Downtown Art Gallery Hosting High School Artists

New Exhibit to Debut

Local Artist's Photographs on Display in NYC

The 92Y (www.92y.org), a community and cultural center in New York City, will present “Captured in the Art,” a solo exhibition of photographs by Deborah Sofferman.

The exhibition will be open to the public on the third floor of the 92Y from Nov. 27-Dec. 20. 

 

Viewing hours are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.- 7:30 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m .-6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Visitors can meet Sofferman from noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 27 and from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5.

 

Sofferman presents candid photographs she captured of artists who create art in the 92Y Art Center.

 

"I enjoy bringing viewers into the realm of being an observer in a very private moment of the artist’s creative process time,” Sofferman said.

She used her iPhone to take the photographs, saying “I like the immediacy. I always have the iPhone with me and am less likely to miss the shot. As a photographer and ceramic artist, I understand firsthand the process of being motivated by the desire to actualize an image from within.”
Sofferman added “In these photos, there’s more than just the  visual component you see. There’s everything around and behind it: the pull of the artists’ interest to be captured by their art, the obstacles they face in getting to the studio, their willingness to give themselves to the task. And now, for this exhibit, to share themselves …“Caught in the Art.” 

Sofferman added another dimension to the exhibition: viewers can read selected quotations from various 92Y artists about their creative experiences.This is the first photography exhibition for the Art Center lobby.

 

“We are grateful to Deborah for capturing the creative spirit found in the 92Y Art Center’s studios," said Emily Coyne, manager of the 92Y Art Center. "This exhibition allows us to share the joy of art-making found in all of our studios. Our student artists and designers find their voice, passion, and mastery of skill in our studios. The dialogue students create with their artwork, instructors, and fellow students greatly enrich their lives outside of the studio.”

All photographs from “Captured in the Art” will be available for sale. Sofferman will donate the proceeds to the 92Y Art Center program.

 

“I’d like to thank the 92Y, especially the Art Center, for their support, enthusiasm and vision," she said. "And I’m immensely grateful to shine a light on these wonderful artists who freely allowed me to witness their process.”

This exhibition continues Sofferman’s ongoing docu-series titled @PeopleLookingAt which can be viewed on Instagram and her website https://PeopleLookingAt.com
Sofferman is the wife of Dr. Bruce Sofferman of Smile Dental Center in Shelton.

 

Valley Arts Council Grand Opening

Valley Gallery to Host Local High Schools' Artwork

Veterans' Artwork on Display at Valley Gallery

Soupstock Music & Arts Festival Announces its 2017 Music Lineup

SHELTON- Soupstock Music & Arts Festival proudly announces its 2017 music lineup bringing together national and local touring acts and exciting newcomers to the stage. The Festival once again invites area residents of all ages to come and experience an arts, music and culinary experience like no other.

The annual event will take place over two days on Saturday June 10^th and Sunday June 11^th at Veteran’s Park in Shelton.

Directors Nicole Heriot-Mikula, Joe Mango and Derek Signore unveil a lineup that follows the contour of previous festivals celebrating the best in local talent to match national acts otherwise reserved for ticketed events. New for 2017, Ska and Reggae Legends The Skatalites and Electrofunk powerhouse Particle co-headline the main stage with newcomers Sophistafunk and American Idol’s Elise Testone. Also returning is favorite Ryan Montbleau with his new ensemble, Yes, Darling featuring Hayley Jane.  Also sharing top billing are local mainstays, The Alpaca Gnomes and Bella’s Bartok, both returning to this year’s festival.

Established in 2010, Soupstock Music & Arts Festival has grown organically into one of Connecticut’s leading independent arts and music events. The festival has earned its reputation by attracting premier talent across all mediums to provide a landscape meant to please all the senses.

The festival’s mixture of arts, cuisine and culture means there is something for everyone. Our Vendor Village will have over 30 handmade artisans and non-profit organizations and the Kids Zone will be better than ever, providing a safe interactive environment for children of all ages with two major highlights this year: One World Puppetry and Creation Song Project. Our Annual Pro/Am Soup& Chili Cook-Off round out the event to make it extra delicious!

