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November 2019
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 »Wreaths of the River Valley
Bid for Wreaths: Monday, December 2 – Thursday, December 12 We are excited for our newest holiday fundraisers! This year, we are collecting donated handmade wreaths for the Wreaths of the River Valley auction from area businesses, organizations, and families! Wreath auction bidding opens at the beginning of December and closes during our newest holiday fundraiser, Mistletoe & Martinis on December 12, from 6-9 pm. If you are interested in donating a wreath for this special cause, please Contact Phyllis…
Find out more »Let’s Celebrate! – Opening Reception for Holiday Show
Spectrum Gallery and Artisans Store of Centerbrook presents its newest Holiday show: Let’s Celebrate! (Nov 22-Jan 12) with original artwork and fine crafts that explore ways we celebrate for many occasions, including holidays, births, anniversaries, weddings or just because we're happy! Come and discover a variety of artwork, fine crafts and handmade ornaments on our six-foot annual holiday tree. Perfect for yourself or a holiday gift! The exhibit opens Friday, Nov 22 with a reception (6:30-9pm) with food, wine and…
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Community Music School Presents Annual Faculty Concert
On Sunday, November 24th, members of the Community Music School faculty come together to perform an array of chamber music and other works at 3 pm at the Centerbrook Meetinghouse, 51 Main Street, Centerbrook. This annual event offers the community a unique glimpse into the wealth of talent and experience of the Music School’s faculty as they collaborate on a wide variety of selections. The concert is free and open to the public and a meet-and-greet reception immediately follows. At-will…
Find out more »December 2019
Gourd Holiday Ornament Workshop
In this unique workshop learn to make a 3-4” elegant gourd ornament with eye hook and gold hanger. Plan your geometric design, wood burn the design onto the gourd surface and, then paint using a variety of ink dye colors and eye-catching gold foil. These stunning gourd ornaments can be displayed anytime of the year or given as special one-of-a-kind gift for the holiday season. If time allows instructor will bring enough materials to make two ornaments. Space in this…
Find out more »Trees in the Rigging
The holiday season kicks off in Essex with the annual TREES IN THE RIGGING Community Carol Sing and Boat Parade. The Connecticut River Museum, the Essex Board of Trade, and the Essex Historical Society combine to present this annual event that includes a traditional, lantern-lit carol stroll down Main Street where spectators are invited to bring their own lanterns or flashlights and join in with the Sailing Masters of 1812 Fife and Drum Corps and a parade of antique cars.…
Find out more »Trees in the Rigging
Kick off the holiday season in Essex with the annual Trees in the Rigging Community Carol Sing and Lighted Boat Parade. The Connecticut River Museum, the Essex Board of Trade, and the Essex Historical Society combine to present this annual event that includes a traditional, lantern-lit carol stroll down Main Street where spectators are invited to bring their own lanterns or flashlights and join in with the Sailing Masters of 1812 Fife and Drum Corps and a parade of antique…
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AUTHOR TALK: SPOOKY TRAILS AND TALL TALES CONNECTICUT
Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Dr. Stephen Olbrys Gencarella will teach audience members at the Essex Library on Thursday, December 5th at 7 p.m. that there is more to Connecticut than white church steeples and town greens. In the forests and meadows surrounding these quaint, colonial towns lurk spine-chilling ghosts protecting Captain Kidd’s treasure, the abode of the Devil himself, and shadowy creatures such as the Glawackus, all awaiting the next hiker to stumble down…
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…
Find out more »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, from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., the Essex River Valley Auxiliary presents a self-guided walking tour through seven distinctive houses, beautifully decorated for the holidays…
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IVORYTON ILLUMINATIONS
We light up the Season with over 450,000 lights in the village of Ivoryton! Visit the village of Ivoryton throughout the month of December to shop, eat and view the spectacular Illuminations! Tune your radio to 101.5FM to watch the lights dance to holiday music. Light Up event and Santa Arrives – Saturday December 7, 2019 at 5:00pm. Lights on throughout the month of December so visit Ivoryton often! For more information on the Ivoryton Village Alliance, please visit this…
Find out more »Wednesday Evening Holiday Wreath Design Workshop
Create your own 30” live wreath to display proudly this season with landscape designer, Tracy McMorran. A wide variety of freshly picked greenery is available. Florist wire, hand-made bows and painted objects, including pinecones, for embellishment are also provided. Bring wire cutters or sharp scissors, and gloves are recommended. Beginners welcome! Wednesday, December 8, 5:30-8:00pm $40 (plus $10 material fee paid to the instructor at the workshop); Members save $4 Membership starts at $45 per year and offers 10% discount…
Find out more »Talbots Holiday Hours
Talbots is excited to announce their special Holiday Hours for the Village of Essex. Starting December 9th, Talbots hours will be extended to accommodate your Holiday shopping needs. See above calendar for details.
