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Archive for February, 2013

A Visual Spectrum Of Exhibits Opens At Silvermine Arts Center In February

Sunday, February 24, 2013 by:Janet Serra
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Silvermine Arts Center, located in New Canaan, CT will be opening a new set of exhibits February 24th, ranging from the dazzling abstractions of Sharon Cavagnolo to the visually complex installation by Mary Jo McGonagle. There is also the hyper-real figurative paintings of Anca Pedvisocar and the aptly named “Human Touch” figurative print group show featuring Karen Butler, Helen Cantrell, Alanna Fagan, Nancy Lasar and Nomi Silverman. The show runs through April 5th. All are welcomed to the opening reception on Sunday, February 24th 2:00pm – 4:00pm.

Curtain Call

In her exhibit, “New Paradigms,” artist Sharon Cavagnolo deals with chaos and the human need to control and come to terms with it. For the artist, a gestural or impulsive movement often serves as the beginning of an idea for a painting, with subsequent layers imparting balance, line, color and pattern. The creation of the ‘whole’ represents a new place to be.

“(Dis)connect” is the new site specific installation by Silvermine Guild Artist, Mary Jo McGonagle. Combining video and signature wall coverings and paintings, the installation reflects her fascination with how relationships take place in our everyday lives, hovering between humor and desperation. Time-based media in conjunction with painting creates the overall environment. McGonagle’s work is a multi-disciplinary exploration of images and narratives of sublimated family dynamics and the idea of the suburban home as an environment of contradictions. . In her exhibit, she uses decorative wallpapers, patterning and colorful language to conceal contemporary phrases. The phrases are camouflaged within the wallpaper patterns. There is an element of discovery, revealing our innermost feelings which deal with the unspoken, “not so nice,” thoughts that we all share.

The Elements

Anca Pedvisocar’s exhibit “Take 2” is about second chances given to forgotten moments in forgotten lives of forgotten people, to be re-lived in a different way by people of our time. For this artist, the most difficult part in her work is choosing what to do next and why. Anca will look over the many black & white snap shots she has collected of the last century before choosing the most significant “insignificant” moment in time worth painting. The central theme of Pedvisocar’s paintings is a mixture of tension and solitude that seems to bring people together, while simultaneously pulling them apart. This conflict makes itself visually apparent in people’s most inconsequential and mundane actions and postures, glossing their figures with an unmistakable varnish that makes them impervious to one another and to themselves. The treatment of the figures in her paintings are restrained, as in a black and white movie, while exalting the color of the background, evoking the presence of an old, skipping soundtrack and a narrator’s voice starting to tell their story.

The Guild group exhibition, “The Human Touch: Five Printmakers,” showcases new figurative works by Silvermine members Karen Brussat Butler, Helen Cantrell, Alanna Fagan, Nancy Lasar and Nomi Silverman. The five artists share a love of printmaking, exploring contemporary interpretations of the figure in a variety of print techniques including woodcut, intaglio, lithography and other media.

For more information on these exhibits and other events at the Silvermine Arts Center, please visit www.silvermineart.org or call 203-966-9700 ext. 20.

Night at the Museum

Friday, February 22, 2013 by:Janet Serra
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Come dressed in your pajamas to the Bruce Museum on Friday, February 22, 2013, from 5:00 – 9:00 pm, for Night at the Museum. This will be a fun, activity-filled and family-focused event with proceeds benefitting children’s education and scholarship programs at the Bruce.

The Museum is creating a night to remember for the entire family. This event is being offered  in conjunction with the upcoming exhibition Chinasaurs: Dinosaur Discoveries from China, scheduled to open at the Bruce Museum on January 26, 2013.

Guests will be treated to dino-themed activities including movie screenings and craft activities. There will be pizza for the children, and adults can enjoy wine and beer as well as delicious, upscale Asian food compliments of ChinaWhite modern organic kitchen.

Chinasaurs: Dinosaur Discoveries from China welcomes visitors to walk among the skeletons, skulls, nests and eggs of more than a dozen of these rare Asian dinosaurs. From the huge 30-foot long, meat-eating Yangchuanosaurus to the gazelle-sized plant eaters such as Psittacosaurus, the prehistoric fossils of the Far East provide an exciting experience for dinosaur enthusiasts. Chinasaurs offers a glimpse of the unprecedented evolution of dinosaurs and their dominance over the world for more than 155 million years.

