Newest Artist-In-Residence on the New England Trail performs free show Wednesday

The Connecticut Forest & Park Association’s latest New England Trail Artist-in-Residence, Ben Cosgrove, will perform and talk about his upcoming residency Wednesday night at the Wesleyan University science center. Ben composes and performs music inspired by New England landscapes, and will spend the next 12 months writing and performing music inspired by the New England Trail (NET). 

The New England Trail, from Long Island Sound
to Mount Monadnock. Plenty of parking!
(Click to embiggen.)

The New England Trail runs 215 miles from the Guilford shore to the Massachusetts/New Hampshire Border, ("from the Sound to the Summits"), and in 2009 became one of just eleven federally-designated national scenic trails. It's comprised primarily of the historic Mattabesett, Metacomet, and Monadnock Trail systems and passes through 42 communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts, including Middletown.

The New England Trail Artist-in-Residence program is a project of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, the Appalachian Mountain Club and the National Park Service. The artists help to create and deepen people's connections to the land, particularly the shared resource of the New England Trail. Past artists include poet David K. Leff, and photographers Xiomaro and Barbara Bosworth.

Ben performs regularly all over the country, writes scores for films, plays, radio, and television, and has produced several well-received albums of original instrumental work. He says the strongest forces guiding his compositions are his deep interests in landscape, place, and ecology.   

Wednesday's event is co-sponsored by Wesleyan University’s Earth & Environmental Science Department. Further details here on CFPA's web site.

When: Wednesday, September 27, 2017 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm  

Where: Exley Science Ctr. Lobby (Lawn Ave. side) 265 Church St.  (Parking may be available at Lot D on Lawn Avenue.)   RSVP: RSVP recommended Price: FREE

Video: title track to Ben's album "Salt"

Great Make Believe Society Welcomes New Year with First Show of the Year

The Great Make Believe Society is proud to host our monthly improv show full of spontaneity and light-hearted fun! Join us for a night of laughs you will feel in your gut the next morning.

Special Guests: One Night Stand - this group was formed by Ellen Ornato to perform one-time at a fundraiser for the Mt Laurel Ski Club in late January. Come support Ellen Ornato, Jenny Drescher, Nate Gagnon, Karyn Burns and Christopher Polack as they perform together for the first time as One Night Stand.

The Great Make Believe Society is Ashley Hamel, Joseph Hart, Ben Lewis, Kate Samberg, Katie Perzanowski, Christopher Polack, Christopher Dube, Nate Gagnon, and Brian Quagan.

When: Sunday, January 5th. 7:00pm
Where: The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts & Cultural Center
605 Main Street, Middletown, CT
Cost: $5 donation to TBT


Parking: Unmetered parking on Main Street, at It's Only Natural Market and at municipal lot one block south of The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts & Cultural Center.

"First Thursdays" Start in Middletown's "NoRA" Neighborhood

Click pics to enlarge

With the slogan "It's All Good In the Hood", three businesses on the very north end of Main Street are inviting everyone to "come hang out in the neighborhood."

Last night, Eli Cannon's Tap Room, NoRA Cupcake Company, and Krust Pizza Bar kicked off what they expect to be a monthly event.  So far, so good.

"We started planning this a week ago, and it just blew up on social media" said Carrie Carella, owner of the wildly successful cupcakery.

"NoRA"--meaning north of Rapallo Avenue--was coined by Eli's owner Phil Oullette to help promote the district.  Combining food and drink specials, along with a "pop-up market" at the cupcake shop, all three businesses were hopping last night.  Eli's and Krust offered an "East Coast vs. West Coast" tap takeover, with Eli's featuring Sierra Nevada beers and barley wine from the left coast, and Krust throwing down with Brooklyn Brewery.  Carella has developed connections with a variety of businesses and artisans at various farmer's markets where her cupcake truck is a regular feature.  They offered jewelry, tea, beauty products, hand printed goods and more while a DJ spun beats.

Rory Gale of Hartford Prints said "I feel like Hartford and Middletown need to be more connected.  There's the same level of vibrancy, so much going on here."

Eli's was doing it's usual brisk business, and Krust was stuffed.  Probably a good thing they're expanding into the space next door.

