Thursday, November 21st - Walnut Beach Art Stroll : A prelude to the Holiday Season

The Holidays are fasting approaching! And what better way than to enjoy a prelude to the Holidays as they do sneak upon us. . . . Looking for a house warming gift, a gift to give to the host/hostess of an upcoming holiday party, Thanksgiving dinner? Even gifts for your friends, family and co-workers can be found on The Avenue and Broadway in Walnut Beach, Milford, CT!  

Come join us in celebration of the Seasons of Giving and the Seasons of Thanks and walk The Avenue and Broadway – The Walnut Beach Art Stroll on Thursday, November 21^st! 

Starts at 6:00 pm at Firehouse Gallery, 81 Naugatuck Avenue with an opening reception of its final exhibit “Non-Themed” (anything goes) for the 2013 Season. You will see artworks submitted by local artists that will be judged by one of our own local artists, Rick Senft. Cash prizes are awarded for first, second and third place being announced at 6:45 pm. 

Meander on down the Avenue to Sobobo, 42 Naugatuck Avenue and meet November’s Artist, Patricia Brundage, photographer who captures that moment in time. You will also find artwork by local artists, Judy Ruskin, Ed Steinerts, Sheila Pite, Harold Davis, Mariana Furtney, Allan Dudek and more as well as jewelers Carlyne Labrecque, Sam Rawls, William Ahern, Claudio Altesor, Sally Ann Endelman, Laise and Anilese.  All artwork is available for purchase.  

Walnut Beach Creamery will be having samples of their gourmet ice cream for you to decide which one would be best for your Holiday Party, and dinners! Pick up an order form to place your order of your favorite flavor!

Stop at Seaside Wine and Spirits, 38 Naugatuck Avenue, taste the “spirits” of the Holidays. You can order your favorite too!

Continue on to Beach Gallery, 2 Broadway, where you will find a young newcomer, photographer, Christopher Haley whose surreal works reminds you of Dali. Enjoy listening to Christopher’s sounds as he plays acoustic guitar. Should you find that one interesting image of his to purchase you will receive a cd of accompanied music! Visit, listen and enjoy! 

Scoot and Paddle, 28 Naugatuck Avenue, will be open where you can make an off-season reservation to kayak, ride a bike and more. Gift certificates are on sale for that active person you may know!

Head down Broadway to Wild Expressions, 16 Broadway, to find Jennifer Harkey owner Creativimpulse. She melts glass from recycled wine, gin and vodka bottles shaping and transforming the melted glass into jewelry and decorative art pieces - Truly Amazing! A must see!  And there is more - you will hear Tom Ferrara – The Captain Rocks! play his tunes as you warm your belly on this cold night sampling the Chili Contest entries! If you decide to enter, your famous recipe should be brought in a crock-pot with a cord of course.  For more information on how to enter your chili recipe contact Wild Expressions 203-882-WILD. 

Taste & See what gourmet cupcakes to take home with you….Stop in at Taste & See, 17 Broadway, to discuss over coffee which cakes to include in your Holiday order!

Remember, as we look towards this festive time there are many who are in need.  A food drive will also be part of this month’s art stroll and it is asked that donations be made. Donations can be dropped off at businesses partaking in the Art Stroll. 

It will be a pleasure to see you!

Richard Stephen Takes Us Back to the Basics

 

"It is a basic instinct to express ourselves.  As babies we start with a frown or a smile and as we grow older it gets more complicated.  I express my perception of the world through my art. I see the electricity that flows through that which surrounds us and I try to capture that in the subject matter, the color and construction of my painting. 

Having an insatiable curiosity throughout life has led me to be enthralled about everything from  the smallest bugs to the grandest trees, from the shape of a flower to the human form.  And it is the essence of all things I strive to see and interpret in my painting.  Color and form translate that which makes nature bold and quiet, stormy and serene, majestic and playful. 

I have painted most of my life and, while mostly self-taught, I have taken courses both at the Creative Arts Workshop and the Silvermine Art School. My major artistic influences are: Matisse, Vlaminck, Derain, Klimt, and Sargent. I paint in oils exclusively; on canvas, wood, and masonite.

