sculpture makes its home within a style of architecture known as Collegiate Gothic which was popular in the…
Find out more »Vegetarian Indian
Chef Pam Lillis Friday April 26th, 6:30 to 10:00PM I have always loved Indian food. Full of spice, a little heat (or a lot- depending) and an easy thing to make Vegetarian. There is a wonderful Indian Market in Orange CT that I love to go to and explore the aisles. Shelf upon shelf of spices, nuts, teas and produce. When Pam told me she taught Indian cooking- I was all in! In this class we will explore the spices…
Find out more »Evening at the Lay House
Evening at the Lay House-Early American Cocktail Tasting Tavern Night April 27th | Programs at 6:00pm & 8:00pm The last Tavern Night for the season! This night features an Early American Cocktail Tasting and your barkeep is Professor Steve Gencarella. The evening will also include music from Dan Thompson and Dan Spurr, historic games such as Skittles and Captain’s Mistress and light bites from Catering by Selene. Advance reservations required. Tickets are available for purchase at shop.ctrivermuseum.org. Special thanks to…
Find out more »Polymer Clay Mokume Gane Technique Workshop
Mokume Gane is a Japanese metalworking technique in which thin layers of variously colored metals are fused together, then distorted and ground down to reveal a beautiful pattern. Polymer artists, as they so often do, have developed a variety of techniques that capture the wonderful look of the original metal art form. In this class, we will explore one of the traditional methods of creating mokume gane using polymer clay. The beautiful and unique sheets you will create will be…
Find out more »May 2019
Beginning Digital Photography Class
Are you passionate about learning photography? Have you always wanted to improve your travel photos or catch that spontaneous “people” moment? This class will give you the skills to do this. Learn about your camera controls, exposure, shutter speed, aperture, white balance, ISO, lenses and printing. It is recommended that students have a DSLR or Mirrorless camera for full control. Other digital cameras such as a point and shoot or cell phone will also be accepted.. Assignments will be given…
Find out more »Late Spring/Early Summer Watercolor Studio
In these classes learn or review 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 and photo…
Find out more »Late Spring/Early Summer 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 allows for total freedom to explore the medium and help when 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, working…
Find out more »Artist of the Month Series with Sally Rothenhaus
Connecticut River Artisans is happy to begin our 2019 "Artist of the Month" series with Sally Rothenhaus, a photographer and maker whose specialty is "Art for Outdoor Living". A long-time professional photographer, Sally now uses heat and pressure to transfer images onto metal. This is then used to cover her beautiful and very durable birdhouses. She recently brought the outdoors in, using similar materials to make unique clocks with the feel of a kaleidoscope. Like all of Sally's work, they are whimsical and…
Find out more »Paper Baskets: Learn to Make One
Use painted watercolor paper to make a square or rectangular basket. Instructor will pre-paint the paper with fun colors so participants will have a variety of papers to choose from. Learn basic basketry techniques to weave the paper strips into a colorful basket. Applying finish makes these baskets very stiff and usable. Date: Sunday, May 19 Time: 12:30-4:30 Cost: $100 plus $25 material fee paid to instructor Spectrum Art Gallery 61 Main Street, Centerbrook CT www.spectrumartgallery.org
Find out more »Godspell
Godspell Conceived and Originally Directed by John-Michael Tebelak - Music and New Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz Wednesday, May 22 – Sunday, June 16, 2019 Godspell is the first major musical theater hit from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, and Children of Eden). Loosely based around the Gospel of St. Matthew, the show follows a company of characters who unite to become a community through teachings of love, kindness, and acceptance. Led by the international…
Find out more »June 2019
Connecticut River Artisans Artist of the Month of June
Pat Rist is Connecticut River Artisans Artist of the Month for June Connecticut River Artisans Cooperative welcomes the month of June and the start of Summer. Our Artist of the Month for June is our remarkable potter, Pat Rist. The question is, “how did Pat go from teaching chemistry at Drew University to a life of creativity with clay. Blame her husband! His new job required a move to Connecticut. It wasn’t long until “Clay Bodies Pottery was born. Pat…
Find out more »Essex Annual Shad Bake 2019
The Rotary Club of Essex and the Connecticut River Museum have paired up again to bring you a classic Connecticut Spring tradition: the Shad Bake. Now in its 61st year, this is the quintessential New England shoreline tradition. Yankee Magazine has called it one of the “Top 20 Summer Events.” Nailed up on wooden planks around a bonfire, the shad takes on a smoky flavor and is accompanied by plenty of sides, as well as pie from Lyman’s Orchards. Programs…
Find out more »Celebrate Summer with a Gourd Ornament
These cute little gourd ornaments are great for hanging in a window, giving as a gift, or saving for yourself as a unique tree ornament. Participants will learn to design the gourd with tape, circles, and a ruler. Simple and easy, no artistic ability needed. Then wood burning the design and then applying metallic ink dyes and other fun embellishments. The little gourds will be ready to hang with an eye hook and hanger. Lastly, they will be sprayed with…