Find out more »Talbots Wish List Shopping Party 12/11
Talbots invites you to enjoy fun and fashion while you shop their Holiday Collection & Create Your Wish List! Thursday, December 11th 5:30 PM–7:30 PM. Want to know how to create looks especially designed for YOU? Stop by and let their Client Specialists show you how..and help Santa's Elves gift you exactly what you are looking for! Refreshments, personal consultation, and fun! RSVP: (860) 767-2615 Click here for more details.
Find out more »Mistletoe & Martini
Join us Thursday, December 12 from 6 – 9 pm. This festive celebration at the Museum will feature signature martinis and other seasonal drinks, along with fabulous hors d’oeuvres from a renowned regional caterer, and music! Tickets on sale now! $75 per person, $125 for two, and $150 patron. Click here to purchase your ticket! The night is also the culmination of the “Wreaths of the River Valley” Auction. Area businesses, organizations, and families will donate handmade wreaths. If you…
Find out more »THE WOMEN BESIDE THE MEN: THE ARTISTS OF ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM WITH DR. ANNA SWINBOURNE
Long overlooked and undervalued, the female artists of this modern art movement made countless important and far-reaching contributions, from securing the actual space for the groundbreaking Ninth Street exhibition in 1951 to launching a new school of painting. In this talk at the Essex Library on Thursday, December 12 at 7 p.m., Dr. Anna Swinbourne will focus on the lives and work of five of these women (Helen Frankenthaler, Grace Hartigan, Elaine de Kooning, Lee Krasner, and Joan Mitchell), exploring…
Find out more »Felted Ornament Design Workshop
This workshop will be a “needle felting” class for all levels. You will make a small 3-d felted ornament using the needle felting method, which is very gratifying and can be combined with the many other felting techniques. For this project you will use soft, colorful merino wool roving, special barbed needles yarn and embellishments. Workshop will begin with some simple brainstorming sketches. Then we will discuss the best shapes to form a foundation, choose a color palette and then…
Find out more »Community Music School’s Holiday Concert
‘Tis the season of celebration, please join us on Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 pm at John Winthrop Middle School for Community Music School’s Holiday Concert. Free and open to the public, this community-wide annual event brings together faculty and students to perform vocal and instrumental holiday favorites. This family friendly concert will include performances by the Community Music School New Horizons Band, Suzuki Violin Group, and full String Orchestra. In addition, some beautiful solo piano holiday music will be…
Find out more »Let’s Build a Felted Snowman!
This workshop is a perfect introduction to the craft of wool felting. What wool felting is and the technique of producing fiber sculptures will be explained. Once you have built your first snowman, you will be skilled in making all types of three dimensional figures. The kit includes everything you need to get started: needles, felting handle, scissors, finger covers, foam pad, awl, and glue stick all stored in a container, plus the wool roving for the snowman. Because wool…
Find out more »Talbots Wish List Shopping Party 12/19
Talbots invites you to enjoy fun and fashion while you shop their Holiday Collection & Create Your Wish List! Thursday, December 19th 5:30 PM–7:30 PM. Want to know how to create looks especially designed for YOU? Stop by and let their Client Specialists show you how..and help Santa's Elves gift you exactly what you are looking for! Refreshments, personal consultation, and fun! RSVP: (860) 767-2615 Click here for details.
Find out more »January 2020
Bach Solo Suites with Cellist Julie Ribchinsky
The most studied and performed works for the cello, the Solo Suites of J.S. Bach are a masterful unit remaining timeless since the early eighteenth century. On Saturday, January 11 at 3 p.m., at the Essex Library, Julie Ribchinsky, cellist and Professor of Music at Central Connecticut State University, will present a lecture, discussing the influence of the great master on the technique and musical soul of the cello and a concert, incorporating one of Bach’s six Suites as well…
Find out more »Artistic Director Mihae Lee’s
Essex Winter Series Artistic Director and pianist Mihae Lee celebrates her 10th season with a concert featuring esteemed violinist Ani Kavafian and eleven of the Series' past Emerging Artists. The program includes Copland's "Appalachian Spring" and Schubert's "Trout" Quintet. Buy tickets here.
