Immerse yourself in a world of jellies. From the outside, this new exhibit at Mystic Aquarium resembles a 20-foot-tall sea nettle floating on water. Under its dome, special lighting showcases the fascinating features of six very different jelly species, from moon jellies, often spotted in Long Island Sound, to unusual upside-down jellies and comb jellies, which look like they have electrical currents running through them. Guests can also see how moon jelly polyps are being cultured right at the aquarium. Trickling water from a two-sided water wall inside the exhibit adds to the experience. The wall, sponsored by Aquarion Water Company, features streams of water running over hand-blown glass fish and jellies created by renowned local artist Jeffery P’an of Prescient Studios in Stonington.

 The multiple and converging meanings of the phrase “passing time”—spending time, time to die—are explored in the evocative imagery of recent art by thirteen international artists working in video, photography, sculpture and works on paper.

Some artists turn to sport, some to music; some refer to nature and its rhythms to explore concepts of time—short term, long term and terminating. Others partner with time itself in their making of art.

 Imagine a box of all kinds of ornaments that come to light up the snows of February.

These 45 little images are a late-arriving Christmas gift from the contemporary print culture of Japan—from playful to reflective, from abstract to realist, from symbolic to descriptive.

 Together they are a charming and effective cure for the mid-winter blues.

  With more than 75 paintings on paper, this exhibition reveals the recent work of David Schorr, Wesleyan Professor of Art. Meticulously executed in gouache and silverpoint, the works in this series depict antique apothecary bottles, complete with mysterious labels such as Deep Dark Secrets, Sleepless Nights and Love Remembered. 

For the months of January and February IAIS is proud to present the wampum jewelry of Allen L. Hazard Sr. and Craig Spears Sr. both members  of the Narragansett Nation.  

Allen, who learned the craft from his mother and sister,  is one of the remaining few traditional Wampum bead makers within the Eastern Woodland Nations. 

His beautiful wampum jewelry is created from raw quahog shells cut, shaped and drilled into unique handcrafted pieces.

Craig, a master stone mason by trade, started working with wampum 20 years ago.

His unique ability to bring feathers, eagles and bears alive from quahog shells had placed Craig as a one of a kind wampum artist.

Mountain lions - also known as cougars, pumas, or catamounts - are huge felines who weigh about 150 pounds and have a long tail, unlike the more commonly seen bobcat. Bill Betty, a knowledgeable mountain lion speaker and advocate with more than a dozen personal sightings and close encounters with one of America’s shiest Big Cats, will present photographs and cover all aspects of mountain lion behavior, from reproduction to predation, from life span to habitation.  Learn more about mountain lions and their returning presence in Southern New England. Program starts at 1:00 pm.

Mountain lions - also known as cougars, pumas, or catamounts - are huge felines who weigh about 150 pounds and have a long tail, unlike the more commonly seen bobcat. Bill Betty, a knowledgeable mountain lion speaker and advocate with more than a dozen personal sightings and close encounters with one of America’s shiest Big Cats, will present photographs and cover all aspects of mountain lion behavior, from reproduction to predation, from life span to habitation.  Learn more about mountain lions and their returning presence in Southern New England. Program starts at 1:00 pm.

JGSCT Board members will be on hand to assist attendees with family research. 

The Society’s purpose is to preserve and disseminate Jewish genealogical knowledge with programs, a library at Godfrey, and a newsletter. 

 A exhibition by Syntax, a group of nine mixed media CT artists, is being held at the Stevens Gallery, Homer Babbidge Library, UConn Storrs. Includes displays/demos and de-construction of mixed media methods. Come meet the artists at the opening reception on Sunday, Jan 22 from 2-4 p.m. Free and open to the public. Show runs to March 2.

Experience Weird Science at Mystic Aquarium during February school vacation week. Curiosity, learning and wonder will heighten with all of the weird and wonderful demonstrations, hands-on activities and displays throughout the aquarium.

Do you know what happens when you put Ivory soap in the microwave? Come find out - it’s going to be really big!  Watch bubbles grow and burst with a burst of “smoke” as we combine water, soap and carbon dioxide. In our kids zone, there will be fun interactive tables with insta-snow and flubber. Through hands-on fun, learn how belugas use their blubber to stay warm and find out how animals see the world. Take part in a scavenger hunt and discover cool animals throughout the aquarium, including some that carry their babies in their mouths!

Daily activities are from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and are included with aquarium admission.

  Contact: Unity of Greater Hartford, 919 Ellington Rd, South Windsor, CT
 860-289-8963,
 info@unityhartford.org

 Unity of Greater Hartford continues with its two-month focus on A NEW EARTH by Eckhart Tolle.

A New Earth, the powerful, best-selling book by spiritual guide Eckhart Tolle, is the basis for a series of Sunday talks by Rev. Ed Townley, senior minister at Unity of Greater Hartford.  The lively spiritual center located at 919 Ellington Road in South Windsor are featuring the talks in its weekly Sunday service at 10:30 a.m., continuing through February 26.

Eckhart Tolle is also the author of The Power of Now, which was also a New York Times best-selling title.  A New Earth, subtitled “Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose,” explores the ways in which our limited, fear-based state of consciousness is resisting our strong spiritual call to use our innate powers to create a more loving, abundant and joyful world.  Published in 2006, it was a selection of Oprah’s Book Club, with tens of thousands of people joining in online discussions.

Upcoming talks:
 Feb 19^th- Reverend Ed Townley will incorporate the Buddhist’s Eight Fold Path with the ideas from A New Earth.

Feb 26^th-The 12 Step Program and A New Earth will be compared by Rev. Ed Townley.

In addition to the Sunday talks, Unity of Greater Hartford is sponsoring a number of small group discussions, meeting weekly in private homes to continue the conversation.  Information is available at the group website, www.unityhartford.org, or by calling 860-289-8963.

Louise Harrison, sister of George Harrison, presents the Liverpool Legends live in concert to benefit the Middletown Music Department. Louise developed a program called "Help Keep Music Alive" in honor of her late brother, George Harrison. The Liverpool Legends headlines in Branson, Mo 5 nights a week (seasonally) and tours the country off season providing music departments with this unique wat to rasie money for much needed music education funding.

Guilford Art Center's Faculty Exhibition features works in all media by artists who have taught at the Center during the past two years: paintings, sculpture, pottery, weaving, jewelry, mixed media and more. Admission is free; hours are Monday through Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 12-4pm.

Storms. Slavery. Romance. Redemption. Prepare to be swept away by this epic musical saga about John Newton, a rebellious slave trader, and the woman who never lost faith in him.

While fighting the raging seas and his own despair, Newton’s life is suddenly transformed -- igniting a quest to end the scourge of slavery.

Based on the true story of the man who penned the world’s most recognizable song, it’s a powerful musical you will never forget.

Pub Dinner-Theatre Package: Includes a three-course dinner at The Ivory Restaurant & Pub in Deep River and a ticket to a Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday evening performance. Only $59!