The Arts Paper May 2015

artists next door 4 nhso 6

arts council at 50 8

college st music hall 18

The Arts Paper a free publication of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven • newhavenarts.org

May 2015

Cinematic Dances Thursday, May 28 • 7:30pm • Shubert Theater Bella Histrova, violin soloist • William Boughton, conductor West Side Story • Bolero • The Sorcerer’s Apprentice • The Red Violin

203.562.5666 | NewHavenSymphony.org

The Arts Paper may 2015

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Artists Next Door Greg Sherrod Sings the Blues

staff Cynthia Clair executive director Debbie Hesse director of artistic services & programs Kyle Hamilton director of finance Matt Reiniger communications manager Denise Santisteban events & advertising coordinator Winter Marshall executive administrative assistant David Brensilver editor, the arts paper Amanda May Aruani design consultant

board of directors Robert B. Dannies, Jr. president Eileen O’Donnell vice president Lois DeLise second vice president Ken Spitzbard treasurer Mark Potocsny secretary directors Daisy Abreu Laura Barr Wojtek Borowski Susan Cahan Todd Jokl Charles Kingsley Kenneth Lundgren Jocelyn Maminta Josh Mamis Elizabeth Meyer-Gadon Frank Mitchell Mark Myrick Uma Ramiah David Silverstone Dexter Singleton Lindsay Sklar Richard S. Stahl, MD Rick Wies honorary members Frances T. “Bitsie” Clark Cheever Tyler

Brubeck Inspires NHSO Program Reaches 10,000 Students

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Arts Council at 50 Reflections on the Organization’s History

The Arts Council of Greater New Haven promotes, advocates, and fosters opportunities for artists, arts organizations, and audiences. Because the arts matter.

The Arts Paper is published by the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, and is available by direct mail through membership with the Arts Council.

For membership information call 203.772.2788.

To advertise in The Arts Paper, call Denise Santisteban at the Arts Council.

Arts Council of Greater New Haven 70 Audubon Street, 2nd Floor New Haven, CT 06510 Phone: 203.772.2788 Fax: 203.772.2262 info@newhavenarts.org www.newhavenarts.org

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Music Hall Opens its Doors College Street Venue Opens Anew

The Arts Council is pleased to recognize the generous contributions of our business, corporate and institutional members. executive champions The United Illuminating Company/Southern Connecticut Gas Yale University senior patrons Knights of Columbus L. Suzio York Hill Companies Odonnell Company Webster Bank corporate partners AT&T Coordinated Financial Resources/Chamber Insurance Trust Firehouse 12 Fusco Management Company Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven Yale-New Haven Hospital

In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, the Arts Council now prints The Arts Paper on more environmentally friendly paper and using soy inks. Please read and recycle.

business patrons Albertus Magnus College Gateway Community College Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale Newman Architects Quinnipiac University Wiggin and Dana

business members Beers, Hamerman & Company Brenner, Saltzman & Wallman, LLP Duble & O’Hearn, Inc. Griswold Home Care United Aluminum Corporation foundations and government agencies Carolyn Foundation The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund DECD/CT Office of the Arts Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation The Ethel & Abe Lapides Foundation First Niagara Foundation The George A. and Grace L. Long Foundation, Bank of America, N.A. and Alan S. Parker, Esq. Trustees The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation NewAlliance Foundation Pfizer The Wells Fargo Foundation The Werth Family Foundation media partners New Haven Independent New Haven Living WPKN

Cinematic Dances Thursday, May 28 • 7:30pm • Shubert Theater Bella Histrova, violin soloist • William Boughton, conductor Featuring cinematic classical music soundtracks including West Side Story, Bolero, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, and The Red Violin, this NHSO concert will be the ultimate surround sound experience!

203.562.5666 NewHavenSymphony.org 2 • newhavenarts.org

may 2015 •

The Arts Paper may 2015

Letter from the editor In this issue of The Arts Paper, we at the Arts Council celebrate the organization’s 50-year history. It’s a history that saw Audubon Street transformed from a tired industrial area to an arts district that’s home to several of the city’s beloved cultural institutions.

The Arts Council’s history is the story of the people who believed 50 years ago that the arts could be an integral part of the city’s postwar redevelopment.

Today, we at the Arts Council continue to believe that the arts community makes the city and the Greater New Haven region a special place to live, work, study, and create and engage with art. While some of the people who worked tirelessly five decades ago to nurture New Haven’s creative community and develop the city’s cultural landscape are no longer with us, many still are. And it was a pleasure to hear them describe the spirit and sense of possibility that brought Audubon Street to life, created a Regional Cultural Plan that assessed the city’s cultural offerings and facilities, and raised millions of dollars, through the Greater New Haven Arts Stabilization Project, that bolstered the financial positions of eight local arts institutions. As we celebrate what has been achieved, we should continue to find ways that our creative community can make the city and its environs a better place for everybody to live, study, and work, and create and engage with art.

While the challenges we face today as a community are different than those that the city and region faced 50 years ago, the creative community is one that can always make a difference in people’s lives.

We at the Arts Council remain inspired to help local artists and arts organizations do just that.

This issue of our monthly publication also includes an article by Lucy Gellman about the College Street Music Hall and its history as the Roger Sherman Theater and the Palace Theater, an Artists Next Door feature by Hank Hoffman about local singer-songwriter Greg Sherrod, and an article about multi-instrumentalist and composer Chris Brubeck’s residency with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, through which, between late February and the beginning of May, he’ll have worked with and performed for some 10,000 area public-school students. Also included in this issue of The Arts Paper is a column by local writer Ken Carlson about the New Haven Ballet’s Shared Ability Program, in which Carlson’s daughter participates. For our monthly Sounds Off feature, the Arts Council’s communications manager, Matt Reiniger, spent an afternoon at Creative Arts Workshop learning the ins and outs of encaustic painting. We have yet to see the work he created.

The June issue of The Arts Paper will preview the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, which is celebrating 20 years. We encourage you to take advantage of the extraordinary programs the festival has to offer, many of which are free.

We hope you enjoy the stories presented herein and that you’ll remember to recycle this print publication once you’ve finished reading it. n

On the Cover

Chris Brubeck (trombone) performs the world premiere of his Time Changes for Jazz Combo and Orchestra with Guilford High School students Joseph Boughton (trumpet), Christopher Vanacore (saxophone), Chris Worden (bass), and Michaeljohn Alio (guitar), and the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. See story on page 6.

In the next issue …

Sincerely,

David Brensilver, editor The Arts Paper

Art Installation Specialists, LLC Design, Installation, and Art Shipping

artinstallationspecialistsllc@gmail.com artinstallationspecialistsllc.com

The June 2015 issue of The Arts Paper will preview and celebrate the 20th annual International Festival of Arts & Ideas, which takes place this year June 12-27. Among the many highlights of this year’s festival program is the Mark Morris Dance Group’s staging of George Frideric Handel’s opera  Acis and Galatea. Photo by Ken Friedman, courtesy of IFAI.

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The Arts Paper may 2015

artists next door

Projecting Emotion

greg sherrod sings the blues hank hoffman In some ways, singer Greg Sherrod is a 21st century version of novelist Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man. The mainstream media depiction of African Americans leans heavily on urban stereotypes. Yet, Sherrod noted in an interview at his home, “There have been generations of Black people growing up in the suburbs and trying to integrate themselves into the world.”

Sherrod, 51, grew up in Milford, part of a very small African American community in an overwhelmingly white town.

His experience inspired the appropriately titled song “Milford” on his new record, Bluesnsoulnrocknroll. The tune explores Sherrod’s “love/hate relationship with my hometown.” Sherrod wrote or co-wrote all the songs on the disc.

On “Milford” Sherrod sings, “Oh Mil-

ford/Did you ever love me/Oh Milford/ Did you ever care/Oh Milford/Did you ever love me/You made me the man I am today.”

“When I was growing up, it was working class and really racist. I had to hammer through a lot of bad experiences,” Sherrod recalled. “But also with that, there was a lot of love.” A large Irish-Catholic family took him into their home when he was a homeless teenager. “I would never be here doing anything if it wasn’t for their help.”

His experience of living between two cultures deeply informs his music. Rejecting the narrowcasting and segmentation of modern music, Sherrod embraces a sound “beyond genre/race specifications.”

He was trying to make a “universal record.”

“I want to get to the point where ‘it’s just music, people.’ Not white music, not black music,” he said.

Sherrod makes his living working as a vocal coach and playing music, not an easy thing to do these days. (He likened the life of a musician to being a nun

—”You take a vow of poverty.”) Working with a core group of versatile musicians in three different ensembles — The Greg Sherrod Blues Band, GS Rocks, and the Greg Sherrod Duo — he performs constantly in both Connecticut and Rhode Island. The Ocean State is more partial to gutbucket blues; Connecticut warms more to his rock and funk material.

Sherrod got his start as a teenager, with classical voice training and musical-theater performances. He was a member of the Sound of Freedom Youth Choir as a teen and later worked professionally with Dandelion Children’s Theater. Musical theater, he said, “taught me how to perform and how to project my voice.” In 2007, Sherrod participated in the NBC musical reality TV show Clash of the Choirs, as part of a Christmas choir assembled by New Haven native Michael Bolton through an open audition process.

Sherrod recorded Bluesnsoulnrocknroll with producer Eric Lichter at Dirt Floor Studios in Chester. Sherrod credited Lichter with being “instrumental in making

sure this record got done properly.” They sought an organic sound, recording much of the material live and avoiding “anything that resembled over-production.”

The record’s title embraces the three related kinds of music Sherrod performs: blues, soul, and rock and roll. But the wellspring is the blues.

“It’s music with emotion. Blues has an emotional content that no other music — maybe opera — has,” Sherrod asserted.

“Blues is the record of Jim Crow America.

The emotion in it is something that is empathetic.

“Although the blues has gone from the African-American community to the white, middle-class community, I believe the emotion in it is universal,” Sherrod said. “Everyone knows trials and tribulations. Everyone wants to purge bad emotions.”

The emotion is what inspires Sherrod as a singer. But how does he keep his voice in shape singing such music? He told me that teaching vocal skills to others helps reinforce his fundamentals.

birth of a banana leaf

Photography Intimate and Timeless

Judy Sirota Rosenthal ~ info@sirotarosenthal.com ~ www.sirotarosenthal.com 4 • newhavenarts.org

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The Arts Paper may 2015

Greg Sherrod. Image courtesy of the artist.

“I have a classical background. I studied with a lot of really great teachers,” Sherrod said. “I find that teaching my students helps me stay in tip-top shape. My voice is better and stronger than when I was younger.”

Those fundamentals came in handy when Sherrod auditioned for Clash of the Choirs on a dare. Although Bolton’s choir finished fourth out of five, Sherrod said he took a lot from the experience. Bolton was the celebrity face of the choir. But the nuts and bolts of arranging the music and coaching the singers were left to vocal handler Sheldon Becton, one of the best in the business.

“You get to study with this guy for a couple of weeks — they paid me for that!” enthused Sherrod. “He taught me how to use falsetto as my natural range. Before, I was strictly a belter. Now I can be more sensitive, when I want to be.”

The show also afforded Sherrod a glimpse into machinery of fame. “I got to see the amazing Oz behind the curtain — how big-TV works,” said Sherrod. “It’s all about getting people to bargain their lust for fame. Is it enough to be famous? Or do you want to have fame on your own terms? Is it OK with you to be famous and then let everybody pick all your songs, tell you what to wear and tell you who to be?

Or would you rather be more holistic or more natural?”

It made Sherrod realize, “Fame isn’t important to me. In fact, I don’t think I’d like it.”

What he does like is performing music

• may 2015

for a wide range of audiences. As he sings in “Milford,” his experience growing up in the suburbs made him stronger.

“We play gigs for people from all walks of life because of the kind of music we play. We plays [shows] from the ghetto to the richest of the rich,” Sherrod said. He played the inauguration of Yale University President Peter Salovey. “You have to know how to deal with all kinds of people and all kinds of situations or you won’t make any money.” n

“I find that teaching my students helps me stay in tip-top shape. My voice is better and stronger than when I was younger.”

