Bridgeport Art Trail Newsletter

JAN 2023 PART 1

Support the local Bridgeport arts scene and arts programs that enrich the learning experience for youth. Please donate here, thank you!

Housatonic Museum of Art

Tues Jan 17 thru Fri Feb 24

The Practice of Democracy: A View from CT

& The Bridgeport Portrait Project

Two Exhibits Open

Tues Jan 17 | 5-7PM

Burt Chernow Galleries, 900 Lafayette Blvd

Space is limited, RSVP

More Info

The Bridgeport Portrait Project

A cultural heritage project that combines documentary-style photography and storytelling. Jay Misencik and Geralene Valentine have photographed more than 175 people who all have a connection to Bridgeport, Connecticut. Each participant tells their story. The Bridgeport Portrait Project began in 2014 and is ongoing.

Also at Housatonic Museum of Art

The Practice of Democracy: A View from Connecticut

The Practice of Democracy: A View From Connecticut

A site-specific immersion of The Practice of Democracy, is an interactive exhibit curated by Designing for Democracy in partnership with Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, The Housing Collective, and Regional Plan Association, that explores how – and for whom – Connecticut’s communities were designed. Above map of the colonies, Below, Pruitt-Igoe housing demolished by dynamite.

The Klein Auditorium

910 Fairfield Ave

Upcoming Events

Mon Jan 16 |1:30 PM

Free Performance

“Bridgeport Has a Dream” is a free, youth-led cultural celebration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., sponsored by Connect-Us. The show will feature 150 performers who make up a multi-racial, multi-generational cast that will pay tribute to Dr. King through song, rap, dance, and poetry. For more information email Pam Lewis or text/call 203-864-9129.


Hold the Date - Thurs Feb 23

Rhonda Denet Concert at the Klein Memorial Auditorium

Free with Ticket | More Info Available Soon!

Winter Activities

Sponsored by the Bridgeport Art Trail

"The BAT" Hosted by Nina Lesiga

The Bridgeport Art Trail Storytelling Exchange

Thurs, Feb 2 at 7 - 9 PM

on Zoom | Free |Registration Link


WHY STORYTELLING AND THE BAT?

Besides the obvious acronym, bats have a highly sophisticated form of communication. They emit sound waves that are reflected back to them through a process named echolocation.


Storytelling can be considered a form of echolocation - we share our stories and learn about ourselves and others through the "echo" of telling, listening and discussing stories and receiveing feedback.


Storytelling is a great wintertime activity that's fun! Try your hand at expressing yourself through the oral tradition of storytelling. Receive help if you wish or just come to listen to the stories of others. Gain insights about the story creating process and how it brings positive energy to the "Zoom Room." Zoom link posted above.


Hosted by the popular Bridgeport Art Trail storyteller, Nina Lesiga.


Downtown Cabaret Theater

The Ugly Duckling

Thru Sun Feb 5

Tickets $33

Various Times

263 Golden Hill St

https://dtcab.com


A hilarious adaptation of the timeless story of the duckling who doesn’t belong and his journey to becoming a beautiful swan.

Press Release:

Bijou Theatre Announces New Management

PRESS RELEASE - BIJOU THEATRE - STAR FACTORY

1/10/23 - Bridgeport, CT.



Louie Zayas, owner of Star Factory in Stratford CT., which is Connecticut's most popular kids dancing birthday party venue, announced today that he has purchased the Bijou Theater in Bridgeport, CT! The Bijou has been a beloved landmark in the community for 114 years. Zayas, a Bridgeport native, saw the opportunity to bring a new level of activity to the theatre’s already vibrant live music and event offerings.

"I am thrilled to be able to preserve such an important piece of Bridgeport's history and to add to the amazing job that previous owner Gary Peterson has done over the past five and a half years. I look forward to bringing new opportunities for entertainment to the community," said Zayas. "The Bijou Theater will not only continue to host live music, comedy shows, and film screenings, but will now also offer a theatre program for all ages, expanded Star Factory kids' dance parties, and much more."

"We can't wait to build on the great things the Bijou has done since 1909 and share all the exciting changes we have planned," said Zayas.

Former owner Gary Peterson commented, “I could not be happier knowing that this special place will live on in good hands. I’m extremely proud of how the business grew during my time here and I’m thrilled that Louie will be taking over the reins. He is the perfect fit and truly loves the theatre as much as I do. Most importantly, he is that rarest of businessmen whose heart is in the right place. I’m eager to watch the Bijou thrive as he brings a new level of excitement to downtown Bridgeport”

Mr. Peterson will be staying on for several months to assist with the transition of the business.

Louie Zayas adding the Bijou to his portfolio will allow him to bring even more entertainment options to the city of Bridgeport and the State of Connecticut.

The Bijou Theater is located at 275 Fairfield Ave in Bridgeport, CT. More information about the theater and its upcoming events will soon be available on the Bijou Theatre website at BijouTheatreCT.com

THE CRABBY CABARET is back!

A "Not So" Happy Valentine's Show

Friday, February 10th | 8PM

BIJOU THEATRE

Tix $15: purchase here

Sponsored in part by the Bijou Theatre and City Lights/Bridgeport Art Trail

We Rise Storytelling Collective

Thurs Jan 19 | 7 PM

Hub & Spoke

3001 Fairfield Ave

$10 Donation at the door

An evening of storytelling of true stories on the theme, "Returns and Refunds." Join us to share or to listen.

A portion of the event proceeds will be donated to Operation Hope, which provides food, housing and outreach support to homeless individuals and their families in Fairfield County, CT.