Carella said next month she hopes to include even more of the neighborhood in the planning.  There may be a theme of all-Connecticut produced food, beer and goods, but nothing's decided yet.

Former Patch Editor To Helm Middletown Press

Cassandra Day learned on January 29th that she was out of work -- via conference call.

Patch.com was throwing in the towel.  The system of local news websites, formerly owned by AOL, has been lopping off staff.  For three years, Day had virtually single-handedly made the Middletown Patch one of the more successful sites, and she survived several rounds of closures and layoffs.  But not this time.

Despite the current bleak job prospects for journalists, Day, a Middletown resident, did have something to look forward to.

For the past two years she has been chronicling bits and pieces of the city she loves via her Instagram feed.  A collection of her photos are appropriately enough being featured as part of Klekolo World Coffee's rotating artwork, and Thursday night was the opening celebration.

Day, and her friends and supporters, had a bit more to celebrate than they planned.  Thursday afternoon, The Middletown Press announced via Facebook that Day had been named managing editor, starting February 24th.

"I'm thrilled to be covering my old stomping grounds" Day said.  Not surprisingly, considering Day's work for the past three years, The Press has asked her to focus on their online operations.

It's a familiar work environment for her.  Day was the features editor for the Press for 13 years.

Meanwhile, her photographs will be on display at Klekolo until the end of the month.  The collection includes "sidewalk grates, survey markers, fire sprinkler covers, oxidized meters, weathered signs, ramshackle barns — corroded and dilapidated yet ordinary things we pass every day without consideration." Day framed them herself, and yes, they are available for purchase.

Fall Classes Starting at Connecticut's Best Children's Theater

Oddfellows Playhouse Fall 2013 Theater classes start Oct 14th!. 

The Fall Session runs for 8 weeks, with programs beginning the week of October 14 and concluding the week of December 9.  There are no classes held the week of Thanksgiving.

Creating Something Out of Nothing

The following is the opinion Matt Pugliese, Executive Director at Oddfellows Playhouse

There are many skills and benefits that children receive from involvement at Oddfellows Playhouse and in theater arts programs.  Creativity and imagination are some of the first benefits people list when talking about the value of a theater arts education and experiences.

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to appear on WNPR’s Where We Live with John Dankosky to discuss the topic of creativity.  The discussion between panelists Constanza Gowen-Segovia (CO LAB), Louise Loomis, Ed.D (Thinkwell Center) and the Watkinson School Creative Arts Program students has really stuck with me. (Listen here) It was a broad, wide ranging discussion and we only began to touch the subject of creativity.

I have been thinking a great deal about creativity in the wake of our conversation, and how to re-frame what it is that we do at Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater. In particular, I’ve been considering the way society values creativity.  It is very much in the forefront  of our current economic environment to talk about the new economy, and the importance of innovation.  "Innovate" is simply another way of saying "create".  So, if we are going to prepare our young people to be innovative, we need to build their creativity. 

Creativity is something that you need to practice.  As with any skill, one needs to work to develop and refine creativity.  That is one of the  benefits of continued involvement at Oddfellows Playhouse and in theater.  It is an opportunity for a young person to have their creativity exercised.  Just as students go to sports and music practices, creativity and imagination need to be exercised and pushed to the limit. 

All of the “creating” that goes on in each rehearsal comes with other benefits as well.  Students become quick thinkers, they improvise and they learn to work through scenarios in advance and feel prepared when something unexpected happens.  This helps them learn to handle the anxiety that comes along with so many aspects of life—such as a school project, a business presentation, speaking in front of colleagues or sharing an original idea. 

Oddfellows’ spring session begins the week of April 1, and is full of opportunities for children ages 3-18 to exercise their creativity.  The youngest students in Pre-K, Kindergarten and Grade 1 have classes that are designed to get them used to using their creativity and sharing it with their peers.  Think of it like riding a tricycle, then a bicycle with training wheels.  Students in Story Starters (grades 2-3) can create a Mini-Production based on the West African folktale of Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters.  Not only are they creating characters and story, but they are considering a “Cinderella” tale from a different cultural point of view.   The Kids Company (grades 4-5) can explore Fundamentals of Musical Theater and Comedy and Improv.  Junior Rep (grades 6-8) can give their imaginations a serious workout with How To Deliver a Monologue and Intro to Playwrighting.  Our Teen Rep (grades 9-12) also has an opportunity to discover their unique voice with Intro to Playwrighting and Intro to Directing classes.  Complete class descriptions and information can be found at www.oddfellows.org .  Registration is available online or by calling 860-347-6143. 