- - Richard Stephen
 

Richard Stephen is taking us back to the basics. To our basic instincts. Our basic instincts to express ourselves, to be heard. And as he explains as we get older it gets more complicated, he is right in saying it. It is true plain language doesn't mean a thing. But to see something visual that touches the soul, enough is said and no words need to be spoken.

Richard takes us to that place. He brings us to a space that nothing needs to be said, nothing needs to be heard. His blending of different styles in one painting alone explains the multitude of words that can be said. He brings you from the clean, smooth graceful flow of the stroke of the brush to the structured, albeit square form "pixelism" that plays off each other causing our minds to see that differences do work together, collaboration with ease, without tension, blending working creating a piece that a statement has been made.
This is seen in "Bridge" below.

"Bridge" - oils - by Richard Stephen

He speaks of seeing "the electricity that flows through that which surrounds us". "Capturing it" or more so of harnessing the energy to flow through his brush. The energy masterfully brings the vibrancy of color to its height, the technique used again but instead of squares "pixelism" we see pointillism this time blending with the intricacy of the leaves against the abruptness of lines and starkness between colors drawing your eyes in, your mind clearly sees what was stated. Only you know what that statement is, for it might even be different from Richard's. This is seen in "Chestnut Trees" below.

"Chestnut Trees" - oils - by Richard Stephen

Using both color and form, he brings them together brilliantly. The colors often opposites and yet at the same time compliment each other. Thin strokes create the ends of each branch that the leaves cling to when in full bloom stretching and expanding to short, wider and deliberate strokes creating each branch spreading, getting larger as they approach the trunk, the tree's nurturing center. It stands proud reaching upward against the hues of the yellow sky where each paint stroke is smooth with flowing grace. One sees the colors blend, becoming one with the subject, creating the grandeur of Nature against the silken sky on canvas. This is seen in "Sycamore" below:

"Sycamore" - oils - by Richard Stephen

 

Oh, the mind's eye can do so much, can see so much, can speak words that cannot be spoken but yet we hear them making a statement, expression in the most basic form. Richard Stephen made a statement without speaking a word, all the while collaborating with color, with style, with technique harmoniously blending, communicating with each other. Now it is time for you to make yours.

Richard Stephen's works will be on display at Sobobo Gallery during the month of September. Join us on Thursday, September 19th for an Exhibit Reception starting at 6:30 pm. 

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!

The Walk To Remember...Walnut Beach Art Stroll - Thursday, April 12th

Firehouse Gallery's new exhibit "Wings, Wheels and Rudders" is an outstanding display of an array of modes of travel. Starts at 6:00 pm....Enjoy as each piece takes you on a ride to the next! Enjoy the time with the artists who created these works! Awards given! and don't forget to choose you favorite of the evening!

What would you like to travel on? Put your wings on? Attach wheels to your feet? or If you prefer boating attach to the sails, hang on to the rudder, or do all the work and bring your oars! Enjoy the evening as you fly, roll, or float down the Avenue, Naugatuck Avenue.

Get pizza a Alfa's Restaurant, get a snack at The New Town Deli....

"My Koso" - pastel painting - by Beth Pite

STOP at SoBoBo, 42 Naugatuck Avenue, meet April's Artist, Beth Pite....a pastel artist she will bring to you the vibrant energy of many places she has been, wrapping around you the beauty of each spot along the way! You will meet others as well...new artists Joan Shapiro, Paul St. Onge, Barbara Wilson, and jeweler Spencer Gordon; not to mention some of our own, Rick Senft, Arlene Capozzi, William Ahern, Patricia Brundage, Rosemary McClain, Sheila Pite, Jan McLean and more....

This month you will see first time art by the members of the Milford Senior Citizen Center. Enjoy speaking with them as they tell you their experience and how they are now loving every minute of creating! They were taught by Michael Voytek - you will even see his work too.

To truly make the evening pop, we have a group of young artists known as SMASHING WORLDS - five young artists with different art backgrounds - Megan Pisco, Chris Dumas, Jeff Slobodien, Amanda Erardy, and Tim Zercie - collaborating, creating awesome art!

