Bridgeport Art Trail Special Newsletter
OCT 2022 PART 2
Full Calendar of Events
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American Fabrics Open Studios during the Bridgeport Art Trail. | |
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BAT 2022 Theme:
How Did We Get Here?
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A big aspect of an art trail is about "the getting there". The extraordinary jumble of paradigm changing current events, combined with an annual event that marks another year in the art community, found us asking this question. "How Did We Get Here? "
Every year the BAT team decides on a relevant suggested theme that reflects the current zeitgeist and collaborates with those whose projects resonate and create a synergy. Read more about the exhibits and programs that explore the 2022 BAT theme of "getting here and re-invention", recognizing origins and adapting to a new place and conditions.
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How Did We Get Here Exhibit
City Lights Gallery, 265 Golden Hill St
11/10/22 - 1/7/23
Photography, Video, Installation
Collaborators Yolanda Petrocelli and Dariusz Kanarek present their photographic portraits of creatives and individuals who migrated to the USA. Among the 10+ featured are Bridgeport Art Trail artists Radu Gheorghe/Romania, Rafiq Kathwari/Kashmir, Ulla Surland/Denmark, Iyaba Ibo Mandingo/ Antigua, Desmond Nature/Cameroon, Carlos B Biernnay/Chile, Ana Ruiz/Spain , Inna Linov/Iukraine.
This project is sponsored by a CT Office of the Arts - Artists Respond Grant, and City Lights Gallery. Left photo by Dariusz Kanarek of artist Iyaba Ibo Mandingo
Visit CityLightsGallery.org
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Collaborators of the exhibit, "How Did We Get Here" Yolanda Vasquez Petrocelli and Dariusz Kanarek are sought after photographers, with long artistic careers. Their personal migration experiences to the USA, inform their art, perspective and interviews. Yolanda is Mexican American and Dariusz id Polish American. | |
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Exhibit and Auction of Art by Child Refugees
Schelfhaudt Gallery, Paier College
Thursday, November 10; 4 pm,
Friday, November 11
Paier College of Art, the CT Institute for Refugees and Immigrants with grant support from Fairfield County’s Community Foundation present the work of child refugees. Auction funds will go directly to the children’s families.
The art shown in this exhibition was created by child refugees who participated in an arts program facilitated by Paier art instructors.
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Something Extra Special on the Bridgeport Art Trail
Downtown Public Art Crawl
Friday 11/11/22, 4-7 pm
See new public art.
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Colorful Bridgeport Public Art Crawl
Drop in for the Colorful Bridgeport Open House Happy Hour at the Downtown Special Services District office, 938 Broad Street. Learn about the Color It In Public Art Project and the organization that is facilitating multiple placemaking initiatives for downtown Bridgeport. Celebrate the new works in the downtown district with a guided tour by the Colorful Bridgeport team. After the tour grab a beverage at Berlinetta Brewing at 90 Golden Hill St. Hang out and view the impressive, large scale video projection art performance by Bridgeport artist Dustin DeMilio.
Left: Detail of mural by Octavio Lugo on Middle St recognizes Bridgeport's P.T. Barnum and Tom Thumb.
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Departures & Arrivals: Bridgeport and the Great Migration Exhibit
Mary & Eliza Freeman Ctr 1135 Main St Bridgeport
Thursday, November 10; 5 pm to 9 pm / Friday, November 11; 5 pm to 9 pm
Saturday, November 12; 1 pm to 9 pm / Sunday, November 13; 1 pm to 6 pm
In partnership with the Westport Museum for History and Culture. Considered among the largest movements of people in human history, “The Great Migration” took place between 1910 and 1970 when African Americans from the South moved to the Northern, Mid-Western and Western states, seeking liberty, personal security, and opportunity. This new exhibit features the photos, family memorabilia and personal stories of Black Bridgeporters who came to the city from the American South, adding to the cultural and economic diversity of the city.
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Reconstructed/Deconstructed Still Lifes
Nest Arts Factory 1720 Fairfield Ave Bridgeport CT
Saturday, November 12; 11 am to 5 pm / Sunday, November 13; 11 am to 5 pm
Exhibit Reception, Sat, 11/12, 4-6 pm,
Sun 11/13/22 11:30-1, Mimosa and Music Reception and Artists’ Walk and Talk
Art will be on view throughout the artists’ studio building along with this exhibit featuring NEST Arts Factory artists Ellie Mesa, Strive Glass, Stella Whittle, and invited artists Maralyn Adlin, Larry Morse, Miranda Updike showing paintings and 3D art, whimsical pottery, glass and upcycled furniture, curated by NEST artist and City Lights Gallery director Suzanne Kachmar.
