This Week

 

Selected Cultural Events and Art Exhibitions

Along with our Cultural Pursuit member events, this is a select listing of additional recommended area art exhibitions, musical performances, film events, lectures, programs and special events in both Fairfield and Westchester Counties that are opening or occurring this week.

May 18-19, 2019

Saturday/Sunday, May 18/19, 2019 – Association of Art Museum Directors’ Art Museum Day, at various museums nationwide. Join Association of Art Museum Directors and member museums across North America to participate in and celebrate the 10th Annual Art Museum Day on or around May 18, 2019. AAMD launched Art Museum Day ten years ago to underscore the ways in which art museums foster community, providing crucial opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn and be inspired by the limitlessness of what centuries of peoples and cultures have created. While many communities have celebrations that involve museum participation, Art Museum Day is an opportunity for AAMD’s member institutions to coordinate and give back, providing everything from free admission to discounts and special programs. For a current list of participating museums and what they will be offering: aamd.org.

Sunday, May 19, 2:00 pm – Musical Masters Lecture Series: “Film Music: Groundbreaking Director/Composer Collaborations” with Elliott Forrest at Music Conservatory of Westchester, 216 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY. In this exclusive presentation of “Film Music: Groundbreaking Director/Composer Collaborations,” Peabody Award-winning Broadcaster & Producer and WQXR radio host Elliott Forrest will explore the unique relationship of film composers and directors, charting the evolution of the art form. Within the discussion, he will also address why film composers’ scores were initially not welcome for performance in concert halls and how that has changed today. Film buffs and music lovers will experience an in-depth, interactive, cinematic ride. Through video clips from some of his favorite and historically significant films, Mr. Forrest will showcase music by such groundbreaking composers as Bernard Herrmann (Citizen Kane, Psycho, Vertigo, Taxi Driver), John Williams (Star Wars, Schindler’s List), Nino Rota (The Godfather), Ennio Morricone (The Mission), Danny Elfman (Edward Scissorhands), and more. For tickets and more: musicconservatory.org.

Saturday and Sunday, May 18 – 19, 10 am – 5 pm – Bruce Museum Outdoor Crafts Fair, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT. The Bruce Museum’s 34th Annual Outdoor Crafts Festival will take place this Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm each day. More than 60 juried exhibitors will share their unique talents and crafts in wood, wearable and decorative fiber, metalwork, leather, paper arts, glass, ceramics, jewelry, and more. The festival also features an array of food truck cuisine, including Kettle Korn, Thai Taste, and Wendies Weenies. Lending ambience to the Festival with performances, both days, will be Ed Wright, on guitar playing updated acoustic classics and contemporary originals; and Annalisa Ewald, a classical guitarist whose repertoire includes baroque as well as the standards. Artists’ demonstrations are a perennial Festival favorite, and this year potters Erika Nowak and Drew Darley from Round Trip Clayworks in New Britain, CT, will throw ceramic forms at their booth located on the steps in front of the Museum entrance. Hands-on craft activities for all ages are available at no additional charge in the Museum’s Education Workshop, and the Museum’s galleries will be open. Exhibitions on view include Summer with the Averys [Milton | Sally | March]; Buried Treasures of the Silk Road; the science exhibition Sharks!; and the community art project Your Place Squared. For more: brucemuseum.org.

Saturday, May 18, 8:00 pm – Norwalk Symphony presents Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Norwalk Concert Hall, 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Be swept away by Beethoven’s magnificent Symphony No. 9 with Norwalk Symphony featuring guest soloists Amy Owens (Soprano), Ann Quintero (Mezzo-Soprano), Peter Drackley (Tenor), Matthew Curran (Bass) and the Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut. Maestro Yates will take the audience  on a brief tour of this momentous score before conducting this masterpiece in its entirety. For tickets and more: norwalksymphony.org.

