All Day

Essex Board of Trade’s 2nd Annual Photo Contest!

In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, the Essex Board of Trade invites photographers of all ages to capture the people, places, traditions, and moments that make Essex, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton uniquely American. Theme: The Essex Experience America 250 Prize: The winning photograph will be professionally framed and exhibited at the historic Essex Art Association Gallery. Contest Timeline Photo Submission Period: August 1–15 Public Voting on EssexCT.com: August 15–22 The five photographs receiving the most public votes will advance to a final judging panel. How to Enter Capture a photograph that reflects the spirit, history, character, or community of Essex, Centerbrook, or Ivoryton. Submit up to five high-quality photographs between August 1 and August 15 through EssexCT.com using this link: https://essexct.com/the-essex-experience-america-250-photo-contest-submissions/ Encourage friends and family to vote during the public voting period. The top five vote-getters will be reviewed by a judging panel, which will select the winning image. Whether it’s a historic landmark, a local tradition, waterfront beauty, community gathering, or everyday village life, show us what makes The Essex Experience special as we celebrate America 250.

Birds & Beasts

Recurring
Spectrum Art Gallery/Arts Center Killingworth 61 Main Street, Centerbrook

Celebrate the beauty, uniqueness, and power of the animal kingdom with Spectrum Art Gallery’s Birds & Beasts, a seven-week exhibition featuring paintings, photography, and sculpture inspired by birds, other wildlife, and the natural world. The show explores the many ways artists interpret creatures large and small, from birds in flight and animals in their natural habitats to symbolic, imaginative, and sculptural representations of the animal kingdom. The exhibition opened Friday, July 17, and Birds & Beasts runs through Saturday, September 5. 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. Spectrum Art Gallery is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, CT. Gallery hours: Wed–Sat (12–6pm) and Sun (12–5pm). For more information about gallery exhibits, artist opportunities, summer camps, and classes and workshops for children and adults, call (860) 767-0742 and visit Spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at Spectrumanytime.com with shipping available throughout the US. Follow Spectrum social media at facebook.com/spectrumartgallery, instagram.com/spectrumartgallery, x.com/spectrum_ct, and youtube.com/@spectrumgallery6211.

Quilling Reception & Demonstration with Marcy Kaplan

Ct River Artisans 55 Main Street, Essex

Please join us for a reception for one of our newest consignees, Marcy Kaplan of Serial Quiller Creations. Marcy is widely known throughout the state for her expertise in paper quilling—the timeless craft of rolling, pinching, and shaping paper into intricate designs. Her work is inspired by meaningful moments from her life and infused with the vibrant colors she’s encountered during her travels around the world. Each piece reflects her eye for detail and her love of bold, joyful palettes. Marcy will be doing a demo of her beautiful craft. Come meet the maker & other artists of the Coop. Light refreshments will be served.

Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

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Essex Village

The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

Free