Your guide to the heart of Litchfield County:
Discover local stories, hidden gems, and must-know events.

Culturally Curious Art

Culturally Curious Art Lecture Series:
Fierce Females: Women in Art
March 5: Fierce Females: Women in Art

The art world has long overlooked the groundbreaking contributions of countless talented women. This program shines a spotlight on fierce female artists who defied societal norms and pushed the boundaries of creativity, yet remain underappreciated in the annals of art history. The program features a diverse array of artists and media, from the bold expressionist prints of Kathe Kollwitz to ebullient Impressionist
paintings by Berthe Morisot. In celebrating these visionary women we help to redefine artistic greatness for future generations.
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
FREE / Donations Welcome
* Pre-registration is advised

Complete series:

February 5: Rhythm and Hues: The Harlem Renaissance and Its Legacy
This is a great program for celebrating Black History Month!
The Harlem Renaissance, a cultural explosion in the 1920s, saw African American artists challenge stereotypes and celebrate their heritage. From the poetic simplicity of Jacob Lawrence to the cosmopolitan portrait photographs of James Van Der Zee, this era produced works that continue to resonate today. Discover the visionaries who gave voice to the African American experience and forever changed the landscape of American culture.

April 2: Devil with a Brush: Caravaggio’s Dramatic Masterpieces
Caravaggio’s turbulent life story reads like a crime thriller, making him one of art history’s most captivating and controversial figures. He was a revolutionary Italian painter of the Baroque era, as famous for his violent temper and criminal behavior as he was for his groundbreaking artistic techniques. Caravaggio’s paintings reflect his tumultuous life with dramatic lighting and intense realism. The program provides an overview of the artist’s life and body of work.

May 7: Perennial Muses: Flowers in Art
This is a wonderful program for Garden Clubs!
Have you ever wondered about the hidden messages blooming within famous
paintings? Throughout the history of art, flowers have been more than just beautiful decorations – they’ve served as powerful symbols, carrying secret meanings known to artists and their patrons. From the purity of lilies in Renaissance Madonnas to the fleeting nature of life represented by wilting bouquets in Dutch still lifes, each petal and stem tells a story. This fascinating exploration of flora in art will unveil the language of
flowers, revealing how these delicate blooms have shaped our visual culture and continue to inspire artists – and flower lovers! – to this day.

June 4: From Graffiti to Museum Galleries: The Art & Advocacy of Keith
Haring
This is a great Pride Month program! Keith Haring’s vibrant and iconic art captured the spirit of 1980s New York City, blending pop art, graffiti, and social activism. What made his bold, energetic figures and symbols so universally appealing? Haring’s work, characterized by its simplicity
and accessibility, addressed pressing issues including AIDS awareness. From
subway stations to museums, Haring’s art continues to inspire and provoke thought decades after his untimely death.

Litchfield Community Center
421 Bantam Road
Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-8302
www.thecommunitycenter.org

https://thecommunitycenter.org/event.php?id=19287

An Evening of Opera

An Evening of Opera: Don Giovanni

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
FREE, Donations Welcome
* Pre-registration encouraged

“Opera” on our Theater Screen
Doors Open:5:30

Join fellow opera lovers to view and discuss Don Giovanni.
Running time is approx. 3 hrs and there will be one short interval when coffee will be available.

Litchfield Community Center
421 Bantam Road
Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-8302
www.thecommunitycenter.org

https://thecommunitycenter.org/event.php?id=19424

Culturally Curious Art

Culturally Curious Art Lecture Series:
Rhythm and Hues: The Harlem Renaissance and Its Legacy

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
FREE / Donations Welcome
* Pre-registration is advised

Presenter Jane O’Neail will present 5 separate lectures:

February 5: Rhythm and Hues: The Harlem Renaissance and Its Legacy
This is a great program for celebrating Black History Month!
The Harlem Renaissance, a cultural explosion in the 1920s, saw African American artists challenge stereotypes and celebrate their heritage. From the poetic simplicity of Jacob Lawrence to the cosmopolitan portrait photographs of James Van Der Zee, this era produced works that continue to resonate today. Discover the visionaries who gave voice to the African American experience and forever changed the landscape of American culture.