Find out more »26th Annual Holiday Train Show
Steve Cryan’s family friendly Holiday Train Show exhibit is back on track at the Connecticut River Museum for its 26th year! A fully operational 26 foot train layout, tugboat and train memorabilia, “I SPY" scavenger hunts, and toddler sized viewing layout are all part of the fun for all ages! Come see what surprises train artist Steve Cryan has created this year! Member Opening November 26, 2019 Public Opening November 27, 2019 Sponsored by Lorensen Auto Group and Webster Bank
Find out more »Spectrum Gallery Exhibit Opens – Appreciating the Everyday
Begin the new year with a new exhibition at Spectrum Gallery: Appreciating the Everyday. Explore original artwork that showcases the imagery of daily events and objects that while we may take them for granted, make our lives easier and more pleasurable – the family dinner, a bottle of wine, a fireplace, and more! Show opens Friday, January Jan 24 with an Opening Reception with wine and refreshments from 6:30-9pm. The exhibit runs through March 15th. 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT.…
Find out more »How to Recognize and Avoid Scams
Consumers are faced with increasingly complex scams and schemes used to defraud millions of people each year. How do you know if an email is real or a fraud? What do you do if someone calls and asks for your personal information? This workshop will show you some common scams and share tips for spotting them when Connecticut Consumer Protection Department’s Catherine Blinder presents an illustrated talk at the Essex Library on Friday, January 24 at 11 a.m. This program…
Find out more »Beginning Drawing Class
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. 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 Art Director at The D&L Dept. Stores…
Find out more »Open Call to Connecticut Artists
The Connecticut River Artisans Co-op is hosting an OPEN HOUSE for artists! f you are a Connecticut artist and looking for a new venue to showcase your work, we could be it! We are located in Essex, Ct a well-known tourist attraction and shopper’s destination. We have been established since 1980 and believe we are the oldest Co-op in the state. Stop in, enjoy the refreshments, chat with one of our artists and find out what we are all about.…
Find out more »Essex Ed Parade 2020
Essex Ed will make his big reveal on Sunday, January 26 at 2pm, when he emerges from Essex Boat Works for his annual procession up Main Street in Essex Village. Every year in celebration of Groundhog Day (officially on February 2 this year), a community organization dresses Essex Ed – a twelve-foot paper mache version of a groundhog - in a costume that recognizes a person or special occasion. That organization and costume remain top secret until Essex Ed appears…
Find out more »Community Music School Free Preview Week
Community Music School welcomes the general public to enjoy a variety of music programming during Free Preview Week January 27 through February 1, 2020. Children and adults are invited to schedule a FREE 30-minute preview lesson, and sample a vast array of programs for all ages including private and group lessons, Suzuki instruction, adult cabaret, senior band, string ensembles, music therapy, early childhood classes, and more. The public is welcome to observe any group class or ensemble during Free Preview…
Find out more »After School Fun with Clay! Ceramics for Kids Ages 7-12
REGISTER for WEDNESDAYS or THURSDAYS Discover the fun of kiln-fired clay. During this class your child will explore the magical world of pottery through creative projects using hand-building techniques from slipping and scoring to coil, slab and pinch techniques. Clay pieces will be fired and then painted in class to enjoy for years to come. DATES: Weds. 1/29; 2/5, 2/12, 2/26; 3/4. Makeup 3/11 Thurs. 1/30; 2/6, 2/13, 2/27; 3/5. Makeup 3/12 Time: 3:30-4:30pm Ages: 7-12 Cost: $120 includes all…
Find out more »After School Fun with Paint! Painting for Kids Ages 7-12
Children learn the principles of painting including color, fluidity, application and layering. The class also studies the painting styles of several professional artists from realistic to experimental. Each piece done in class will be available to take home upon completion. DATES: Weds. 1/29; 2/5, 2/12, 2/26; 3/4. Makeup 3/11 OR Thurs. 1/30; 2/6, 2/13, 2/27; 3/5. Makeup 3/12 Time: 4:45-5:45pm Ages: 7-12 Cost: $120 includes all materials for 5 classes; Members save $12 Register by clicking here! Spectrum Art Gallery,…
Find out more »Collaging onto Vintage Book Covers Class
In this class create three or more collages with vintage book covers as the base. Choose any size book covers you find pleasing, the more imperfect the better. You will be altering the book covers and the rest of the layered pages to build up a finished collaged art work fine art piece. The collage uses the vintage book covers instead of canvas or panel as the base support altering and layering them cover with ephemera, and embellishments. Learn how…
Find out more »Winter Watercolor Studio Class
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 »Introduction to Mah Jong