Individual tickets for Night at the Museum are $75 per adult and $25 per child (children under 3 are free). Patron level tickets which include special benefits will be available for $250, $500, $750 and $1,000. For more information or to receive an invitation, please contact Jen Bernstein, Special Events Manager, at 203-413-6761 or jbernstein@brucemuseum.org

Enchanting Evening at Stepping Stones

Tuesday, February 19, 2013 by:Janet Serra
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Calling all little princes and princesses!  Stepping Stones is rolling out the red carpet as the museum transforms into a snow-kissed wonderland for its fifth annual Winter Wonderland Children’s Ball on Saturday, February 23 from 6:00 – 8:30 pm. Children are invited to dress up in their party best for a memorable evening of fun and entertainment.

Moms and Dads, sons and daughters will be treated like the princes and princesses that they are as they enjoy a magical wintry celebration featuring dancing, hors d’oeuvres and full access to all the exhibits in the museum. Families will enjoy posing for the paparazzi as they arrive, learning ballroom moves from Robin Poska’s Ballroom Magic of Norwalk and making wonderful winter crafts.

Be sure you bring your camera.   Photo opportunities abound as we celebrate the magic and wonder of the season amidst a whimsical winter backdrop of a lighted courtyard, a play-sized igloo, a life-sized snow globe, spectacular winter murals, snowflake-adorned galleries and a myriad of snow people.

Tickets for this unforgettable evening for the whole family cost $10 per person for museum members and $12 per person for non-members.  Children under the age of one will be admitted for free.  Winter Wonderland Children’s Ball tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.  Registration is required.  Space is limited, so register early.  Call 203 899 0606, ext. 247 or visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/wonderland.  For area information visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

About Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, Conn., is an award-winning, private, non-profit 501(c)(3) children’s museum committed to broadening and enriching the lives of children and families. Located on five acres in Mathews Park, the LEED Gold certified museum encompasses five hands-on galleries, state-of-the-art Multimedia Gallery, Family and Teacher Resource Center, cafe and retail store.

Stepping Stones is located at 303 West Avenue, exit 14N or 15S off I-95 in Norwalk. Museum hours are Monday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Admission is $15 for adults and children. Children under 1 are free. To learn more, call 203 899 0606 or visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Gallons Of Fun For Kids Ages 6-12 During February School Break at the Maritime Aquarium

Saturday, February 16, 2013 by:Janet Serra
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Children 6 to 12 years old can count teeth in a real shark jaw, discover how blubber insulates, stock a real salt-water aquarium and lots more in special programs during the upcoming school vacation week Feb. 18-22 at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.

Exploring how animals – such as these poison dart frogs – defend themselves is among the activities for kids during the upcoming “Winter Vacation Adventures” offered during the school break week of Feb. 18-22 at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. For more details, call (203) 852-0700 or go online to www.maritimeaquarium.org.

The Maritime Aquarium’s “Winter Vacation Adventures” invite young students to explore our watery world each day of the school break.  For ages 6 to 9, there’s a different topic each day. Sign up for one, some or all five. Ages 9 to 12 can take part in the five-day “Junior Marine Biologist” class. Program hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Taking into account parents’ busy schedules, the Aquarium is offering pre-care from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and post-care from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. as well.

For ages 6 to 9:

The daily schedule and topics are:

Monday, Feb. 18  –  “Sharks & Fins” Find out what makes a shark different from a flounder on this very fishy day! Kids will visit the Shark & Ray Touch Pool, count teeth in real shark jaws, and learn about a shark’s unique senses. They’ll see how the Aquarium prepares food for its sharks and get a sneak peek behind the scenes to see how to care for our friends with fins!

Tuesday, Feb. 19  –  “Deadly Creatures” Delve into the world of animals that have special defensive adaptations. Activities include meeting live venomous creatures in a special presentation by Animal Embassy of Stamford, and exploring how snakes, spiders, frogs and rays all have deadly ways of protecting themselves.

Wednesday, Feb. 20  –   “Feature Creature” Go on scavenger hunt around the Aquarium to observe a variety of animals, such as frogs, turtles, crabs and seals. Learn about these critters in the classroom through hands-on activities, artifacts and experiments. Show off your knowledge of the day through a quiz style game.

Thursday, Feb. 23  –   “Whale of A Day” It’s a special day devoted to Earth’s biggest animals. Activities include an IMAX movie, blubber and feeding experiments, assembling a life-size whale puzzle, touching real whale artifacts, crafts and more.

Friday, Feb. 24  –  “Polar World” Explore frosty life at the top (and bottom) of the world! Activities include an IMAX movie, touching real polar bear fur, crafts, experiments with blubber and with ice, and more.

For ages 9 to 12:

“Junior Marine Biologist”

In this five-day program, students get involved in the inner workings of the Aquarium’s animal-husbandry staff, with the goal of setting up, stocking, feeding and maintaining an aquarium display of Long Island Sound marine life. They’ll use water-chemistry meters to monitor water quality, grow brine shrimp to feed their animals and participate in squid and fish dissections.