— Greg Sherrod

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The Arts Paper may 2015

Young People’s Guide to the Orchestra brubeck engages with public-school students david brensilver photos courtesy of nhso

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s of the first week of this month, Chris Brubeck will have worked with or performed for some 10,000 area public-school students through his residency with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra.

The collaboration began in late February and continues through the early part of this month with the multi-instrumentalist and composer joining the NHSO for a series of Young People’s Concerts featuring a program of American music.

Over the course of 10-or-so weeks, Brubeck gave workshops in area schools and presented lectures around town. In March, he joined the NHSO at the Shubert Theater for a program called “Ansel Adams, Bernstein & Brubeck,” which featured Ansel Adams: America, a work he composed with his father, the legendary jazz artist Dave Brubeck (images of Adams’ iconic images were projected onto a screen above the orchestra during the performance); his Concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra; the world premiere of Time Changes for Jazz Combo and Orchestra, which the NHSO commissioned; Leonard Bernstein’s Overture from Candide; and Duke Ellington’s Suite from The River.

This year’s NHSO’s Young People’s Concerts, titled “Red, White & Brubeck,” were programmed to showcase works by American composers, including Chris and Dave Brubeck, Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, and W.C. Handy.

In late February and early March, Brubeck spent a week at Wilbur Cross High School, observing students in various music classes and ensembles.

Ellen Maust, who supervises performingand visual-arts programs in the New Haven Public Schools, said, “He was wonderful with them,” and that his presence in their music classes and rehearsals “made everything relevant for them.”

Talking about his experience at Wilbur Cross, Brubeck said, “I was really, really impressed by how good the music teachers were and how devoted they were, and how great a rapport they had with these kids.”

Jeremy Barnes is the school’s band director,

Chris Brubeck (far right) with Wilbur Cross High School students and music teacher Jeremy Barnes (far left).

and Danielle Storey-Carson directs the choir.

Of the students themselves, Brubeck said, “They’re really engaged … music really turns them on.”

While he, too, was engaged with music by an early age, growing up in the musical environment that he did, Brubeck was raised in Wilton, Conn., where there’s less ethnic and economic diversity than there is in New Haven.

“I would guess that Wilbur Cross is a highly unusual school by anyone’s standards anywhere,” he said, “because it’s really diverse and [has] a real mixture of backgrounds of kids that go there.”

The week he spent with students and teachers at Wilbur Cross reinforced for him that “arts programs are incredibly important” in terms of inspiring young people and making school an enjoyable experience. He was pleasantly surprised to observe some of the courses that he did, including a recording-arts class taught by Barnes.

Brubeck was also impressed to learn, while he’s been in town, about the Yale School of Music’s Music in Schools Initiative, which was

Chris Brubeck rehearses Time Changes with Guilford High School students Christopher Vanacore (saxophone), Joseph Boughton (trumpet), Michaeljohn Alio (guitar), Chris Worden (bass), and Liam Doolan (drums).

6 • newhavenarts.org

launched in 2007 with an endowment from the Yale College class of 1957 to support the music programs in New Haven Public Schools.

Through the initiative, Yale School of Music students supplement the work that music teachers are doing in area public schools.

Brubeck also talked about El Sistema, the classical-music-focused social-action program in Venezuela that was designed in the 1970s by José Abreu to improve the lives of impoverished young people. It’s an incredible program that’s being implemented all over the world, including here in the United States, in part thanks to Gustavo Dudamel, the rock-star conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic who participated in the program in his native Venezuela and since 1999 has directed the now-famous Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra.

Among the other places Brubeck found promise during his time in and around New Haven was Guilford High School. After he and members of the NHSO identified the school as one to focus on with an eye to the above-mentioned commission, Brubeck visited the school in October to listen to its jazz ensemble. Quickly, he singled out a quintet of young musicians — guitarist Michaeljohn Alio, trumpet player Joseph Boughton, drummer Liam Doolan, saxophonist Christopher Vanacore, and bassist Chris Worden — as the group for which he’d write Time Changes for Jazz Combo and Orchestra, a piece he “thought would be challenging but not impossible for them to play.”

Brubeck, the quintet from Guilford High School, and the NHSO premiered the work at the Shubert Theater in March.

“It was hard and it was challenging,” he said, “but they completely rose to it. I am so proud of how well they did.”

At the end of April, Brubeck returned to the area for the NHSO’s Young People’s Concerts, and to do more school workshops and perform with students at Wilbur Cross High School, before his residency ends during the first week of this month.

Talking about the Young People’s Concerts, he pointed out how important it is to give kids a chance to hear an orchestra perform live.

“There is something very spiritual about hearing the music played by an orchestra,” he said.

Just as orchestras should be reaching out to young people to provide new cultural experiences, they also need to be doing so to engage young people who might be tomorrow’s ticket buyers or board members.

“As musicians, we need to invest in young people to make them more culturally minded,” Brubeck said.

The NHSO, clearly, is doing that, while simultaneously championing the music of American composers, an important piece of advocacy that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Brubeck.

“There’s always a pressure to make sure that you have people coming to concerts and putting fannies in the seats,” he said, pointing out that some concertgoers are ambivalent about hearing works by composers who aren’t yet dead.

Orchestras like the NHSO are doing important work by programming pieces by American composers — including living ones like Brubeck — alongside works from the standard repertoire.

“New Haven is doing a really good job of having that attitude,” he said, adding, “William Boughton has been very fantastic and supportive and encouraging with me.”

Boughton has also embraced the integration of jazz into the classical-music environment, something that Brubeck’s “been doing for many, many years.”

“My father was one of the first guys to really try to integrate jazz combos in front of an orchestra, and he did that with Leonard Bernstein in the ’60s,” Brubeck said. “So I grew up thinking that that was quite possible and quite natural when it was a new wild and wacky thing to do at first. So I experienced that it’s quite feasible to do it and I’ve been doing it ever since.” n

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The Arts Paper may 2015

A Moving Experience

observing new haven ballet’s shared ability program

ken carlson

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ebruary and March seem to bring snow every Saturday. One by one, the parents and their children trudge in from the slush and icy walkways as dusk falls on Audubon Street. Some have driven more than 30 miles to be here. My wife and I are here with our daughter. All the kids walking in from the cold have special needs ranging from learning disabilities to physical challenges that make it a struggle to even walk. We have all come so they can join teenage members of the New Haven Ballet in the rehearsal studio and dance as part of organization’s Shared Ability Program.

Brad Roth is the group’s director and is responsible for the choreography. After the students pair up with the special-needs visitors they’ve gotten to know through weekly rehearsals, the teams warm up and go through a series of exercises. Roth moves actively among them, calling out suggestions and positive reinforcement over the music. Like an artist with a fresh canvas, he watches for the patterns that develop from the wide range of talent and challenges that his dancers possess — how their movements can be shaped organically — with the result fueling the crux of their performance as part of New Haven Ballet’s annual spring performance at Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School in May. As a parent watching the rehearsals, I watch for special moments, not in far-reaching leaps and turns, but in subtle connections made between the dancers, as well as the joy they receive from this physically expressive art form, and at times, the simple act of play. One moment, the focus is a gentle ballet-influenced gesture with their arms and hands reaching out with their fingertips. The next, it’s time to let loose and boogie to Pharrell Williams’ “Happy.”

The process is not always easy and expectations need to be realistic. There are times when the kids with special needs get frustrated, get tired, need to take a moment before they return to the floor. At times, the New Haven Ballet students get confused by the direction their counterparts have chosen, or lose their sense of give and take, or their focus in connecting with their partners. For all the romantic ideas a program like this offers, no one ever said performance was easy. It requires work, the ability to rebound from setbacks, and, especially in this atmosphere, patience.

One of the intriguing facets of the program for Roth is the relationships that blossom between the dancers and how those relationships are expressed on the stage.

“I like it because it’s a two-way street,” Roth says. “The ones with disabilities don’t know a lot about dance, but the ones who are here two or three years pick up more and more. They’re so present, heartfelt, and not self-conscious; all these things we try to be when we dance. To be so present with the audience is what these kids bring right away.”

As Lisa Sanborn, New Haven Ballet’s

• may 2015

Photo by Jeffrey Kerekes, courtesy of New Haven Ballet.

artistic director describes it, the Shared Ability Program is part of the organization’s community outreach mission.

Praising the work of her volunteering students, Sanborn says, “These kids [NHB students] are here early in the morning for technique class. Then they have rehearsals all afternoon. Then they stay every week until six because they want to do it.”

The program, which is in its seventh year, is administered by the ballet’s office manager, Ruth Barker, a former dancer.

“There is no other program like it,” Barker says. “We wanted it to be open so it [dance] could be enjoyed by everybody.”

As the rehearsal winds down, the special-needs dancers get a chance to spotlight the moves they’ve worked on with their partners. Applause rings out from the group, and from the parents.

They say goodbye, put on their winter coats, and exchange a series of hugs. As a parent who has attended several of these rehearsals, I feel the pride of the work my daughter has put into it, and the happiness that goes with seeing her happy.

But I also think back to the end-of-year performance last May, when I was seated next to audience members who had no connection with this program, no day-in/ day-out familiarity with it. I remember the hushed tones when the dancers took the stage. I remember the emotional reaction to the stand-out moments and the looks on the performers’ faces. And I remember the final bow being met by a powerful wall of applause and the tears the men and women in the audience shed in thanks for what had been shared. n

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The Arts Council of Greater New Haven is dedicated to enhancing, developing, and promoting opportunities for artists, arts organizations, and audiences throughout the Greater New Haven area. Join us today! newhavenarts.org/membership The Arts Paper Read our feature articles and download the latest edition. issuu.com/artscouncil9 #ARTNHV Blog The Arts Council’s blog, which covers all things art in Greater New Haven. artNHV.com Arts Council on Facebook Get the inside scoop on what’s happening in the arts now! facebook.com/ artscouncilofgreaternewhaven Creative Directory Looking for something? Find local creative businesses and artists with our comprehensive arts-related directory.

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New Haven-based writer Ken Carlson wrote this piece in late March.

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The Arts Paper may 2015

Building a Cultural Community The Arts Council david brensilver

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or 50 years, the Arts Council of Greater New Haven has existed to make the city a more culturally vibrant place to live, work, visit, and create art. The organization began, effectively, as a development agency whose mission was to breathe life into a neighborhood and a city that was in an important period of transition under the watch of Mayor Richard Lee. In 1964, two idealistic Yale University students, Jon Jory and Harlan Kleiman, found help in the community to create Long Wharf Theatre and locate the organization in the New Haven Food Terminal. Meanwhile, downtown, the folks at and around Neighborhood Music School, which was then located in the Wooster Square neighborhood, and those at the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, who wanted to move from Woolsey Hall to a venue of their own, began thinking about finding new homes. Just as he did with the effort to launch Long Wharf Theatre, C. Newton Schenck III, a young lawyer at Wiggin and Dana who sat on the city’s development commission, got involved with the effort to find homes for Neighborhood Music School and the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, whose supporters formed an organization to make that happen.

It’s worth mentioning that Schenck didn’t particularly think of himself as a champion of the arts — although he most certainly was. He was, as onetime Arts Council director Frances “Bitsie” Clark remembers, one who considered himself a bricks and mortar guy with a terrific Left to right: Newton Schenck, chair of the Audubon Development Committee, Richard Lee, Biagio (“Ben”) DiLieto, Frank Logue, and John Daniels, at the dedication of 70 Audubon St., in summer 1990. interest in the postwar redevelopment of New Haven. over concerns that the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail What is now Audubon Street was then a dying manufactur- could bring rail service through the immediate area, ing center at a time when factories were fast becoming part Neighborhood Music School, in 1967, bought from the city of the city’s history, leaving blight as they became vacant and (whose State Street Redevelopment Plan was created the were torn down. It was a perfect spot, those involved with the following year) plots of land on the block. The departure of newly formed Arts Council believed, for an arts center, a desCongregation Mishkan Israel, which had moved to Ridge tination for those seeking culture and a home for existing arts Road in Hamden in 1960, had left vacant the grand Spanorganizations. Schenck pointed out, amid the dreaming, that a ish Baroque building on the corner of Orange Street, which concrete plan was needed, and, with that advice followed, one a newly established magnet school, ACES Educational was created. With funding and support from the Community Center for the Arts, renovated and moved into in 1972.