Mah Jong is a fascinating game that originated in China and was adopted by Americans in the 1920s. It is a game for 4 people played with beautifully carved Chinese tiles. Allison Friday has taught American and Chinese Mah Jong for about 15 years. Always intrigued by small pieces in boxes, she fell in love with and purchased a Mah Jong set at an antique store before she even knew what it was. Allison will present an illustrated introduction to…
Find out more »February 2020
Connecticut River Speaker Series: Dr. Katherine Hermes
Connecticut River Speaker Series: Dr. Katherine Hermes – African American Burying Ground Wednesday, February 5 6:00 – 7:00 pm Members FREE. Non-Members $5.00 Dr. Katherine A. Hermes, an academic professional at Eastern Connecticut State University shares her stories about the oldest historic site in Hartford, the Ancient Burying Ground. This site is the only one remaining from the 17th century. Seating is limited; please reserve your spot early. Refreshments will be served. Purchase tickets/Reserve your seat by clicking…
Find out more »Winter Acrylic Studio Class
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, working with final…
Find out more »Winter Wildlife Eagle Cruises
Each winter as the temperature dips below freezing, Bald Eagles from as far north as Canada make their way to the open waters of the Connecticut River for easy fishing and nesting. Climb aboard CT River Expedition’s 64 ft. RiverQuest, an environmentally friendly vessel with heated cabin and ample deck space. An on-board naturalist provides narration while you get an up-close view of the River. Coffee and use of binoculars is included in ticket price as well as admission to…
Find out more »Felted Wrist Warmer Workshop
Create romantic and cozy wrist warmers with Merino wool roving, hand dyed Margilan silk, and bamboo viscose. No sewing involved! Learn how to wet felt fine wool fiber and silk with the use of a resist. Turn fibers into strong fabric with ancient felting techniques updated to use everyday household supplies. Learn about shrinkage, how to design a template, and how to insure your felt is well felted. You will design your own wrist warmers choosing from a wide selection of wool, silk, and bamboo viscose colors.
Find out more »The Florence Griswold Museum From A to Z
A free, illustrated talk on the history and future of the Florence Griswold Museum will be presented by museum Director of Education and Outreach David D.J. Rau at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Rau will focus on innovative exhibitions and events. RSVP: 860-767-1560.
Find out more »Eagles with Brian Hess – Lunch and Learn!
Eagles in Connecticut with Brian Hess – Wednesday, February 12 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Members FREE. Non-Members $5.00 Brian Hess is a wildlife biologist with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Brian will discuss eagle biology, the decline and recovery of this species and what is being done to conserve their populations. Seating is limited; please reserve your spot early. Purchase tickets/Reserve your seat by clicking here!
Find out more »Barnhart/Fryer International All-Star Jazz Band
Veteran jazzman/band leader Vince Giordano will join EWS Jazz Advisor Jeff Barnhart on piano, fellow New Yorkers trombonist Jim Fryer, trumpeter Simon Wettenhall, the dynamic youthful Arntzen brothers: Evan on reeds and Arnt on banjo and guitar, and percussionist Bill Reynolds. Buy tickets here.
Find out more »Live Birds of Prey Show
A Place Called Hope, a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation organization, offers visitors a chance to see several species of majestic raptors up close, including a Bald Eagle. Come to learn about what makes these birds of prey so uniquely interesting. This program is free to the public and takes place in Essex Town Hall. Monday, February 17 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Find out more »Birds, Bugs, and Frogs: The State of the Science Behind Reported Global Declines
A free, illustrated talk on bird, bug and frog populations in Connecticut will be presented by Connecticut Audubon Society conservation biologist Jim Arrigoni at 7 p.m. Feb 20 at the Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Arrigoni will focus on bald eagles, ospreys and Atlantic sturgeon. RSVP: 860-767-1560.
Find out more »Italian Cheese Rolling & Taste of Italy Fundraiser
Community Music School will present their fourth annual Taste of Italy fundraiser with a lively game of Italian cheese rolling on February 22, 2020 at Angelini Wine in Centerbrook. Event proceeds will benefit scholarships and outreach programs at Community Music School. This event is presented by Guilford Savings Bank and includes fine Italian wines, cheese, antipasto, and a full spread of locally made Italian food. Guests will test their bowling skills with a little friendly competition in a rousing party…
Find out more »Book Mending Clinic
A free, book mending clinic on repairing damage to books will be presented by Essex Librarians Susan Bradley and Jana Pietrzyk at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 22 at the Essex Library, 33 West Ave. Bradley and Pietrzyk will focus on teaching attendees how to mend books including broken spines, torn pages, and loose hinges. Damaged books will be provided. RSVP: 860-767-1560.
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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