 Click here to register! Interested in sharing a story? Email us We Rise Storytelling Collective Facebook page

Free Workshops & Author Talk

Sponsored by the Bridgeport Public Library


Wed Jan 18

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Call: 203 576 8113

3455 Madison Ave

Burrough Sadens 3rd Flr

History Center

In person or virtual

Free form writing, explore the nature of memoirs, voice and perspective.



Sat Jan 21

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Call: 203-576-7400, #7

325 Broad St

Thurs Jan 26

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

 Virtual Author Talk

Zoom Regisreation Link

Park City Music Hall

2926 Fairfield Ave

https://parkcitymusichall.com/

Thurs Jan 12 | 8:00 PM

Tickets $10-$13, Ages 21+

Fri Jan 13 | 9:00 PM

Ticket $10 - $13, Ages 21+

Sat Jan 14 | 9:30 PM

Tickets:$16 - $21, Ages 21+

Ursa Gallery Exhibits "Drawings After Dark" &

"Bringing it Downtown"

Dec 8 - Jan 15

1042 Broad St, Arcade Mall 2nd Flr

More info https://www.ursa.gallery/

URSA GALLERY IS CLOSED THIS WEEK


URSA Gallery is thrilled to be a bringing Bridgeport down to SCOPE Art Show at Art Basel Miami Beach 2022! Ursa.gallery

Explore URSA's main gallery in the dark by torchlight and discover hundreds of wonderful works hidden within its walls . Watch a video of us behind the scenes  on Facebook

"Bringing it to Downtown" Exhibit

A visual testament to the diversity of arts in Connecticut showcasing artists from Fairfield County’s booming arts and culture scene.


Work by: Frank Foster Post, Thalia Hernandez, Michael J Clocks, Looketha, Joe Fucigna, Sooo-z Mastropietro, Nate Norms, Eddie Hall, Tara Blackwell, Jahmane West, Gabe Sorrentino, Aisha Nailah, Erich Davis, Dan Makara, Jeff Ostergren, Mary Dwyer, Steven Gerber, and Reggie Woolery

Ursa.gallery

What else is happening in Bpt Art Scene? Read on... or...

Go to BAT calendar.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING???

City Lights Vintage

C L Vintage.jpg

City Lights Vintage

Create your own style, find that unique gift.

265 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport CT (by the painted stairs)

Shop hrs: Th-Sat 12-5 pm, or by appointment


Contact City Lights Vintage here 

Shop online on Etsy

Follow @citylightsvintage on Facebook/Instagram

BIJOU THEATRE

275 Fairfield Ave

Live Music & Film: In-Person & Streaming

Bijoutheatrect.net

Total Mortgage Arena 

Children's Theater

Tues Jan 17 - Wed, Jan 18 | 6:00 PM

Tickets $32 and up

600 Main St

More at the Arena - Concert

Sat Jan 28 | 7:30 PM

Tickets $29 and up

Stress Factory: Stand-Up Comedy

167 State Street

Ages 16+

https://bridgeport.stressfactory.com/

Tracey Morgan

Thurs Jan 12 - Sat Jan 14th | Various Times

Sold Out


John Caparulo

Fri Jan 19 - Sat Jan 21

Various Times

Tickets $25

Vinnie Brand

Fri Jan 26 -Sat Jan 28

Various Times

Tickets $20

BPT Creates Presents

2nd Saturday Soul

Saturday, January 14 | 9PM-1AM

2nd Saturday Soul returns to BPT Creates Saturday January 14th 9pm - 1am. Brought to you by Dj DW, C-Boogie and Soul Selektah. Boogie shoes recommended.


More info

WORKSHOPS + OPPORTUNITIES

FOR ARTISTS 

BRIDGEPORT FILM FEST

Save 15% on All Submissions!

www.BridgeportFilmFest.org

for more info!

The Bridgeport Film Fest is gearing up for our third year with submissions opening on Thursday, September 15! We are accepting short films, music videos, documentaries and more 25 minutes and under. As well as short screenplays 20 pages and under!


Check out www.BridgeportFilmFest.org for more info!

Figure Drawing

the First 2 Tuesdays of the Month

at the NEST Arts Factory

1720 Fairfield Ave Bpt, CT

RSVP clgallerybpt@gmail.com


Model Fee: $15

Easels, tables and chairs available, please bring drawing and painting materials. The Nest Arts Factory invites artists and students to join their working artists community to draw and paint from life in the rustic community room. This workshop is sponsored by City Lights/Bridgeport Art Trail.

On the 1st and 2nd Tuesday of the month. Bring your own drawing materials. $15 model fee.


Please RSVP to clgallerybpt@gmail.com

This is an open sketch studio workshop moderated by Ellie Mesa, sponsored by City Lights/Bridgeport Art Trail.

Stratford Arts Alliance

Long Pose Figure Study on Zoom

Wednesdays| 5:45pm-9:00pm



Long Pose Figure Study On Zoom

Wednesday Evenings


This will be a digital session. Register below.

Sessions will meet the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month


Time:

5:45 – 9:00 PM, Eastern Time

2:45 – 6:00 PM, Pacific Time

If you live between the 2 (North America) coasts or outside of the USA, be sure to adjust for your time difference.

Cost*:

Arts Alliance of Stratford members: $8.00

Non-members: $13.00



Join us for an extended pose with a professional figure model. Artists can focus more deeply on the finer details of the figure and explore light and shadow. 


More Info Here!

City Lights & Company is a nonprofit organization

that serves the community through art.

Please click here to support free arts enrichment programs for youth and the community.

City Lights/Bpt Art Trail | bridgeport-art-trail.org

Thank you to our sponsors

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