Art For Haiti on display through this month features many Middletown Artists

Have you ever been in Eli Canon's Tap Room and thought, “Who makes all these funky looking flyers? What is up with this menu – did someone write this by hand or is this an actual font?” Have you ever thought, isn't there some place in Middletown I can go to see sunsets that look like the ones in the movies, the sunsets that people post pictures of on Facebook after returning from a trip to Florida or the Caribbean?” 

The answers to these questions and more might dawn on you at the Art for Haiti exhibit currently on display at Hartford ArtSpace Gallery on Asylum Street. The opening reception was this past Saturday night and the gallery was packed with a Middletown crowd including WESU FM radio station manager Ben Michael at the DJ table, Bum with Broom Fred Carroll, and a fabulous and delicious display by Nora Cupcake Company. The art on display showcases many different media and styles and includes the work of many Middletown residents.

Click here to see details about the artists and exhibit. This web page was created for the opening reception, which already happened, but the art will be on display throughout January. More information about the location is also available at http://www.artspacect.com/

Pictured at right: Middletown artists Pierre Sylvain and David Bauer. David's photography can be seen in the background. On the post to the right of Pierre's face there's a glimpse of a sign written by Phil Ouelette, the owner of Eli Canon's, who lent his distinctive penmanship to all the signs throughout the gallery describing the artwork. In the description he wrote for his own work, Phil noted that he does not consider himself to be an artist. His sculpture-collage-tower is on display so you can decide for yourself. 

The Buttonwood Tree Celebrates Woody Guthrie's 100th Birthday - GREAT weekend events coming your way!

Stop in at The Buttonwood Tree to take part in some (or all!) of the great events going on this weekend.  Visit our website or call at 860-347-4957 for more information.

Woody Sed
Friday October 26th 8-10 pm $15
& Saturday October 27th 4-6 pm  $15   ** SPECIAL MATINEE PERFORMANCE **
Reservations suggested - See "Woody Sed" online at www.buttonwood.org 

Come and enjoy a one-man play performed by Thomas Jones portraying the life, times and music of the great American folk hero, Woody Guthrie.

The play was born out of “the sheer astonishment” actor and musician Thomas Jones experienced learning about Woody Guthrie’s life — and its relevance to the world we live in today.
Woody Sed is loaded with songs, well known and obscure, with each song framed in a theatrical context. Woody Sed is a memory play, drawn in Woody’s own words with 19 songs and 25 colorful characters, interpreted and brought to life by Thomas Jones.

This is a special on the life, politics and music of Woody Guthrie, the “Dust Bowl Troubadour.” Born a hundred years ago on July 14, 1912, in Oklahoma, Guthrie wrote hundreds of folk songs and became a major influence on countless musicians, including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Seeger and Phil Ochs. While Guthrie is best remembered as a musician, he also had a deeply political side, speaking out for labor and civil rights at the height of McCarthyism.

Community Yoga
Saturday October 27th 8:30-9:45 am FREE

Ideal for Beginner and Intermediate

Guided by Yoga Instructor, Terri Johnson, RYT- Terri brings a deep understanding of the yoga experience to her classes. She will be teaching a unique and varied Vinyasa Flow style as it allows her to unify her appreciation of the benefits of the different types of yoga.

Classes are every Saturday in October

"Aligned with Source" Workshop for Empowerment
Saturday October 27th      10:30 am- 12:00 pm    $5 suggested donation
This week's topic: Your Buttons; Are They Being Pushed?     

In these inter-active workshops, Annaita shares her deep understanding of life, holism and spirituality enabling you to rise above life’s challenges, live a healthy, fulfilled & confident life.
You will explore simple concepts of living in awareness that: open you up to the wonders of life; discover who you are; let go of fear and all that keeps you stuck.

Workshops are every Saturday; no workshop Nov 24th.