Foundation for Greater New Haven (then the New Haven That year, Creative Arts Workshop moved its operations Foundation), the city, and the National Endowment from the from the basement of the Mishkan Israel building to a Arts, the Arts Council became the agency through which home of its own across the street, having originally operAudubon Street would be developed as an area where people ated in the John Slade Ely House on Trumbull Street. could live, work, create, and engage with the arts. Architect As quickly as things had developed since the Arts Charles Brewer was hired to make it happen.

Council was formed in 1964, including the Arts Council’s While the symphony opted out of being part of the plan, purchase of the McLagon Foundry building (where the Arts Council and New Haven Symphony had offices) and the construction of public housing in the form of the Charles T. McQueeney Towers, plans to further develop the block to include a plaza, a parking garage, and other commercial and retail space slowed to a halt.

In a document prepared for current Arts Council Executive Director Cynthia Clair when she arrived in New Haven in 2007, Clark wrote, “By 1974 the Audubon development began to experience serious setbacks. … The Arts Institutions were thriving on the street but the Council’s efforts to build its second phase of commercial development seemed to be seriously stalled. For the next seven years Audubon Street looked like a failure of grandiose urban planning. The parking garage never got built. The Lincoln Left to right: Arts Council Director Bitsie Clark, Audubon Court developer George Theater sat at the end of Lincoln Street gradually becomLawrence, the Fusco Corporation’s Lynn Fusco, Arts Council President Judith Bald- ing a derelict building; the once grand plaza became a Before it was Audubon Arts on the Edge, the festival was known as Art on the Edge and win, and Arts Council Vice President Henry Harrison, with a model of Audubon Court.

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was originally part of the International Festival of Arts & Ideas program.

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The Arts Paper may 2015

concrete wasteland full of weeds and the state and $1 million from the Combroken bollards and benches. The rest of munity Foundation, which served as the the land on Audubon were potholed and seven-year program’s fiduciary agent. muddy surface parking lots used by the “The Arts Council was basically in Arts Schools’ faculties and administered charge” of the Greater New Haven Arts by the Arts Council.”

Stabilization Project, Community FounDuring that period, Biagio “Ben” dation President and CEO Will Ginsberg DiLieto, who succeeded Lee as mayor in said.

1980, having been elected in November In Monz’s words, the Stabilization 1979, sought to continue some of the Project was about “getting organizainitiatives undertaken by his predecestions to think differently about how they sor. It was always part of the vision that programmed, how they served their the development of Audubon Street audiences.” would create a revenue stream that The funds that were raised were parwould flow back to the Arts Council. celed out as working capital reserves to In 1983, Clark became the Arts the eight aforementioned organizations Council’s director, a significant moment as they met certain strategic goals. The for the organization, whose board of program was a way of shoring up existdirectors at the time was chaired by ing organizations during a period when Gerald Kagan. Two years later, Clark and there was a sense that those institutions the Arts Council began working with were in a chronic state of economic developer George Lawrence to finish crisis. Ott pointed out that the capital the job of turning Audubon Street into a reserves raised for those organizations welcoming and thriving arts district. The came in handy during the recent recesArts Council purchased city property sion. on the block for $1 per square foot and Today, the Community Foundation is Lawrence built the condominiums and continuing the spirit of that work and parking garage that now sit on the north has developed a strategy to “bring the side of Audubon Street. While in 1996 arts organizations back together again” the condominium association purchased and build on “the lessons of the Arts the land on which those residences sit, Stabilization Project,” Ginsberg said. the Arts Council still holds the lease for The strategy’s focus, he said, is to help 55 Audubon St. (the office building and arts organizations develop and diversify parking garage on the northeast coraudiences and address current financial ner of Whitney Avenue and Audubon challenges.

Street). The revenue from that land hold Arts Council of Greater New Haven staff showcases the soon-to-be completed New Haven Foundation Building. Left to Right: Bill Storandt, Clair, the Arts Council’s current execBVA Associate Director; Soonil Chun, Treasurer; Elga Taylor, Secretary-Receptionist; Virginia Taylor, Health Plan Director; Marcy Schuck, utive director, views the development of continues to support the Arts Council’s BVA Director; Mimsie Coleman, Publications Director; and Jack Fitzgerald, Editorial Assistant. Audubon Street and the work the Arts operating budget.

In the late 1980s, plans were conCouncil did on the Regional Cultural Plan ceived for a building at 70 Audubon St. The plan, in other words, gave the Arts Council resources and the Greater New Haven Arts Stabithat would house the Arts Council’s offices and Artspace. with which to serve the creative community. lization Project as “significant accomplishments that indicate In 1990, those plans were realized, though they’d grown to “It was kind of a glory time,” Ott said, adding that the ethos the Arts Council’s leadership of the arts in New Haven.” Those include a home for the Community Foundation. Eventually, generated by the work “inspired the Arts Council staff to be as efforts, she pointed out, were also responses to the needs of Artspace sold its piece of the building to the ECA, from which creative as they were called to (be).” the arts community. the New Haven Ballet rents space.

At the time, Ott said, “Bitsie’s personality was the Arts The Arts Council has, over 50 years, existed to serve the In the mid-1990s, with all the bricks and mortar finally in Council.” It was a period during which an “appreciation for the needs of that community. For many years, it organized Auduplace, the Arts Council and representatives from Yale UniArts Council’s role in the community was evolving.” bon Arts on the Edge, a family-friendly event that grew out of versity, the City of New Haven, the Community Foundation, In 2002, Monz who’d been working since 2000 for the the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. More recently, the and the business and philanthropic communities, embarked Arts Council on the Regional Cultural Plan, succeeded Clark Arts Council presented live performances on CT Transit buses on an effort to assess the cultural climate and facilities of as the organization’s executive director. It was Monz, Ott as part of a program called Exact Change, organized an initiathe Greater New Haven area, and to develop a strategy to said, who secured a line item for the organization in the state tive, funded by the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, in which a strengthen the city’s arts sector. The consulting firm Wolf Asbudget. group of local arts organizations focused on innovation stratsociates was hired to create what would become A Regional egies, and created a smart-phone application called ANDI Cultural Plan for Greater New Haven. The effort was largely ad(arts, nightlife, and dining information), which is available for “The vision of turning this into an ministered by the Arts Council, which served as the fiduciary download. for the project, whose goal was “to build strategically upon Today, the organization produces The Arts Paper (whose arts district has come to task in an our region’s significant base of arts and cultural offerings, in calendar section lists member organizations’ programs and extraordinary fashion. It took a order to advance an ambitious economic agenda.” Originally, events), advocates in Hartford for state support of the arts, attorney Nan Birdwhistell was appointed director of the initiaand organizes exhibitions at a diverse collection of vengeneration to do. It’s a fantastic tive, and Maryann Ott, who’d worked at United Illuminating, ues. It hosts a monthly arts-focused radio show on WPKN story, and the Arts Council has and Zannette Lewis, who worked at the International Festival and a monthly writers’ circle event, maintains an online of Arts & Ideas, served at the Arts Council as Regional Culcommunity bulletin board and cultural database, awards been at the center of it.” tural Plan program directors. In the second year of the threecommunity-engagement grants designed to encourage local —Will Ginsberg year project, Betty Monz, who’d been working at Creative artists and arts organizations to create accessible cultural Arts Workshop, was brought in to run the Regional Cultural experiences, and offers one-on-one advice to artists workPlan, which, on paper, was its own entity, administered by the “That was huge,” Ott said. ing in and around the community. And each year, the Arts Arts Council.

A massively important part of the Regional Cultural Plan Council hosts the Arts Awards, a fundraising event at which Monz said it was a “fun and vibrant time to be involved in was the establishment of the Greater New Haven Arts Stabimembers of the arts community are recognized for their the arts in New Haven,” and that, with regard to the city’s arts lization Project, an initiative modeled on a national program extraordinary work. and cultural organizations, “we realized that the whole was that helped bolster the finances of eight local arts organiWhat began as an effort to find new homes for a few arts greater than the sum of the parts.” zations (Creative Arts Workshop, Guilford Art Center, the organizations has turned into 50 years of promoting and As important as it was for the city’s arts organizations, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, Long Wharf Theatre, supporting the Greater New Haven arts community. With Regional Cultural Plan was also a turning point for the Arts Neighborhood Music School, the New Haven Museum, the regard to Audubon Street itself, Ginsberg said, “The vision Council’s operations.

New Haven Symphony Orchestra, and the Shubert Theater) of turning this into an arts district has come to task in an ex“The Regional Cultural Plan allowed the Arts Council to adand helped them plan for better fiscal futures. traordinary fashion. It took a generation to do. It’s a fantastic equately staff itself,” Ott said. “It allowed the Arts Council to Launched in 2001, the Stabilization Project raised — thanks story, and the Arts Council has been at the center of it.” n do the very much needed … cohesive development of services in large part to local arts champions Barbara Pearce and and support for the region’s artists and arts institutions and Sumner Crosby Jr. (who served as president of the Arts CounTo learn about the Arts Council’s the neighborhood artists and arts institutions.” cil’s board of directors) — $5 million, including $2 million from programs, visit newhavenarts.org.

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The Arts Paper may 2015

Summer Arts Programs 2015

Summer session July 6–31

80 Audubon St, New Haven • 203 562 4927 • creativeartsworkshop.org

HERE Explore the visual arts with summer programs for all ages

©Jeffrey Kerekes Photography 2015

CREATIVITY STARTS

For enrollment and schedule information contact:

203-782-9038 | www.newhavenballet.org

Department of Economic and Community Development Office of the Arts

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Carolyn Foundation

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The Arts Paper may 2015

the ac sounds off on...

Exploring a New Medium matt reiniger When I saw the catalog for Creative Arts Workshop’s spring offerings, I was intrigued by a workshop being taught on encaustic painting (also known as hot wax painting).

I’m an artist, I paint, I thought, so why not try something a little different? I had seen some artwork featuring a painted medium with faces that rose from the canvas in sculpted relief, and I thought someone told me it was encaustic. I was in.

I began my adventure by trying something else new — trying to park during New Haven’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Shortly after an invigorating hike to Creative Arts Workshop, class instructor and encaustic artist Binnie Bi¬rstein gave the encaustic hopefuls a crash course in the medium.

Encaustic wax painting began with the Egyptians. The medium consists of wax bits mixed with pigments on an electric griddle, which becomes a color palette. It’s all about being hot. The brush should be hot, the wax is hot, obviously, and the board or surface of one’s picture should be warmed. You paint, and then you fuse the layers of wax with a hot air gun (not a hairdryer, which will blow too hard). You can build opaque layers and carve into them, or use transparent layers that blend the colors. Those are the basics. Of course there is much more. “I thought with

learning about encaustic painting at caw

encaustic painting you could build up the wax for a sculptural effect,” I said to Birstein. She looked me in the eyes and said, “You can, but don’t look at me!” — I was breaking the rule I had just been told: not to look away while fusing layers with the hot air gun — “Let’s see if you can handle building up layers first.”

When you start something new, it can be both frustrating and liberating. On the one hand, you don’t know what you’re doing, and the results are unsure. But on the other, it’s just a playful experience. Since the whole thing is kind of a mess, you don’t have to worry about messing something up. Or at least that’s how my table mate Radhika saw it, and why she liked working in this new medium. “In acrylics or something else, I’m afraid to work in abstract, but with this I can loosen up, it doesn’t matter. I usually feel like I need to paint real things,” Radhika said.

I asked my other classmates if they had done encaustic before (none had) and why they were taking the class. Most were painters, like me, who work in different mediums and were interested in trying something new.

One hoped to integrate encaustic painting with her regular work for a hybrid effect.

Birstein said that working with encaustic is like painting with history, since its greatest effects come from exposing its many layers of color. In my first piece, a small square board to which I had been dutifully applying

layers of wax, the revelation of history through my cutting and melting wasn’t so pretty, but I suppose history can be muddy, too. Next we got to work on larger matte boards. This time I tried to marry my regular painting techniques with the new medium. With encaustic, there’s Matt with workshop instructor Binnie Birstein. Photo (detail) by Judy Sirota Rosenthal. no blending color by brush on the surface.