No matter the child’s age, cost of a “Winter Vacation Adventures” program is $98 per day or $435 for the full week.  Maritime Aquarium members receive a 20 percent discount. Pre-care is $17 additional per day or $72 for the week. Post-care is $33 per day or $143 for the week. Children should bring a bag lunch, a snack and an appetite for adventure.  Space is limited and advance registration is required.  For more details or to download a registration form, go to www.maritimeaquarium.org. Or for reservations or more details, call (203) 852-0700 ext. 2206.

Keeler Tavern Celebrates 300 Years

Friday, February 15, 2013 by:Janet Serra
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On Friday, February 15, Three Centuries of History at Lott II, a special exhibit at Ridgefield Town Hall, kicks off Keeler Tavern Museum’s yearlong 300th anniversary celebration. The general public is invited to the exhibit launch at 11:30 a.m., which will be officiated by First Selectman Rudy Marconi and other town dignitaries.

The exhibit is a collaborative effort between Keeler Tavern Museum and Ridgefield Historical Society. It will showcase the long history of the property, from its origins as the farmstead of Benjamin Hoyt, who survived the Deerfield Massacre, to its time as the early 20th-century residence of architect Cass Gilbert, whose Woolworth Building in New York City celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.  The stories of the people who lived or visited here illuminate Ridgefield’s as well as our nation’s evolution politically, economically, and socially; it is what makes this house the most significant historic site in Ridgefield as well as the town’s oldest gathering place.

The exhibit unfolds in four large display cases with a timeline that relates objects, documents, and important Ridgefield moments to major events in the nation’s history. Designed to engage all ages, the exhibit tells a sweeping story of Ridgefield’s growth. It begins with Benjamin Hoyt’s farmhouse, built to withstand Native Americans’ arrows, and extends to British fire aimed at Timothy Keeler’s Inn. The timeline continues with Anna Marie Resseguie reporting on Civil War deprivations and describes Cass and Julia Gilbert entertaining area artists and other notables in their elegant garden.

This exhibit is a celebration that introduces the Museum’s emerging identity as a place to take note of the remarkable people who lived here and of the history they took part in over 300 years. There will be many special events and programs throughout 2013 to celebrate the museum and the history of Ridgefield.

The exhibit at Ridgefield’s Town Hall (400 Main Street) will be open through mid-June Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Keeler Tavern Museum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located at 132 Main Street, operates with no government funding. It regularly offers docent-led tours of its period-furnished rooms, and the Cass Gilbert garden is open to the public year ‘round, except during private events. Additional information on the Museum’s 300th Anniversary Year, including its Birthday Party on Saturday, June 15th, may be found on KTM’s Facebook page or at www.keelertavernmuseum.org.  For area information visit www.litchfieldhills.com

Valentine’s Day Getaway Ideas

Saturday, February 9, 2013 by:Janet Serra
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If the winter doldrums have set in, a welcome cure is in sight…Valentine’s Day! Whether you want to get out on the ski slopes or retreat to a fireside, the inns and resorts of Connecticut’s Fairfield County and Litchfield Hills are offering a host of special packages for Valentine’s Day.

It’s a Sweet Deal for Sweethearts at the Shelton Inn Hampton on 695 Bridgeport Ave. minutes off Rte. 8.  They invite you to celebrate this Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart and are offering a romantic evening for two that includes deluxe king bed accommodations for one night for two, a complimentary breakfast for two, a $50 gift certificate to Vazzy’s Cucina Restaurant (free shuttle service) and champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.  This offer is available Feb. 8-17.  To reserve 203-925-5900 (use promo code PDK) or www.hamptoninnshelton.com.

Hampton Inn Shelton

It’s Valentine’s Day all year round at the Hilton Stamford Hotel & Executive Meeting Center.  Their “Stay in Love in Stamford Romance Package” includes your choice of wine or sparkling juice upon arrival*, a $25 food and beverage credit, and more. Visitors must book at least three days prior to arrival and stay a minimum of two nights. Rates start at $149. To book your room call (203) 967-2222 or www.hiltonstamfordhotel.com.

