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Bridgeport Art Trail Newsletter
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Adger Cowans Exhibit Opens
Thursday, January 27
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Adger Cowans, a renowned artist, lives and makes photography and paintings in Bridgeport, CT. His solo exhibit “Sense and Sensibility”, is on view in Bellarmine Hall Galleries January 28 – June 18, 2022. At the opening reception on Thursday January 27, Adger Cowans, will be signing copies of his new book, “Adger”, published by 21st Editions, accompanied by live music by Grammy-award-winning saxophonist Patience Higgins. This special event will take place on Thursday, January 27th from 6-8 p.m. in the Diffley Board Room and Great Hall of Bellarmine Hall.
His latest book is a beautifully crafted and designed limited edition. The book is a piece of art, design decisions include black pages with a limited and manipulated copy. There are no titles and dates on the images to distract the viewer to from the experience of seeing, appreciating and reacting to the
image, as Adger explained. Among the limited edition are a quantity of more valuable books with two platinum prints, for the art collector wanting to add these extraordinary and quite collectible books to
their collection.
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Bridgeport Art Trail Storytelling Exchange
Thursday, February 3, 2022 | 7:00 PM
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To recognize the art of storytelling, City Lights Gallery sponsors a once-monthly story gathering for adults on Zoom.
The emphasis is personal stories to share the human experience. Participants with fictional or historical stories are welcome too! We encourage professional tellers, amateurs, and listeners to join us. During the exchange, participants share a story, a part of a story, a story idea, or attend just to listen.
Test out a piece, receive help developing it if you wish, and listen to the stories of others. Discover what makes a story compelling.
Zoom registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtc-urqjwjGtKLMuN-l4pq62GSr-JQJpGY
For more information, about the Storytelling Exchange please contact City Lights/Bridgeport Art Trail clgallerybpt@gmail.com
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The NEST Arts Factory Black Story Month Gallery Opening
Friday, February 4, 2022 | 6:00-9:00pm
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Join us in celebration of who we are and all that we've done. on view is a collaborative gallery featuring artwork by Jean Benoit, Elisha Brockenberry, Trey Thomas, Gus Bradford, Sharon Smalls, Warren Bryant, and Nicole Grant-Paul. Performing a live jazz set is a three-piece ensemble, composed of: Ashley Hines(sax), Vinton Hines(drums) and Conway Campbell Jr.(bass)
Live screen printing will also be occurring, with select Afrofuturistic graphics available to print. Please feel free to bring a garment to print on. Limited shirts available. Catered by Donna Brockenberry.
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Bridgeport This Is Us Concert
Friday, February 4, 2022 | 8:00pm
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An all-star group of Bridgeport musicians come together in a celebration of Black History Month with music covering many styles and generations. It features premier musicians who have performed and resided in Bridgeport for decades but have also traveled, toured, and performed throughout the world. Performing in a variety of styles ranging from the original African kalimba to jazz, funk, R&B, hip-hop, and soul, this show will be a salute to the genres and the masters of the game.
The program features James Moss (African kalimba, percussion, vocals), Darian Cunning (virtuoso solo guitar, vocals), Mark Matthew (hip-hop), The Steve Clarke Band with Pat Marafiote, Chris Stanley & Thom Adams (jazz), MDIII/Michael Dunham featuring world-renown vocalists Janice Dempsey, Tiffany T’Zelle Wilson, and drummer Nate Barnes.
This is an in-person event with a live stream ticket option.
VIRTUAL TICKETS
Please take advantage of our "Pay What You Can" offer. Upon purchase, you’ll receive a link and can watch on any device during or anytime after the live broadcast.
$10 – I Just Need to Smile Right Now
$25 – Friend of This is Us!
$50 – Supporter of This is Us!
More info here
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"Absorption and Reflection" Exhibit hosted by City Lights Gallery
opening Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022
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265 Golden Hill St Bridgeport CT | citylightsgallery.org clgallerybpt@gmail.com
Gallery Hours: Wed-Fri 12pm-5pm | Sat 12pm-4 pm
Featured artist and guest curator Larry Morse presents a 3-person exhibit with 2 friends, old and new, Adger Cowans and Iyaba Ibo Mandingo. The 3 share many commonalities including a passion for art and literature and an innate creative mysticism.
Larry is creating two new portrait paintings specifically for this show of fellow artists Adger and Iyaba reading. Larry titled the exhibit "Absorption and Reflection". He explains, "we are that which we absorb or that which we reflect".
To use, as an example, a red apple: we see the apple as red because it is reflecting red back to us. However, the apple is, in reality, absorbing the yellow and the blue, which we know makes green. Is the apple truly red or is the apple really green? Is the apple that which it absorbs or is the apple that which it reflects?” To visualize this concept, the 3 artists will present art from 2 differing bodies of work. For example, Larry will exhibit works from his “Black Men Reading” series and abstracts from “Fond Memories”.