Sirius Coyote - Halloween Special

Saturday October 27th   8-10 pm   $10 

Sirius Coyote is a multi-talented group of musicians, storytellers and instrument makers.
They  perform on over thirty different  ancient  and modern  instruments of the Americas
from their  impressive  display,  some of them hand  crafted by the  musicians themselves. Sirius Coyote will take you on a musical  journey to the  realms  of magical  sounds of  the
Americas from the oceans & tropical rainforests to the deserts & villages of the high Sierras.

On this occasion Sirius Coyote invites you to put on your fancy shoes and join in recreating the sights, sounds, smells and spirit of one of Latin America’s most important holiday, DIA DE MUERTOS. Latin America ’s Day of the Dead (November 1st and 2nd) is a festive celebration to honor the dearly departed. Unlike Halloween these spirits do not come back to haunt us, but rather to join us happily for a few hours, and warm their bones with music and friendship.


Food Not Bombs
Sunday October 28th 1 pm

Food Not Bombs shares food about 1 pm in front of the Buttonwood. Anyone is welcome. Consider yourself invited to help us prepare vegetarian food at the First Church on 190 Court Street at 11:30 am.

"Cooking For Peace and Social Justice"
www.foodnotbombs.net
FOOD FOR PEOPLE, NOT FOR PROFIT

Bookstore and Art Gallery open at 10 am  Mondays - Saturdays.  
Oct Art show:  "Who is Janine 2012?" Pastel Paintings. Exhibit runs through Oct 31.
605 Main Street. Middletown, CT            www.buttonwood.org              860-347-4957 




 

Theater Opportunities for Children of All Ages

Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater is pleased to announce its second Fall 2012 Session will begin the week of October 29.  The youth theater, which provides afterschool and weekend theatrical programming, is excited about the overhaul in program offerings and expansion of the second fall session.  Oddfellows’ programs use theatre as a vehicle to build essential life skills, while exploring highly educational and artistic themes and plays. 

Scenes from Buttonwood Open Mic

J-Cherry, host of the Anything Goes! Open Mic. If you're looking to share your talents or enjoy the ones of your neighbors, you can't go wrong to visit The Buttonwood Tree on a Monday night for the open mic. J-Cherry has kept the microphone open at The Buttonwood for over three years, offering a wonderful glimpse of the talent in Middletown. Here are a few more pictures of some of the folks who came down.

Rebecca played a beautiful song from The White Stripes. She was practicing to play it at a wedding this weekend.

Brian played two powerful songs on piano. I could go on describing all the fun at the open mic but you really ought to drop in on a Monday night and check it out for yourself.

The Art of Clean

Local artist Pierre Sylvain beautified Main Street last year with his colorfully painted recycle barrels. (read about it here).  He is once again mixing art and utility, this time by painting brooms. I asked Pierre about his motivations in this unique new endeavor.

KS – So Pierre, you're painting brooms these days?

PS – Yes that's right.

KS – Why?

PS – Because someone asked me to.

KS - If I put something else in front of you, will you paint it?

PS – Yes.

KS - Would you paint a shoe?

PS - Yes (Pierre lifts up one foot to show the painted shoe creation he's wearing).

KS – Is there anything you wouldn't paint?

PS – If the price is right, I'll paint it.

KS – Who asked you to paint a broom?

PS – Fred Carroll, the Bum with the Broom.

KS – Oh yes, I know Fred. I see him sweeping all over town. He really cleans things up! If I may be so nosy, how much did you charge him to paint his brooms?

PS – There's no charge for Fred. I want to support Bums with Broom in any way I can.

KS – Did Fred explain why he wanted a Pierre Sylvain original broom instead of just using his plain handled brooms?

PS – No, he didn't say. I guess he likes my work.

KS – And for the design of the broom, did Fred ask for a specific theme or design?

PS – When he first asked, he wanted me to put a tiger on it, but I said I couldn't fit a tiger on a broom handle.   So he said to just do anything. That's the way I like it - full creative freedom.

KS – Do you plan to continue painting brooms for Fred?

PS – I have my usual other projects going on, but yes, as long as Fred keeps sweeping and wants me to paint his brooms, I will. Fred is a very colorful character and that makes sense to have a colorful broom in his hand. He goes through a broom every week or two.

KS – What? Wow!

PS – Yeah he's a sweeping fool, that Fred.