Hilton Stamford Hotel & Executive Meeting Center

For a fun Valentine’s Day getaway try the “Stay Here, Play There NYC Train Package” at the award winning Sheraton Stamford Hotel. The package includes overnight Stamford accommodations from $156 per night, two adult round trip Metro North train tickets from the Stamford station to Grand Cental, complimentary shuttle service to/from the hotel and Stamford station and Breakfast for two in restaurant 700 Main.  To reserve call 203-358-8400 or visit http://deals.sheraton.com/Sheraton-Stamford-Hotel-3616/so.htm

Sheraton Stamford

The Bridgeport Holiday Inn on 1070 Main Street is offering a Valentine’s Day Package for $214 that includes a champagne toast on arrival with a chocolate heart, a gourmet 4 course dinner for two, an overnight stay in a deluxe king bedded guest room and free validated parking.  This package is only available on Feb. 14. To reserve your spot call (203) 334-1234 or http://www.hibridgeport.com.

Bridgeport Holiday Inn

The Hilton Garden Inn Norwalk is offering a Valentine’s Day Package through Feb 28 that offers luxurious overnight accommodations for two, chilled bottle of champagne, gourmet chocolates and a full American breakfast at the Great American Grill all for $109.  To reserve your room call 203-523-4000 or http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/connecticut/hilton-garden-inn-norwalk-ORQNWGI/index.html.

Hilton Garden Norwalk

The Hyatt Regency in Greenwich is offering a romance package at their newly renovated hotel that is sure to provide an unforgettable setting with all the romantic touches.  The romance package offers breakfast buffet for two in Winfield’s, champagne delivered to room upon arrival, complimentary valet parking for (1) vehicle, evening turndown service, and 3 p.m. late checkout for just $20 more than the rate of the day.  This package is available through 12/30/2013. To reserve call 203-409-4340 or www.greenwich.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-greenwich/offers/details.jsp?offerId=103003&isBookable=true.

Hyatt Regency

If you are a fan of Love Potion # 9 you might want to book at stay at Rock Hall Luxe Lodging on 19 Rock Hall Road in Colebrook that is offering a Love Potion #19 Valentine’s Package. Add this Valentine’s package to your luxurious accommodation, and receive a romantic fireside essential oil Couple’s Massage, afternoon “Snowball” cocktails, and a hand’s on session with Rock Hall’s herbalist to create a unique love potion, a pair of imported Turkish towels, and a Rock Hall cocktail shaker. The package is $475 with the purchase of accommodation and is available Feb. 8-17.  To book this call860-379-2230 or visit www.19rockhallroad.com

Rock Hall Luxe Lodging

The fabulous Falls Village Inn located in the heart of historic Falls Village is not only creating a special menu for Valentines Day they are offering a Hooray For Love package that includes an overnight stay in a luxury king room with private bath, a complimentary welcome bottle of Falls Village Inn Signature Label Wine, corkscrew and glassware for two, a sample of locally made chocolate & nuts, and continental breakfast for two.  Rates start at $209 and the package is available from Feb. 14 – Feb. 17.  For more information call 860-824-0033 or visit www.thefallsvillageinn.com

Falls Village Inn

Overlooking the Farmington River, The Old Riverton Inn on Rte. 20 in Riverton is offering a Valentine’s Cupid County Inn Romance overnight package on Feb. 14 only Overnight accommodations, flowers, candy and bottle of champagne in your room, plus a romantic valentine’s candle light dinner for two and a full country breakfast in the morning make this package a delight.  Rates start at $230 for a small room or $270 for a large room, all decorated with Hitchcock furniture. To book your room call 860-379-8678 or www.rivertoninn.com.

Old Riverton Inn

The Heritage in Southbury’s Be My Valentine package offers a perfect getaway and includes overnight accommodations for two, a complimentary bottle of moscato champagne delivered to your room, dinner for two in the elegant Heritage room, and access to amenities such as the heated indoor pool/whirlpool, sauna & steam rooms.  Rates start at $179 and are available only on Feb. 14.  For more information call 1-800-932-3466 or www.heritagesouthbury.com.

Heritage Hotel Southbury

On February 9 Interlaken Inns’ Valentine’s Day Package offers a red rose for her, a cozy and romantic night away, plus a fabulous dinner with to live music throughout dinner, then – dancing to the region’s premiere 13-piece Big Band.  The complete package offers a three-course dinner for 2, Glass of house wine or cocktail for each of you, A red rose for her, Dancing, Overnight accommodations for 2, Breakfast for 2. Complete Valentine’s Day Package is $279 per couple (total package is $334.98 per couple including tax and service charge).  To book call 1-800-222-2909 or visit www.interlakeninn.com.

Interlaken Inn

Litchfield Inn is celebrating February for Lovers month and is offering a romance package for the entire month that includes deluxe overnight accommodations, a three course dinner at Bantam Bistro, bottle of Sunset Meadows Wine and cheese, lovers dessert platter delivered to your room and breakfast for two.  The cost is $359 per couple and can be booked by calling (860) 567-4503 or visiting www.litchfieldinnct.com.