Proceeds will benefit the Mary A. Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund, furthering Art, Craft and Music Education for children and young adults.

For more information and to purchase tickets,  visit: www.soupstockfestival.org or join us on:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/soupsstockfestival

 

New Music Education/Healing Arts Center Opens in Valley

SHELTON - A new business called SoulSong recently opened its doors at 163 Leavenworth Road in Shelton. 

 

Owner, Suzanne Vick, defines SoulSong as a Music Education and Healing Arts Center. Her

vision is to create an open, supportive community where people can come together for creative

expression, guidance and healing one-on-one from Suzanne and also from each other.

 

This beautiful space has two private session rooms for music lessons and Reiki/energy healing,

as well as an open, spacious waiting room that will double as an area for group sessions which

will include a songwriter circle, sound healing events and a monthly Saturday seminar series

starting on March 18, 2017 with certified Holistic health & nutrition counselor, Sharon See.

 

Suzanne Vick is a music instructor, songwriter, professional performer, certified Reiki Master

Teacher (RMT) and mentor. She has taught voice and vocal performance for over twelve years

and worked with countless individuals, groups, bands and choirs, enabling them to achieve new

levels of confidence and excitement about singing and performing.

 

After teaching and developing a solid clientele at RVP Studios in West Haven for 11 years,

Suzanne started her own teaching practice and expanded her services to include Reiki/energy

healing and mentoring in 2015. With SoulSong, Suzanne sees her dream of creating a safe,

open space for education, expression and healing become reality. She believes what the world

needs most now is healing and is deeply grateful to be able to provide personal growth and

expression through her music and healing services.

 

An Open House Celebration is planned for Saturday, February 25, 2017 from 2-6pm. The public is

welcome. Please visit SoulSongCT.com for more information. 

 

(This is a press release from Suzanne Vick)

 

Today is Open House Day

There are lots of interesting places to visit throughout the state today!

Here in the Valley there will be open houses at the Derby Historical Society's Gen. David Humphreys House in Ansonia and the Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby.

Check out this site for more information. 

Valley students' talents celebrated

ANSONIA - It's safe to say the first Valley Celebration of the Arts Thursday at Ansonia High School was a huge success.

My husband, daughter, and I were impressed with the creativity and skill demonstrated by the musicians and artists from six Valley high schools as well as Ansonia's culinary students who prepared and served a variety of delicious hors d'oeuvres.

Alexis Kelliher, a student at Woodland High School in Beacon Falls, painted this eye-catching  ram's head.

Oxford High School student Eric Stephens created this pop art piece.


Congratulations to all of the students and teachers involved. I'm looking forward to attending next year's event!

Artist creates mural at Ansonia Middle School

A new mural is now adorning a wall in the lobby of Ansonia Middle School. On Monday Thomaston artist Sherrie Fitzpatrick put the finishing touches on her work. Stay tuned for a story in the New Haven Register.

Artist to teach drawing at Derby Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites young adults ages 12 to 17 to a four-session Drawing in Charcoal Series from 4-5:30 p.m.Thursdays, May 1, 8, 15, and 22.

Valley Arts Council President Richard DiCarlo guides participants in developing their inner artist.

Registration is requested. 

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Derby Public Library to host painting workshop

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites young adults ages 12 to 17 to a four-session Freestyle Painting Workshop from 4-5:30 p.m. Thursdays in March.
 
Valley Arts Council President Richard DiCarlo guides participants in nurturing their inner artist.
Registration is requested.

For more information, stop by the Library at
313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Art's the thing at Derby Senior Center

Oxford resident Dolores Rose works on an oil painting Monday at the Derby Senior Center. She is using a photograph as inspiration. A group of members meets Monday mornings to paint together.

Learn to work with clay at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites young adults ages 12 to 17 to a two-session Working with Clay Workshop, from 4-5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 12.