KS – Didn't I read in Patch that Fred gave up Bums with Brooms, swearing he'd sweep no more?

PS – Yeah, I guess he did quit, but I guess he couldn't stay away.

KS – What kind of paint do you use?

PS – Acrylic.

Fred can be seen on sidewalks and corners all over Middletown providing his free cleaning service. The painted brooms provide the added function of making him more visible to drivers of cars when he's hard at work.  Pierre Sylvain's artwork has been displayed at Gallore Gallery on Washington Street and is now on display at Imperial Carribean restaurant in Cromwell, Fiore II italian restaurant on Main Street in Middletown, Nora Cupcake Company on Main Street in Middletown, Cypress Grill on Route 17 in Middletown, Giovanni Hair Design in West Hartford, and most recently installed at Tesoro on Main Street in Middletown where they can be viewed from the street. 

New Summer Programming at Oddfellows

Oddfellows Playhouse is pleased to announce its summer classes and programs for students ages 4-18.  The theater’s programs cover a lot of ground, from circus to improve and playwrighting and allow students from 4 to 18 to develop their creativity and build life skills such as public speaking, teamwork, cooperation and self-discipline.  The summer will be very busy at Oddfellows Playhouse with new programs for teens, adult workshops and a slate of children’s theater performances.

Meet the Veteran/Artist at Klekolo Friday Night

Look, someone snapped a photo of the latest photos to decorate Klekolo World Coffee's walls.

Maybe someone could take a photo of this photo of photos, and on, and on, and on forever.

But that's no way to see this art.  What you should do to see it is come out to Klekolo on Friday night, grab some fair-trade coffee, and support veterans' art.  Join the Veterans Art Foundation (a non-profit) as three local veterans showcase their photography.

There will be an opportunity to bid on art in a silent auction to benefit the foundation.  6-10pm, free admission, refreshments available for a small fee.

Here's a pretty nifty article about the foundation and the show in the Hartford Courant.

New Spring Exhibits at Middlesex Community College

The Pegasus Gallery and the Niche are spaces reserved for the exhibits of artistic and expressive creations at Middlesex. These forums promote learning and the visual

Pegasus Galleryarts through a diverse and challenging exhibition program. Solo artist and themed group exhibitions serve to support the teaching mission of the college by promoting "understanding, learning, ethics, and self-discipline by encouraging critical thinking." Middlesex's galleries are a significant cultural link between our main Middletown campus

and local communities.

Located in the Library on the first floor of Chapman Hall
Hours: Monday & Wednesday 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. when classes are in session.

In Pegasus Gallery

DANIEL MOSHER LONG, “EYE / OBJECT”

IN PEGASUS GALLERDaniel Mosher Long’s still life photographs combine domestic, utilitarian, and natural materials in unexpected ways. These color saturated images are closely cropped and appear to occupy a real rather than an illusionistic two-dimensional space. Juxtapositions of insect specimens, fine dinnerware, animal bones, flowers, fabric, vintage advertisements and antique packaging offer narratives associated with the past in as much as their time here in the present. Long received an M.A. in Photography from Purdue University and an M.A. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Connecticut. He has exhibited his work nationally and is Professor of Photography & Coordinator of the Visual Fine Arts Photography Option at Manchester Community College. See more images of his work at danielmosherlong.com.Attached Image: Transgression - No Tears For The Deerly Departed, archival pigmented ink on Hahnemuhle photo rag, edition of 15, 14 x 21"

Niche Located in the main lobby of Founders Hall

Hours: Monday -Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 6p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. when classes are in session.

TRACY WALTER FERRY

"GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS"

JANUARY 30—MARCH 2, 2012 JOINT ARTIST’S RECEPTION ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6th,

4:30-6:00 PM AT THE NICHE AND IN PEGASUS GALLERY.

