It's not business as usual this fall for the Hotchkiss Dramatic Association (HDA). An extra production has been wedged into their already full theatrical lineup in order to recognize the 10-year anniversary of Matthew Shepard's brutal death in Laramie, WY. Shepard was an openly gay university student who was lured to an isolated place, then beaten and strapped to a fencepost where he was left to die from his injuries and exposure to the cold Wyoming night. The incident sparked outrage across the nation and raised awareness concerning hate crimes legislation and issues facing gays and lesbians.

Director and Hotchkiss Theatre Set Design instructor Allen Babcock traveled to Wyoming to conduct a personal tour that has helped inspire him in the casting and set design of the full production of “The Laramie Project” which was written by Moises Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project. The play draws on interviews conducted by the theatre company with townspeople in Laramie and many other sources. The play is divided into three acts, and eight actors portray more than 60 characters in a short series of scenes.

A private, all-school assembly has been planned for Friday, Oct. 10, at 7:15 p.m. for faculty, staff and students to see the Hotchkiss premiere.

Thereafter, the productions are open to everyone, and the public is encouraged to attend this emotional and thought-provoking drama. Performances are Saturday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 12, at 2:30 p.m. in the Walker Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for students and senior citizens. Call 860-435-3203 for tickets and information. The Walker Auditorium is a handicapped-accessible facility.

Saturday, October 11 at 11:00 am Tour the Bartlett’s collection of Champion trees and other unique specimens – many with fascinating historical aspects. Tours last approximately one hour and begin at the Visitor Center terrace. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are suggested. Visit www.bartlettarboretum.org or call 203-322-6971 for details.

Each artist has developed a thematic line, which is far from the descriptive style; it shows the essence and depth of beings and myths, topics and concerns of the men of all times, of universal men. They are especially interested in uncovering endless material expressions. Their purpose is to discover innovative and unusual factors which are potentially in the elements chosen for their work.

“These artists possess the faculty of making people perceive the micro-cosmos lodged in the abstract spaces of reality. It is as if they wished to look for inspiration in the text provided by nature."

 

Thirty-six artists from fifteen different countries were selected to participate in this next outstanding biennial art exhibit Latin Views 2008, which opens on September 19, at 6:00 pm at the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art at the University of Connecticut's Avery Point Campus, located in the Branford House Mansion.   The Latin Views 2008 will be an extraordinary international celebration of art that will be sure to excite and entertain any art lover.  The exhibit will cover narrative, fantasy, myths, prophesies, spectacle, and the ambiguous territory between the real and unreal.  This exhibit is an invitation to the viewer to enter, explore, and immerse himself in the imaginary world of contemporary Latin artists, which is filled with emotions and imagery. The exhibition will occupy the entire gallery creating the ideal atmosphere to showcase these impressive works of art.   The Latins Views 2008 was curated by the directors and advisors of the LNVA jointly with The Griffis Art Center Board of Trustees and overseen by Julia Pavone, Director of The Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art.  The artistic director of Latin Views 2008 is Sharon Griffis, who is also the Director of Griffis Art Center of New London CT and has extensive experience organizing exhibitions throughout Connecticut. Highlighted among the special events of this exhibition is a Panel Discussion organized by the LNVA that will be presented in association with The Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art at the Marine Science Building, University of Connecticut at Avery Point on the following day of the opening reception, September 20, 2008 at 1:30 pm. Since its inception in 2003, the Latin Views exhibits have greatly evolved and have become the leading medium offering international contemporary art to southeastern Connecticut.  The exhibit will run from September 19th to November 2nd, 2008.  The opening reception will be on Friday September 19th, from 6.00 to 8.00 pm and the panel discussion will be on September 20th at 1:30 pm.

Twenty-six talented Granby Artists invite you to their studios and homes on Saturday, October 11 and Sunday October 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The tour features an eclectic mix of art that captivates the senses: from painting, photography, and calligraphy, to sculpture, collage, glasswork, pottery and jewelry.  Many of the artists offer hands-on demonstrations that are sure to be of interest to visitors.  Exhibited work is availabe for purchase and there is no admission fee.

Granby is a picturesque town nestled in the foothills of the Berkshires and alive with autumn color in October.  Begin your tour by picking up a map at J. Valle Brunelle Fine Art and Framing, Granby Village Shops, 20 Hartford Avenue, (Route 189), in Granby, Connecticut, or at the studio locations of the featured artists. 

For further infomation, call (860) 844-8384 or visit our website at www.granbyartists.org.  The tour will be held rain or shine.

The association is grateful to the Greater Hartford Arts Council for their generous support of the event through a Neighborhood Arts and Heritage grant.

The Weston Volunteer Fire Department invites you to its annual Open House – Saturday October 11^th from 10 am until 2 pm at the Norfield Station, 52 Norfield Road, Weston.

 The Open House will feature a Fire Safety Trailer; the Fairfield County Hazardous Incident Response Team Apparatus; the Connecticut Child Identification Program; a “smoke house;” and a jaws-of-life demonstration, as well as a display of the Department’s Fire, EMS and Rescue vehicles, including the brand new “Engine 3” and the 1934 “Old Mack.”  

For over 75 years, the Weston Volunteer Fire Department has been 100% volunteer and the sole provider of fire and rescue services in Weston.  That’s why they are “Your Neighbors.  On Call 24/7.”

Westport Arts Center presents:

Optomism

Sept. 26 - Nov. 30

An exhibition examining the role of art as a form of political activism. Open to the public.

Gallery Talkback: Wed, Nov. 12, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

WAC Main Gallery

For more information, contact WAC at 203-222-7070, www.westportartscenter.org, or visit the gallery, M-F 10-4; Sat/Sun 12-4 at 51 Riverside Ave., Westport.

Stamford Theatre Works presents Defiance by John Patrick Shanley

Directed by Patricia R. Floyd

Jan. 28 - Feb. 15

Set in 1971 in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, two U.S. Marine officers, one black and one white, are on a collision course over power, responsibility, and an affair with an enlisted man's wife. Performances on Tuesdays though Saturdays at 8 p.m.; matinees Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.; first Sunday and first Tuesday at 7 p.m. Tickets $25 to $43.

Stamford Theatre Works, 200 Strawberry Hill Ave. (campus of Sacred Heart Academy), Stamford.
www.stamfordtheatreworks.org / Box office: 203-359-4414

October 7 - 25 and October 30 - November 1

Westport Country Playhouse stages "Of Mice and Men," a classic drama by John Steinbeck. Tony Award-winning designer Michael Yeargen will be scenic designer, with the legendary Jane Greenwood as costume designer. $30 - $65. For more information and tickets, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or for out-of-town callers toll-free at 888-927-7529, or visit the box office at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, in Westport, CT. Information about the Playhouse is also available at www.westportplayhouse.org.