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

May 4 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Georgia O’Keeffe has summoned an audience to help answer the question, “Was it me or was it Stieglitz?” We journey with O’Keeffe from 1915 when she tears up her work to date, and starts over in black and white to discover her own style. She revisits key moments in her life to reveal hidden truths, but the shadow of manager and husband Alfred Stieglitz looms heavy over her. Was it his nude photographs of her that enticed the art world to her, or was it her own excellence of craft? Would she have been noticed if he hadn’t exhibited her? Georgia rejects claims by the male dominated art world about what drives her art, but when a Stieglitz affair gets too intense, and a very public commission collapses, her world falls apart.  Georgia rallies, determined to survive and paint again, but some difficult decisions must be made.  In the end, the truth that lies deep in Georgia’s heart is revealed— and it’s as devastating as it is honest.  O’Keeffe! is a revealing critically acclaimed drama about the beloved and complex American icon.

*Newly Revised Script and production* Written and performed by Lucinda McDermott. Directed by Jan Powell with soundscape by Jon Piro.

Cost
$10

Sponsored by Art Bridges Access for All

Mattatuck Museum
144 West Main Street
Waterbury, CT
06702

https://www.mattmuseum.org/calendar/okeeffe-performance/

May 3 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Georgia O’Keeffe has summoned an audience to help answer the question, “Was it me or was it Stieglitz?” We journey with O’Keeffe from 1915 when she tears up her work to date, and starts over in black and white to discover her own style. She revisits key moments in her life to reveal hidden truths, but the shadow of manager and husband Alfred Stieglitz looms heavy over her. Was it his nude photographs of her that enticed the art world to her, or was it her own excellence of craft? Would she have been noticed if he hadn’t exhibited her? Georgia rejects claims by the male dominated art world about what drives her art, but when a Stieglitz affair gets too intense, and a very public commission collapses, her world falls apart.  Georgia rallies, determined to survive and paint again, but some difficult decisions must be made.  In the end, the truth that lies deep in Georgia’s heart is revealed— and it’s as devastating as it is honest.  O’Keeffe! is a revealing critically acclaimed drama about the beloved and complex American icon.

*Newly Revised Script and production* Written and performed by Lucinda McDermott. Directed by Jan Powell with soundscape by Jon Piro.

Cost
$10

Sponsored by Art Bridges Access for All

Mattatuck Museum
144 West Main St
Waterbury, CT 06702

https://www.mattmuseum.org/calendar/okeeffe-performance-2/

Join us for our 3rd Annual MattaTrek Challenge! Venture forth with Director Bob Burns as he hikes the Litchfield Hills, or join us on Saturday, May 10th on our final 5k hike at the White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield!

Friday, May 9
Through-hike begins at the Cornwall Bridge following the Mohawk Trail for 19 miles to Housatonic Valley Regional High School.

Saturday, May 10
5K family-friendly hike beginning in White Memorial Conservation Center through the picturesque nature preserve and ending at the nearby Litchfield Distillery.

The MattaTrek is rain or shine!

* Hikers do so at their own risk and pace.

Saturday, May 10
5K family-friendly hike beginning in White Memorial Conservation Center through the picturesque nature preserve and ending at the nearby Litchfield Distillery.

The MattaTrek is rain or shine!

* Hikers do so at their own risk and pace.

MattaTrek 2025

Twelve Moons Coffeehouse offers a night of live music & poetry capped by Featured Artist Natalia Zukerman–an incisive songwriter, captivating jazz/blues singer, and talented multi-instrumentalist. Doors open @ 6 pm for open mic sign ups. Live music & poetry starts @ 6:30 pm and the Featured Performer starts @ 8 pm. Patrons can bring dinner & a favorite beverage (alcohol ok) while coffee/tea and fresh baked snacks are available as well. All for donations only. Come to listen, to perform, or both and enjoy this remarkable performing artist.

The Center on Main, 103 Main St., Falls Village, CT

https://www.twelvemoonscoffeehouse.com/

Enjoy two themed cocktails created by a talented bartender from Litchfield Distillery while enjoying an evening with Mattatuck Museum Assistant Curator Becca Lo Presti. Learn about the inspiration behind The Art of Leisure and what leisure has looked like over the last century.

COST
Non-Member: $15
Member: $10
Sober: $5

Pre-registration is suggested due to limited spots.
Interested in discounts, free admission, and more? Become a member today!
Sponsored by Litchfield Distillery

Mattatuck Museum
144 West Main
Waterbury, CT

https://www.mattmuseum.org/calendar/cocktails-and-conversations-the-art-of-leisure/

10:00 AM-11:15 AM
Free

Continue the Journey: Meditation for Everyday Life

Join us for additional sessions that delve deeper into the art and science of meditation—an age-old practice known to steady the mind, nourish the heart, and ground us amidst life’s constant changes. Whether just beginning or returning to refresh your practice, these gatherings offer a welcoming space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most.

Together, we will:

1. Learn practical techniques for cultivating inner steadiness—anytime, anywhere

2. Explore how to navigate common challenges and distractions in practice.

3. Sit in guided meditation sessions to experience stillness firsthand

4. Share reflections, questions, and insights in a supportive group space

5. Build a toolkit for sustaining a meaningful home practice.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to quiet a racing mind—or to greet yourself with gentle awareness—this is your invitation. Come with curiosity. Leave with clarity. All are welcome.