The assemblages of Tracy Walter Ferry are influenced by processes of microbiological and genetic experimentation. Inspired by her work as a registered nurse, these mixed media sculptures are anatomical in nature and combine contrasting components and materials. Balloons, children's toys, baby nipples, x-rays, fabric, thread, medical and building hardware are manipulated into striking organic forms that balance the sharp, soft, fragile and resilient.Ferry received an M.F.A. from the Hartford Art School and has exhibited her work throughout the east coast. See more images of her work at tracywalterferry.com

Contacts Matthew Weber, Art Curator 860.343.5806 for more information

Vote for Your Favorite Recycled Sculpture

Vote now! It’s not too late! The City of Middletown Public Works Department is hosting its Annual Children’s Recycled Sculpture Contest and sculptures are on display in the lobby of City Hall. Votes are being taken from the public for the People’s Choice Award. Come see the sculptures and vote for your favorite!! Anyone can vote, but please vote only once. Voting will run Monday, November 21^st through Wednesday, November 23^rd and winners will be announced on Wednesday, November 30^th. The public can come in to City Hall and vote from 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sculptures are on display in public areas of the building.

For more information, contact the City Recycling Coordinator at 860-344-3526 or kim.orourke@cityofmiddletown.com.

Art of Recycling Ceremony Highlights

A ceremony marking the installation of brightly painted recycling barrels on Main Street was held this morning on the South Green. Middletown resident and artist Pierre Sylvain designed and crafted the barrels, which will help the city decrease the amount of recyclables that get thrown in the trash. The project was Sylvain's idea and was a collaborative effort between Public Works, the Commission on the Arts, and the Recycling Commission.

In talking to Pierre, it is very clear that he is not accustomed to being in the spotlight. He modestly expressed that he is very happy to be a part of this project and that he thinks it brings an exciting and useful element to Main Street. The ceremony was well attended by many members of the Common Council, the Commission on the Arts and various other city departments. Spotted in the crowd were Kim O'Rourke the City's Recycling Coordinator, and John Hall and Susan Hall of the Jonah Center for Earth and Art.

During the ceremony, Joyce Kirkpatrick, former Arts Commissioner, called Pierre Sylvain the "Steve Jobs of Middletown" for his success in combining vibrancy and design with function. She thanked him for the "love, energy, and talent" that he put into the project. Director of Public Works Billy Russo said that it's important that we start recycling downtown, and that the barrels are already getting attention and comments about how they liven the area. Common Council member Ron Klattenberg compared the recycle barrels to the sculptures that once adorned Main Street, saying that they bring back some uniqueness to Main Street that he feels was lost when the sculptures were removed.

Mayor Giuliano, who is always so strongly supportive of the arts in his words and actions, had this to say:

“As far as I'm concerned, you can turn everything into a work of art... There was a time in the world where that was the culture. No matter what it was, it had to be a work of art... Even the public works projects of the last century, they had to be more than utilitarian, they had to provide an aesthetic benefit to everybody. I don't know if we ever lost that in Middletown. I think it's something we want to continue to encourage. When we have citizens that are willing to step forward and do that they really are owed a debt of gratitude by the community.”

The entire ceremony is available to watch online, in two parts, at the following links:

Click here to see Part 1, featuring remarks by Joyce Kirkpatrick, former Chair of the Middletown Commission on the Arts, Billy Russo, Director of Public Works, and Ron Klattenberg of the Common Council.

Click here to see Part 2, featuring remarks by Mayor Sebastian Giuliano, who makes some beautiful comments about the importance of art and how art keeps Middletown great.

Hog River Revival

The Buttonwood Tree is having a very cool art show this month, and the best part will be tonight - come here the story of the river under Hartford, how it got there and why it was created!

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
7-9pm

ART SHOW RUNS JULY 6 – 31

Reception’s Music by Carles Lombardo and The Hog River Revival Band

A collection of works inspired by the first voyages through the subterranean river system under Hartford Connecticut.

On Earth there are few unshakable forces. Water is one of them. Rivers can be channeled but not clotted. As the veins of this planet, they enrich the banks of this Earth with the nutrients that make life possible. The Park River now runs 50ft beneath Hartford, CT in over nine miles of concrete conduits.

Its in man’s nature to explore the unexplored and then make it familiar. This artery of Hartford was explored, buried, and ignored. It was referred to as “Hog River” by the Dutch, and “Little River” by the Native Americans.

Today Park River is hardly referred to at all. It runs below Hartford quietly and unannounced.

Our ultimate goal isn’t to only explore The Hog River, but to revive it. It passes by daily life unbeknown to the world above, but not for long.

These findings are the products of our first four journeys into the heart of Hartford’s subterranean river way.
This body of work is our initial exploration of The Hog River.