Find out more »RiverFare 2019
The unofficial kickoff to summer on the Shoreline, Connecticut River Museum’s annual fundraiser RiverFare is a gourmet food and drink tasting event on the Museum’s riverfront lawn. Numerous local caterers and restaurants vendors provide delicious samples of their culinary talents for patrons, as well as tastings from breweries and wineries of the River Valley. A full cash bar, music, and silent auction offering all sorts of great items and experiences! All proceeds benefit the Connecticut River Museum. Tickets are $60…
Find out more »Early Summer Botanicals Workshop
The focus of this workshop is making cards and other larger pieces suitable for framing and gift giving. All pieces made in the workshop will have a summer theme using pressed petals and leaves. You will learn how to press the botanicals and apply them to a heavy card stock. Your creations will be lovely gifts or wonderful pieces to treasure yourself. Supplies include an abundance of pressed botanicals, cards and paper. Other colors will also be available to make…
Find out more »Book Talk with Susan Campbell
The Ivoryton Library presents a Book Talk with Susan Campbell on Sunday, June 9 at 4pm. Susan Campbell will speak about her new book, Frog Hollow: Stories from an American Neighborhood (Wesleyan University Press, 2019), a love letter to immigration, told in colorful, historical vignettes. Frog Hollow is a multilayered, ethnically diverse neighborhood just west of the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford, home to immigrants from many nations. During the Revolutionary War, it was a progressive hub, and later, in…
Find out more »Alfresco Thursdays
"Party Alfresco!” June 13, July, 11, August 8, 2019 @ 5pm Main Street, Essex Village That’s the call to action for the Essex Board of Trade’s 2019 summer event on Main Street in Essex Village. Experience Essex in all its summer vibrancy – alfresco shopping, patio dining, live music, art, strolling, socializing and more. Participating shops will stay open until 8pm featuring fashion parties, discounts, and festive bites and sips! The village’s charming patios, decks and docks - Abby’s Place,…
Find out more »Through the Garden Gate: House and Garden Tour
A fundraiser to benefit the Ivoryton Library. This walking tour of 8 lovely and unique homes and distinctive gardens shapes the charm of the villages of Centerbrook and Ivoryton. Each property holds its own story dating from recent construction back to the late nineteenth century. Visitors can tour the gardens and enjoy lunch at the historic Copper Beech Inn (sold separately) which has an English garden and fountain setting. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 on the day of the…
Find out more »Through the Garden Gate
It's spring (finally) and what better way to celebrate than a walk through some beautiful gardens. Come enjoy eight historic gardens on Ivoryton Library's fifth annual Through the Garden Gate fundraiser tour on June 15. The tour, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., takes you through Victorian homes, a renovated carriage house, and other notable sites in this former factory town. You can purchase the $25 tickets by calling Ivoryton Library at 860-767-1252. Lunch at Copper Beech…
Find out more »4th Annual Summer Arts Festival on the Essex Town Green
The 4th Annual Summer Arts Festival is a free event hosted by Spectrum Art Gallery and Arts Center in Killingworth on the Essex Town Green, Main Street. Meet some of the region's most creative painters, photographers, and fine artisans exhibiting pottery, wood, jewelry, glass and more! A percentage of all purchases benefits the non-profit Arts Center & Spectrum Gallery, directly supporting the community by developing instructional art programs, organizing summer camps and presenting exhibits for emerging and established artists. Saturday,…
Find out more »Welcome Summer with Fluid Painting-a Dirty Pour Workshop
This summer give yourself and friends an original work of art. Fluid painting involves layering acrylic paints of different densities and incorporating certain additives (i.e. silicone, dimethicone, alcohol, Dawn dish soap (etc.) which can result in gorgeous combinations of paint, cells, and lacing. Techniques include the flip cup and the dirty pour.! No experience is necessary. Cost: $40 + $20 material fee paid directly to instructor. Date: Sunday, June 16 Time: 1:30-4pm Teaching Artist, Pauline Clifford, is not an artist by vocation…
Find out more »Ivoryton Library Annual Used Book Sale
Come find bargains in our sale of used adult and children’s books, DVDs, audiobooks and music CDs. Donations welcome anytime throughout the year.
Find out more »Canoe/Kayak Trip North Cove and Falls River
The Essex Land Trust is once again hosting its popular exploration of Essex’ North Cove and mouth of the Falls River. Led by naturalist Phil Miller, you will see and learn about the area’s nature, wildlife and revisit the history of this waterway where many of Essex's colonial ships were built. We will also explore the remnants of the Williams Shipyard and Complex located at the mouth of the Falls River and tell its story which started in 1689. Meet…
Find out more »Annual Essex Land Trust Picnic and Concert
The Essex Land Trust is pleased to host its summer concert with the River of Dreams Band - A Tribute to Billy Joel. River of Dreams is a Billy Joel Tribute band that brings the amazing songs of Billy Joel to life! Join us at the Essex Main Street Park for a BYO beverages/picnic event open to all. Bring chairs, blankets. Relax or dance! Free admission. Bad weather cancels.