"Please Believe" - by Smashing Worlds

While at SoBoBo make sure to stop by and see Laurie from Jolly Jug as she will be on hand offering a taste of different wines....try one and see if it will satisfy your palette... As you stroll down around the corner STOP at Jolly Jug proper to pick up the one you like!

Alfa's Jolly Jug - 38 Naugatuck Avenue


Wild Expressions - 16 Broadway

When you make it around the corner, STOP and smell the flowers at 16 Broadway, WILD EXPRESSIONS and see what Tyyne has designed for the upcoming special days we all celebrate, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Birthdays. Have a special event and you want Tyyne's designs to grace your space? While you are there you might talk and find out more!...Her floral artistry is GORGEOUS and the scents will make your senses alive! You might even hear Tim Payson play his melodious tunes!

COLLECTED STORIES just might have that book you couldn't find in print anymore...since everything seems to have gone so electronic on us these days!

Taste & See - 17 Broadway

Be sure to STOP across the street at 17 Broadway to TASTE & SEE how the gourmet cupcakes and confections will satisfy your cravings!

For this evening will truly be a walk to remember!

CELEBRATE! Holiday Festival Saturday, December 10th

Let's celebrate together as the Holiday Season is upon us!

Holiday Festival at Walnut Beach is on Saturday, December 10th from 2pm to 6pm with an Opening Reception for December's Artist - Loretta Mack following at SoBoBo - a wonderful ending to the day's festivities!

Stop in the different shops as you meander down the Avenue! Enjoy all of what each business has to offer!

Fire House Gallery has an exhibit that has an array of different art work. They have a gift shop too! Think about that someone special you are looking for to give a unique gift to. Fire House Gallery will also be hosting ornament making from 4pm to 5pm. A Tree Lighting will take place on their patio at 6:00pm.

Stop off at Alfa's Pizza! I heard that it is the best in the area! The New Town Deli has an array of sandwiches, coffees, sodas and snacks!

Next stop...SoBoBo Art Gallery. Stop in for many surprises...

Walnut Beach Creamery will be on hand offering their famous handmade ice cream. It will be served from an old fashioned push-cart! You can ask about ordering ice cream pies to serve as a special dessert for your family.

A new business has joined us in the area... Taste & See Gourmet Cupcakes and Confections - (they will be opening at SoBoBo's old space 17 Broadway - soon)

They, too, will also be at SoBoBo, offering their sweet treats...

...put in your orders for the upcoming holidays!

Alfa's Jolly Jug will also be offering different flavors of liquIt will add the special touch to your holiday festivities. Buy a bottle as a gift for the friend who has everything!

Bring your kids as you continue strolling down the Avenue and around the corner onto Broadway because...

...Painted You will be doing glittered henna tattoos! How cool is that!

Live music will be filling the air! Tim Payson will be at Wild Expressions Florist

A unique service - Tarot Card Readings - at Wild Expressions

Carolers will be joyously singing! Join in singing with them!

At 6:00 pm make sure to go back to Fire House Gallery! Tree Lighting Ceremony will be taking place!

After the Tree Lighting join in at SoBoBo to end the days event by attending the Opening Reception for December's Artist - Loretta Mack! Meet Loretta and learn more about her style! the reception begins at 6:00 and ends when everyone decides to leave!

Please donate to "Koins for Kids" as we try to make the Holiday Season one of Joy for the children at Boys and Girls Village of Milford - an emergency service for the safety of children. Sometimes due to circumstances children are away from their familes over the holidays. So, please help us help them have a joyous holiday during a sad time in their lives.

Holiday Festival at Walnut Beach a wonderful way to celebrate the Holiday Season!!

Usher in the Holidays Strolling Down the Avenue...

Thursday, November 10th - Last Art Stroll of 2011! Join us as we wind down the year and the Avenue enjoying an evening of good cheer and wonderment! New artists, new exhibits and perhaps you will meet new friends!