BIO: Sheila Klapper’s unwavering dedication to meditation spans many decades, practicing within various traditions. In 2021, she completed an intensive 2-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training program with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach through the Greater Good Science Center, Sounds True, and the Awareness Training Institute. For 9 years, Sheila taught in community centers, adult education programs, and libraries in Northwestern, CT. During COVID, she began leading virtual groups that continued for several years. She started a bi-monthly meditation group at the Litchfield Community Center more than 5 years ago that continues to serve a welcoming group of meditators.

Sheila became a certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor in 2000 and briefly ran her yoga studio in Glastonbury, CT. Later, she brought her commitment to wellness to Hartford Hospital, where she taught yoga and meditation to both staff and patients while serving as a Medical Librarian.

Registration is required

The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/category/adultlib/2025-07/

Continue the Journey: Meditation for Everyday Life
Join us for additional sessions that delve deeper into the art and science of meditation—an age-old practice known to steady the mind, nourish the heart, and ground us amidst life’s constant changes. Whether just beginning or returning to refresh your practice, these gatherings offer a welcoming space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most.

Together, we will:

1. Learn practical techniques for cultivating inner steadiness—anytime, anywhere

2. Explore how to navigate common challenges and distractions in practice

3. Sit in guided meditation sessions to experience stillness firsthand

4. Share reflections, questions, and insights in a supportive group space

5. Build a toolkit for sustaining a meaningful home practice.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to quiet a racing mind—or to greet yourself with gentle awareness—this is your invitation. Come with curiosity. Leave with clarity. All are welcome.

BIO: Sheila Klapper’s unwavering dedication to meditation spans many decades, practicing within various traditions. In 2021, she completed an intensive 2-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training program with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach through the Greater Good Science Center, Sounds True, and the Awareness Training Institute. For 9 years, Sheila taught in community centers, adult education programs, and libraries in Northwestern, CT. During COVID, she began leading virtual groups that continued for several years. She started a bi-monthly meditation group at the Litchfield Community Center more than 5 years ago that continues to serve a welcoming group of meditators.

Sheila became a certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor in 2000 and briefly ran her yoga studio in Glastonbury, CT. Later, she brought her commitment to wellness to Hartford Hospital, where she taught yoga and meditation to both staff and patients while serving as a Medical Librarian.

Registration is required:
https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/category/adultlib/2025-07/

The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/category/adultlib/2025-06/

Lunch and Learn: From Clay to Kiln- Ceramics at the Mattatuck and Beyond
Join us for a delightful afternoon of good food and engaging conversations about local art and history!
Order ahead from Sweet Bella @ The MATT or bring your own lunch to enjoy. First Wednesday of Every Month | 12–1 PM

Join Assistant Curator Becca Lo Presti for an exciting exploration of the history of American ceramics! Featuring objects from the Mattatuck’s collection alongside ceramics from other museums in the US and beyond, this talk will have you looking at pottery in a whole new light.

COST
$10.00 per Adult
$5.00 per Member

Pre-registration is suggested due to limited spots.
Interested in discounts, free admission, and more? Become a member today!
Sponsored by Christine and Eugene Shugrue

144 West Main Street
Waterbury, CT 06795

https://www.mattmuseum.org/calendar/lunch-and-learn-from-clay-to-kiln-ceramics-at-the-mattatuck-and-beyond/

$7 per person at the door
* Pre-registration required by Friday, May 2.

¡Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style!
Join us for an unforgettable Cinco de Mayo fiesta filled with festive flavors and lively music! The 5-piece Mariachi band will keep the celebration alive with classic tunes and spirited performances that’ll have you dancing and singing along. Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine, colorful décor, and a party atmosphere like no other. This is one event you won’t want to miss. ¡Vamos a celebrar!
Only $7 per person at the door

Litchfield Community Center
421 Bantam Road
Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-8302
https://thecommunitycenter.org/event.php?id=20829

After Hours at the Beekley with Hamish Lutris:
​The Battle of Lexington and Concord
Saturday, April 19
4:00 p.m.

Join local favorite Professor Hamish Lutris for a special lecture on the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, which marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. British troops marched to seize colonial weapons in Concord, Massachusetts, leading to a confrontation with American militiamen in Lexington, the first open fighting between the colonists and the British. Despite being outnumbered, the colonists successfully harassed the British during their retreat, demonstrating their ability to fight back against the British army. Registration suggested but walk-ins welcome.

Hamish Lutris is an Associate Professor of History, Political Science, and Geography at Capital Community College in Hartford, Connecticut. He is a well-known speaker and instructor throughout the Northeastern US with long experience in Central Europe involving education, strategic planning, and international agricultural research cooperation programs. He has also worked in some of America’s premier natural and historical sites and has led naturalist and educational programs in both the United States and Europe. His program interests cover a number of areas including Native American history, the US Civil War, World Wars I and II, and the American West as well as scientific, social and cultural history.

Beekley Community Library
10 Central Ave
New Hartford, CT 06057
https://www.beekleylibrary.org/adult-events–programs.html