Find out more »Botanical Print a Silk Scarf Workshop
Participants are introduced to the sustainable process of printing leaves onto fabric also referred to as contact or bundling printing. Images are extracted from plants and transferred to fabric through a steaming process. As the chemicals interact with different types of textiles, the images may respond differently as they join with the fabric. This workshop will help participants reconstruct this process on their own. Each student will go home with a silk scarf or a wall hanging as well as…
Find out more »Summer Concerts Southern Voice
Southern Voice Summer Concert - Ivoryton Town Green, June 25th Southern Voice is a modern country band that provides lots of entertainment with their talented vocalists. Their mix of modern country, classic rock and even some pop hits will keep everyone dancing. 6:30-8pm
Find out more »Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! Music and Lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus and some songs with Stig Anderson Book by Catherine Johnson - Originally Conceived by Judy Craymer Wednesday, June 26 - Sunday, July 28, 2019 Over 60 million people worldwide have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make Mamma Mia! the ultimate feel-good show! Set on a Greek island paradise, the story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love,…
Find out more »“Out my Window” — Essex Art Association’s Summer 2019 Open Exhibition
The upcoming show at the Essex Art Association is an Open Exhibition and welcomes all area artists to submit up to two pieces of artwork for display. This type of show offers the public a viewing experience with a wide spectrum of subjects, styles and mediums. The show is juried for awards only, with the EAA distributing $1500 in eight categories. In addition, one artist will be awarded a solo exhibit in the EAA Gantner Gallery during the 2020 gallery…
Find out more »Yoga On the Island
Saturday June 29th at 8am Bring your own mat or borrow one of ours, to join Kate Jones for a relaxing morning of Yoga with a view of the North Cove! Lawn Next to I Dock
Find out more »Walking Tour of Essex
Guided Walking Tour of Main Street, Essex, from the Foot of Main Street to St. John’s Church, back down to the CT River Museum. About a 1 hour tour on relatively level ground. Tour will address the major people, places and events that shaped the streetscape of lower Main Street, Essex, from about 1750-1950. Each guide-led tour captures the rich maritime history of 18th century “Potapaug,” its working waterfront and ship-building prominence in the early 19th century as well as…
Find out more »The Ivoryton Farmers Market
The Ivoryton Green will once again be bustling with vendors showcasing CT grown products and prepared foods. There will be creations from local artisans and crafters and live music every Saturday. The market is from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and runs from June 22nd thru Sept 28th. Each week will feature seasonal produce, meat, cheese, milk, eggs, ice cream, garlic, black garlic, maple syrup, honey, flowers, shrubs, jams and jellies, bakery items, flavored olive oils, bread, homemade pies and…
Find out more »July 2019
Onrust Sails
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 (July & August Thursday - Saturday 4:00 pm) Sunday 2:00pm Monday 2:00pm $28 - adult daytime cruise $12…
Find out more »Summer Concerts Middletown Symphonic Band
Middletown Symphonic Band - Essex Main Street Park, July 3rd Join Middletown Symphonic Band! This amazing orchestra has been together since 1979 and is always a summer concert favorite here in Essex.6:30-8pm
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Paddle Programs
Explore the North, Middle and South Coves and Nott Island on Canoes, Kayaks, or Stand Up Paddle Boards June: saturday - sunday, 8am, 10am and 2 pm July: saturday - sunday, 8am, 10am, 12pm and 2 pm August: saturday - sunday, 8am, 10am, 12pm and 2 pm September : saturday - sunday, 10am, 12pm and 2pm Early october: saturday - sunday, 10am, 12pm and 2pm Non-members Single kayak $35 / 2 hours Sup $35 / 2 hours Tandem kayak $45…
Find out more »Essex By Boat Tour
The Essex Island Marina and The Essex Historical Society have come together to give you a free boat tour of Essex! This is an opportunity for you to learn all about the fascinating history of the town of Essex! Meet at E- Dock at the Dauntless Shipyard
Find out more »Artisan of the Month July — Jean Burdaspar
As Connecticut River Artisans Co-op continues our Artisan of the Month program, we are delighted to present our July Artisan: Jean Burdaspar. Jean has spent her professional life in the arts and has recently retired from a career as a studio artist for the textile trade. She was also a co-owner of a designer finishing business for interiors and furniture. Jean likes to combine various disciplines and mediums. Acrylic paints, watercolors, dyes, encaustic wax, paper and fabric produce a variety…
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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