I told her, “I know you said this is abstract, Once it’s down, it’s set, unless you work into but that really looks like an island and a palm it with heat, so it requires bold action. I laid tree.” down sweeping waves of green and blue with “Yes, I know. I couldn’t help it. I drew the opaque white. I thought it was abstract, but tree with the oil stick,” she said. then I realized something like a red dawn over But by the time we shared our work she a sea was coming out. There was even an inwas rubbing out the tree with a paper towel, teresting tactile effect of white where it buband the piece had once again attained an bled up over the previous layers. “You get that indeterminate sense of place and space. “I’d from doing cool on cool,” Birstein said, “but like to take another class,” she said, “and conyou didn’t know that.” At least the accidents tinue to work on this piece.” were working in my favor this time.

I believe she felt as I did, that encaustic Radhika had also created a larger work was not just a new medium, but a chance to with sweeping lines of color. Birstein asked explore another part of oneself through art. n her about it and she said she didn’t know what she was doing. But when I looked at the Matt Reiniger is the Arts Council’s picture just before the end of the workshop communications manager.

2015 paul mellon lectures

Sculpture on the Threshold: An Inquiry into the Underlying Forms of Sculpture

Delivered by penelope curtis Director of Tate Britain April 16, 21, 23, 28, and 30 5:30 pm Held at the Yale University Art Gallery and the Loria Center Visit britishart.yale.edu for more information.

Supported by the Yale Center for British Art and the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art

The first major collaborative exhibition between the Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art

The Critique of Reason Romantic Art, 1760–1860

Through July 26, 2015

YA L E U N I V E R S I T Y A R T GA L L E RY Free and open to the public Tues.–Fri. 10 am–5 pm | Thurs. until 8 pm (Sept.–June) | Sat.–Sun. 11 am–5 pm 1111 Chapel Street, New Haven, Connecticut | 203.432.0600 | artgallery.yale.edu John Cheere, Sleeping Nymph (Ariadne), Stourhead, Wiltshire, late eighteenth century, painted lead, photo © National Trust/Paul Barkshire

• may 2015

Image: George Stubbs, A Lion Attacking a Horse, 1770. Oil on canvas.

Yale University Art Gallery, Gift of the Yale University Art Gallery Associates

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The Arts Paper may 2015

CALENDAR

May 30.

Gibson.

A Body in Fukushima, a collection of images and video created by dancer-choreographer Eiko Otake (pictured in Fukushima in 2014) and photographer William Johnson, is on view at Wesleyan University’s College of East Asian Studies Gallery at Mansfield Freeman Center through May 24. Photo by William Johnson, courtesy of Wesleyan University CFA.

Classes & Workshops ACES Educational Center for the Arts 55 Audubon St., New Haven. 203-777-5451. aces.org/ schools/eca.

Creative Dramatics. Quality acting classes for kids and teens offered on Saturdays, through May. Ages 8-11 and 12-16 years. Call Ingrid Schaeffer, chair, theatre department, at 203-795-9011 or email ingrids@optonline.net 9-10:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Please call or write for more information.

Connecticut Natural Science Illustrators Yale Peabody Museum Community Education Center, 230 West Campus Drive, Orange. 203-9340878. ctnsi.com.

Art Classes in Natural Science Illustration. We offer a wide range of courses from beginning drawing to mixed-media painting, botanical drawing, and plein air sketching at the West Campus Urban Farm. Visit website for more information. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. -4 p.m., May 31-August 25.

Creative Arts Workshop 80 Audubon St., New Haven. 203-562-4927. creativeartsworkshop.org.

Spring Classes and Workshops. Creativity is in bloom! Explore your creative side with classes and workshops for adults and young people in book arts, design, drawing, painting, fiber, fashion, jewelry, photography, pottery, printmaking, and sculpture. The spring session runs through June 5. See the course brochure or visit the website for dates, times, and fees. Register online!

JCC of Greater New Haven 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. 203-387-2522. jccnh.org.Brush and Bordeaux Painting Class. Join us in the JCC Living Room for a painting class, complete with wine and hors d’oeuvres, with local artist Betsy DeMarco.

Call Anne Grant at 203-387-2522 x. 300 or email anneg@jccnh.org. Wednesday, May 6, 7-9 p.m. $30/person.

Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Whitney Arts Center, 591 Whitney Ave., New Haven. 203281-6591. rscdsnewhaven.org.

Scottish Country Dancing. Enjoy dancing the social dances of Scotland. Come alone or with a friend.

All dances taught. Wear soft-soled non-street shoes. Every Tuesday evening through May. $8 per evening. First night free. 7:45 – 10 p.m.

Studio Brodo 44 Via San Gemma Galgani, Borgo a Mozzano, LU Italy. 203-458-1720. studioborgoart.com.

Painting in Tuscany. A dream vacation for painters.

Connecticut artist Eileen Eder will take a small group of students to the beautiful historic city of Lucca, Italy. Studio Borgo will provide accommodations, workday lunches, all materials (except brushes), easels, and transportation to classes.

Email eileeneder@mac.com. May 25-June 6, May 20-25, and June 1-5. Visit studioborgoart.com/ reservations for pricing.

Dance 1-2 Friday-Saturday Spring Dance Concert Student choreographers

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present works created after a full year of dance composition studies. 8 p.m. Patricelli ’92 Theater, Wesleyan University Center for the Arts, 213 High St., Middletown. 860-685-3355. wesleyan.edu/cfa.

Blue Z Coffee House 127 S. Main Street (Route 25), Newtown. 646-258-6912.

Diane Pollack Monotypes. Works by Diane Pollack.

On view May 8-May 28. Reception: Saturday, May 15, 4-6 p.m. Live jazz! Free to the public.

3 Sunday

Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek Gallery 55 East Kings Highway, Chester. 860-526-8920.

PeterWnekPhoto.com.

Soul of the Landscape. Arts Council member Peter Wnek presents Soul of the Landscape, an exhibition of fine art photography celebrating the beauty and spirit of woodlands and waterways. On view May 8-July 28. Opening reception: June 7, 4-7 p.m. Event details available online. Free.

Worlds of Dance Concert “Introduction to Dance” and beginning dance students perform works of various styles, including Bharata Natyam (South Indian classical dance). 2 p.m. Crowell Concert Hall, Wesleyan Center for the Arts, 50 Wyllys Ave., Middletown. 860-685-3355. wesleyan.edu/cfa.

9 Saturday Annie Sailer Dance Company and Chloe Carlson Works in-progress/contemporary dance series. 3 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church, 292 Orange St. (at Wall), New Haven. Suggested donation: $10.

Exhibitions Artspace 50 Orange St., New Haven. 203-7722709. artspacenh.org.

Vertical Reach: Political Protest and the Militant Aesthetic. An exhibition that uses the current political climate in Eastern Europe as a framework to explore how acts of protest and assembly behave when presented as artistic practice. The show brings together socially engaged works by collectives and individuals from Russia, Poland Ukraine, and the United States. On view through May 2.

Wednesday-Thursday, 12-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 12-8 p.m.

Davison Art Center Wesleyan University Center for the Arts, 301 High St., Middletown. 860-6853355. wesleyan.edu/cfa.

Personal Recollections: Gifts from Robert Dannin and Jolie Stahl. Inspired by anthropological theories of gift-giving, Jolie Stahl and Robert Dannin recently donated a collection of 69 prints, photographs, and multiples to the Davison Art Center, which includes artwork from New York in the 1980s and 1990s, and iconic news photographs from the Magnum Photos cooperative. On view through May 24. Tuesday-Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Free.

Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery Wesleyan University Center for the Arts, 283 Washington Terrace, Middletown. 860-685-3355. wesleyan.edu/cfa.

Thesis Art Exhibition. Zilkha Gallery showcases the work of students from the class of 2015 in the Department of Art and Art History’s Art Studio Program. Each student is invited to select a single

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The Arts Paper may 2015

1, 6-8 p.m. On view through June 13. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., or by appointment. Free.

Green Street Teaching and Learning Center Wesleyan University Center for the Arts, 51 Green St., Middletown. 860-685-3355. wesleyan.edu/cfa.

Muslim Women’s Voices — A Photography Exhibition. The Muslim Coalition of Connecticut coordinates an exhibition of photography focused on Muslim women in America as part of “Muslim Women’s Voices at Wesleyan.” This exhibition showcases photographs that challenge stereotypes of Muslim American women and explores the diversity and complexity of this community.

On view through May 29. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through May 8; Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. thereafter. Closed on Monday, May 25. Free.

Garrison Keillor appears at Southern Connecticut State University’s John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts on May 17. Photo by Andrew Harrer, Bloomberg News, courtesy of the Lyman Center.

work from his or her Senior Thesis Exhibition for this yearend showcase of drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and architecture. On view through May 23.

Tuesday-Sunday, 12-5 p.m. Free. Reception: May 23, 2-4 p.m.

Fred.Giampietro Gallery 1064 Chapel St., New Haven. 203-777-7760. giampietrogallery.com.

Katherine Bradford. Opening reception: Friday, May

creative and up-to-date renditions of these most traditional forms. Exhibit sponsored by The Spice & Tea Exchange. May 15-June 14. Opening reception: May 15, 5-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Admission is free.

JCC of Greater New Haven Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. 203-387-2522. jccnh.org.

In the Shadows: A Photography Exhibit by Aviva Klein. This traveling photography is a portraiture exploration of agunot, also known as “chained women.” Agunot are women who have been unable to procure a gett, or divorce document, from their husbands, so they cannot remarry. This is a serious issue in the Orthodox Jewish world. On

view May 4-July 30 during building hours. Reception and Panel: Sydney Perry, Rachel Light, and exhibiting artist Aviva Klein will appear on a free panel to discuss the issues surrounding agunot, or “chained women,” on Monday, May 4, 7:30 p.m.

Free.

Kehler Liddell Gallery 873 Whalley Ave., New Haven. 203-389-9555. kehlerliddell.com.

Incipient Speciation. Will nature survive the evolution of the human race? Artists Rod Cook and Gar Waterman respond in this exhibition of photography and sculpture. On view through May 3.

Opening Reception: May 3, 3-6 p.m. Visit website or call for more information about this and upcoming shows. Free.

Guilford Art Center Gallery One, 411 Church St., Guilford. 203-453-5947. galleryoneCT.com.

The Artists of Gallery One. Member and guest artists include Jill Vaughn, David Brown, Helen Cantrell (guest artist), Ashby Carlisle, Catherine Christiano, Bette Ellsworth, Mary Fussell, Gray Jacobik, Judith Barbour Osborne, T. Willie Raney, Diana Rogers, Victoria Sivigny, and Elizabeth Lockhart Taft (guest artist). On view April 24May 9. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Closing reception and artists talk: Saturday, May 9, 2-4 p.m. Free.

Teapots, Vessels, Flagons, and Flasks. Guilford Art Center is pleased to announce this juried exhibition of pourable containers made by contemporary American artists. Juried by studio potter Hayne Bayless, this exhibit puts the spotlight on

BEINECKE RENOVATION The Beinecke Library’s iconic building is closing for renovations. The reading room will close on Friday, May 8. The public exhibition space will remain open through Monday, May 18. The building will reopen in September 2016.

Y institute of sacred music

Performances · Lectures and more Presenting

Great Organ Music at Yale · Yale Camerata Yale Schola Cantorum · Yale Literature and Spirituality Series and more

A temporary reading room will open in the Franke Family Reading Room in Sterling Memorial Library on Tuesday, May 19.

For details and updates on the project’s progress, visit beinecke.renovations@yale.edu

For latest calendar information call 203.432.5062 or visit ism.yale.edu

• may 2015

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The Arts Paper may 2015

sionistic florals, portraits, and seascapes will be on view as well as a new series of abstracts entitled Jazz and the French Curve. A past president of the Hamden Art League, which is sponsoring the show, Cousins is also a member of Connecticut Women Artists, Connecticut Pastel Society, and the New Haven Paint and Clay Club. On view May 5-June 23. Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free.

Whitney Humanities Center 53 Wall St., New Haven. 203-432-0670. yale.edu/whc/GalleryAtTheWhitney/current.html.

Queer Migrations: Family, Identity, and Place. In this exhibit, photographer Sunil Gupta explores issues of cultural displacement or transposition, investigating the theme of individual identity as it exists within the broader context of social mores and conventions. Two pivotal bodies of photographs, “Homelands” (2001-2003) and “Mr. Malhotra’s Party” (2007-), are featured. On view through May 20. Monday-Wednesday, 3-5p.m. or by appointment. Free.

Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Art Spiegelman presents a talk called “What the %@&*! Happened to Comics?” on May 14 at the JCC of Greater New Haven, as part of the organization’s Beckerman Lecture Series.

Photo by Enno Kapitza, Agentur Focus.

Knights of Columbus Museum 1 State St., New Haven. 203-865-0400. kofcmuseum.org.

Answering the Call: Service and Charity in the Civil War. As America marks the 150th anniversary of the end of its Civil War, the Knights of Columbus Museum commemorates the event with an exhibition that features the involvement of Catholic soldiers, chaplains, and nurses during the four-year conflict. On view through September 20. Open daily, 10 a.m-5 p.m. Free admission and parking.

Mansfield Freeman Center Wesleyan University Center for the Arts, 343 Washington Terrace, Middletown. 860-685-3355. wesleyan.edu/cfa.

A Body in Fukushima. A haunting series of color photographs and videos presented in a groundbreaking exhibition. Last year, dancer-choreographer Eiko Otake and photographer-historian William Johnston followed abandoned train tracks through desolate stations into eerily vacant towns and fields in Fukushima. On view through May 24.

Tuesday-Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Free.

New Haven Free Public Library Ives Main Branch, 133 Elm St., New Haven. 203-387-4933. nhfpl.org.

Atlantic and Southwestern Rocks — Photography by Victoria Navin. “I have been taking photographs for many years, but it is only in the last few years that I have been able to give full rein to my enthusiasm for photography!” writes Victoria Navin. “Among my favorite subjects are trees, rocks and boulders, bodies of water, landscapes, and roof-scapes.

On view through May 26. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m Free and open to the public.

New Haven Museum 114 Whitney Ave., New Haven. 203-562-4183. newhavenmuseum.org.

From Clocks to Lollipops: Made in New Haven. This exhibition at the New Haven Museum, highlights

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an astonishing variety of goods that were, and some that still are, produced in the Elm City.

Featuring more than 100 objects, advertisements, trade cards, and photographs, with a wide-ranging and sometimes humorous look at the products made in New Haven. On view through May 30.

Open Monday-Saturday and the first Sunday of the month. Adults $4, seniors $3, students $2, those younger than 12 admitted free.

An Artist at War: Deane Keller, New Haven’s Monuments Man. During WWII, Monuments Men — soldiers whose job it was to protect cultural heritage during wartime —were dispatched, for the first time. Deane Keller of New Haven was among them. The New Haven Museum presents a special exhibit celebrating Keller’s life and his contributions to the preservation of many of the world’s iconic works of art. On view through May 9. Visit website for dates and hours.

Winfred Rembert: Amazing Grace. This is the first major retrospective of the work of New Haven resident Winfred Rembert, whose art on leather conveys his compelling personal narrative of joy and struggle during the tumultuous moments of the American civil rights movement. On view through June 21. Dates, hours and admission vary.

See website for details.

Paul Mellon Arts Center Choate Rosemary Hall, 332 Christian St., Wallingford. 203-697-2398. choate.edu/boxoffice.

Student Artwork Exhibition Featuring Arts Concentration Seniors. On view through June 7. Artist reception: May 10, 4-5:30 p.m. Open daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., when school is in session. Free.

Senior Center of the Miller Memorial Library Hamden Public Library, 2901 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. 203-287-2682. hamdenlibrary.org/miller.

Stephany Cousins Retrospective. Her vivid, impres-

p.m. Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. jewishnewhaven.org.

Galas & Fundraisers 1 Friday May Day Soirée Celebrate a new era at Neighborhood Music School at our May Day Soirée, a community dance party for parents, young professionals, and their friends. Held in the Park of Arts behind NMS, the party features live music, beverages from local breweries and wineries, and great food from local restaurants such as Caseus and L’Orcio. Come meet Dan Gurvich, NMS’s new Executive Director! Contact Julius Stone, events and volunteer coordinator, at jstone@neighborhoodmusicschool.org or 203-624-5189, ext. 17.

Neighborhood Music School, 100 Audubon St., New Haven. 203-624-5189. neighborhoodmusicschool.org.

Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History 170 Whitney Ave., New Haven. 203-432-5050. peabody.yale.edu/events/cretaceous-quintet.

Samurai and the Culture of Japan’s Great Place. This exhibit brings to life the many-layered history of the samurai and those they ruled — a history full of drama and paradox. In the 1500s, samurai nearly destroyed the Japanese state during incessant wars. But, after 1615, they presided over 250 years of peace, the longest that any large society has ever known. On view through January 3, 2016.

Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 12-5 p.m. $5-$9.

3 Sunday

Yale University Koerner Center for Emeritus Faculty 149 Elm St. (2d floor), New Haven. 203432-8227.

Rosner Paintings and Print Exhibit. A retrospective exhibition of 30 water-color paintings and prints

by Daniel E. Rosner, Yale University professor emeritus (chemical engineering). On view weekdays (except May 18) through May 29. Phone ahead to avoid possible conflicts with occasional scheduled events. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission.

Black and White Gala Inspired by Truman Capote’s iconic “Party of the Century” at the Plaza Hotel in 1966, the Black and White Gala celebrates elegance and style with signature cocktails, dinner and dancing, live music, and an auction.

All proceeds will benefit Guilford Art Center’s education and community programs. Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St., Guilford. 203-453-5947. guilfordartcenter.org.

The Afro-Semitic Experience, a Jazz Concert Benefitting Christian Community Action The Afro-Semitic Experience was co-founded by David Chevan, a professor at Southern Conndecticut State University and member of Congregation Mishkan Israel. It has been described by famed jazz critic Nate Hentoff as “a lyrically powerful fusion of Jewish and jazz souls on fire.” May 3.

Christian Community Action, Inc., Unitarian Society of New Haven, 700 Hartford Turnpike, Hamden. 203-777-7848. ccahelping.org.

8 Friday

9 Saturday Yale University Art Gallery 1111 Chapel Street, New Haven. 203-432-0600. britishart.yale.edu/exhibitions/ critique-reason-romantic-art-1760-18.

The Critique of Reason: Romantic Art, 1760-1860.

The first major collaborative exhibition between the Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art, The Critique of Reason offers an unprecedented opportunity to bring together treasures of the Romantic art movement from the collections of both museums. On view through July 26. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (September–June); and Saturday– Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

Film 5 Tuesday Above and Beyond An excellent documentary

by Nancy Spielberg about the American pilots who volunteered in Israel during the War of Independence and made a huge impact. Call Hilary Goldberg at 203-387-2424 x. 325 or email hgoldberg@jewishnewhaven.org. 7 p.m. Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. 203-387-2522. jewishnewhaven.org.

17 Sunday Havana Curveball Ezra Academy will present a Cuban-inspired dinner and a screening of the documentary. Call Anne Grant at 203387-2522 x. 300 or email anneg@jccnh.org. 6

Full Steam Ahead: CAW’s 54th Anniversary Gala and Auction Join us starting at 5 p.m. to celebrate and support a vibrant future for Creative Arts Workshop! Call 203.562.4927 to purchase tickets today. Silver Sponsor: Northern Trust.

Creative Arts Workshop, 80 Audubon St., New Haven. 203-562-4927. creativeartsworkshop.org.

Kids & Families Chapel Haven 1040 Whalley Ave., New Haven.

203-432-2800. britishart.yale.edu/education/ children-and-families.

Exploring Artism. A free program for families with children who are 5 to 12 years of age, and on the autism spectrum. Participants learn to look and respond to artwork, engage in group conversations, complete an art project, and more. Pre-registration is required. May 16. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Elm City Dance Collective Connecticut Capoeira and Dance Center, 1175 State St., Suite 207, New Haven. 860-451-9421. elmcitydance.org/ youth-camps.

Creative Movement Workshop for Ages 7-10: Forces of Nature. Taught by professional ECDC company members, these creative movement workshops are designed for 7-10 year-olds and will focus on creative movement, improvisation, creation, and performance. We will focus on harnessing the characteristics of forces of nature to can help us create dance. Saturday, May 2, 2-3:15 p.m. $7 per class. Need-based free spaces available upon request. Preregistration recommended. Email elmcitydance@gmail.com.

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The jazz trio Spectral (Darren Johnson, trumpet; Dave Rempis, saxophone; and Larry Ochs, saxophone) appears at Firehouse 12 on May 22as part of the venue’s Spring Jazz Series. Image courtesy of Firehouse 12.

Creative Movement Workshops for Ages 10-13: Making a Creative Culture. These creative movement workshops are designed for 11-13 year-olds and will focus on creative movement, improvisation, creation and performance. We will focus on how to use improvisation as a tool for creating dance compositions. Saturday, May 2, 3:30-4:45 p.m. $7 per participant. Need-based free spaces available upon request. Preregistration recommended.

Email elmcitydance@gmail.com.

Music 1 Friday Experimental Music for Vocal Quartet Four members of the New York Virtuoso Singers, under the direction of Harold Rosenbaum, will present a concert of new and recent music for voice by Wesleyan University graduate students and others. 8 p.m. Free. Wesleyan University Center for the Arts, Crowell Concert Hall, 50 Wyllys Ave., Middletown. 860-685-3355. wesleyan.edu/cfa.

2 Saturday Wesleyan University Orchestra featuring Concerto Competition Winners The Wesleyan University Orchestra, under the direction of adjunct assistant professor of music Nadya Potemkina, presents a winning dish from October 2014’s

• may 2015

“à la carte” menus — the audience voted for Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition —and the winners of the Wesleyan University Concerto Competition. 8 p.m. Free. Wesleyan University Center for the Arts, Crowell Concert Hall, 50 Wyllys Ave., Middletown. 860-685-3355. wesleyan.edu/cfa.

Harmonic Convergence: Another Octave Marks 25th Year Another Octave presents a concert featuring musical collaborations to celebrate our 25 years of making music together. Rousing pop faves to close jazz harmonies, quiet love ballads to treasures from Broadway stage. Same concert in Hamden on May 9 at 7 p.m. Unitarian Society of New Haven, 700 Hartford Turnpike, Hamden. $15-$30. Tickets available through website.

Another Octave: Connecticut Women’s Chorus, Unity of Greater Hartford, 919 Ellington Road, South Windsor. 203-672-1919. anotheroctave.org.

3 Sunday “Middle Kingdom” in Middletown — A Night of Chinese Music The Chinese Music Ensemble presents its spring semester concert including music from traditional and contemporary repertoire. Co-directed by graduate students Joy Lu and Ender Terwilliger. 7 p.m. Free. Wesleyan University Center for the Arts, World Music Hall, 40 Wyllys Ave., Middletown. 860-685-3355. wesleyan.edu/cfa.

4 Monday

7 Thursday

Ebony Singers Spring Concert An evening of great gospel music by Wesleyan University’s Ebony Singers under the direction of Dr. Marichal Monts ’85 will sooth your soul and lift your spirits.

8 p.m. $7 general public; $6 senior citizens, Wesleyan University faculty/staff/alumni, non-Wesleyan students; $5 Wesleyan students. Wesleyan University Center for the Arts, Crowell Concert Hall, 50 Wyllys Ave., Middletown. 860-6853355. wesleyan.edu/cfa.

Annual Organ Romp The annual Organ Romp features wacky and wild programming: silly music, unlikely music to be played on the organ, new music, guest artists, and a themed costume suggestion — watch for the poster and come join the fun! 10 p.m. Free. Wesleyan University Center for the Arts, Memorial Chapel, 221 High St., Middletown. 860-685-3355. wesleyan.edu/cfa.

5 Tuesday South Indian Voice and Solkattu Students of adjunct assistant professors of music B. Balasubrahmaniyan and David Nelson will perform an annual recital of music from the Karnatak tradition of South India. Performances will feature vocal and instrumental music, percussion, and solkattu (spoken rhythm). 7 p.m. Wesleyan University Center for the Arts, World Music Hall, 40 Wyllys Ave., Middletown. 860-685-3355. wesleyan.edu/cfa.