Litchfield Inn

The stately Mayflower Inn located in the heart of Washington is offering a Valentine’s Day package on Feb. 14 that includes a very special Valentine’s Day Dinner for 2 (exclusive of beverages), a Bottle of champagne in room upon arrival and Continental Breakfast.  Rates start at $950.00 and Suites at $1,250.00.  To book call 860-868-9466 or www.mayflowerinn.com.

Mayflower Inn

In Southbury, Valentine’s Day at Crowne Plaza Southbury is being celebrated on Feb. 14 – 16 in style.  Enjoy a scrumptious dinner and relaxing overnight stay with your sweetheart at the Crowne Plaza Southbury. The  package includes deluxe overnight accommodations, Special Valentine’s Dinner for two in the Arrowhead Restaurant, and a full breakfast buffet the next morning all for $199.  Call 203-598-7600 or www.ichotelsgroup.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/southbury/hvnsb/hoteldetail.

Southbury Crown Plaza

Follow the Connecticut Winter Wine Trail to prizes

Monday, February 4, 2013 by:Janet Serra
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Touring your way through January, February  and March by visiting six of Connecticut’s six award winning vineyards in the Litchfield Hills to win one of three grand prizes is a sure way to warm up to the winter season this year. Best of all the vineyards are located close to one another and there is no fee to enter this winter adventure.

In order to get into action, all you have to do is to  pick up a trail card at one of the six participating wineries and have your card stamped on the back at each winery you visit.  Upon visiting all six wineries, turn in your card at any participating winery for entry into the drawing. The best news is that there is no cost to enter this program that runs through April 1, 2013.

The grand prize is transportation and tastings for four people to three wineries that is provided by Vintage Vineyard Experience located in Roxbury.  The first prize is an overnight stay for two people at the Mary Stuart House Bed and Breakfast in Goshen www.marystuarthouse.com and the second prize is an overnight stay for two people at Chapin Park Bed and Breakfast in New Hartford www.chapinparkbandb.com.  The third prize is four passes to Ski Sundown in New Hartford www.skisundown.com.

Vineyards on the trail include the following as listed below.

Di Grazia Vineyards, located on 131 Tower Rd. in Brookfield offers informative guided winery tours, wine tasting, and a country gift shop.  The vineyard has gold medal winning dessert wines. One of the many specialties found here is a wine without any added sulfites as well as wines with high anti-oxidant levels. www.digrazia.com.

Haight- Brown Vineyard is the first farm winery in the state that opened its’ doors in 1975. The vineyard is located on Chestnut Hill Rd. in Litchfield and owns and leases over twenty acres for its winery and vineyards. The vineyard grows vinifera and hybrids including Chardonnay, Chardonelle, Marechal Foch, Dechaunoc, Marquette, and Seyval Blanc. http://haightvineyards.com.

Hopkins Vineyard located on Hopkins Rd. offers tasting and sales of award-winning estate bottled wines. The Hayloft Wine Bar serves wine by the glass in a relaxed setting with a beautiful view of Lake Waramaug. The Vineyard Shop has a unique selection of gifts and gourmet foods. The land the vineyard is located on has been in the same family for over 225 years and is one of the  few farms in the nation that is a National Bi-Centennial farm. www.hopkinsvineyard.com.

Jerram Winery located on Rte. 219 in New Hartford is located in a historic district. Visitors will enjoy the fine wines offered here and chatting with the winemaker about how the wines are made. Founded in 1998, Jerram Winery currently offers 10 wines, including several award winners.  Their vineyards grow many varieties of grapes including Marechal Foch, Seyval Blanc and Vignoles. The Vineyard is open on the first and third weekends in January, February and March from noon to 4 p.m. www.jerramwinery.com.

Miranda Vineyard is located on 42 Ives Rd. in Goshen and offers a bright and airy tasting room that overlooks beautiful vineyards and hills. Enjoy chatting with the winemaker whose family has a long tradition in winemaking. Enjoy tasting many award winning wines here including those that have won International acclaim. www.mirandavineyard.com.

Sunset Meadow Vineyards is located on Rte. 63 close to the Litchfield and Goshen town line. With over 50 acres of planted vineyards and 13,000 sustainably farmed vines Sunset Meadow Vineyards is proud to be one of Connecticut’s premier vineyards located in the picturesque rolling hills of Litchfield County with spectacular panoramic views. The vineyard is open year round and guests can enjoy award-winning estate wines in their originally constructed 1800′s barn-style tasting room. www.sunsetmeadowvineyards.com.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

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