3rd Thursday Art Stroll - August 15th

3rd Thursday is approaching fast! Come join an evening walk from Firehouse Gallery down Naugatuck and around the corner onto Broadway.

Before you begin the evening walk enjoy the cuisines of the area restaurants, Lazy Lobster, pizza at Alfa's, Costa Azzurra, Aldario's.  A perfect time to go over your gift list as the Seasons of Giving have begun. Walnut Beach Merchants has those unique and yet sublime gifts for your friends, co-workers, family members ranging from original works of art, jewelry, gift certificates, art and music lessons and more!

And then begin a journey that will bring to you a world of art, music, dance and more food and drink.
Firehouse Gallery, 81 Naugatuck Avenue,

81 Naugatuck Avenue

while not having an opening reception they still might be open for a bit so check it out; head down to

42 Naugatuck Avenue

Sobobo to meet and greet friends and August's Artist - Stephen DiRienzo. Continue to Seaside Wines and Spirits to pick up that bottle of your favorite wine;

2 Broadway

head to Beach Gallery where you will find your way! Beach Gallery featuring old maps of Myrtle-Walnut Beaches showing what we were like before, Scoot & Paddle with utilitarian art.

28 Naugatuck Avenue

16 Broadway

Head down to Wild Expressions and see Liza Sivek from B. Enchanted Crafts who will be demonstrating her amazing art of paper crafting and of course wine and hors d'oerves will be served as well.

19 Broadway

Head across the street to Walnut Beach Creamery and Taste & See Confections and see what you can get to satisfy those sweet cravings.

17 Broadway

To end this evening a Salsa Party will be taking place at the park on the corner of Naugatuck and East Broadway....a wonderful way to end a perfect evening! Join Brian Smith, DJ, as he spins the vinyls for us!

All of this begins at 6:30 pm with the Salsa Party beginning at 8:00 pm. It will be a pleasure to see you!

Walk the Avenue - that is Naugatuck Avenue - to Broadway

The Walnut Beach Art Stroll will now be happening on a regular schedule – it takes place the 3^rd Thursday of each month and that begins on the Summer Solstice June 20^th. . . A celebration that can’t be missed!
 

Walk the Avenue, that is Naugatuck Avenue to Broadway! What a wonderful way to welcome Summer! Join us on a walk that will give you food for thought, to see and to eat, drink and be merry listening to and begin swaying to the music!
Beginning at 6:00 pm one can join in the food fare of the area restaurants – pizza, burgers, etc. at Alfa’s; deli sandwiches at New Town Market; Italian cuisine at Aldario’s and Costa Azzura…at Costa Azzura you get the view of the water how relaxing!

And last but not least,

The Lazy Lobster, 6 Broadway

 whose customers are served on the beach!

And to help your meal settle, begin walking the talk of the town.

Firehouse Gallery, 81 Naugatuck Avenue

 

will be open from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm this evening for you to see their new exhibit Flowers; meander down the avenue to

Sobobo Art Gallery, 42 Naugatuck Avenue

 

from 6:30 to 8:30 and meet Andrew Hungaski who shows us “A Tangible Vision”.  Saxophonist Addison Thompson will be serenading us as lively discussions begin, food and drink flow. See the art work of over 70 artists. 

You can head three doors down from Sobobo to

Seaside Wines & Spirits, 36 Naugatuck Avenue

 

for a wine tasting. An art by wineries that titillate your taste buds! Perhaps you will find a flavor of schnapps, or brandy to drizzle over your dessert that you decide you have to have at the end of the walk!

You must continue down Naugatuck to go to

Scoot & Paddle, 26 Naugatuck Avenue,

 

Yes, Scoot & Paddle has utilitarian art – totes! The company, Sea Bags offers retired sailboat sails another life by turning them into handmade one-of-a-kind nautical-inspired pieces in their shop right on the docks in Portland Maine.  The exquisite handmade, durable sail bags embody the previous life of the sail while promoting chic recycling and reuse.  AND they also have wearable art – sneakers!  The sneakers are handmade in Peru by skilled, artisans being paid above average salaries and in exceptional working environments using only authentic South American textiles from artisans that have been producing these beautiful textiles for generations.  Inkkas, a socially conscious company that donates 10% to protecting the Amazon rain forest and its inhabitants, promotes fair trade and opportunities for disadvantaged producers.   Both styles works of art that can be used! While you are there you might want to look at their other offerings  - perhaps you would want to plan to  rent the bicycle built for two, or a kayak for an afternoon.

