Bridgeport Art Trail Newsletter 

SPECIAL EDITION

CALL FOR ARTISTS

BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC ART FUND

2 PUBLIC ART PROJECTS 

BUDGETS/PROJECTS

$5,000 Mural, no larger than 10 ft x 10 ft

$10,000 Entrance way canopy installation

Canopy dimensions are 21’ 6” wide, projecting out 15’


SITE: READ'S ARTSPACE

1042 Broad St, Bridgeport CT


SUBMISSION DEADLINE

May 15, 2022

HOW TO APPLY

Artists can send samples of work, bio, contact info and preliminary concepts for consideration to https://bridgeportpublicartfund.org/#apply


Read important info before you apply

Mural project http://bitly.bz/wHRVp


Canopy Project http://bitly.bz/nPxiz


The Bridgeport Public Art Fund announces its inaugural projects for

ART on Broad St, requesting submissions for 2 art works on the

Read’s ARTspace building at 1042 Broad St. The submissions deadline is

May 15, 2022. The application process is open now at www.bridgeportpublicartfund.org



The mission of the Bridgeport Public Art Fund, administered by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation (FCCF), is to provide financial resources, guidance, connections to the arts community, collaboration, and hands-on support to create new public art trails in Bridgeport, piloting in the downtown core and then moving to additional Bridgeport neighborhoods. ART on Broad St project will activate Broad St from the downtown to Seaside Park. 


Photo right: Artist Looketha paints live on Broad St.

Bridgeport Arts Scene is in Full Bloom with

Exhibits, Concerts, Workshops, ARTcade and more.


Visit art exhibits at Colorblends House & Spring Gardens, Read’s ArtSpace, City Lights Gallery , and Open Studios at American Fabrics, the NEST Arts Factory and Metro Art Studios


SAVE THE DATES: SAT 4/30, SUN 5/1

Saturday, April 30, City Lights, the nonprofit that produces the Bridgeport Art Trail celebrates its 18th anniversary with a day-long mash up of activities and a party on the patio. Events include the popular ARTcade, a 'meander and mingle' experience to arts venues, eateries and other local businesses, featuring a vintage and handmade popup bazaar in the Arcade Mall and at City Lights Vintage, with busker-style music to shop by. More exciting news to follow, as the City Lights/Bridgeport Art Trail partners are planning a family fun day, of art, culture and heritage.


Sunday May 1, The NEST Arts Factory and American Fabrics collaborate on an Open Studios day. More info on this to follow.

URSA GALLERY AT COLORBLENDS

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“Ephemeral Utopia”

Contemporary Art Show curated by Ursa Gallery

 

Colorblends House & Spring Gardens

893 Clinton Ave.

1 April–8 May 2022, 

Tuesdays - Sundays 10am-4pm


Opening Reception: Sat, April 23, 2022, 2–5pm


Ephemeral Utopia, curated by URSA founders Cris Dam and Dustin Malstromis is inspired by the springtime blooms at Colorblends House & Spring Garden. It showcases eleven artists: Mario Baez, Tara Blackwell, Cris Dam, Paul Eis, Francisco Mandujano, Sooo-z Mastropietro, Sui Park, Christine Romanell, Jeff Schneider, Marlene Siff, and Emily Teall. 


Experience painting, photography, sculpture and multidisciplinary practices that incorporate surprising materials displayed inside the restored 1903 Colonial Revival mansion at Colorblends. 


URSA is a contemporary art gallery located in Bridgeport’s historic Arcade mall in downtown Bridgeport. COLORBLENDS House & Spring Garden features a half-acre garden with thousands of spring bulb flowers that bloom in a curated sequence over a six-week period each year in the historic Stratfield neighborhood.

City Lights Gallery Turns 18!

Exhibit 18 Artists Opens Sat 4/30/22

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Sat 4/30/22 Alfresco Anniversary pARTy Join City Lights, supporters, staff and artists for a party that spills out of the gallery to the adjacent patio. Mingle with artists and patrons, Enjoy art, music, refreshment and a whimsical fiber art installation that transforms the garden area. This temporary installation created by lead artist Carlos Bautista Biernnay is a collaboration with Suzanne Kachmar E.D. of City Lights Gallery and sponsored by the CT Office on the Arts.


The anniversary party is open to the public, patrons who make a $50 contribution are invited to choose a one of a kind, handmade artwork from the collaborative installation by lead artist Carlos Bautista Biernnay, City Lights and local artists. 

Exhibit runs 4/30-7/15/22 Make your contribution here.

 

The exhibit 18 ARTISTS features the work of 18 artists who have exhibited at City Lights and/or participated in Bridgeport Art Trail programs; Maralyn Adlin, Carlos Bautista Biernnay, Claude Desir, Karen Loprete, Looketha (Marcella Cavalliere), Dan Makara, Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, Shanna Melton, Brad Noble, Francis Pressley, Mark Rich, Gerald Saladyga, David Sepulveda, Scott Schuldt, Liz Squillace, Rita Valley, Amanda Walker, Joan Wheeler. 