Along with art, books written by or about the artists will be incorporated into the exhibit. The smaller room in the gallery space will also function as a reading room. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the art books and poetry while at the gallery. Bring a friend to discuss what you read and view in the books, including the latest book of photography by Adger Cowans called “Adger”. |
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Bridgeport Organizations Receive Cultural Grants
Special Thanks to the CT Humanities Organization
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CT Humanities a segment of the Department of Economic and Community Development was charged to dispense $16,000,000 through cultural grants from the American Rescue Plan funds. Fifteen Bridgeport organizations received funding ranging from $5,000- to $97,000. This funding is critical to ensure the sustainability of art and culture groups to enrich the learning experience for youth, engage the community, support placemaking, economic development and shared cultural experiences from people of diverse backgrounds.
Suzanne Kachmar, executive director of City Lights/Bridgeport Art Trail says, "this funding enables our organization to be flexible, to provide opportunities for artists and the community. Relieving some of the fundraising burdens during these uncertain times, allows us to focus on the implementation of programs, and fulfill our mission to serve the community through art.”
Read more here and see the full list of grant recipients.
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City Lights Vintage
Create your own style, find that unique gift.
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Shop address:
265 Golden Hill Street
Bridgeport, CT
Shop hours:
Thursday thru Saturday | 12:00pm - 5:00pm | or by appointment
Contact email:
clgallerybpt@gmail.com
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Garments As Vessels Workshop
Saturday, Feb 26th | 3:00pm
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‘Garments as Vessels’ Workshop with Elisha Brockenberry
In this workshop led by Elisha Brockeberry, the designer behind Righteous Path 2002, learn how to prototype garments using unconventional materials. Participants will leave with a draft process built on resourcefulness, as well as their own garment.
Please email righteouspath2002@gmail.com to RSVP! Spots are $10 each.
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Beardsley Zoo
Free Saturday Afternoons
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Free admission for Bridgeport Residents on Saturdays
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo's “Cool Blue Bridgeport,” a virtual and on-ground educational program on climate change, offers free admission to the Zoo every Saturday for Bridgeport residents!
Awarded as a grant from the City of Bridgeport through the American Rescue Plan, the Zoo will provide free admission every Saturday to Bridgeport residents continuing through June 25, 2022, limited by ticket availability.
Bridgeport residents must register for free tickets online at beardsleyzoo.org, using the code “COOLBLUE.” A photo ID with proof of residence will be required at the gate, either a driver’s license or a Park City ID.
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The Writer's Group
Saturday Afternoons
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Reader's Block Book Club
February 20, 2022
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Bridgeport-based author and book store owner, T. Ashley Mabins is hosting a monthly book club event!
About "Falling" by T.J. Newman
You just boarded a flight to New York. There are one hundred and forty-three other passengers onboard. What you don’t know is that thirty minutes before the flight your pilot’s family was kidnapped. For his family to live, everyone on your plane must die. The only way the family will survive is if the pilot follows his orders and crashes the plane.
Enjoy the flight.
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The Bijou Partnering with
Spread Music Now
Coming this Spring
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“We could not be prouder to partner with Spread Music Now on this concert series!”
Spread Music Now Press release:
“BIG NEWS To deepen our commitment to young people's stories, ideas, and dreams, we've created a concert series benefitting local nonprofits that provide music education and support creative youth development.
Each month, a local nonprofit will be the beneficiary of a concert taking place at the historic Bijou Theatre CT in Bridgeport, CT. With a different theme each month, shows are slated to begin this spring. 100% of your support goes to music education for underserved youth. Check out https://www.spreadmusicnow.org/concert-series for more info & updates coming this spring.”
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS
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Free Paint/Open Gallery
Every Sunday | 2pm-5pm
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Free Paint / Open Gallery
Sundays 2-6pm
Come view the current show and/or make your own small painting. All materials provided!
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Bridgeport Film Fest:
Call for Submissions
Seeking short films, docs, music videos, short screenplays, web series, and more!
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We are excited to announce that our submissions for the 2nd Annual Bridgeport Film Fest are now open! All Connecticut Filmmakers can save an extra 50% off their submission by using the code: BFFTRAIL
Lastly, we are also excited to share we are coming back in July 2022 with even more films, special events, workshops, and panels! Feel free to contact us at BptFilmFest@gmail.com if you have any questions!
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JANUARY PART 2- EVENTS CALENDAR
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Rod Man
The Stress Factory
Friday, Jan 28th- Sunday, Jan 30th | Various Times
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Tickets $25 | Stand up Comedy
16 yrs old +
The winner of Last Comic Standing Season 8, Rod Man’slaid back style, southern charm, wit and ability to find the funny is attention-getting.
Masks are required at all times in the club, except when seated at your table.
