• Women of ’76

    Centerbrook Meeting House 51 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT, United States

    As part of our America 250 programming, Essex Historical Society (EHS) is excited to present special events that bring lesser-known stories of America’s past to the forefront. Step into the untold side of the American Revolution on Sunday, May 17 at 4:00 pm at Centerbrook Meeting House, as EHS welcomes Rita Parisi of Waterfall Productions for a powerful solo theatrical performance of Women of ’76. This richly costumed production explores the lives of real women who witnessed, documented, and in some cases directly influenced the course of the Revolution. Audiences will encounter figures rarely featured in history books, including Baroness Frederika von Riedesel, whose journals vividly describe the chaos of war; Prudence Wright, the Massachusetts patriot who led a militia of women to capture Tory spies; Nancy Hart, the fearless Georgia frontierswoman who confronted British soldiers; Mary Katharine Goddard, the printer who boldly published the first Declaration of Independence naming its signers; and Mary Gould Almy, a loyalist diarist whose accounts chronicle the siege of Newport. Together, their stories—patriot and loyalist, American and foreign—reveal a deeper, more complex portrait of the Revolutionary era. Don’t miss this compelling performance that gives voice to the women of the Revolution. For more information, please contact Essex Historical Society at membership@essexhistory.org Register to Attend

    Free
  • EAA Spring Juried Show Opening Reception

    Essex Art Association 10 North Main Street, Essex, CT, United States

    Please join us at 6 pm on Friday, May 22nd, for the EAA Spring Juried Show juried by NC Whitcher, along with Jill Abele Butcher’s solo show in the Gantner Gallery. Award presentation at 7 pm. We are located on 10 North Main Street in Essex, CT. Gallery hours are Wednesdays thru Sundays from 1 to 5 pm starting April 17th. Admission is free!

    Free
  • Forces of Nature Opening Reception

    Spectrum Art Gallery/Arts Center Killingworth 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT, United States

    Explore the power, beauty, and intensity of the natural world with Spectrum Art Gallery’s Forces of Nature, a show examining nature’s strength in all its forms. Climate change has made the forces of nature feel more urgent, visible, and dangerous, but nature has always carried immense power, from destructive storms and turbulent landscapes to the steady, predictable rhythms that shape life on earth. Artists in the exhibition interpret this theme broadly, capturing subjects such as storms, wind, water, fire, changing seasons, geological movement, and other expressions of nature’s beauty, drama, and strength. Together, the works reflect both the awe-inspiring force of the natural world and the enduring patterns that continue to shape our environment, our landscapes, and our lives. The show’s Opening Reception is Friday, May 22 from 6:30-8:30pm. Visitors are invited to meet participating artists, explore the exhibition, and enjoy wine and refreshments while experiencing the gallery’s newest collection of artwork and fine crafts. The gallery will also host an Open House, Saturday May 23 with refreshments.  Forces of Nature runs through Friday, July 3. Spectrum Gallery also offers an Artisans Store filled with pottery, glass, home décor, children’s toys, jewelry, and other handcrafted accessories created by regional artists. […]

  • Summer Nautical Workshop

    Spectrum Art Gallery/Arts Center Killingworth 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT, United States

    Ahoy! And welcome to a nautical themed workshop for the month of June.  This crafting workshop highlights techniques using vintage nautical maps. In this workshop participants create three unique nautical themed cards, an upgraded photo frame using map strips and a summer themed glass candle. Most supplies are included in the workshop fee, but a few you will need to bring:  scissors, 12” ruler, liquid glue (Elmer’s white, clear or glue stick, pencil or any items you might want to use to personalize your creations.

    $35
  • Exploring Colored Pencils

    Spectrum Art Gallery/Arts Center Killingworth 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT, United States

    Remember using colored pencils in school?  Now, it’s not just simply coloring in a drawing, it’s about learning the many different ways to use this versatile medium  to enhance your work. In this workshop learn tips that can help your creative process move along. Learn to start light and build up to darker shades and how to blend your colors for great effects. You can choose to work in a sketchy style or pursue a more final, burnished look. Other approaches are introduced and demos given by the instructor.  Material list available upon registration.  All levels are welcome.

    $65
  • Ct River Artisans Birthday party

    Ct River Artisans 55 Main Street, Essex, CT, United States

    Come by to see the work of local artisans as we celebrate our 40th birthday with refreshments!

