Multi-vendor night...come do some early holiday shopping or just have a fun night out!  Vendors will be bringing a variety of goods, including candles, pocketbooks, flower arrangements, crafts, jewlery and more.  Located at Suffield Co-operative Preschool, 81 High Street, Suffield, CT, 06078 (located inside First Congreagational Church).  Many raffle items too!

Free admission!

The Gallery at Lighthouse, Groton is proud to announce the opening of a show of paintings by local artists Gray Park and Guido Garaycochea. Gray is inspired by the changing scenery of Barn Island in Stonington and the surrounding marshes of Connecticut and Rhode Island. The majority of his paintings are done en plein air, where Gray strives to capture the essence of the changing relationship between land and sea. In Guido's paintings, he endeavors to express his own vision of reality. It is not a tangible reality, but one that evokes a particular magic in each human being, one in constant conflict.  His visual aesthetic proposition symbolizes the passing of time in an ethereal atmosphere. Forces constantly fight to meet their point of equilibrium to find the inner, always hidden, other face of the human being that is in a no-time reality.  He tries to create a universality of expression that allows perhaps for the present to meet the future. The Gallery at Lighthouse, Groton is located at 744 Long Hill Road, Groton Shopping Plaza, Groton, CT. 06340.  The Gallery is open Mon - Fri 12 - 5 pm and Sat 12 - 6 pm

On Friday, November 14th, New Haven's Firehouse 12 will present New York flautist/composer Jamie Baum and her longstanding septet as part of the venue's ongoing 2008 Fall Jazz Series.  This decade-old ensemble, featuring Shane Endsley (trumpet and flugelhorn), Doug Yates (alto saxophone and bass clarinet), Chris Komer (French horn), Aaron Goldberg (piano), Johannes Weidenmueller (bass) and Jeff Hirshfield (drums), is on the road celebrating its most recent release, Solace (Sunnyside).  The disc, Ms. Baum's fourth as a leader and second with this band, features ten of her original compositions, including a tribute to pianist Kenny Wheeler and a four-part commissioned suite inspired by composer Charles Ives.

"Embroidered with poignant melodies, elegant counter-lines, lush harmonies and shifting rhythms," writes AllAboutJazz-New York reviewer Sean Patrick Fitzell, "Solace deftly melds formal elements of modern classical with broad improvisation."  Critics have described the music as "both beautiful and poignant" (Ralph A. Miriello, Jazz.com), "endlessly imaginative and ingratiating" (Scott Albin, JazzTimes) and "a welcome take on that ongoing wrestling match between composition and improvisation" (John Ephland, DownBeat).  Time Out New York adds, "Her long-running ensemble negotiates intricate charts, including a Charles Ives–inspired suite commissioned by Chamber Music America, with exuberance and ease."

A native of Fairfield, Connecticut, Ms. Baum has spent the past two decades working in New York with a long list of noteworthy collaborators that includes John Abercrombie, Randy Brecker, Dave Douglas, Mick Goodrick, Fred Hersch, Paul Motian, George Russell and Kenny Werner.  She has also performed at major jazz clubs, festivals and conferences all around the world, including multiple tours as a U.S. Jazz Ambassador, and received commissions from organizations such as Doris Duke/Chamber Music America and Meet the Composer.  Critics have recognized her work as a jazz flautist with multiple nominations in both the annual DownBeat Critics Poll and the Jazz Journalist Association Awards, and her previous release, Moving Forward, Standing Still (OmniTone), was featured in best-of-the-year lists in numerous prominent publications. 

Westport Country Playhouse presents "Duncan Sheik and Friends in Concert." Tony Award-winner and Grammy nominated singer-songwriter/composer Duncan Sheik performs selections from his hit musical "Spring Awakening," (winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical), along with captivating original materials in a concert that is sure to rock the Playhouse rafters. $30, $40, $50. For more information and tickets, call the box office at 203-337-4177, or for out-of-town callers, call toll-free at 888-927-7529, or visit the box office at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Information is also available at www.westportplayhouse.org.

Westport Arts Center presents:
Not All Rubber Ducks Look Alike

Thurs., Oct. 30 - Sunday, Nov. 30

Studio Party: Thurs., Oct. 30, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Studio Gallery

Lucy Sander Sceery's whimsical, charming take on rubber ducks.

Open to the public.

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

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.

Six-Day November Event to Feature Affordable Prix Frixe Menus at Participating Fine Restaurants Throughout the City.

From Nov. 9 - 14, New Haven will host its first New Haven Restaurant Week featuring prix fixe lunch ($16.38, representing the year the city was founded) and dinner menus ($29) at participating restaurants. Gaining momentum as a "foodie" destination, New Haven is home to over 100 restaurants including 18 independent and award-winning restaurants, which will participate in the premiere event.

For a complete list of participating restaurants and additional details regarding New Haven Restaurant Week, visit www.infonewhaven.com/restaurantweek. Advance reservations are recommended.

Artistry on the Shoreline Holiday Sale

October 20 - January 11, 2009

Visit our website at www.guilfordartcenter.org.