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Artist Spotlight: Luis Lopez
The painter shares his inspirations, what "community" means to him and more!
Luis is a working freelance artist participating in the Bridgeport Art Trail, at the NEST Art Factory. His experience in public art projects is growing, working on projects in Bridgeport and New Haven. This month he will assist on his largest public art project yet, in downtown Bridgeport working with lead artist Billi Kid. The final mural will be featured during the Downtown Public Art Crawl on Friday 11/11/22.
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Can you provide a brief bio about yourself and your work as an artist?
My name is Luis Lopez, I am 27 years old, an Uruguayan immigrant and I’ve been making art for as long as I could remember, however I started painting professionally in 2017.
What inspires you as an artist?
Technique and skill wise the things that inspire me are other artists. Artists (of any kind) are constantly pushing the boundaries of what we think is possible. Some of my biggest inspirations include Chuck Close and Salvador Dali. The themes that I work with are inspired by many things most recently I’ve been really fascinated by the idea that time ( past, present and future) can all exist at the same time. I want to parallel this idea with themes of nature (past) humans (present) and technology (future).
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How did you get involved in the local arts community and what does “community” mean to you?
I am super grateful to Suzanne & City Lights Gallery for giving me so many opportunities to be a part of the local arts community through the years. I believe "community” is about diversity and it's not only about what special flavor you can bring to the table but also the opportunities you make for the people around you.
Do you have an absolute favorite project you have brought to life? What made it so special to you?
It can be hard for an artist to truly be satisfied with their work. About two years ago I was asked by the Bridgeport Film Fest to make a live painting, I was honestly terrified because I had never painted in front of other people let alone in less than 8 hours, but I was intrigued by the challenge and so I started practicing. I must have painted the same portrait of Chadwick Boseman 5 times, but it was all worth it because by the time I was done (within 8 hours!) not only was it the largest portrait I had ever done (5ft) I could tell that Chadwick was someone that really meant a lot to the community and that I had done his portrait justice.
What are you currently working on? Large public art mural
I will be working alongside Billi Kid of NBA Lab on his mural for the back of the NBA Lab building at1163 Main St, downtown Bridgeport. It will be my biggest project yet and I am very excited about it, Come check it out!!!
Anything else you'd like to share? And where can people find you on social media?
If you have the chance to empower a young artist, do it! Because it will change their life!
You can find me on instagram @Luis_Lopez_Art
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Ursa Gallery
Drawings After Dark
1042 Broad St, Arcade Mall 2nd Floor
Opening Reception
Thursday, Nov 10 from 6-9 PM
Friday & Saturday from 12-8 PM
More info https://www.ursa.gallery/
Submission deadline Oct 29
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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 | |
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PechaKucha BAT Closing Storytelling Party
Theme is “Journey”
A PechaKucha is a succinct presentation to bring creative minds together for a night of inspiration, networking, and fun. Each presenter speaks from 20 images which advance automatically every 20 seconds.
Our next PechaKucha in-person storytelling night is on Sun, Nov 13 th at 6:00 PM at the Bijou Theatre.
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Other Bridgeport Art Trail news... | |
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The Crabby Cabaret
Live Performance
BRIDGEPORT ART TRAIL CLOSING PARTY
Sunday, November 13 at 8:30pm
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Come on down to the Bijou Theatre for the inaugural performance of the Crabby Cabaret on Sunday, November 13, 2022. Featuring an evening of laughs, uncomfortable feelings, and downright sassy fun. Starring, an eclectic group of local vocalists, musicians, poets and storytellers! To add to the fun, we will be announcing a** Surprise Special Guest **!!
Our mission is to promote interest in the arts, and to showcase the untapped resources that are in our artistic community. We hope that our show will inspire someone to pursue their dreams, even if they are small steps to a larger goal of realizing their full potential!
Suggested donation of $10 is appreciated, but not required, all are welcome. We thrive on applause! Full bar and concessions available for purchase. Free street parking is available. More info/tickets available here!
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"Reflecting Time"
Through Sat Oct 22
Housatonic Museum of Art
900 Lafayette Blvd
https://museum.housatonic.edu
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Housatonic Museum of Art Appoints a New Director, Jennifer-Kaye Renolds
“Academic art museums are my passion. Making the collection accessible online, and creating opportunities for students and the community to connect with the museum on a deep level are top priorities
Read more
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Downton Cabaret Theatre
HAUNTED HOUSE
Fri Oct 21 - Sun Oct 30 |Various Times
Tickets $15 (+fees)
263 Golden Hill St
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A classic walk-through haunted house with surprises and fun at every turn! Scares including clowns, spiders, skeletons, and a haunted graveyard, these 11 haunted chambers are sure to make you scream. Recommended for ages 5+.
