8 Thursdays, October 2 thru November 20, 3:45 - 4:45 pm Join naturalist Todd DuPont for an eight week after-school program at the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens where students will have a chance to explore our grounds and learn about the changes that our native plants and animals go through in the autumn months.  Students will participate in plantings, science lab activities, art projects and  nature walks. Ages 5-8. 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.

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.