March 5: Fierce Females: Women in Art
The art world has long overlooked the groundbreaking contributions of countless talented women. This program shines a spotlight on fierce female artists who defied societal norms and pushed the boundaries of creativity, yet remain underappreciated in the annals of art history. The program features a diverse array of artists and media, from the bold expressionist prints of Kathe Kollwitz to ebullient Impressionist
paintings by Berthe Morisot. In celebrating these visionary women we help to redefine artistic greatness for future generations.

April 2: Devil with a Brush: Caravaggio’s Dramatic Masterpieces
Caravaggio’s turbulent life story reads like a crime thriller, making him one of art history’s most captivating and controversial figures. He was a revolutionary Italian painter of the Baroque era, as famous for his violent temper and criminal behavior as he was for his groundbreaking artistic techniques. Caravaggio’s paintings reflect his tumultuous life with dramatic lighting and intense realism. The program provides an overview of the artist’s life and body of work.

May 7: Perennial Muses: Flowers in Art
This is a wonderful program for Garden Clubs!
Have you ever wondered about the hidden messages blooming within famous
paintings? Throughout the history of art, flowers have been more than just beautiful decorations – they’ve served as powerful symbols, carrying secret meanings known to artists and their patrons. From the purity of lilies in Renaissance Madonnas to the fleeting nature of life represented by wilting bouquets in Dutch still lifes, each petal and stem tells a story. This fascinating exploration of flora in art will unveil the language of
flowers, revealing how these delicate blooms have shaped our visual culture and continue to inspire artists – and flower lovers! – to this day.

June 4: From Graffiti to Museum Galleries: The Art & Advocacy of Keith
Haring
This is a great Pride Month program! Keith Haring’s vibrant and iconic art captured the spirit of 1980s New York City, blending pop art, graffiti, and social activism. What made his bold, energetic figures and symbols so universally appealing? Haring’s work, characterized by its simplicity
and accessibility, addressed pressing issues including AIDS awareness. From
subway stations to museums, Haring’s art continues to inspire and provoke thought decades after his untimely death.

Litchfield Community Center
421 Bantam Road
Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-8302
www.thecommunitycenter.org

https://thecommunitycenter.org/event.php?id=19286

Winter Warm Up JAM

Winter Warm Up JAM with bands “Brother Other” & “Dim Lights, Thick Smoke”
6:30 pm – 10:30 pm
$15.00 per person
* Pre-registration & Pre-payment encouraged. Walk Ins Welcome
Two – 90 minutes set
BYOB & Food

BROTHER OTHER
Matt Saccoman and Paul Mauro
An Americana duo from the New England area performing original tunes with a blend of vocal harmonies and melodic guitars. Our music is written from the heart about the things we know the best — gratitude, humility, and the triumphs and tragedies of the human experience.

DIM LIGHTS, THICK SMOKE is a Connecticut-based acoustic quartet that combines the talented playing of Jona Ziac on a custom lap steel guitar and dobro, the songwriting, singing, harmonica and guitar playing of Jason Perkel with the amazing percussion and vocals of James Allen and the bass stylings of Dylan Spielvogel. Their style combines honky tonk, blues, folk and rock and roll and their song choices span many decades. In addition to their original material, they play a diverse setlist including Gram Parsons, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Gillian Welch, Neil Young, The Grateful Dead and many others.

Litchfield Community Center
421 Bantam Road
Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-8302
www.thecommunitycenter.org

https://thecommunitycenter.org/event.php?id=19435

Jewelry Making

Jewelry Making with Janet
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
* Pre-registration required.