As you head back to Broadway  –

Enter Beach Gallery on Naugatuck Avenue side, next door to Scoot & Paddle

 

and “Sea” the beauty of the area through the eyes of local artists and historical pieces by owner/artist Elizabeth Wright. Featured artisans Kim Fleming and Cathy Nolan exhibiting their SEA GLASS jewelry creations PLUS the spiritual found object jewelry of Judy Fryer Thompson who was recently featured in Jewelry Magazine. Other gems of found objects cherished and recreated by the artistic eye will adorn the gallery with few surprises as well!

Afterwards head down to

16 Broadway to Wild Expressions

 

where brother and sister musicians Suzanne and Brian, who call themselves The Light Hearts will be enlivening the evening with music from 7:00 to 8:30. There are surprises there too, art by local artists – the floral art by owner Tyyne Catapano envelopes you with the scents (sense)of nature – and Yes, the artwork on the floor is truly a find!

Now that you had walked off your dinner, it is time for dessert! And what better spots than

Walnut Beach Creamery, 19 Broadway
 

 

and Taste & See, 17 Broadway

 

where you can create your own dessert - perhaps Cupcake Ala mode!  You might think about getting schnapps, or brandy at Seaside Wines & Spirits to drizzle over your own culinary creation! A perfect way to cleanse the palette!

Before you head home you must stop off at the park on the corner of Naugatuck and East Broadway! A wonderful way to end the evening with a Salsa party! DJ Brian Smith will be on hand twirling the vinyls as music fills the air and dancing heats up the street!

Come enjoy food and drink, art, music, and dance! It truly is an amazing way to welcome Summer!

Art Stroll is Happening! Thursday, October 6th.....

Autumn has fast approached us. The trees are just starting to change their color, but with all of the rain and heat we had so late into the summer, you wonder if they are going to change at all...but you know what ...October's Art Stroll will be happening on Thursday, October 6th.

Enjoy an evening around Walnut Beach area via horse and buggy! Patti Clark (artisan of SoBoBo) and her husband of Maple View Farms, Orange, CT will be joining us that evening...WEATHER PERMITTING that is...if it rains, the rides won't be taking place.

But you know the route, just head to FIRE HOUSE GALLERY, 81 Naugatuck Avenue and see the four seasons change before your eyes! Their new exhibit is "Four Seasons" and the opening reception begins at 6:00 pm. A juried show so awards will be given...don't forget to choose People's Choice Award!

Meander down to SOBOBO and check out October's Artist, Elizabeth B. Wright's exhibit. The vibrancy of her work, the energies, a breath of fresh air you feel is stunning. Besides Elizabeth, we have new artists Warren Bryant, Simone Doroski, Kimberly Pisco, and Karen Macker...new artisan, a wood turner - Steven Fortier. Steven works in reclaimed wood only! The wood carvers, Bill Gallagher has returned with his Santa Clauses all hand carved out of bass wood as well as William Brill. The intricacy of each stroke in the wood is amazing. We have jewelers, Sam Rawls, Patti Clark, Carlyne LeBreque, Simone Doroski, Analiese, Lara, Susan Frey, and Teru Rexroad, Keelin Brett....SO MUCH TO SEE, SO MUCH TO CHOOSE FROM TO GIVE AS HOLIDAY GIFTS, even birthdays, anniversaries, new home...

When you leave make sure to stop in ALFA'S JOLLY JUG at 38 Naugatuck Avenue...start stocking up for the holidays! They may even have something for you to taste...and perhaps you will add it to your favorites...

Don't know if LAZY LOBSTER will be open since it is the end of the summer season...but check them out anyway...

PAINTED YOU is a wonderful place to stop at...see the beauty in the work...no it is not tatoos, it is body painting, very different...there is also the possibility of making arrangements for face painting at an upcoming event you may have....