More Info
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MORE at the Downton Cabaret Theatre
So Good – The Neil Diamond Experience
Sat Nov 05 | Various Times
Tickets $48 (+fees)
263 Golden Hill St
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Robert Neary creates a one of a kind, cut above the rest, production. He talks about the songs and tells stories behind them, from Neil’s interviews, quotes, and autobiographical books. He and the band perform 20 of Neil Diamond’s greatest hits. Songs like “Cherry Cherry”, “I Am, I Said”, “I’m a Believer”, “Solitary Man”, “Holly Holy”, “Coming to America”, “Sweet Caroline” and more.
Born and raised in Long Island, NY, Robert Neary has guest starred in over 50 television shows. He starred in Broadway’s “Smokey Joe’s Café”, and then toured in Elton John’s Broadway hit “Aida”. He understudied the lead role of Sonny in the Broadway smash, “A Bronx Tale, The Musical”.
Tickets
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MORE at the Downton Cabaret Theatre
Absolute Queen
Sat Nov 12 | Various Times
TICKETS: $48 (+fees)
263 Golden Hill St
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Experience the hyper-realistic sights and sounds of what a Queen concert was like in the early 1980s.
With the massive success of the Bohemian Rhapsody film breathing new life and notoriety into Queen’s music, Absolute Queen will perform every song from the film and many more deep cuts and hits as well like Best Friend, Keep Yourself Alive, We Are The Champions, Love Of My Life, Play The Game, Another Ones Bites the Dust and more.
Tickets
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The Klein Auditorium
910 Fairfield Ave
The Greater Bridgeport Symphony
Sat Nov 12 | 8 PM
Tickets $32- 65
Ticket Link
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Discounts available for families with children under 19. Phone orders only call Greater Bridgeport Symphony at 203-576-0263 | |
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Toil and Trouble: A Women’s History of the Occult
Author Talk - Virtual
Thurs Oct 20
7:00 - 8:00 PM
Bridgeport Library (Online)
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Authors Lisa Kröger & Melanie R. Anderson discuss their new book.
Meet the mystical women and nonbinary people from US history who found strength through the supernatural—and those who are still forging the way today. From the celebrity spirit mediums of the nineteenth century to contemporary activist witches hexing the patriarchy, these icons have long used magic and mysticism to seize the power they’re so often denied.
Rsvp for the Zoom link
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Fall Paint: Watercolor Technique
Thurs Oct 20
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Bridgeport Public Library, North Branch
3455 Madison Ave
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Please come and enjoy our Fall paint: Watercolor Technique with Veronica Arias, an artist from Costa Rica . Class size is limited | |
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WPKN's Music Mash Returns!
Sat, Oct 29, 2022
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
$8 Adults, $5 Students
Early Birds $20
Read’s ArtSpace Ground Floor Gallery
1042 Broad Street
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WPKN Independent Community Radio's MUSIC MASH Record Fair offers thousands of vinyl LP’s, 45’s, CD’s, posters, memorabilia, eats and drinks from local purveyors while WPKN DJ’s are spinning live. Over 30 music dealers, stocking nearly 50 tables of LPs, CDs, 45s & music memorabilia to peruse/purchase at this family-friendly event. Early Bird hours are from 8am to 10am with $20 admission for buyers looking to get an early start. The main event opens at 10am and runs through 6pm. Admission is $8 or $5 students. | |
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Glow Wild Lantern Festival
Beardsley Zoo
Through Sun Nov 27
Every Thurs - Sun
5:30 - 9:30 PM
1875 Noble Ave
Journey through a wonderland of illuminated larger-than-life lanterns inspired by our wild world. This amazing festival culminates the Zoo’s 100th birthday celebrstions. The festival will showcase more than 35 large-scale illuminated displays, featuring hundreds of beautiful individual and interactive lanterns Buy Tickets
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More at the Zoo
Sat Oct 29 | 11 AM – 3 PM
Boo at the Zoo!
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
1875 Noble Ave
Rain or Shine!
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A spooktacular afternoon of seasonal delights! Enjoy spooky animal talks and a DJ! Guaranteed to delight and fright all those who pass through. Dress up in your Halloween costume and join the party!
“Boo at the Zoo is a longstanding Zoo tradition that many families look forward to,” said Gregg Dancho, Zoo director. “It’s a fun afternoon of cool critters, and, of course, family memories.
Tickets www.beardsleyzoo.org/boo-at-the-zoo.html
Unless you are a Zoo member, Zoo admission tickets must be purchased online prior to your visit.
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What else is happening in Bpt Art Scene? Read on... or...
Go to BAT calendar.