Starts at 6:00 pm that evening at Firehouse Gallery, 81 Naugatuck Avenue....with an opening reception celebrating a new exhibit and the last one for 2011~ they will re-open in 2012!...

Meander down Naugatuck to SoBoBo and meet with Rick Senft who is November's Artist and Joyce Densmore who is November's Artisan! Both creative works leave you thinking about how they would look in your home and how they would look on you! (respectively that is)

Also at SoBoBo Kitty Olsen and Mary Anne Lagana, both are fibre artists...try on their scarves, there are styles to suit the winter or for an evening out perhaps New Year's Eve! Warren Bryant brings a new abstract side to art, Matt Roe as usual brings contemporary and modern art to a new level, Matt Hester, Angelina Scott and Kimberly Pisco - photography to a new level. Arlene Capozzi brings nastalgia back with her paintings of Savin Rock and Walnut Beach amusement parks, while William Gallagher hand carved Santas. Stephen Fortier, a wood turner, designed an array of bowls from reclaimed wood! Besides jeweler Joyce Densmore we have Analiese, Sam, Lara, Teru, Patti, Carlyne and Keelin...a beautiful array of adornments!

We have a surprise at SoBoBo --- Alfa's Jolly Jug will be hosting a wine tasting at the Gallery! There is going to be some very interesting flavors....and what a way to find that fine wine or liquer for the Holidays!

Painted You will be open and you must stop in Wild Expressions at Collected Stories and enjoy the merriment!

Come enjoy an evening of merriment and a friendly gathering!!

October's Artist: Elizabeth B. Wright - A Breath of Fresh Air

"I have always been an artist, but my training for life has been diverse. Currently a certified art and social studies teacher, I teach high school sociology and psychology. Leaving a full-time teaching load has ended a career of teaching civilizations and world cultures. This is OK but what to do with all of those artifacts?

My work is every day and that is my view of art, every day, everything I see, the colors, the sentimentality, the message even though private. Every day I fight the urge to stop important activities and just paint, or cut up photographs, or run around and gather materials and to just begin something meaningful to me that must be created, at that moment. I am often compelled to create something from my heart that speaks volumes, at least to me. Never enjoying painting as an assignment or theme, I express my love for a vibrant whole by attacking in layers of richness, then pattern and then trying it all together with my beloved photos. Is it collage? Perhaps. But to me it is a work of art, mine. When someone falls in love with one of my works I find exhilaration and a special connection that person.

My life has also been centered in social work, clinical and outreach. Having worked in those agencies serving women and children, my feminist vein is always highly charged. I consider myself a community activist. My art has a voice and if noticed or heard, that is my reward. I am very sentimental, philosophically positive, an activist, feminist, and usually full of "great ideas." Translating this into art makes my paintings full of stories, history and possibilities.

Time has limited my constant involvement in many areas. At this time I am dedicated to reviving the visual arts of the MFAC, and then, revisiting a commitment to open space preservation in Milford. I know that I am on the right track when little ones paint just for me, little presents of paint on paper, because they know!"

--Elizabeth B. Wright

Ms. Wright, a multi-faceted woman, has an exuberance for life, this is the precursor to her art. Her creations show this exhilaration, her exuberance, her zest for life and her love of art. For to her, art is an expression that leads everyone to a different world, a different place that only the imagination can take you if you allowed it to.

The fluidness she has in each piece creates your mood for you. One can see the movement through the strokes of the paint. In one painting it is as if the wind is blowing leaves around and you find yourself grasping hold of your sweater as to protect yourself as the wind blows by. In her still life series you can see the veins in the vase, the thorns on the roses almost smell the scent of each flower.

"Sweetheart Bouquet" - mixed media - by Elizabeth B. Wright

The vibrancy of each color she uses reflects the energy she carries with her and can be felt when she enters a room....like a rush, a breath of fresh air!

"Old Chair" - mixed media - by Elizabeth B. Wright

Ms. Wright's concerns for the environment is shown in her work, the open space she strives to protect for others to enjoy in the future. She meticulously labels each tree she paints with its correct name making sure the viewer knows each and where these trees are found. You know you have connected with her energy that somehow absorbed into each brush stroke, each painting when your senses go reeling as you look at it.