WILD EXPRESSIONS, oh the scents that envelope you as you enter... the floral art that Tyyne Catapano designed...EXQUISITE!!..maybe musician Tim Payson will be on hand to play his wonderful sounds...

COLLECTED STORIES, of course has that book or books you couldn't find elsewhere...think about the Holidays!

And last but not least stop at WALNUT BEACH CREAMERY....they will be closing for the season on Halloween - October 31st (and will re-open next Spring)....which means the Walnut Beach Witch will be arriving soon!

So much to do and have fun in the mean time....think about the Holiday Season, as it, too, is fast approaching...house warming gifts, hostess gifts, Christmas gifts, Kwanzaa gifts, and Hannukah gifts...

See you soon!

A Message From The Sea....

As you put the conch to your ear you can hear the ocean...however, there is a message from the sea, just listen very, very closely for it is telling you something about tonight's event....

"You must get out and come to the shore this evening, come to Walnut Beach and see the works of local artists and artisans at Firehouse Gallery, 81 Naugatuck Avenue. Enjoy "seaing" how differently each artist has perceived our home. From reality to euphoria, from actual to mystical using modernism, contemporary, abstract, collage, realism, and impressionism! Each piece has you delving in and you find yourself visiting us at the bottom of the sea!

Go with the flow as you float down to SoBoBo Art Gallery, 42 Naugatuck Avenue and sea paintings by Paige Miglio, Benjamin Casiano, Rick Senft, Cindy Rifkin, William Ahern, Matt Roe and must not forget artist for the month, Janet Ruskin; mixed media pieces by Jan McLean, Susan Frey, Betsey Wright, Wes Swanson; photography by Karen Allen, D'Antonia, Angie Scott, Hedi Minnow-Pike; sculptures by William Brill, Michael Brotschul and Rosemary McClain; and artisan (jeweler) for the month, Kate Davoli, plus Susan Frey, Lara Sendich, Sylvia, Sam and Keelin Brett.

So much to sea! To give yourself a change of venue, stop at Alfa's for pizza or the Alfa's Jolly Jug for a taste of the vino, Lazy Lobster for the lobster roll you have been craving and top it off with ice cream from Walnut Beach Creamery!

Then you must continue the flow to Painted You, 12 Broadway - a fresh new gallery exhibiting face and body art and of course, Wild Expressions at Collected Stories, 16 Broadway who might have Tim Payson playing sweet melodious music! Pick up a bouquet of flowers from Wild Expressions designed exclusively with you in mind by owner/designer Tyyne Catapano...

Come to the shore, come to Walnut Beach and enjoy an evening from the sea!"

This message was brought to you by "Conch" by Paige Miglio and "Precious" by Jan McLean

SAVE THE DATE - THURSDAY, AUGUST 11TH

Can't go a month without something happening soooo, take a peak below and see what will take place (an art stroll)...on Thursday, August 11th

Firehouse Gallery will be joining us they will be open from 6pm to 8pm so you can enjoy the art that is on display..."From the Sea" Enjoy "seaing" how differently each artist has perceived the title of the exhibit. From reality to euphoria, from actual to mystical using modernism, contemporary, abstract, collage, realism, and impressionism! Each piece has you delving in and you find yourself at the bottom of the sea!

Photographer Pam Landry will be exhibiting at Wild Expressions/Collected Stories. You must see her fine art. Pam, born on the shoreline in New Rochelle, New York and now living on the shoreline in Milford, Connecticut, one of Pam’s favorite photo subjects has always been anything beach related. Pam has had photo exhibits at 116 Crown in New Haven and Café Atlantique, and contributes a daily “Morning Meditation” photo to Milford Patch.com. Her work is a must see!

Artisan, Joanne Watkins will be at SoBoBo for the month of August. Come on an excursion throughout the world! You will have a different look into a "third" world!

Also, a new genre or it should be said old genre of art will be exhibiting at SoBoBo Art Gallery. Local writers of prose and poetry will be displaying their works.