Throughout this year, we will continue to breath life back to The Hog River as it has quietly been breathing life into our Capital City. Our mission is not yet complete, this is not the end.

This is The Hog River Revival.

http://thehogriverrevival.com/

http://palbano.com/

Buttonwood Buzz - Acoustic Sugar

It was acoustic sugar at The Buttonwood Tree last night when Becky Chace's voice hit the air! Often musicians will come up from Brooklyn, NY to play at TBT, but last night it was a fan who came up from the Island to see the duo who hails from Rhode Island. Other fans drove from Milford to tap their toes to the catchy and poetically-descriptive songs aptly performed by Brian and Becky (Becky Chace). Becky's voice is at once strong, soft and sweet. Brian's guitar playing was understated but brilliant! The many accolades and awards Becky Chace has received since they formed in 1998 are clearly well-deserved and everyone left The Buttonwood Tree quite satisfied and happy.

Eric Paradine opened the show with some of his own tender songwriting and melodic singing and added a wonderful down-home relaxed base to the night which was both subdued and sublime.

"...There's an authenticity to Chace that makes her music captivating, and in the same breath makes her difficult to categorize: she's a singer-songwriter who transcends a number of genres, pulling together common threads into solid music that commands a listeners' attention." Victor D. Infante Worcester Telegram and Gazette

Click here to see the latest Buttonwood video

Saturday night, March 12th at 8 pm Gail Wade and Turning Point Band return to TBT to offer their new release, October Moon. Reservations may be made online at www.buttonwood.org.

Join us to meet the artists for our March/April art show, "Sisters". In honor of International Women's Day, we offer art from these artists:

Kerri Powers, Elizabeth Dudas, Laura Vascek and Caroline Tagliatela. Sunday, March 13 from 3-5pm.

Quilter's Haven

Quilter's Haven is a cozy little place tucked into a corner on the south end of Highland Avenue near Route 17. It's a classroom, a social hall, and an art exhibit all rolled into one. Technique instruction, open sews, and biannual retreats are all part of the offerings there. Spirits were high when I visited a class on Saturday afternoon, where about 10 or so ladies were laughing and joking as much as they were learning how to sew gorgeous quilts and turning out their creations. The shop is owned by husband and wife team Jill and Butch. Jill is a no-nonsense kind of person, taking her work seriously, while seriously having fun. Jill has been sewing since she was 16 years old. She taught herself how to quilt because it was just something that appealed to her and she always wanted to do it. She also taught her husband Butch how to quilt too. Jill and Butch's passion for quilting continued to grow and eventually it grew into Quilter's Haven, which is now coming up on a decade in business. Jill opened Quilter's Haven because she felt that there was a need for a place in Middletown where people could come together and work on their projects and meet other people who have a common interest. Jill says she still takes classes herself sometimes, as “You can never stop learning.” She loves all aspects of quilting, “the fabric selection, picking the pattern, cutting the pieces, sewing them, quilting, then binding. The social and creative aspect of it go hand in hand; quilters are giving and friendly. We all are open to help anyone who needs a hand, be it material or other things”

Quilting has an incredibly long and rich history. The American Folk Art Museum (AFAM) in New York City has declared 2011 the Year of The Quilt.

New England Emporium Features Landscape Photographs by Jason Neely

The New England Emporium (386 Main Street) is displaying work by Jason Neely, a Middletown photographer. Neely's "New England Landscapes" series is made up of twenty photographs taken in Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut--including many from Middlesex County such as Wadsworth Falls in Middlefield and Herzig Farm in Durham.

As faithful readers of The Eye will remember, Neely's work was featured in the August 2009 issue of "National Geographic" and is also the cover of "Raditude," the 2009 release by rock band, Weezer.

Neely moved to Connecticut four years ago, he says the beautiful scenery in New England has inspired him to put together this particular series of photos. Many of them will provide an antidote to the cold and snow currently washing over us.

Neely's father was an amateur photographer who lost a long battle with melanoma in the summer of 2009, shortly after the National Geographic photo was published. A portion of all sales will go to the Middlesex Cancer Center in his memory.

More of Neely's photographs are available for viewing on his Flickr site.

More photos after the page break below.