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

April 5 – May 31, 2025

“Restoration: Landscapes & Botanical Abstracts in Gouache”
Presented by: Susan Newbury

Restoration: Landscapes & Botanical Abstracts in Gouache by Susan Newbury April 5 – May 31

The Gunn Memorial Library Stairwell Gallery is pleased to present Restoration: Landscapes & Botanical Abstracts in Gouache, an exhibition of beautiful landscapes and botanicals by artist Susan Newbury, on view from April 5 through May 31.

Susan’s work is a celebration of nature’s depth and detail, drawing inspiration from the stunning landscapes, waterscapes, and gardens of her rural New York State roots and her home in Litchfield County. With a background in graphic and fashion design, her artistic practice has evolved into a dynamic exploration of color, pattern, and movement. She works primarily in gouache, acrylic, and mixed media on paper, canvas, and wood panel, using a bright, rich palette to create layered compositions that blend natural elements with abstract forms.

“Nature not only provides the subject matter but the solitude, joy, and purpose for my paintings, creating a place of quiet introspection and restoration,” she says. Her work reflects this philosophy, infusing familiar landscapes with energy and emotion while maintaining a sense of tranquility and balance. Inspired by both the botanical world and interior design elements such as fabric, wallpaper, and tilework, her paintings feature repeating shapes and striking color contrasts for an unexpected visual experience.

Her instinctive approach to painting allows her to let go of the rules, creating compositions that are both structured and free-flowing. She paints in her Litchfield County studio and accepts commission work.

Gunn Memorial Library is located at 5 Wykeham Road at the juncture of Route 47 opposite the Green in Washington, CT. Library hours may be found at gunnlibrary.org. For more information call (860)868-7586 or email, adoerwald@gunnlibrary.org.

Free

Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

Adults

Thursday, 4/10/25
6:00-7:00 PM

Gunn Memorial Library Hosts Blackout Poetry Program as Part of “For the Love of Poetry” Event Series
Washington, CT – Celebrate National Poetry Month with Gunn Memorial Library at a creative Blackout Poetry Program on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. This immersive workshop is part of our “For the Love of Poetry” event series, designed to spark creativity and foster an appreciation for the written word throughout April.
Blackout poetry is a playful and accessible form of artistic expression in which participants transform existing text into original poetry by blacking out select words. No writing experience is needed—just a willingness to experiment!
Attendees will enjoy complimentary snacks, generously provided by PO Café, while crafting their own poetic creations. All materials will be provided.
Gunn Memorial Library is committed to fostering creativity, literacy, and lifelong learning through diverse programs and resources. “For the Love of Poetry” is our way of bringing the community together to celebrate the beauty and impact of poetry.
Join us in celebrating National Poetry Month and explore the power of words in a new and imaginative way. Space is limited, so register at www.gunnlibrary.org or call (860) 868-7586.

Free

Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Road
Washington, CT 06793
https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/blackout-poetry-night/

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an enchanting evening of Irish harp and fiddle at The Abner’s Courtroom Sessions on Sunday, March 16th, from 6 to 8:30 PM. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Celtic music with the talented Wendy Kramer on harp and Andrew Smith on fiddle, as they bring the spirit of Ireland to our historic courtroom. Don’t miss this intimate and unforgettable performance—join us for a night of music, history, and celebration!

The Courtroom Restaurant at The Abner Hotel
https://www.opentable.com/r/the-abner-hotel-litchfield

Please join us for the Artist Reception Saturday April 26. 3-6 pm .

more info at www.souterraingallery.net

About the Artist
Ken Krug is a fine artist, illustrator, and author. He illustrated Michele Obama’s book about the White House Garden and wrote and illustrated the children’s book, No, Silly! which was on the Bank Street College Best Books of 2016 list. His paintings have been exhibited in numerous art shows and were featured on the set of the movie “You Can Count on Me.” Ken Krug is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor, Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY
www.kenkrug.com
Ken spends much of his weekends , summers and other times with his wife Liz Van Doren in Cornwall where the family is deeply rooted .