  • Summer Solstice

    Celebrate the arrival of summer during Essex’s Summer Solstice Weekend on June 20th & 21st! Enjoy two days of shopping, dining, special offers, activities, and shoreline charm as we welcome the longest days of the year. Explore Essex and discover all the magic summer brings, including: Essex Art Association is showcasing the EAA Summer Open Show with a "Come Sail Away" theme, juried by Kerry Kincy and sponsored by Tom & Betsy Whidden.  The Gantner Gallery Featured Artist is Andria Alex. Gallery hours are 1 to 5 pm. Essex Historical Society is having a walking tour with Essex Land Trust at 10 am on the 20th: https://www.essexhistory.org/events/ivoryton-walk house of the triple moon is offering a free gift with purchase: Spend $20 - receive a pack of wildflower seeds, Spend $40 - receive a bee hive votive candle, Spend $60 - receive both ! Join JMcLaughlin with hostess Katie Barton for Sips and Shopping featuring their New Collection on Saturday, June 20th 4-6pm.  10% of sales to benefit The Ivoryton Playhouse   Sweet P's is offering a Peach Mango smoothie for a limited time only. Peaches, mango, and banana come together for a healthy fruit smoothie with no refined sugar! 2026 Outdoor Summer […]

  • EAA Summer Juried Show Opening Reception

    The Essex Art Association 10 N Main Street, Essex, CT, United States

    You’re invited! Please join us Friday July 17 at 6 PM for the Opening Reception of the EAA Summer Juried Show, juried by Paul Baylock. Running concurrently in the Gantner Gallery will be a special solo exhibition by artist Suzanne Starr. Free admission! www.essexartassociation.com https://suzannestarrart.com/ https://pebaylock.wordpress.com/

    Free
  • Fashion Week At Spectrum Ages 10-14

    Recurring
    Spectrum Art Gallery 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT, United States

    The days are spent working with professional designers and seamstresses on two projects. The first is sketching, designing and sewing a re-fashion of a pair of jeans into a unique skirt. The second project is learning to read, pin and cut a commercial pattern of your choice. You will then machine sew and finish your garment adding accessories for the end of the week fashion show.Professional hair and makeup stylists help prepare you for your photo shoot and fashion show. No previous sewing or design experience necessary for Fashion Week. Material lists available upon registration. July 20 - July 24, 2026 9 am - 5:30 pm

    $425
  • Fashion Week At Spectrum Ages 10-14

    Recurring
    Spectrum Art Gallery 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT, United States

    The days are spent working with professional designers and seamstresses on two projects. The first is sketching, designing and sewing a re-fashion of a pair of jeans into a unique skirt. The second project is learning to read, pin and cut a commercial pattern of your choice. You will then machine sew and finish your garment adding accessories for the end of the week fashion show.Professional hair and makeup stylists help prepare you for your photo shoot and fashion show. No previous sewing or design experience necessary for Fashion Week. Material lists available upon registration. July 20 - July 24, 2026 9 am - 5:30 pm

    $425
  • Fashion Week At Spectrum Ages 10-14

    Recurring
    Spectrum Art Gallery 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT, United States

    The days are spent working with professional designers and seamstresses on two projects. The first is sketching, designing and sewing a re-fashion of a pair of jeans into a unique skirt. The second project is learning to read, pin and cut a commercial pattern of your choice. You will then machine sew and finish your garment adding accessories for the end of the week fashion show.Professional hair and makeup stylists help prepare you for your photo shoot and fashion show. No previous sewing or design experience necessary for Fashion Week. Material lists available upon registration. July 20 - July 24, 2026 9 am - 5:30 pm

    $425
  • Fashion Week At Spectrum Ages 10-14

    Recurring
    Spectrum Art Gallery 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT, United States

    The days are spent working with professional designers and seamstresses on two projects. The first is sketching, designing and sewing a re-fashion of a pair of jeans into a unique skirt. The second project is learning to read, pin and cut a commercial pattern of your choice. You will then machine sew and finish your garment adding accessories for the end of the week fashion show.Professional hair and makeup stylists help prepare you for your photo shoot and fashion show. No previous sewing or design experience necessary for Fashion Week. Material lists available upon registration. July 20 - July 24, 2026 9 am - 5:30 pm

    $425
  • Fashion Week At Spectrum Ages 10-14

    Recurring
    Spectrum Art Gallery 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT, United States

    The days are spent working with professional designers and seamstresses on two projects. The first is sketching, designing and sewing a re-fashion of a pair of jeans into a unique skirt. The second project is learning to read, pin and cut a commercial pattern of your choice. You will then machine sew and finish your garment adding accessories for the end of the week fashion show.Professional hair and makeup stylists help prepare you for your photo shoot and fashion show. No previous sewing or design experience necessary for Fashion Week. Material lists available upon registration. July 20 - July 24, 2026 9 am - 5:30 pm

    $425
  • Tri-Town Show: Matica Family Circus!

    Chester Meeting House 4 Liberty St, Chester, CT, United States

    Program for families with kids of all ages. The Tri-Town Libraries have collaborated to bring you the Matica Arts Circus Show at the Chester Meeting House! Get ready for a captivating Circus duo poised to mesmerize audiences of all ages with breathtaking acts of daring and unparalleled skill. This highly engaging 40-minute interactive extravaganza is brimming with joyful, rowdy, contagious energy, and astounding athleticism.  This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required as space is limited. Register: https://deepriverlibrary.libcal.com/event/16741754