Art & Soul: Fashion, Photoshoots, Pop-up

Arcade Mall

1001 Main Street

Bridgeport, CT

Sat, April 16th

2 PM - 6 PM

Beauty touch ups and photoshoots with hair, makeup, wardrobe and photography professionals! More info


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Read's ArtSpace

1042 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT

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Saturdays Noon - 5 PM

PERSISTENCE OF PRESENCE:

HOPE AND HEALING THROUGH POWER OF ART


The ground floor gallery honors Women's month by featuring fourteen women artists from the Read's ArtSpace community curated by JodiAnn Strminska.


The exhibit celebrates the power of art to generate hope and healing during times of crisis and uncertainty. Gallery hours Saturdays noon - 5PM or by appointment. Runs through May 19th.

More info

Metro Art Studios

Through May 7th

345 Railroad Ave


All Things Being/Plein Air Perspective

Next Open Studio: Sun April 24, 2022

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ALL THINGS BEING” features innovative contemporary figurative art, dynamic, colorful, thought-provoking paintings and sculpture by four female artists: Susan Clinard, Sarah King, Clara Nartey, and Suzanna Schemm.


John Forgione’s exhibit, "PLEIN AIR PERSPECTIVE" is his latest oil paintings, mostly painted in the field, connected to nature and time in rural and urban scenes across the four seasons. 


The exhibits are located in the first floor Crown Gallery and runs through May 7th, 2022.

Free parking and free admittance. Face masks required

More info

City Lights Vintage

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


City Lights Vintage is continuing with our series “THE ART OF THE FIND." Take part in our ALL-AGES scavenger hunt while shopping our gems and treasures. Find all nine items in our photo. Enter to win a $25 gift certificate for merchandise. Event ends April 30th at 7pm. Winner announced May 1st. Sales support City Lights Gallery's community events and education programs.

Contact us here Shop online on Etsy

 @citylightsvintage on Facebook/Instagram

"Absorption and Reflection" Exhibit

Extended until April 17th at City Lights Gallery

265 Golden Hill St Bridgeport CT 06604

Read CT Post article.

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"We are that which we reflect and absorb" Larry Morse


Figure painting, abstract painting, photography. 


Larry Morse painter/guest curator with Adger Cowans and Iyaba Ibo Mandingo.


Read more about the art and artists.

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Guerilla art coming to Bridgeport this spring, stay tuned!

Save the date April 30. ARTcade...

Art by Carlos Bautista Biernnay

Greater Bridgeport Symphony


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GBS at the Klein

Auditorium

910 Fairfield Ave


Sat Apr 9 | 8 pm

Tickets $10-$59


Eric Jacobsen Conducts Bach’s St. John’s Passion with the Connecticut Chamber Choir, Fairfield County Children’s Choir and Guest Artists Ariadne Greif, Agnes Vojtko, David Vanderwal


Greater Bridgeport Symphony offers all school children under 19 seats for $10, anywhere in the house; accompanying adults get 15% off their ticket price. Available only by phone sale -- (203)576-0263

 

More Information:

https://www.gbs.org/tickets

Face masks are encouraged for those who have not been vaccinated. Anyone who is sick or experiencing Covid-19 symptoms are asked to stay home.

2ND SATURDAY SOUL

Bpt Creates

April 9 | 9pm-1am

Tickets $10



2nd Saturday Soul returns to Bpt Creates! Brought to you by DJ DW, C-Boogie, and Soul Selektah Boogie Shoes!

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BIJOU THEATRE

275 Fairfield Ave

Live Music & Film: In-Person & Virtual

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Park City Music Hall

2926 Fairfield Ave

https://parkcitymusichall.com/

Bella Bartok

Thurs, Apr 7 | 9 PM


Tickets $19-$21 


Bella’s Bartok gets show attendees to dance. Kendall Street Company is a jam-alt rock band. Pressing Strings musical influences range from bluesy Americana, soul, rock and roll, reggae and hiphop.

Park City Music Hall | Live Music & Events | Bridgeport, CT

.

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Steve Forbert with Ian Biggs

Fri, Apr 8 | 8 PM


Tickets $10


Steve Forbert mesmerizes a crowd with his distinctive voice, an acoustic guitar and his harmonica.Ian Biggs is a recording and performing artist who is a member of “Whatever We Are” band. https://parkcitymusichall.com/

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Kat Wright with Dan Tressler

Sat Apr 9 | 9 PM


Tickets $16-$21


Kat Wright, Bob Wagner (guitar) and Josh Weinstein (bass) showcasing their folky/rootsy selves, their voices, their ferocious tenderness,

https://parkcitymusichall.com/

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The Stress Factory

167 State St

The Stress Factory Bridgeport

Masks are required at all times in the club,

except when seated at your table.

Joe Devito: Standup Comedy

Fri, Apr 8

Various Times |$20 Tickets

Joe Devito’s appeared on Comedy Central, The Late,Late Show (CBS), Last Comic Standing (NBC), AXS-tv’s Gotham Comedy Live, Comics Unleashed, E! Network, CNN, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, and more.