The Souterrain Gallery of The Wish House
413 Sharon Goshen Tnpk
West Cornwall CT 06796
http://www.souterraingallery.net

Celebrating our 40th year, the Sharon Classic Road Race is a 5.3 mile run/walk through the beautiful countryside around Sharon, CT. The race is the biggest annual fundraiser for the Sharon Day Care. Early registration pricing through March 31 is $30. Kid’s Fun Run and Not Quite A Mile races also. A food truck, bounce house, and DJ round out the morning fun!

51 Sharon Station Rd
Sharon Veterans’ Field
Sharon, CT US 06069
http://sharonclassic.org

In honor of Earth Day we’ve invited Recycling consultant Terri Christensen back to update you on all the new ways to recycle and reduce waste in Harwinton – including the new Food Scrap collection program. Reducing what goes into our trash stream helps the environment – and saves our town money! Not sure whether to put something in the trash, the recycling bin, or the compost pile? Bring your questions to this free presentation. Registration is helpful but not required. Program begins at 1 pm

Harwinton Public Library
80 Bentley Drive
Harwinton, CT 06791
860-485-9113

Can I Recycle This?

Why do birds migrate? What birds can you find here in Connecticut? How can you identify the birds you see and hear? The Library’s Birding Backpack has lots of tools to help you find, identify and observe the birds around you. Join the Litchfield Hills Audubon Society to learn about birds, bird migration, and our Birding Backpack. Participants will be invited outside to practice using binoculars – weather permitting. This program is for the whole family. Please register @ harwintonlibrary.org/events

Harwinton Public Library
80 Bentley Drive
Harwinton, CT 06791
860-485-9114

Birds On The Move!

Come join our bi-monthly garden discussion group. Do you have Garden questions, problems and information to share? Seeds or plants to share?
Join us for a fun evening! Spring is here!

Harwinton Public Library
80 Bentley Drive
Harwinton, CT 06791
860-485-9113

Let’s Talk Gardening

This presentation by Harold Pantely will cover what types of steel are used to make blades, what makes a good cutting blade, the shapes of blade points, what sharpening tools are available and how to use them. Participants will learn both traditional and modern methods to sharpen instruments of all kinds. Attendees are invited to bring one dull item they would like to learn to sharpen – no saws or disposable razors, please. This free program is for adults and space is limited. Please register @ harwintonlibrary.org/events Program begins at 1 pm

Harwinton Public Library
80 Bentley Drive
Harwinton, CT 06791
860-485-9113

How to Sharpen Anything & Everything

Brooklyn-based Pianist Alexandra Saraceno, originally from Watertown, CT, will perform on
March 16th at the First Congregational Church in Woodbury, CT, at 3:00 P.M., in the third
concert of the Woodbury-Bethlehem Community Music Foundation’s 2024-2025 Chamber
(WBCMF) Concert Series. Tickets are available at www.wbcmusicfoundation.org.
The WBCMF is very pleased to welcome Alexandra Saraceno to Woodbury. Alexandra has
established herself as an avid performer in solo recitals and collaborative concerts.
After receiving her bachelor’s degree in piano performance at Western Connecticut State
University as a student of Russell Hirshfield, Alexandra completed her master’s degree and
advanced certificate in piano performance and pedagogy at New York University.
Alexandra’s affinity for contemporary music has led to collaborating with composers, and
performing with NYU’s Contemporary Music Ensemble, New Music and Dance Ensemble,
WCSU’s New Music Ensemble, and premiering works for solo piano, chamber ensemble, and
orchestra.
With a passion for pedagogy, and recognized as a sought-after teacher, Alexandra has cultivated
a comprehensive approach to teaching through her work at the Center for Creative Youth at
Wesleyan University, the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Western Connecticut State
University, and the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New
York University as instructor, and throughout the New York City public schools. In addition to
her private studio, Alexandra also teaches at the Greenwich House Music School and the 92nd
Street Y. Her repertoire at this concert will include works by Robert Schuman, Franz Liszt and
Alexander Scriabin.
Tickets for all concerts are available at $30.00 each when purchased on the website
www.wbcmusicfoundation.org. When available, tickets will also be sold at the door on the day
of each concert, at $35.00 per ticket.
For more information, please seek info
at info@wbcmusicfoundation.org

March 16th at the First Congregational Church, 214 Main Street South, in Woodbury, CT, at 3:00 P.M.
http://www.wbcmusicfoundation.org