WesWinds Spring Concert The Wesleyan University Wind Ensemble, under the direction of John Spencer Camp Professor of Music Neely Bruce, performs an exciting array of pieces for winds and percussion. 8 p.m. Free. Wesleyan University Center for the Arts, Crowell Concert Hall, 50 Wyllys Ave., Middletown. 860-685-3355. wesleyan.edu/cfa.

8 Friday Great Organ Music at Yale: Martin Jean Messiaen: Meditations on the Mystery of the Holy Trinity. 7:30 p.m. Free. Yale Institute of Sacred Music, Christ Church Episcopal, 84 Broadway, New Haven. 203-432-5062. ism.yale.edu/event/ great-organ-music-yale-martin-jean-0.

West African Drumming and Dance Concert An invigorating performance filled with the rhythms of West Africa, featuring choreographer Iddi Saaka and master drummer Abraham Adzenyah with their students in three levels of “West African Dance” courses, plus guest artists. 3 p.m.

Free. Wesleyan University Center for the Arts, CFA Courtyard, 283 Washington Terrace, Middletown. 860-685-3355. wesleyan.edu/cfa.

MUSC 220 Final Concert Final concert of electronic and media works by students in Music 220, “Composing, Performing, and Listening to Experimental Music,” taught by Music Depart-

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ment Chair, professor of music, and director of the Electronic Music and Recording Studios, Ronald Kuivila. 8 p.m. Free. Wesleyan University Center for the Arts, CFA Hall, 287 Washington Terrace, Middletown. 860-685-3355. wesleyan.edu/cfa.

9 Saturday Harmonic Convergence: Another Octave Marks 25 Years of Women Making Music Harmonic Convergence will feature rousing faves off pop charts, close jazz harmonies, quiet love ballads, and treasures from the Broadway stage. This is the eclectic mix that singers and our audience enjoy and have come to expect. The same concert will be presented at Unity of greater Hartford, 919 Ellington Road (Route 30) in South Windsor on May 2.

7 p.m. $15-$30. Tickets available through website.

Another Octave: Connecticut Women’s Chorus, Unitarian Society of New Haven, 700 Hartford Turnpike, Hamden. 203-672-1919. anotheroctave.org.

10 Sunday Greater New Haven Youth Ensembles Winter Concert Neighborhood Music School’s Greater New Haven Youth Ensembles present a spring concert at Battell Chapel. All four auditioned ensembles — Concert Orchestra, Concert Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and Youth Orchestra — will perform. Tickets are available for purchase at the door. 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. $10 adults, $5 seniors and children 12 and younger. Neighborhood Music School, Battell Chapel, Yale University, 400 College St., New Haven. 203-624-5189. neighborhoodmusicschool.org.

Student Vocal Recital 2 p.m. Paul Mellon Arts Center Recital Hall, Choate Rosemary Hall, 332 Christian St., Wallingford. 203-697-2398. choate.edu/boxoffice.

13 Wednesday Jazz Department Recital Come hear Neighborhood Music School jazz students of all ages play for friends, family, and other students. 7:30 p.m.

Free and open to the public. Neighborhood Music School Recital Hall, 400 College St., New Haven.

203-624-5189. neighborhoodmusicschool.org.

15 Friday Student Instrumental Ensembles Concert 8 p.m. Free. Seymour St. John Chapel, 66 Curtis St., Wallingford. 203-697-2398. www.choate.edu/boxoffice

16 Saturday Renee B. Fisher Competition for Young Pianists — Winners’ Concert This concert features winners of the Renee B. Fisher Competition for Young Pianists, who all live or attend school in Connecticut. This includes winners in the elementary/middle and high school divisions and best performances of commissioned works. The Fisher Competition aims to nurture the growth and development of young pianists. 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Neighborhood Music School Recital Hall, 400 College St., New Haven. 203-624-5189. neighborhoodmusicschool.org.

Music Haven Presents The Haven String Quartet is joined by special guests Michael Reynolds (Muir String Quartet) and violist Jesse Holstein (Providence String Quartet) to present the music of Mozart, Boccherini, and Schubert. Unitarian Society of New Haven 700 Hartford Turnpike, Hamden.

Tickets available at musichavenct.org/concerts.

7:30 p.m. $20, $10 students, seniors and USNH members. 203-745-9030. musichavenct.org.

17 Sunday Student Choral Concert 7 p.m. Free. Seymour St. John Chapel, 66 Curtis St., Wallingford. 203-6972398. choate.edu/boxoffice.

21 Thursday Music Haven Rush Hour Concert VI Wind down after work with a 40-minute show and a glass of

16 • newhavenarts.org

a wine. Explore Bach’s “Goldberg Variations for String Trio” (performed by Netta Hadari, Tina Lee Hadari, and Philip Boulanger) in a relaxed setting, and discover what makes the music brilliant.

Admission: $8 ($5 students/seniors). 5:30 p.m. $Music Haven, 117 Whalley Ave., New Haven. 203745-9030. musichavenct.org.

24 Sunday Student Instrumental Recital 3 p.m. Free. Paul Mellon Arts Center Recital Hall, Choate Rosemary Hall, 332 Christian St., Wallingford. 203-697-2398. choate.edu/boxoffice.

28 Thursday Classics Series: Cinematic Dances The New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s 121st season concludes with four memorable themes from the silver screen.

7:30 p.m. $15-$74, students $10, KidTix free with accompanying adult. Shubert Theater, 247 College St., New Haven. 203-865-0831.

NewHavenSymphony.org.

30 Saturday Music Haven Presents: The Haven String Quartet The Haven String Quartet performs the music of J. S. Bach among sculpture installations by artist Susan Clinard. Proceeds benefit the Eli Whitney Museum Scholarships for the children of IRIS and Music Haven’s High School Fellowship. Suggested donation: $20. 7 p.m. Eli Whitney Barn, 916 Whitney Ave., New Haven. 203-745-9030. musichavenct.org.

31 Sunday Neighborhood Music School Rock Fest Please join us for performances from the NMS Rock Ensembles, as well as solo performances by NMS private-lesson students. Food and refreshments available for purchase. Plenty of room to dance! 2-5 p.m. Free and open to the public. The Space, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden. 203-624-5189. neighborhoodmusicschool.org.

Special Events 9 Saturday Feet to the Fire — Riverfront Encounter An afternoon featuring live music, visual art installations, plein air painting, a kids activity zone, environmental exhibits, and much more to bring you closer to the rich culture, history, and science of the Connecticut River. 12-5 p.m. Free. Harbor Drive, Middletown. 860-685-3355. wesleyan.edu/cfa.

ArtWalk The 18th annual ArtWalk Festival showcase hundreds of Connecticut talents on the streets of Westville. Performers will be showcases their talents alongside an array of live music, good food, and art vendors. A once-a-year event. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free and open to all ages. 24 Fountain St., New Haven. 203-285-8539. westvillect.org.

12 Tuesday May Meeting and Artist Demonstration Oil painter Rita Curtis will demonstrate using Notan, a guiding principle of Eastern art and design, which focuses on the use of light and dark, positive and negative space, and recognizing the important identity of both shape and background. She studied at the Art Students’ League, at New York University, and in Italy. Coffee and conversation at 7 p.m., brief business meeting at 7:15 p.m., artist’s demonstration at 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.

2901 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden. 203-494-2316. hamdenartleague.com.

The Brentano String Quartet appears on May 13 in Morse Recital Hall, in Sprague Memorial Hall, as part of the Yale School of Music’s Oneppo Chamber Music Series. Photo by Bob Handelman.

poetry from the annual literary magazine Silent Sounds. 6:30 p.m. Free. Wesleyan University Center for the Arts, CFA Hall, 287 Washington Terrace, Middletown. 860-685-3355. wesleyan.edu/cfa.

6 Wednesday Preservation Trust Lecture Author Colin M. Caplan will present “Romancing the Vernacular: Love and Loss in Preservation,” a talk about lost 19th century New Haven architecture. 5:30-7 p.m. Free and open to the public. The Graduate Club, 155 Elm St., New Haven. 203-562-5919. nhpt.org.

14 Thursday Beckerman Lecture Series: “What the %@&*!

Happened to Comics?” Featuring Art Spiegelman, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Maus and “father of the modern graphic novel.” The Beckerman Lecture Series features significant presenters on contemporary topics that shape our world and community. 7:30 p.m. Tickets per lecture: $12 for JCC Members, $15 for non-members. JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge.

203-387-2522. jccnh.org/lecture-series.

Talks & Tours

Theater

5 Tuesday

Cinderella Italiano! Award-winning Pantochino Productions presents this wildly wonderful musical version of the classic Cinderella story set in Italy, featuring a Godmother with an offer no one can refuse! Ba-da-bing, ba-da-boom, it’s a ball! Through

A Celebration of Silent Sounds Celebrate the writing excellence of students in Middletown Public Schools, grades six through 12, and hear their winning submissions of essays, short stories, and

May 9. Visit website for show times. All seats $18 online, or $20 at the door. 40 Railroad Ave. South, Milford. 203-937-6206. pantochino.com.

Matilda the Musical The Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of an extraordinary girl who dreams of a better life. Based on the beloved novel

by Roald Dahl, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages. “Matilda is the best musical since The Lion King!”—Time Magazine. May 16-23. Visit website for show times. Price varies by seat location.

Shubert Theater, 247 College St., New Haven. 203562-5666. shubert.com.

New Haven Symphony Orchestra: Cinematic Dances The NHSO’s 121st season concludes with four memorable themes from the silver screen, featuring violinist Bella Hristova. May 28. 7:30 p.m.

Shubert Theater, 247 College St., New Haven. 203562-5666. shubert.com.

Hairspray A girl achieves her dream of performing on a TV dance show in 1960s Baltimore in this musical version of the 1988 John Waters film. In 2003, the Broadway production won eight out of 13 Tony nominations including best musical, and best performance for a lead actor and actress.

It was produced by Choate alumni Tom Viertel ‘59. May 28-June 6. Visit website for show times.

Adults $20, senior citizens 65 years and older and non-Choate students $15. 332 Christian St., Wallingford. 203-697-2398. choate.edu/boxoffice.

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BULLETIN BOARD

The Arts Council provides the job and bulletin board listings as a service to our membership and is not responsible for the content or deadlines.

Call For Artists For The Shoe Fits: A Juried and Invitational Exhibition of Handmade American Shoes. Guilford Art Center, June 26-August 2. Entry Deadline: May 15. This exhibition will present contemporary handmade shoes by American craftsmen, devoted to what might be considered a “lost art” and creating objects designed to be functional as well as beautiful. Open to U.S. residents. For more information visit guilfordartcenter.org.

Artists Smithtown Township Arts Council seeks entries for its 37th Annual Juried Fine Art exhibition at the Mills Pond House Gallery, St. James, New York. Exhibit dates: June 27–July 22. Entry deadline: May 22. Open to local and national artists. Juror: David H. Reuss. Prospectus available at stacarts.org/exhibits, by calling (631) 862-6575, or sending email to gallery@stacarts.org. $45/ up to three entries. Cash prizes. A call for original artwork (drawing, painting, illustration, sculpture).

No photography.

Artists For Arts Center Killingworth’s 2015-2016 Spectrum Gallery exhibits, including the October Autumn Arts Festival and Gallery Show. Seeking fine artists and artisans in all media. For artist submission, visit spectrumartgallery.org or email barbara@spectrumartgallery.org. Spectrum Gallery and Store, 61 Main St., Centerbrook.

Artists Creative Arts Workshop is looking for an installation artist(s) for its annual August Installation. This installation will be viewable through the two-story street-front windows of CAW’s Hilles Gallery during the month of August. Proposal submission deadline: May 31. For guidelines and more information, please contact the Gallery Coordinator at CAW at 203-562-4927 or email gallery@ creativeartsworkshop.org.

Artists Smithtown Township Arts Council seeks entries for its 34th Annual Juried Photography Exhibition at the Mills Pond House Gallery. Entry deadline June 15. Exhibit Dates August 8-August 30. Open to local and national artists. Prospectus available at stacarts.org/exhibits.

The Arts Paper advertising and calendar deadlines The deadline for advertisements and calendar listings for the June 2015 edition of The Arts Paper is: Monday, April 27, at 5 p.m.

Future deadlines are as follows: July-August: Tuesday, May 26, 5 p.m.