"Island" - mixed media - by Elizabeth B. Wright

Because you find yourself in the exact spot where she stood painting them, taking in the scents of the surrounding foliage, flowers, grass, water, and air. Oh, the open space how precious! And that is what she wants you to feel, to accept whatever message is being given to you...

Ms. Wright's work is filled with messages, each piece just as multi-faceted as she. There is much more to her than what is seen. Her art work reflects this as well. The only way to experience this is to join us as we celebrate her -- Thursday, October 6th - 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm -- meet Elizabeth Wright and learn more...

Elizabeth B. Wright will be exhibiting her work from October 1st through October 31st at SoBoBo Gallery. A must see to truly understand...An opening reception will be on Thursday, October 6th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, in conjunction with October's Art Stroll and Firehouse Gallery's opening reception for their new exhibit "Four Seasons." An added event...enjoy the horse and buggy rides that will be available by Maple View Farms from Orange, CT.

SoBoBo Gallery is located at 42 Naugatuck Avenue, Milford, CT. Gallery hours: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6:00 pm. Monday through Wednesday please call for an appointment.

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

Tonight's the Night!

"Walk in the Rain" - watercolor print - by Betty Geller

Tonight's the night! Put on your rain jacket, your galoshes and arm yourself with an umbrella to protect yourself from the spring rains...

...it is time to meet artists at Firehouse Gallery who are exhibiting their work at the new exhibit "Botany." The reception begins at 6:00 pm....when you are through

...meander on down the avenue to SoBoBo Gallery to view the provocative art of Frieda Howling and try on the creations of Sally Ann Endleman....exhibit reception starts at 7:00 pm...

"Treasures" by Sally Ann Endleman

"Tear Drops" by Frieda Howling

...continue to Alpha's Jolly Jug for the sweet nectar of the vine...buy the vino to take to

...Lazy Lobster to enjoy with a lobster roll or ribs...

...you MUST stop at Wild Expressions to pick up that bouquet of flowers to bring

home with you the wonderful scents of the seasons to come....

...while you are there you just might find that cookbook, the book of flowers and plantings, or even the book of art....

A wonderful evening!!

April Showers Brings May Flowers.....

And yes they have! May is downright bloomin! The trees had buds less than a week ago, and look at them now! Tulips are growing tall reaching to the sunlight! Crocusses have come and still are growing strong! Irises will begin soon! and Yes! We see GREEN GRASS instead of the white blanket! We thought SPRING would never arrive...

The Fourth Walnut Beach Art Stroll of 2011 begins with a very appropro themed exhibit "Botany," a wonderful scientific term for plant life - a beautiful term at that, will be hosted by Firehouse Gallery, 81 Naugautuck Avenue. The reception on Thursday, May 19th at 6:00 pm introduces the new season with a display of wonderful works by local artists. A must see!

"Spring" - monoprint - by Frieda Howling

Stroll on down Naugatuck Avenue to SoBoBo Art Gallery at 42 Naugatuck Avenue and view the provocative art of Frieda Howling. Ask her questions, seek your answers as you join "Life's Journey." Try on "Treasures" by artisan, Sally Ann Endleman and see which piece of jewelry flatters your fashion wardrobe.

When you leave, make sure to turn right, three doors down Naugatuck Avenue to Alpha's Jolly Jug for a flavorful tasting of vino! Go around the corner to see if Lazy Lobster is open...Wild Expressions will have live "BLOOMS" for you to choose from if you wish to take home the wonderful scents.

Perhaps you can find a book at Collected Stories on the subject of botany, or plants, or flowers...

Enjoy the "bloomin" evening! Bask in the season of Spring! And just have a wonderful time!

See you there!

WALK DOWN THE AVENUE...Thursday, April 14th -

"Dreaming Blue" - photograph - by D. Antonia

SoBoBo has had the very fortunate opportunity to bring to its space another perspective on the "Play On Light" -- through a lens...