Local artist and Valley Arts Council President Richard DiCarlo guides participants first through ornament sculpting, followed by the painting of the holiday-themed sculptures.

Registration is requested.

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


This is a press release from Derby Public Library.

Ansonia Nature Center slates eco art program

ANSONIA - Join staff and volunteers at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center at 2 p.m. next Saturday (Nov. 9) for an afternoon of hands-on, pre-holiday activities.

The program will highlight Connecticut Recycles Day, Nov. 15.

Participants in this free program will have an opportunity to create beautiful, useful, musical or whimsical art objects from discarded materials.

The purpose of this national recycling awareness day is to increase participation in local recycling programs, and to raise awareness about the positive impact of recycling on reducing global warming.

Registration requested; call 203-736-1053.

The center is at 10 Deerfield Road.


This post is taken from a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Arts council readies Thursday opening at Derby restaurant

Marco Pizzeria & Restaurant in Derby has joined with the Valley Arts Council to host 'Delicious!' a food-inspired art exhibit.
The opening reception - featuring pizza - will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday. The event is free and open to the public.

About 40 works will be on display, from paintings to photography and sculpture.

The restaurant is tucked into the far corner of the Walmart Plaza, 656 New Haven Ave.

Shelton artist exhibits work; reception Friday

An opening reception will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday at Framemakers Picture Framing and Art Gallery, 3004 Fairfield Ave.,  in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport.

'In Plein View' is about seeing what is always before us and divining the extraordinary within the ordinary. These new works will be on exhibit at Framemakers through the month of September.
 
Hours are 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and evenings by appointment.

For information call 203-388-0332.

This is a press release from Jill Nichols. 

Derby Neck Library slates fun activities for kids

Music, movies, and more planned in August

Art on wheels 

DERBY - At 10 a.m. Aug. 6 and again at 10:30 a.m. the Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave. will be visited by the Art Truck.  

A full art studio on wheels will be available for children to be creative. 

The program is recommended for ages 3 and older. Reserve a space; seating is limited.

Movie for teens

At 5:30 p.m. Aug. 6 the Library hosts Teen Movie Night. 

Play a game of I-Spy and win a prize.  This month’s feature film is "The Host."

Free refreshments will be served.  All teens and 'tweens are invited.

Music and movement

Miss Kathi presents Bedtime Music and Movement at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 7.

Wear pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal to sing and dance along. This is a fun event for young children.  

Read to therapy dog

From 3-4 p.m. Aug. 11 children are invited to read to Grant, a therapy dog. 

This free program is BARK (Be a Reading Kid). The reading sessions are 15 minutes. 

Registration requested.

Learn origami

From 1-2 p.m. Aug. 12 have fun with Origami for Kids. Learn the Japanese art of paper-folding and take home your free creations. 

This program is best suited to children ages 4 and older.  

Summer songs

At 10 a.m. Aug. 13 and again at 10:30 a.m. Deirdre Murtha brings summer songs to the Library.

This is a fun event for babies and toddlers as they interact using their own small musical instruments and scarves.

Beach party

At 3:30 p.m. Aug. 14, the Library celebrates summer reading with a Beach Party. 

All children are invited to come enjoy our garden, filled with kiddie pools and sprinklers.

Mr. Bungles will perform with his giant 10-foot bubbles and all will make their own fun bubbles.  Wear a swim suit and bring a towel.  

For more information or to register for any of these programs, call the library, 203-734-1492.

This post is taken from a press release from Pat Sweeney, reference and cataloging, Derby Neck Library. 

Learn to create a collage at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites young adults ages 12 to 17 to an art class taught by staff of The Giggling Pig in Shelton, 1:30-3 p.m. Aug. 1.

Participants will use provided materials to create unique collages. 

This program is part of the Derby Public Library's 2013 “Beneath the Surface” Summer Reading Club. 

Space is limited; registration is required. For information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

This is a press release from Derby Public Library.