September: Monday, July 27, 5 p.m.

October: Monday, August 31, 5 p.m.

November: Monday, September 28, 5 p.m.

December: Monday, October 26, 5 p.m.

Calendar listings are for Arts Council members only and should be submitted online at newhavenarts.org. Arts Council members can request a username and password by sending an e-mail to mreiniger@newhavenarts.org. The Arts Council’s online calendar includes listings for programs and events taking place within 12 months of the current date. Listings submitted by the calendar deadline are included on a monthly basis in The Arts Paper.

• may 2015

Artists The Gallery Review Committee of The New Alliance Gallery at Gateway Community College is looking for artists to submit their resumes and images for possible exhibition in the 2015 and 2016 calendar years. Please send your resume and cover letter along with a DVD of no less than 20 and no more than 25 images to: Gallery Review Committee, Gateway Community College, 20 Church St., Room S329, New Haven.

Artists The Tiny Gallery: a very big opportunity for very small art. The Tiny Gallery is a premiere space for “micro” exhibitions in the historic Audubon Arts District, located within the lighted display “totem” outside Creative Arts Workshop, at 80 Audubon St., in New Haven. The Tiny Gallery is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Submissions will be considered on a rolling basis and should include a written proposal, artist statement, and images of artwork. Call 203-562-4927 x. 14, email gallery@ creativeartsworkshop.org, or visit creativeartsworkshop.org/tiny.

Artist Members Kehler Liddell Gallery in New Haven is seeking applications from new prospective members. Visit kehlerliddell.com/membership for more information.

Photographers Are you a fan of photography?

A program of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, the Photo Arts Collective aims to cultivate and support a community of individuals who share an interest in photography through workshops, lectures, exhibitions, portfolio reviews, group critiques, and special events. The Photo Arts Collective meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Kehler Liddell Gallery, 873 Whalley Ave., New Haven.

Singers The award-winning Silk’n Sounds Chorus is looking for new members from the area. We invite women to join us at any of our rehearsals to learn more. We enjoy four part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style, lively performances, and wonderful friendships. Rehearsals are every Tuesday from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Spring Glen United Church of Christ, 1825 Whitney Ave., in Hamden. Contact Lynn at 203 623-1276 for more information or visit silknsounds.org.

Volunteers Learn new skills, meet new people, and be part of a creative organization that gives to the community. Upcoming volunteer opportunities: Jazz NightOut Concert at The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook and October Outdoor Autumn Arts Festival on the Madison Town Green. Teens are welcome and earn community-service credit. The Arts Center Killingworth is a non-profit arts organization. Visit artscenterkillingworth.org for more details or call 860-663-5593.

Volunteers Volunteers are a vital part of Artspace’s operation. Volunteering with Artspace is a great way to support the organization, meet new people, and develop new skills. Our volunteers provide a service that is invaluable to making Artspace function smoothly. We simply couldn’t operate without the tremendous support of our volunteers. To find out more about volunteer opportunities, please contact Grey Freeman at greyf@artspacenh.org.

Services Art Consulting Services Support your creativity!

Low-cost service offers in-depth artwork analysis, writing, and editing services by former arts newspaper editor, current art director of the New

Haven Free Public Library, and independent curator of many venues. Call Johnes Ruta at 203387-4933, visit azothgallery.com, or send email to azothgallery@comcast.net.

Art Installation Specialists, LLC An art-handling company serving homeowners, art professionals, offices, galleries, and museums. We offer packing, long-distance or local shipping, and installation of paintings, mirrors, plaques, signage, tapestries, and sculpture, as well as framing, pedestals, exhibit design, and conservation. Contact Paul Cofrancesco at 203-752-8260, Gabriel Da Silva at 203-982-3050, email artinstallationspecialistsllc@gmail.com, or visit artinstallationspecialistsllc.com.

Art Supplies For Sale Artist downsizing: For sale: stretchers, primed and unprimed canvas rolls, stretched canvases, frames, glass, studio furniture, huge beautiful paper, and more. Please contact scousinsartist@yahoo.com Formerly Bethany Art Studio, now located in Hamden.

Birthday Parties Did you know that Creative Arts Workshop is available for birthday parties?

Have your birthday party in an art studio. CAW faculty members will lead the party in arts or crafts projects, lasting approximately 1 1/2 hours, leaving time for cake, presents, and memory-making. Choose from a variety of themes and projects. For more information or to schedule a party, call the office at 562-4927. A fantastic idea for children of all ages.

Chair Repair We can fix your worn-out chair seats if they are cane, rush, Danish cord, Shaker Tape, or other woven types! Celebrating our 25th year! Work is done by artisans at The Association of Artisans to Cane, a project of Marrakech, Inc., a private nonprofit organization that provides services for people with disabilities. Open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m,-4 p.m. 203-776-6310.

Japanese Shoji Screens Designed for Connecticut homes. Custom built for windows, doorways, or freestanding display, they allow beautiful filtered light to pass through while insulating. For a free quote, contact Phillip Chambers at 203-8884937 or email pchambers9077@sbcglobal.net.

Modern Dance Instruction Modern dance classes based on the Hawkins technique taught

by Annie Sailer. Intermediate level, young, and mature dancers welcome! Visit anniesailer. com. Classes offered Mondays, 6-7:30 p.m., and Thursdays, 4:15-5:45 p.m., through May 28. $15 per class. Trinity Lutheran Church, 292 Orange St., New Haven. 347-306-7660. anniesailer@ gmail.com.

Private Art Instruction For adults and children.

Learn in a working artist’s studio. Ideal for artists, home-schooled youngsters, and those with special needs. Portfolio preparation offered. Draw, paint, print, and make collage in a spacious lightfilled studio at Erector Square in New Haven.

Relaxed and professional. I can also come to you.

Lessons created to suit individual. References available. Email lizpagano@snet.net. 315 Peck St., New Haven. 203-675-1105. lizpagano.com.

Professional Art Installation For residential and commercial work. More than 17 years’ experience in museums, galleries, hospitals, and homes in New York City, Providence, New Haven, Chester, and elsewhere. Rate is $30 an hour, no job too small or large. Call Mark at 203-772-4270 or send email to livepaint@aol.com. More information and examples at ctartinstall.com.

Web Services Startup business solutions. Creative, sleek Web design by art curator for art, design, architectural, and small-business sites.

Twenty-five years’ experience in database, logistics, and engineering applications. Will create and maintain any kind of website. Hosting provided. Call 203-387-4933, visit azothgallery.com, or send email to azothgallery@comcast.net.

Writing Workshops The Company of Writers is a new creative community for writers of all ages and levels of experience. We offer prose and poetry workshops, in-person and online services, a summer writers’ conference for teens, and a manuscript consultancy for book-length material. All our faculty are published authors, and many are teachers, editors, or publishers.

Course descriptions available online at companyofwriters.net, or by contacting Terry at 203-676-7133. We all have a story to tell.

What’s yours?

Space Artist Studio West Cove Studio and Gallery offers work space with two large Charles Brand intaglio etching presses, lithography press, and stainless-steel work station. Workshops and technical support available. Ample display area for shows. Membership: $75 per month. 30 Elm St., West Haven. Call 609-638-8501 or visit westcovestudio.com.

Live/Work Space ArLoW (Arts Lofts West).

Fabulous lofts in New Haven’s first artist-housing development. The units contain high ceilings with flexible options for living and working spaces. Great natural light and interior spaces.

Please contact Lynn Calabrese c/o Wm. M. Hotchkiss, management agent, at 203-7723200 x. 20 for a rental application.

Studio Space Thirteen-thousand square feet of undeveloped studio space available in old mill brick building on New Haven harbor. Conveniently located one minute off I-95, Exit 44 in West Haven. Owners willing to subdivide. Call 609-638-8501.

Studio Space Branford Center. Artist Co-Op, 1229 Main St. Sixteen-hundred square feet of retail space on historic Main Street in downtown Branford. Total turnkey co-op space for up to five artists. Unique space includes two overhead garage doors and storage. In addition there will be a “pop up” space that will allow for a four-month rotation of space throughout the year. Tremendous visibility, strategically located at three-way traffic signal. Pricing includes Internet, POS, Facebook, and website. Pricing starts at $495 per month.

Jobs Please visit newhavenarts.org for up-to-date local employment opportunities in the arts. newhavenarts.org • 17

The Arts Paper may 2015

College Street Music Hall Opens its Doors lucy gellman

stretch of College Street between Chapel and Crown streets already know that this story did not end particularly well. From its groundbreaking, the Palace seemed to be on track: renovations garnered DiLieto’s blessing and the city’s praise. Naysayers were rebuffed with Schiavone’s hyper-organized plan to open in exactly 12 months, which came to fruition with a musical revival of Gigi and opening gala that featured Marvin Hamlisch and Peter Allen in September 1984. Profits poured in. Talent did too: Upcoming acts, booked by media guru and Palace Vice President Ed Yoe, looked good. In late, 1984 the New Haven Symphony Orchestra considered moving its activities and operations there permanently, seeming to suggest a bright and prosperous future for the venue.

But behind the scenes there were problems. In a building that has had so many lives, perhaps there are bound to be. From its opening gala, the Palace seemed doomed by its neighbor across the street; Reporters in the New Haven Register warned that the “Shubert-Palace duel could wound downtown,” adding headlines like “Is this town big enough for both the Shubert and the Palace?” to their growing list of speculations about the downtown business. Community members interrupted city development meetings to warn that the two theaters, if allowed to continue coexisting, would destroy each other. Even

Schiavone, whose September 18 gala had conflicted n September 13, 1983, Joel Schiavone with the beginning of the stood outside the long-expired Roger Shubert’s fall season, reSherman Theater, shrugging off an ported that members of the early fall breeze as he waited for New Haven Shubert’s board were surMayor Biagio (“Ben”) DiLieto to make a big reptitiously attempting to announcement. close the Palace with their He shifted from foot to foot. DiLieto was own interests in mind. late. The performance would have to get unHe was, of course, partly derway without the guest of honor. right. Despite its theoretical “Welcome,” he said motioning to the distance from the Shubert building behind him, “to the greatest show on — one booked large musiearth.” cal acts, the other staged With these words, recorded by the New plays, one was intended for Haven Register, Schiavone unveiled his grand a state audience, the other plans for the Palace Theater, for which ground local, and so forth — the was officially broken in the fall of 1983.

Palace struggled. After a Erected on the same premises that had held, string of failed attempts since New Haven’s founding in 1638, the Revto stay open, it closed its erend William Hooke’s home in the 1640s, doors in the 1990s, sitting Naphtali Daggett’s residence in1772, the Coldark under the auspices lege Street Congregational Church in 1848, a of the New Haven Center lecture hall for Yale University students, and for Performing Arts Inc. the ill-fated Rialto and Roger Sherman movie (NHCPA) for many years, theaters, the newly-conceived building promawaiting a next move. ised something novel and entirely different: And then, in January of a 2,000-seat, multi-genre music venue that this year, that move came: would pull talent –– and audiences –– from It was announced that the around the state, the country, and the world. long-dead Palace would live Readers who have lived in New Haven again as the College Street since the 1980s or walked the well-tread Music Hall, reborn and reimagined as the picture of musical health. The change comes grace à Discover the Leading Lifestyle heroic efforts

by Mayor (12 issues) forToni $ Harp, economic chief Matthew Nemerson, New Haven’s chief Publication for Greater New Haven of cultural affairs Andy Wolf, Premiere ConName: certs’ head Keith Mahler, and NHCPA PresEmail: ident Elissa Getto, who sees it as “building a Address: building for the future … and the present.”

Coming from two very different backCity: grounds, Mahler and Getto are a dream team of sorts, working in near perfect harmony State: Zip: with each other to make sure that the hall is ready to go –– and will have a long, prosperCredit Card: ous life –– starting at the beginning of May. Exp: “It’s very exciting,” said Getto. “It seems to Signature: me that at this point in my career in life, to be involved in a project such as this, to be able to ❏ VISA ❏ MasterCard ❏ AMEX ❏ CHECK improve the arts and entertainment scene is Check payableThe to more New Haven Living fabulous.

I learn, the more excited I am. There’s nothing more important to me Please mail with payment to: than being able to collaborate in a noncomNew Haven Living Attn: Subscriptions petitive setting and we’re looking forward to 285 Broad Hartford CT 06115 beingStreet, one of those great community partners.