D'Antonia, an adjunct professor of English, teaches at area universities - UNH, Quinnipiac and, Sara Eliza Johnson whose poetry has appeared in a variety of places online and in print, including the New England Review, Shenandoah, Iron Horse Literary Review, and Best New Poets 2009. She is the recipient of a Rona Jaffe Foundation Writer's Award, a Winter Fellowship from the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, a work-study scholarship to the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference, and an AWP Intro Journals Project Award. She holds a BA from Cornell University and an MFA from the University of Oregon.

A new gallery and studio just opened at 12 Broadway - Painted You. A new form that the area has not seen! A new venue that has been added to the strolls.

Alot to see, and much to eat and drink...The Lazy, Alfa's Pizza, Alfa's Jolly Jug, Walnut Beach Creamery....Oh, my!

SAVE THE DATE, MARK YOUR CALENDAR! COME ENJOY AN EVENING WITH US!

Thursday, July 28th - From Sea Shells On The Sea Shore To...

"She sells sea shells on the sea shore;
The shells that she sells are sea shells I'm sure.
So if she sells sea shells on the sea shore,
I'm sure that the shells are sea shore shells."

Let's see, can you it say 3X's fast! Remember when you could do just that? If you join us on Thursday, July 28th for the Walnut Beach Art Stroll, you will have to try to say it 3X's fast in order to enter -- just kidding....

Make sure you bring your snorkel and flippers because you just might need them as you enter The Firehouse Art Gallery, 81 Naugatuck Avenue, at 6:00 pm. You will find yourself exploring the ocean with a new exhibit “From The Sea,” that was juried by Bridgeport native, painter and graphic designer, Bob Perkowski.

Mr. Perkowski, a Paier School of Art graduate, majored in fine art and illustration. He started his own graphic design company in 1991. An award-winning painter, he is a signature member in the American Society of Marine Artists, The Hudson Valley Artists, The Northeast Watercolor Society, The Connecticut Watercolor Society and The New Haven Paint and Clay Club. His love for the sea and New England is reflected in a majority of his recent works. He paints seascapes, still life and landscapes. He is represented by The Gallery at Firehouse Square, New London, CT.

Artists entered works of art that are of or pertain to the ocean and the variety of life it supports, either real or imaginary.

Enjoy your snorkeling adventure and when you come up for air, swim down to SoBoBo and see a very different genre of art by Janet S. Ruskin the Artist for the Month.



Meet with Judy & Jill Ruskin to learn all about our colleague. You will also see many other artists' works and might bump into a few creators -- new artists, Paula Rogers who works in sea glass, Rebecca Krassner sea glass chimes, Alice Fredericks watercolors bring you to the shore, Edie Francoeur's photography in a shadow box, Karen Allen, Angie Scott, Hedi Minnow-Pike, Dale Pombrio to name a few William Ahern adds to the Modern side as does Matt Roe, Cindy Rifkin and D'Antonia -- New jeweler, Susan Frey and must not forget Jeweler for the Month Kate Davoli!

After visiting us continue your sea fairing journey to Alfa's Jolly Jug to add flavor to the evening, even pick up a bottle of your favorite wine or whatever your heart desires and

head to the Lazy Lobster and "sea" what they are offering up for dinner.

You just might want to stop there first to begin your evening ...

A new gallery and studio just opened at 12 Broadway - Painted You. A new form that the area has not seen! Body art. A must see!

Check out Wild Expressions and Collected Stories to "sea" what is happening, don't know what they have planned but they may have musician Tim Payson playing music as they have many times before, and...

perhaps they might be receiving the walkers or "swimmers" who will mill about enjoying the evening. You can even pick out a bouquet of flowers so exquisitely designed by Tyyne Catapano for that someone special! Make sure to view the many different works of arts that are pleasantly decorating the space and you can purchase some of them, even read an excerpt from a book

End your evening swim at Walnut Beach Creamery who will have wonderful gourmet ice cream flavors for you to try.

A cool way to wind down the evening before heading home!

She sells sea shells on the seashore...

"Sea" you there!

Create Your Own "Abstracts" or Geometric Designs...

Thursday, June 23rd is when you can create your own abstract, although it may be an invisible line that goes from one point to the next. Walking the line, so to speak, will create a geometric design.