Learn the art of Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping with an instructor having 16 years experience.
-For all levels, whether you are a crafting newbie or seasoned DIY pro.
– All supplies and tools are provided – just bring your imagination!
– Craft your own unique jewelry pieces from start to finish.
-Meet fellow craft enthusiasts and share laughs as we twist, twirl, and create!
– Take home a different gorgeous piece of jewelry after each session.

Only $25 per session or $40 for 2 sessions payable to the instructor! Includes supplies & instruction.

Dates: Jan 24 and Jan 31

Litchfield Community Center
421 Bantam Road
Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-8302
www.thecommunitycenter.org

https://thecommunitycenter.org/event.php?id=20627

Jewelry Making

Jewelry Making with Janet
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
* Pre-registration required.

Learn the art of Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping with an instructor having 16 years experience.
-For all levels, whether you are a crafting newbie or seasoned DIY pro.
– All supplies and tools are provided – just bring your imagination!
– Craft your own unique jewelry pieces from start to finish.
-Meet fellow craft enthusiasts and share laughs as we twist, twirl, and create!
– Take home a different gorgeous piece of jewelry after each session.

Only $25 per session or $40 for 2 sessions payable to the instructor! Includes supplies & instruction.

Dates: Jan 24 and Jan 31

Litchfield Community Center
421 Bantam Road
Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-8302
www.thecommunitycenter.org

https://thecommunitycenter.org/event.php?id=20626

Indoor Winter Farmers Market at The Silo

Come to the Indoor Farmers Market at The Silo Saturday morning (and every Saturday morning!) from 10AM – 1PM.

Some of the vendors that will be there: Pawling Coffee Roasters, Hoadley Farm, Bittersweet Ranch, Oracle Mushrooms, Cows Around the Corner, Litchfield Distillery Maple Syrup, Health Rescue, and a great Cafe run by Chef Dino and Chef Billy from Greca Mediterranean Kitchen!

The Silo
44 Upload Rd., New Milford

More info here!

Open House with Artist Amy Jean Porter

Open House with the artist Sunday will be happening from 12-4pm at Jennifer Terzian Gallery. Exhibition is up until January 18th.

Somelight is Porter’s second exhibition at Jennifer Terzian Gallery. The show features more than 60 drawings in gouache and pencil from the last two years, with everyday spring skies, dense summer foliage, a solar eclipse, northern lights, and various slices of daytime moons and egg-shaped sunrises.

“At home in Connecticut this year I’ve been focusing on the light through the trees, the changing geometries of sun and moon, and the drama and chaos under the canopy. I’m interested in catching these moments in person, of rescuing something of the present before it is past, of bearing witness to beauty at the edge of an unknown future. The turkey vultures catch my attention as they float and teeter in thermals.When they gather and circle as a group, they are called a “kettle” for the way they bubble up. The birds are ugly and beautiful, majestic and gross. They hold these opposites. They punctuate the trees. They act as tethers between earth and sky, death, decay and life.”
– Amy Jean Porter

Amy Jean Porter is an artist, writer, and naturalist based in Connecticut. She is interested in how nature and its patterns influence and intercept daily life. Porter’s drawings and installations have been presented in solo shows in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Paris, and featured in publications such as Cabinet, Lucky Peach, McSweeney’s and The Awl. Her book collaborations include Of Lamb (McSweeney’s 2011) and Fungipedia (Princeton University Press 2019.

More info about the exhibit here!

Bantam Cinema Presents “Queer”

Directed by Luca Guadagnino, Luca GuadagninoStarring Lesley Manville, Drew Starkey, Henrique Zaga, Omar Apollo, Daniel Craig, Jason Schwartzman

1950. William Lee, an American expat in Mexico City, spends his days almost entirely alone, except for a few contacts with other members of the small American community. His encounter with Eugene Allerton, an expat former soldier, new to the city, shows him, for the first time, that it might be finally possible to establish an intimate connection with somebody.

Check website for times!

115 Bantam Lake Rd. Bantam
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