Expires 12/31/15 “My whole life has been involved in music ... Coming through this, I have changed as a the arts. I’m a lifelong Click, Call or Mail CALLlover and a consumer ofMAIL CLICK ➤ Name: learner. I love the fact that I’m getting to know To Subscribe 860.241.6796 newhavenliving.com Form a whole new city in Attached Connecticut,” she said.

Email: “New Haven is a major player in the state and in the region. Whether you talk about educaAddress: tional positions or arts organizations, this is what makes this a very interesting commuCity: nity for me –– being part of something that’s State: Zip: 12 Issues | Expires 12/31/15 going to make it an even better city. Who would not be intrigued with that possibility?”

Credit Card: Since the project was announced and finalized by the city on January 9, the two have Exp: OR CALL CLICK Signature: worked at breakneck speed on the theater ❏ VISA ❏ MasterCard ❏ AMEX ❏ CHECK starting at its literal foundation, which Getto described as having “very good bones.” By Check payable to New Haven Living late March, when I caught up with them, Mail payment to: New Haven Living Subscriptions the renovation was almost done, and they could envision the space fully: a theater that 285 Broad St., Hartford CT 06115 will boast a tiered orchestra level without

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College Street Music Hall. Photo by Amanda May Aruani.

permanent seats, leaving room for chairs and banquet tables, as well as standing room for popular acts. Getto bubbled about the hall’s potential as a gathering place for community members; Mahler was more interested in the image of concert after concert, minds and hearts electrified at the variety of music the hall offers each week. Envision it, he urged me: a room packed with whistling, delighted bodies, leaning in to listen at one concert and rocking out at the next.

It’s an image they — and the city — are hoping will be long-lasting. With performances by The Machine and the Hartford Symphony Orchestra (May 1), Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt (May 2), and Polaris and Mates of State (May 9) in its first two weeks, the Music Hall’s programming certainly seems to reflect Schiavone’s ambition to cater to a range of tastes. To that end, the venue needed a new personality.

“We needed a name that would reflect the full scope of all things we want to do,” Schiavone said. “We’re going to do so many things here, from rock and roll to symphony.

We wanted something with a sense of here and now.”

Mahler is quick to pull away from the Palace in conversation, though. He has never, and may never, used “the greatest show on earth” to describe what’s coming. He thinks it’s something different. Something palpably new.

“I don’t deal with history, I deal with the future,” he said. He was driving home from a morning in the theater; the radio played softly in the background. “The Palace was a wonderful music house with different tenor at a different time. College Street Music Hall is going to have a whole new vibe. The sound system is going to be beyond belief. There’s real rock n’ roll lighting. It’s the real deal. It’s going to be unbelievable." n

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The Arts Paper member organizations & partners

Arts & Cultural Organizations A Broken Umbrella Theatre abrokenumbrella.org, 203-868-0428 ACES Educational Center for the Arts aces.k12.ct.us 203-777-5451 Alyla Suzuki Early Childhood Music Education alylasuzuki.com 203-239-6026

Gallery One CT galleryonect.com

Linda S. Marino Art lindasmarinoart.com

The Choirs of Trinity Church on the Green trinitynewhaven.org

Greater New Haven Community Chorus gnhcc.org 203-624-1979

Long Wharf Theatre longwharf.org 203-787-4282

City Gallery city-gallery.org 203-782-2489

Guilford Art Center guilfordartcenter.org 203-453-5947

Chestnut Hill Concerts chestnuthillconcerts.org 203-245-5736

Civic Orchestra of New Haven conh.org Classical Contemporary Ballet Theatre ccbtballettheatre.org

American Guild of Organists sacredmusicct.org

Connecticut Dance Alliance ctdanceall.com

Another Octave CT Women’s Chorus anotheroctave.org

Connecticut Gay Men’s Chorus ctgmc.org 800-644-cgmc

ARTFARM art-farm.org Arts Center Killingworth artscenterkillingworth.org 860-663-5593 Arts for Learning Connecticut www.aflct.org Artspace artspacenh.org 203-772-2709 Artsplace: Cheshire Performing & Fine Art cpfa-artsplace.org 203-272-2787

Connecticut Natural Science Illustrators ctnsi.com 203-934-0878 Creative Arts Workshop creativeartsworkshop.org 203-562-4927 Creative Concerts 203-795-3365 CT Folk ctfolk.com

Guitartown CT Productions guitartownct.com 203-430-6020

Madison Art Society madisonartsociety.blogspot.com 860-399-6116 Madison Lyric Stage madisonlyricstage.org

New Haven Oratorio Choir nhoratoriochoir.org New Haven Museum newhavenmuseum.org 203-562-4183 New Haven Paint and Clay Club newhavenpaintandclayclub.org 203-288-6590 New Haven Preservation Trust nhpt.org

Hamden Art League hamdenartleague.com 203-494-2316

Make Haven makehaven.org

Hamden Arts Commission hamdenartscommission.org 203-287-2546

Marrakech, Inc./Association of Artisans to Cane marrakechinc.org

Hillhouse Opera Company hillhouseoperacompany.org 203-464-2683

Meet the Artists and Artisans meettheartistsandartisans.com 203-874-5672

One True Palette onetruepalette.com

Hopkins School hopkins.edu

Milford Fine Arts Council milfordarts.org 203-878-6647 Music Haven musichavenct.org 203-215-4574

Hugo Kauder Society hugokauder.org The Institute Library institutelibrary.org International Festival of Arts & Ideas artidea.org

DaSilva Gallery gabrieldasilvagallery.com 203-387-2539

International Silat Federation of America & Indonesia isfnewhaven.org

Bethesda Music Series bethesdanewhaven.org 203-787-2346

Elm City Dance Collective elmcitydance.org

John Slade Ely House elyhouse.org 203-624-8055

Blackfriars Repertory Theatre blackfriarsrep.com

Elm Shakespeare Company elmshakespeare.org 203-874-0801

Kehler Liddell Gallery kehlerliddell.com

Branford Folk Music Society folknotes.org/branfordfolk

Encore Music Creations encoremusiccreations.com

Knights of Columbus Museum kofcmuseum.org

Center for Independent Study cistudy.homestead.com

Firehouse 12 firehouse12.com 203-785-0468

Legacy Theatre legacytheatrect.org

• may 2015

Lyman Center at SCSU www.lyman.southernct.edu

New Haven Free Public Library nhfpl.org 203-946-8835

Music Mountain musicmountain.com 860-824-7126 Musical Folk musicalfolk.com Neighborhood Music School neighborhoodmusicschool.org 203-624-5189 New England Festival of Ibero American Cinema nefiac.com New Haven Ballet newhavenballet.org 203-782-9038 New Haven Chorale newhavenchorale.org 203-776-7664

New Haven Symphony Orchestra newhavensymphony.org 203-865-0831

Silk Road Art Gallery silkroadartnewhaven.com

Creative Businesses

Susan Powell Fine Art 203-318-0616 susanpowellfineart.com

Access Audio-Visual Systems 203-287-1907 accessaudiovisual.com

Site Projects siteprojects.org

Best Video 203-287-9286 bestvideo.com

The Second Movement secondmovementseries.org Theater Department at SCSU/ Crescent Players southernct.edu/theater University Glee Club of New Haven universitygleeclub.org

Blue Plate Radio 203-500-0700 blueplateradio.com Fairhaven Furniture fairhaven-furniture.com 203-776-3099 Foundry Music Company www.foundrymusicco.com

Wesleyan University Center for the Arts wesleyan.edu/cfa

The Funky Monkey Café & Gallery thefunkymonkeycafe.com

West Cove Studio & Gallery westcovestudio.com 609-638-8501

Hull’s Art Supply and Framing hullsnewhaven.com 203-865-4855

Orchestra New England orchestranewengland.org 203-777-4690

Whitney Arts Center 203-773-3033

Toad’s Place toadsplace.com

Pantochino Productions pantochino.com

Whitney Humanities Center yale.edu/whc

Paul Mellon Arts Center choate.edu/artscenter

Yale Cabaret yalecabaret.org 203-432-1566

New Haven Theater Company newhaventheatercompany.com

Play with Grace playwithgrace.com Reynolds Fine Art reynoldsfineart.com Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, New Haven Branch nhrscds.org Shoreline Arts Alliance shorelinearts.org 203-453-3890 Shubert Theater shubert.com 203-562-5666 Silk n’ Sounds silknsounds.org

Yale Center for British Art yale.edu/ycba Yale Institute of Sacred Music yale.edu.ism 203-432-5180 Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History peabody.yale.edu

Community Partners Department of Arts Culture & Tourism, City of New Haven cityofnewhaven.com 203-946-8378 DECD/CT Office of the Arts cultureandtourism.org 860-256-2800 Fractured Atlas fracturedatlas.org JCC of Greater New Haven jccnh.org

Yale Repertory Theatre yalerep.org 203-432-1234

Overseas Ministries Study Center omsc.org

Yale University Art Gallery www.artgallery.yale.edu

Town Green Special Services District infonewhaven.com

Yale University Bands yale.edu/yaleband 203-432-4111

Visit New Haven visitnewhaven.com

artnhv.com • 19

The Arts Paper arts council programs

The Arts Council Perspectives …

Gallery at Whitney Center Location: 200 Leeder Hill Drive, South Entrance, Hamden Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-7 p.m. & Saturdays, 1-4 p.m.

Side by Side Multimedia exhibition featuring works by regional teachers and high school students Curated by Debbie Hesse and Steven Olsen Dates: ?-?

Public Reception: Saturday, May 2, 3-5 p.m.

Perspectives ... Gallery at Whitney Center. Francois Poisson.

Sumner McKnight Crosby Jr. Gallery. Dudu Rodrigues.

Sumner McKnight Crosby Jr. Gallery Location: The Arts Council of Greater New Haven, 70 Audubon St., 2nd Floor, New Haven Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Konbersu Pintadu Painted conversations from the diaspora Curated by Debbie Hesse and Jose Monteiro Dates: May 1-June 15 Reception: Friday, May 1, 5-7 p.m.

Advice from the AC Location: Citizens Television, 843 State St., New Haven Date: Thursday, May 7, 1-4 p.m.

Need help finding exhibition space/opportunities, performance/rehearsal space or developing new ways to promote your work or creative event?

Debbie Hesse, the Arts Council’s director of artist services and programs, will be available for one-on-one consultations. To schedule an appointment call (203) 772-2788.

Photo Arts Collective The Photo Arts Collective is an Arts Council program that aims to cultivate and support a community of individuals who share an interest in photography, through workshops, lectures, exhibitions, portfolio reviews, group critiques, and events. The Photo Arts Collective meets the first Thursday of the month at the Kehler Liddell Gallery, 873 Whitney Ave., New Haven, at 7 p.m. To learn more, send email to photoartscollective@gmail.com.

Arts On Air Perspectives ... Gallery at Whitney Center. Jack Cheng Cheng.

Next Show: May 18, 12-1 p.m. on WPKN 89.5FM and streaming at wpkn.org Listen to the Arts Council’s Arts On Air broadcast every third Monday of the month during WPKN’s Community Programing Hour. Hosted by Matt Reiniger, the Arts Council’s communications manager, Arts On Air engages in conversations with local artists and arts organizations. Links to past episodes are available at artnhv.com/on-air.

Writers’ Circle Date: Thursday, May 28, 5:30 p.m.

Location: Arts Council of Greater New Haven, 70 Audubon St. 2nd floor, New Haven Visit newhavenarts.org and the Arts Council’s Facebook page for details about the next Writers’ Circle session.

Sumner McKnight Crosby Jr. Gallery. Tutu Sousa.

Arts on the Edge Families and children of all ages are invited to join us on Audubon Street for our annual Audubon Arts on the Edge! Arts on the Edge is an afternoon of free, family-oriented music, dance, performances, arts and craft activities and more.

Save the Date: Saturday, June X, 12-5 p.m., rain or shine Children’s book author Author Deborah Freedman shares insights during a Writers’ Circle event in March.

For more information on these events and more visit newhavenarts.org or check out our mobile events calendar using the Arts, Nightlife, Dining & Information (ANDI) app for smartphones.