Well, you can first go to Lazy Lobster have a nice dinner, then go up to 81 Naugatuck Avenue to Firehouse Gallery for 6:00 pm. After enjoying the opening reception for their new exhibit

"Abstracts" meander down Stowe Avenue to Park Avenue. Once on Park head down towards the water and stop off at Walnut Beach Creamery for a taste of ice cream to clear the palate.

When you are there you will see a sign in the window next door announcing a new unique gourmet cupcake shop who will be our new neighbor soon! Are we growing!

Then head to Wild Expressions across the street and enjoy the scents of the flower art that is there. You might even want to pick up a bouquet of flowers to take with you. Enjoy the music, the treats that are offered. Before you leave don't forget to look at the art by local artists that are there.

And even pick up a book or two since Collected Stories had opened their space to share with Wild Expressions! How awesome!

When you decided to end your visit at Wild Expressions and Collected Stories head around the corner to Alfa's Jolly Jug and enjoy the tasting they have to offer...

You might want to purchase a bottle or two to bring home with you for your upcoming gatherings you will be having.

Two doors up from Jolly Jug stop and look in the windows and see phenomenal soft sculptures by our own Walnut Beach artist Nancy Helfant. Look in the door and see her unbelievable sculptures! Continue on making your abstract, your geometric design and....

The Master Brewer is back for you to taste the different flavored ales he designed! So, make sure to stop next door at SoBoBo Art Gallery. William Brill's and Sylvia's exhibit reception will be happening! Meet Master Carver Bill Brill and see his outstanding creations hand carved out of wood! See Sylvia's "soul of culture" as she brought East to West in her designs. There will be many other artists too, Betsey Wright, Betty Geller, Matt Roe, Paige Miglio, Rick Senft, Edie Francoeur and More!

A wonderful evening to begin the summer months and enjoy making your own abstract, your own geometric design!

Can't wait to see you!

Join Us for the Last Art Stroll of 2009 on Thursday, November 19th

"Frosted Firs"

by Marti Reed

Come join us as we celebrate "Indian Summer" and "Winter" during our last Art Stroll for 2009!

Firehouse Gallery, 81 Naugatuck Avenue, Walnut Beach - Milford, CT, will be hosting a reception for it's year-end exhibit with the celebration of the "Winter" season on Thursday, November 19th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The exhibit will be judged by Derek Leka, a university professor at Southern and University of Bridgeport as well as teaching at Silvermine Guild Arts Center.

As you view each piece of art, become a part of it. Feel the strokes of the paint brush or pencil as if the artist was right there creating. Enjoy the beauty of the color, the light and dark, the composition. Then, and only then, would it be a good time to choose your favorite piece! You become part of the judging process yourself by choosing for the People's Choice Award.

Meander across "the Avenue" to Urban Antique Radio and Vintage Hi-Fi and check out Mike Urban's collection of past communications. Ask him questions about repairs, restoration and the like and he will be more than happy to answer them!

You must stop by the Walnut Beach Cafe and see what Wil has cook'in! Be sure to try the new Eggnog Latte or Cappuccino. Or better yet - try the seasonal Mulled Cider beverage. Mmmm!Delicious!

Stroll around the corner to Lazy Lobster and they may have lobster bisque available! Or perhaps start shopping for the Holidays at A Fine Affair, Collected Stories and SoBoBo Art Gallery! What a great relief to have some of your gifts crossed off your lists.

"Body Armor" (homage to Navajo Tribe) - by Michael Brotschul

At SoBoBo Art Gallery absorb the vibrancy of "Indian Summer!" Soak up the colors and breathe in the scent of Fall. Works of more than 50 artists on display are available for purchase. We all know about harvesting for the upcoming winter season takes place each year around this time as well as the preparation for the Holiday Season, so, with that in mind --- don't forget to place your order for one of your desserts for the Holidays! Because even though Walnut Beach Creamery is closed for the season orders are being taken for ice cream and ice cream pies. Your order can be easily placed at SoBoBo! You must make sure to ask to try the flavors of Pumpkin, Peppermint, Ginger and more because samples are available to taste at SoBoBo! If you already have a favorite and it is not listed with the flavors that are available, don't be shy because you can order that one too! Just a reminder, SoBoBo is opened until 9:30 pm so make sure to stop by and perhaps we will enjoy a lively conversation!