Now through Dec. 14 -

Holidaze: The Real Story of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas

Special exhibit at the Henry Whitfield State Museum

Learn why the Puritans did not celebrate Christmas, the myths behind the First Thanksgiving, and how All Hallow's Eve became a night of costumes and candy. The exhibit is available for viewing during regular museum hours and is included with museum admission.

Woodbury painter Matt Wood returns to nature’s essence
in “Pentimento” exhibition at Good News Cafe & Gallery

Woodbury artist Matt Wood returns to the essence of the subjects he paints from the natural world in his new exhibition titled “Pentimento,” showing through Jan. 5, 2009, at the Good News Cafe and Gallery, 694 Main Street South, Woodbury.

A native of southern California, Wood began his artistic odyssey with painting studies at the University of Iowa influenced by the work of Mauricio Lasansky. Wood notes that his own Polish and Russian heritage, and his marriage to Polish native Joanna Czaderna, have established a natural affinity for Lasansky’s passionate approach to the creative process that seeks to use art as a means to raise personal awareness.

Good News Cafe & Gallery is open from 11:30 am to 10 pm daily; closed Tuesdays.
 

The Connecticut Plein Air Painters Society presents its annual members exhibition at Hartford Fine Art, 80 Pitkin Street, East Hartford, beginning with the opening reception and awards presentation on Friday November 7, 2008 from 6-8 pm. This year's juror is David Dunlop, well-known to CPTV viewers for his thirteen-episode series Landscapes Through Time With David Dunlop, which debuted this year to rave reviews. His careful selection of 72 works in oil, watercolor, pastel and acrylic makes this the most exciting show ever for this talented group of artists. The public is cordially invited to the opening reception to share insights and a glass of wine with many member artists. All works will be for sale and a drawing will be held for one lucky guest to win an original painting by a member artist. The exhibit will continue through January 31, 2009. Please go to www.hartfordfineart.com for gallery hours and directions.

In conjunction with the annual exhibit, the Gallery will host a series of artist demonstrations and panel discussions on selected Saturdays in November and December, including a hands-on demo by David Dunlop himself on December 6 from 11-1. This is an opportunity for artists and art lovers alike to gain insights from several artists into the painting process. For a complete schedule of events, please go to www.cpaps.org.

Festival of Trees for the Cancer House of Hope

at Shaker Farms Country Club

866 Shaker Raod

Westfield, MA 01085

Free Sneak Preview Nov. 13th 400PM-7:00PM

Nov. 14th 10:00AM-6:00PM

Nov.15th 10:00AM-6:00PM

Wine Tasting & Festivities

Nov. 15th 6:00PM-9:00PM

Winners announced Nov. 15th 8:30PM

Lizze Swan, founder of the award-winning group Swingset Mamas, returns to the Stamford Museum & Nature Center on Friday, Nov. 14, for a special animal-themed sing-along from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Bendel Mansion (main building).

Participants are encouraged to don their pajamas and bring along a favorite "pet" - of the stuffed toy variety - and join in on the fun.

Ms. Swan will lead the sing-along with some Swingset Mama favorites like "Kelly Gemelli," a song about a local dog who get herself into a very sticky situation with some peanut butter and jelly. There will be plenty of room to dance and sing along with Ms. Swan and your favorite stuffed pet.

Come early and check out our latest exhibition, Pets in America. Don't forget to stop by Children's Corner to share stories and pictures of your favorite pet.

Pre-registration is required. Space is limited to 75 participants and is on first come, first serve basis. Members: $5 per person, Non-members: $8. To register, call 203.322.1646, ext. 6521. The program is appropriate for children 3 and older.

Swingset Mamas have recently added several awards to their repetoire, including the 2008 Parents Choice Award for Outstanding DVD, the 2008 iParenting Media Award, and 2008 Best of the Gold Coast Award for Best Romper Rock.

So you think you know the whole story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his late partner, Jacob Marley?  Then you haven’t seen Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, playing November 14 through December 13 at Hole in the Wall Theater in New Britain. 

In Tom Mula's funny, irreverent spin on the Christmas classic, Jacob Marley sets out to redeem Ebenezer Scrooge's soul and, in the process, save his own.  Accompanied by a jaunty Hell-sprite called a “Bogle,” Marley embarks on a journey filled with laughter, terror, the power of redemption, and the promise of second chances.  Four actors play multiple roles in this highly theatrical holiday entertainment.  Dennis Hull directs. 

Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol runs Fridays and Saturdays, November 14 through December 13, at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays, November 23 and December 7, at 2:00 p.m. at Hole in the Wall Theater, 116 Main Street, New Britain.  Admission is a $20.00 suggested donation.  Seating is limited, so please call (860) 229-3049 for reservations.  For more information, visit www.hitw.org.

Jennifer Jane Gallery has organized an art exposition with a cooperative of local artists in New Haven.

The best place around this holiday season to buy handmade, original gifts.

Original photography, paintings, stained glass, giclees, watercolors, jewlery, etc.

Located at ArLoW

838 Whalley Ave.

The Westville Arts District

New Haven, CT 06515

Hours: Wed - Sat, 12 - 6 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

www.GroupX20.com

ART@jenniferjanegallery.com