Focus on Fall Art Show

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

Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisans Store presents its annual Focus on Fall exhibition, which opened on September 18 and will continue through Saturday, November 7. The annual autumn exhibit brings together fine art and handcrafted work inspired by the colors, textures, atmosphere, and natural transformations of the fall in New England. Through painting, mixed media, photography, sculpture, fine craft, and seasonal artisan pieces, artists explore autumn’s changing foliage, landscapes, light, weather, wildlife, and harvest imagery—from brilliant color and abundance to the quieter transition toward winter. The gallery offers an ideal introduction to the exhibition for longtime collectors, visitors searching for an original seasonal piece or gift, and those who want to experience art reflecting the landscape and atmosphere of the fall season. As always, Spectrum’s Artisans Store offers new pottery, glass, fiber, home décor, jewelry, clothing, and accessories, as well as children’s books and toys. Spectrum Art Gallery is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, Connecticut. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information about gallery exhibits, and classes and workshops for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available […]

Botanical Study in Colored Pencil

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

This class is designed for students with some experience using colored pencil and have basic concepts of botanical illustration. This course will focus on drawing a complete botanical study over the four-week session. Students will plan and draw each component of the study week by week resulting in a frame-able work of art. The teacher will provide the oversized paper, tracing paper for sketches and the flower subject. Short material list available upon registration. Nancy Bentivegna is a botanical artist who received her training at the New York Botanical Gardens through the Botanical Art and Illustration Program. After completing the program in 2010, she relocated to Boston. For the past eleven years she has been teaching a variety of botanical art classes in Boston and the greater Boston area. These courses are based on the instruction she received at the NYBG and include colored pencil, graphite, pen and ink and watercolor pencil. Nancy prefers to work in watercolor pencil combined with colored pencil for depth and detail. She does custom pieces for clients both in the Boston area and New York. She recently relocated to Essex and will be offering classes at the Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook. Dates: Thursdays: Oct. […]

$15 – $130

Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

Recurring
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

Art in Flight with Smithsonian Curator Carolyn Russo (Virtual Author Talk)

Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex

Join us for a captivating online conversation with acclaimed author and Smithsonian curator Carolyn Russo as we dive into her fascinating book, The Ascent of Rauschenberg. Explore the towering legacy, unexpected inspirations, and creative heights of one of America's most influential artistic icons. This program is free and open to all. Registration is required for all virtual author talks with Essex Library. Register online HERE or by calling the Library at 860-767-1560.

J.McLaughlin Sip & Shop to raise funds for Safe Futures

JMcLaughlin 3 Main St, Essex

J.McLaughlin are holding a Sip & Shop event to raise funds for Safe Futures - a non-profit organisation, whose aims are to stop abuse, restore hope and save the lives of those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, trafficking, elder abuse and child abuse in Southeastern Connecticut.

Tick Activity Throughout the Year, with Essex Library Association

Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex

This talk at Essex Library will focus on the life cycles of several medically important tick species in Connecticut, as well as when each life stage is most likely to be encountered based on active tick surveillance data. Knowledge of common tick species and their seasonal activity periods can help people be more vigilant during certain months to better protect themselves, family members, and pets. Speakers: Natalie Bailey, agricultural research technician for the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station will present this talk with Jessica Brown, a CAES agricultural post-doctoral research scientist. Register on the Library's Events Calendar at www.youressexlibrary.org or by calling the Library at 860-767-1560.