SoBoBo will be holding an Open House from Thursday the 19th until Sunday the 22nd during Gallery hours. Come and join us! You can even purchase that special gift for someone you know.

See you on the 19th!

The "Final Destination" On Halloween Night Is. . .

- BE SAFE! -

- BE AWARE! - - BE ALERT! -

FROM WALNUT BEACH COMMUNITY

Trick 'O' Treaters of All Ages - BEWARE!! Walnut Beach Witch will be arriving at Walnut Beach in Milford, CT on Saturday, October 31st! There will be face painting, special treats, hot cider, a seance (not for children), free ice cream and more! Everyone can join in – parents and children of all ages. The only requirement to participate is that you must wear a costume to help chase the ghoulies and goblins and long leggedy beasties, and things that go bump in the night away from Walnut Beach!

Meet at Walnut Beach Creamery for 5:00 pm. You will see Jammie the Clown sitting in the entry way of SoBoBo Art Gallery and Walnut Beach Creamery waiting to paint the faces of each guest; Collected Stories will be having a seance (not for children); Ortiz Upholstery has a surprise waiting as does Lazy Lobster, A Fine Affair, Walnut Beach Cafe, Urban Antique Radio and Vintage Hi-Fi, Firehouse Gallery, and Walnut Beach Creamery.

Walnut Beach Witch will be arriving promptly at 6:00 pm at Walnut Beach Creamery to escort the costumed crowd as they chant and pray to scare the ghouls and goblins away! Leading the way to Ortiz Upholstery, Lazy Lobster, A Fine Affair, Walnut Beach Café, Urban Antique Radio and Vintage Hi-Fi, Firehouse Gallery. The “Final Destination” will be Walnut Beach Creamery where FREE ICE CREAM is given to those who participate! And then everyone can go on their merry way continuing the tradition of Trick 'O' Treating!

As Walnut Beach Witch would cackle…“See you there my pretty ...”

Walnut Beach Community and Walnut Beach Witch asks,

Please, as you Trick 'O' Treat make sure to

- BE SAFE! - - BE AWARE! -

- BE ALERT! -

Textures, Textures, Textures

September, the end of Summer the beginning of Autumn – CELEBRATE! the change of seasons by taking an art stroll on Thursday, September 10th at Walnut Beach in Milford, Connecticut. It's the best time to start thinking about that special, unique gift for the upcoming Season(s) of Giving....Shop at Home for the Holidays!

Firehouse Gallery, 81 Naugatuck Avenue, is hosting an exhibit featuring “Textures.” At 6:00 pm join the artists and artisans and learn about their work. After the juried show and the chance to vote for the “Peoples Choice Award,” follow the melodious sound to Urban Antique Radio & Vintage Hi-Fi, 56 Naugatuck Avenue, to see a technological world of the past. You can’t miss them! Just look for the Hidden Mural on the side of the building. After you have listened to that sound of the past, visit Walnut Beach Café, 37 Naugatuck Avenue, and view the work of watercolorist, Kimberly Meuse. Her control of watercolors is mystifying! A Fine Affair may just have that gourmet kitchen gadget, one perhaps to give as a gift during this Season of Giving.

As you make your way onto Broadway, look up to the right over Lazy Lobster and see the Hidden Mural! To savor the taste of the sea you must stop by Lazy Lobster at 6 Broadway. Collected Stories, 16 Broadway, has that book you most likely couldn’t find elsewhere. If not, you will be inspired to buy a book that would be perfect to curl up with a glass of wine in front of a fireplace!

Look across the street to SoBoBo Art Gallery, 17 Broadway, where over 40 artists are now featured. Textures galore reverberate! Everything from altered books and acrylics, to beading and collages, to fabrics and faux leather, to metal and oils, to sculptures & terra-cottas. A place so intriguing, you are lured back again and again. Truly, a place where unique meets sublime! Speaking of unique you must visit Walnut Beach Creamery, 19 Broadway, to taste their homemade ice cream! A new flavor is MOO! - Strawberry ice cream with Oreo cookies! A cookies and cream with a twist!

Shop at Home for the Holidays!
Hope to see you there!!!