"My photographs reveal the dusk and dawn of my soul, giving me moments in which to embrace and nurture the beauty within myself."

-- D. Antonia - 2011

April's Artist, Charles Bell has an uncanny way to use light in his paintings that creates a mysticism enveloping you as you gaze at his work...this sense draws you into his work that you can get lost within...

Where he is connected through universal flow and allows the brush to "do this and that" D. Antonia " ..reveals the dusk and dawn of her soul..." a perspective of one who is brave enough to tell all such a poignant part of themselves (for each of us knows that we wouldn't be so open to discuss our inner selves.)

Both artists creating two very different forms of works - paintings vs. photos - yet have actually created one form, "play on light." Each artist's creations captures your eye, bringing you into a world of an innersanctum...

Your soul is what is connecting to the work...what many don't know is that you can see the soul of an individual by looking into their right eye, the conduit to your spirit, your soul, your past lives...So who are we to say otherwise, because afterall their creations "capture your eye" to lead you into a space once thought impossible to be...the innersanctum is that of your own, your inner-self, your inner-being is drawn to the "play on 'LIGHT'."

You must come visit us on Thursday, April 14th to see for yourself and feel the tugging of your soul being drawn in... April's Artist, Charles Bell's exhibit reception is Thursday, April 14th and starts at 7:00 pm...

Visit Firehouse Gallery at 6:00 pm to see why everyone has the "BLUES"...then meander down to SoBoBo to see, to feel, and to taste the creations of a Master Brewer...make sure to continue to Alpha's Jolly Jug three doors down to taste the fruits of the vine and then around the corner to Wild Expressions where "WOMEN ARE WORKS OF ART"...interesting, very interesting....

"Blues", Beer, & A Bailiwick... On Thursday, April 14th

"Helen's Day" - oils - by Charles Bell

You must attend to find out more!

Starts at 6:00 pm on Thursday, April 14th at Firehouse Gallery...see what the "Blues" are all about...when you start the evening's bailiwick...stop at SoBoBo and enjoy the artistry of a Brew Master!...and meet April's Artist, Charles Bell...enjoy the journey as you continue the evening's bailiwick by enjoying the fruits of the vine - a wine tasting at Alpha's Jolly Jug....see the "Women As Works Of Art" at Wild Expressions - a demonstration that will leave you in awe!...and while you are there check out the books of Collected Stories!

Just have a wonderful evening!!!

What a Way to Chase the "Blues" Away...

As we entered into the Spring Solstice we found ourselves wanting change from the cold, dreary, "blue" days of Winter...and yet the cold is still here...snow is still haunting us... ...Well, there is a cure that we can all do to chase those "Blues" away! Just join in on Thursday, April 14th as we meander about Firehouse Gallery - 81 Naugatuck Avenue - taking in the new exhibit called (how appropriately) "Blues." The evening begins at 6:00 pm where awards are given and engaging discussions are abound. The artists/artisans challenge for this exhibit was "...to focus on work primarily using the color blue, reflecting the mood, the music genre, or anything relating to the definition of blue." This event will be juried by visual artist Susan Scott of Cheshire, CT. She was educated at Central Connecticut State University where she achieved her painting and art history degree. She exhibited in galleries and venues both locally and nationally. Well if there isn't cause for celebration now is the time to! Enjoy a "chaser" of the blues by strolling done the "Avenue" to SoBoBo Gallery - 42 Naugatuck Avenue - where the Exhibit Reception for April's Artist Charles Bell is happening and you can enjoy the fruits of the Art of Brewing by a surprise guest! After visiting SoBoBo you must continue on down three doors to Alpha's Jolly Jug - 38 Naugatuck Avenue - where a wine tasting will tease your taste buds, and the aroma of the scent will titillate your senses... and then end the chase at Wild Expressions and Collected Stories - 16 Broadway - where the floral scents envelope you and the aromas emitting from the fictions and non-fictions capture you will calm the feeling that you must flee and will bring you back realizing that the "Blues" of Winter are finally gone! Spring has Sprung, and Summer is just around the bend....What a way to chase the "Blues" away....