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The Barnum Museum
820 Main St
Walking Tour of Historic Bridgeport
Fri, Oct 21| 6:30 PM
Tickets $5 - $15
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Paranormal author & lecturer Michael Bielawa leads a lantern stroll of historic downtown Bridgeport to visit scenes of suspected hauntings, Victorian era murders, “Men In Black” sightings & other unexplained phenomena. This wide variety of mysteries is centrally located within easy walking distance of the Barnum Museum.
Not recommended for children under 12 years. Masks are mandatory for all participants during the indoor pre- and post-stroll discussions inside the museum. Masks are optional during the outdoor walk. Pre-Registration required. Space is limited to 20 guests. More info
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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
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BIJOU THEATRE
275 Fairfield Ave
Live Music & Film: In-Person & Streaming
Bijoutheatrect.net
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Total Mortgage Arena
Kingdom Tour: Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin
Fri Nov 4 | 7:00 PM
Ticket $24-$124
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Featuring Grammy nominated, Billboard Music Award winning, platinum-selling, and genre-bending collective Maverick City Music and 16-time Grammy winning artist, songwriter, producer, and cultural icon Kirk Franklin.
Tickets
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Sound of Fashion Week Connecticut
ARCADE MALL
Sat, Oct 22 | 5:00 - 10:00 PM
Ticket Link
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Stress Factory
Stand-Up Comedy
167 State Street
Ages 16+
https://bridgeport.stressfactory.com/
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Chrissie Mayr
Thurs Oct 20
7:30 PM
Tickets $22
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Jackie Fabulous
Fri Oct 21 - Sat Oct 22 Various Times
Tickets $20
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Wellie Jackson
Thurs Oct 27
7:30 PM
Tickets $20
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Park City Music Hall
2926 Fairfield Ave
Ages 21+
https://parkcitymusichall.com/
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CT Grateful Dead
All Stars
Fri Oct 21
9:00 PM
Tickets $20- $25
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Zoso - The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience
Sat Oct 22
9:00 PM
Tickets:$23 - $28
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Stranger Sings
Halloween Bash
Sat Oct 29
, 7:00 PM
Ticket $16 - $21
Costume Contest
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WORKSHOPS + OPPORTUNITIES
FOR ARTISTS
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CALL FOR ENTRIES
Metro Art Studios' 10x10 Exhibit
Enter the annual Metro Art Studios fundraising exhibit. The exhibit debuts on Saturday and Sunday, November 12 and 13, 2022, during the Bridgeport Art Trail and continues through December 9, 2022. The proceeds from this exhibit supports Metro programming, events, and our current “wish list” for the building.
- All work must be 10" x 10" and no more than 2" deep
- All work is priced at $100, with 50% going to the artist
- Enter up to 3 pieces
- Any media accepted
- All work must be finished and ready to hang
- Work must be original (no reproductions)
- Age 18 and up
- No entry fee
- Drop off work at Metro Art Studios on Saturday, November 5 from 12-4 pm
- Pick up unsold work on Saturday, December 10 from 12-4 pm
Metro reserves the right to reject any work for quality or size issues. Entry form and more details on the Metro website here: https://www.metroartstudios.com/10x10-exhibit
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BRIDGEPORT FILM FEST
Bridgeport Art Trail Screening Series
Saturday, November 12 + Sunday, November 13
Various Times and Locations
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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!
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Figure Drawing
the First 2 Tuesdays of the Month
at the NEST Arts Factory
1720 Fairfield Ave Bpt, CT
RSVP [email protected]
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Figure Drawing
Open Sketch
at the NEST Arts Factory
On the 1st and 2nd Tuesday of the month. Bring your own drawing materials. $15 model fee.
Please RSVP to [email protected]
This is an open sketch studio workshop moderated by Ellie Mesa, sponsored by City Lights/Bridgeport Art Trail.
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BPT CREATES
Gathering of the Heathens: Heathens of the Night Costume Bar Crawl
Friday, October 28
5PM-Midnight
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Gathering of the Heathens presents:
"Night of the Heathens"
A costume Bar Crawl
Friday October 28th join as we grace all our favorite watering holes downtown Bridgeport from 5pm-12am.
We'll start at BPT Creates then head over to our first locations.
Wear your favorite costumes or just come as you are. Costumes are not mandatory.
Please stay tuned for upcoming details for locations, times and specials at each of our locations.
Wanna be apart of our flash costume flash mob? Send us a message for more details.
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Stratford Arts Alliance
Long Pose Figure Study on Zoom
Wednesday, October 26 | 5:45pm-9:00pm
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Long Pose Figure Study On Zoom
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
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.
r will set the pose, but suggestions from the artists are welcome.
More Info Here!
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