Tickets here
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Kat Wright with Dan Tressler
Park City Music Hall
Friday, Jan 28th | Doors: 8:00pm \ Show: 9:00pm
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Tickets $16 | This show is 21+
Kat Wright, Bob Wagner (guitar) and Josh Weinstein (bass) lean into their trio formation, showcasing their folky/rootsy selves, all stripped down, a triangulation of their strengths, their bareness, their imperfect humanness, their voices, their ferocious tenderness, their love of songs and singing and story.
Proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result within 72 hours, or a rapid test from the day of show. We comply with all local, state and federal ordinances and mandates when applicable.
More info
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Theatre Arts Masterclass Workshop Play Reading
The Klein Memorial Auditorium
Tuesday, Feb 1st | 6:00pm
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Free admission Tenisi Davis, actor/playwright presents a staged reading of a new play as a part of the Klein Theatre Arts Master Class Workshop. Both in-person and live-streamed options!
Face masks are required for all attending.
More information
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Housatonic Museum of Art
Lafayette Hall Burt Chernow Galleries and Atrium
Thursday, February 3rd - Friday, March 25th | Various Times
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Prints & Drawings from the Hechinger Collection
“Making Your Mark” brings together 50 prints and drawings works on paper sampling the breadth and beauty of International Arts & Artists’ own Hechinger Collection, with the unique theme of hand tools and hardware.
More info
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D.L. Hughley
The Stress Factory
Friday, February 4th - Sunday, February 6th | Various Times
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Stand up Comedy | Tickets $45 | 16+ yrs old
One of the most popular and highly recognized comedians on the road today, D.L. Hughley has made quite an impression in the television, film and radio arenas.
Masks are required at all times in the club, except when seated at your table.
Tickets here
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Eminence Ensemble
Park City Music Hall
Friday, February 4th | Doors: 7:00pm \\ Show: 9:00pm
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Ticket $13.00 | DAY OF: $16.00 | This show is 21+
Eminence Ensemble is known for their complex song structures, harmonized dual-guitar lines, heavy bass drops, dense vocal harmonies, and powerful percussion. The Colorado-based sextet, captures the crowd with high-energy performances and large-scale production, with a light show just as dynamic as the music.
Proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result within 72 hours, or a rapid test from the day of show. We comply with all local, state and federal ordinances and mandates when applicable.
More info
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"Rapunzel" Live
The Downtown Cabaret
Wednesday, February 12th - Sunday, March 20th | Various Times
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Tickets: $26
A new “twist” on the classic tale about the girl with the long golden hair. When the young Rapunzel has been locked in a tower by a wicked enchantress, it takes a handsome young hero to help her escape, and that’s just the beginning of the story!
Audience members 12 years old and older must present proof of being fully vaccinated OR show a negative COVID test result 48 hours prior. Home COVID tests are not accepted. Children under 12 years old are NOT required to show a negative COVID test. Everyone must wear a mask
Per our updated COVID policies and procedures, tables of 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8. are sold by the entire table. Please check our website in the event of an emergency cancellation.
More info
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Fairfield County Children’s Choir “Back to Broadway”
The Klein Memorial Auditorium
Saturday, February 12th | Various Times
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Celebrating the musicals “Mamma Mia and “Wicked”
Each performance has a different cast performing the same Music. Concerts run 45 min and tickets are good for all three in-person concerts or the live stream of the performance.
Face masks are required for all attending.
More info
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SPACE IS THE PLACE film screening
The NEST Arts Factory
Friday, February 11th | 6:00pm
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Join us in celebration of a pioneer in Afrofuturism, SUN RA!
FREE | $5 suggested donation
An afrofuturistic communication about and starring SUN RA and his ARKESTRA! Join us at the Nest Arts Factory in studio 6 to witness this art and discuss it afterward.
Please RSVP for this event to righteouspath2002@gmail.com entailing the number of people in your party. Refreshments will be available for sale
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Second Saturday of Soul
Bpt Creates
Saturday, February 12th | 9:00pm-1:00am
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Live DJ Event celebrating Soul music!
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DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST film screening
The NEST Arts Factory
Friday, February 18th | 6:00pm
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FREE | $5 suggested donation
In this film, Julie Dash evokes the details of a persisting African culture and the tensions between tradition and assimilation. Cinematography by Arthur Jafa.
Join us at the Nest Arts Factory in studio 6 for an evening of observance, followed by a discussion!
Please send an RSVP email to righteouspath2002@gmail.com entailing the number of people in your party. Refreshments will be available for sale.
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Are you an artist looking for studio space? We want to meet you!
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Premium loft studios in a newly renovated factory building in the South End of Bridgeport for fine artists. Amenities include high speed wifi, state-of-the-art security system, new and energy-efficient windows and heating, additional space for workshops, 4 open studio events per year, ADA accessibility, and many design upgrades. Make an appointment today for a tour!
Learn More
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SUPPORT THE BRIDGEPORT ART TRAIL
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT
Stay safe, be prudent, and kind to others and yourself. Stay in touch with us on the Bridgeport Art Trail Facebook Page where we post frequently.
If anyone would like to make a financial donation, see the link below! Thank you!
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