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Michael Blackstone: Standup Comedy

Sat, Apr 9

Various Times | $49 Tickets



Sat, Apr 9

Various Times|$49


Michael Blackson, aka: ‘The African King of Comedy, has been entertaining audiences all around the globe. Inspired by Eddie Murphy.


Jessica Kirsen: Standup Comedy

Fri, Apr 15 - Sat Apr 16

Various Times|,$20 Tickets




Jessica Kirsen’s countless comedic character videos racked up 30 million views on social media. She’s appeare on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon”, “The View, and “Kevin Can Wait.” 



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Beauty and the Beast

The Downtown Cabaret

265 Golden Hill St

April 02 -May 22 | Various Times

Tickets $26

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A new and exciting adaptation of the classic tale of a hideous beast and his quest to break an evil spell and find love with a beautiful young woman. It’s the timeless story that reminds us that true beauty comes from within. 


Tickets:

https://dtcab.com/show/beauty-and-the-beast-2/#buy-tickets


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 over the age of two must wear a mask

We Rise Storytelling

Hub & Spoke 

3001 Fairfield Ave, 

Stories of Home - A Benefit for Ukraine


Thurs, Apr 14th | 7 PM

Suggested Donation $20


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A special evening of storytelling to benefit organizations on the ground in Ukraine.Share your true story on the theme of "Home" or come to listen in community with others.Interested in sharing a story? Email us!

More information on Facebook


Decades in Concert

The Downtown Cabaret

265 Golden Hill St

April 15 -May 15 | Various Times

Tickets $35


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The sights and sounds of the era that changed EVERYTHING. Using music from prominent and influential artists of the 60’s, hear the story of the history and culture of America from JFK to the Apollo Moon Tickets


Get $25 tickets on performances April 15th through April 24th using code DECADES25! Act fast, so you don't miss this deal! Ticketing fees apply. Not valid on previously purchased tickets.


Audience 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 over the age of 2 years old must wear a mask when entering and exiting the theatre.

Kat Williams - World War III Tour

Total Mortgage Arena

600 Main Street 


Apr 15 | 8 PM

Ticket $59 - $125 prices may fluctuate

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Comedy titan and Emmy® Award-winning actor, Katt Williams,performs new material that blends side-splitting comedy with thought-provoking social commentary. More info


Proof of vaccination status or a negative COVID-19 test is NOT REQUIRED for entry to Katt Williams

Beardsley Zoo

Moonlight, Music, Romance and Friendship Zone!

Lecture Series on Zoom


Wed, April 20, 7pm – 9pm |Tickets $10


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Hear about the research that RIZE students from Fairfield University have conducted this year at the Zoo. 


Rize program students iare studying zoo animal behavior by setting up cameras to observ and collected data on the wildlife that wanders Zoo grounds after visitors leave. The breeding behavior of the White-naped Crane was documented. They observed whether caiman and mata mata turtles co-habitat.

Register

Bridgeport Art Trail

Storytelling Exchange

 Thursday, April 7, 7 PM.

Meets the 1st Thurs of the month

To recognize the art of storytelling, City Lights Gallery sponsors a 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 here.


For more information, about the Storytelling Exchange please contact City Lights/Bridgeport Art Trail [email protected]

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS 

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Placemaking Downtown

Public Art Info Session


Fri, Apr 15, 2022 | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm


Moco Coworking

211 State Street, Bridgeport, CT

The City of Bridgeport and the Bridgeport DSSD are calling artists to share skill and imagination to help transform twelve sites downtown.


This is an information session and walk of the various sites 

RSVP here

Call for Artists  here

Bridgeport Public Library

 Writing Workshop - Terrence Hawkins


Wed, Apr 20th

6 PM - weekly for six weeks

Main Branch, 925 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT

First Floor Community Room


It’s Your Story, Let Us Help You Tell it (Free)

This weekly workshop is designed for writers at all levels of practice and all forms and genres. Participants work on exercises designed to unlock creativity and receive respectful critique of one another’s work.


Terence Hawkins', fiction was twice been named to Kirkus Reviews Year’s Best list and he founded the Yale Writers’ Conference.

Contact email [email protected]

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Figure Drawing for April

the First 2 Tuesdays of the Month

at the NEST Arts Factory

1720 Fairfield Ave Bpt, CT

Read more

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.


The Writer's Group with Shanna T Melton

First two Saturdays of the month,

Online zoom workshop | 2:00pm

Link through Facebook

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 until April 29, 2022!


We return in July 2022 with even more films, special events, workshops, and panels!

Contact us

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The lionheART Gallery Open Call for Artists


if you or someone you know would like to be part of a lionheART Bridgeport group show in 2022, please send a link to your website, social media account or

5-7 images of recent work to [email protected] 

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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!

Hartford Healthcare Ampitheatre Hiring for Upcoming Season


Apply Here


Hiring: Ushers, Guest Services, Ticket Scanners, Security Guards, Cleaning Crew, Backstage Runners,

Floor Crew & Parking

Questions?

Email Email


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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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