May 9 – 16, 2019

May 11 – September 1, 2019 – Summer with the Averys [Milton | Sally | March] at Bruce Museum,  1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT. Summer with the Averys [Milton | Sally | March] will feature landscapes, seascapes, beach scenes, and figural compositions—as well as rarely seen travel sketchbooks­—the exhibition takes an innovative approach to the superb work produced by the Avery family. The exhibition will be an opportunity to discover not only what Rothko referred to in 1965 as Avery’s “repertoire . . . his wife Sally, his daughter, March, the beaches and mountains where they summered,” but to observe the creative interaction of this exceptional family of artists. Organized by Kenneth E. Silver, Silver Professor of Art History at New York University and Bruce Museum Adjunct Curator of Art, assisted by Stephanie Guyet, Bruce Museum Zvi Grunberg Fellow, 2018-19, the exhibition will be accompanied by a scholarly catalogue, featuring full-color illustrations of all the works in the show. Educational programming will include lectures and an audio guide. For more: brucemuseum.org.

May 9 – June 19, 2019 – Time and Place: Works on Paper at Flinn Gallery, 2nd Floor Greenwich Library, 101 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT. The final exhibition of Flinn Gallery’s 2018 – 2019 season is Time and Place: Works on Paper. The four artists in this show use the medium of paper to convey their memory of places; their two dimensional work has the added dimension of time and space to acquire depth and intensity. The artists are Frances Ashforth, Lori Glavin, Justin Kim and Shona Macdonald. Public Opening Reception is Thursday, May 9, 6 – 8 pm, and there will be an Artist Talk with Justin Kim and Shona Macdonald on Sunday, June 9, 2:00 pm. For more: flinngallery.com. 

Tickets now on Sale: Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) 5th Anniversary, May 29 – June 2, 2019 – Greenwich and Stamford, CT. Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) is a non-profit organization that hosts a world class film festival each June. Its mission is to provide filmmakers with the opportunity to showcase their work, while harnessing the power of film to serve the greater good by supporting charity partners with festival proceeds.  The festival begins with its Changemaker Gala and Opening Night Party followed by their Epic Anniversary Party and their multiple day schedule of films (feature length, shorts, documentary) and panels. For a full list of all events and films, and to purchase tickets: greenwichfilm.org.

Sunday, May 12, 4:00 pm – REBEL Ensemble Musica Antiqua Nova Series: “Sounds of Spring” with Matthias Maute & Sophie Larivière, recorder – Special Mother’s Day Concert w/ Champagne Reception at Bedford Presbyterian Church, 44 Village Green, Bedford, NY. Program includes works by Telemann, Vivaldi, van Eyck, Schwarzkopf & Schmelzer. Musica Antiqua Nova is the Westchester County self-produced concert series of the baroque ensemble Rebel, performances of which take place in the historically notable and acoustically excellent  Bedford Presbyterian Church in Bedford, NY. Three programs are presented annually, and often include guest artists of international repute. The series aims to present both known and rarely if ever heard 17th- and 18th-century repertoire performed on historical instruments of the period, in an intimate setting. A fully-catered reception follows each concert, at which the artists mingle freely with the audience. For more and tickets: rebelbaroque.com.

Wednesday, May 15, 8:00 pm – Bedford Chamber Concerts: Bach | Saint-Saëns at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 382 Cantitoe Street, Bedford, NY. The program for this final concert of their season includes Bach: Trio Sonata from the Musical Offering; Saint-Saëns: Septet and Bach: Magnificat. About:  Bedford Chamber Concerts presents great music of the baroque, classical and romantic eras, spiced occasionally with music of the twentieth century or new music composed by their Music Director, Anthony Newman. For more information and tickets: bedfordchamberconcerts.org.

Thursday, May 16, 6 – 9 pm – ArtsBash with Open Studios at ArtsWestchester, 31 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY. Food, fun and art mix and mingle at ArtsWestchester’s biggest house party of the year! Top chefs from more than 20+ restaurants serve tasty dishes. Enjoy spirited cocktails and other super sips from local purveyors – all set against the backdrop of contemporary art. Throughout the historic building, open artist studios pair perfectly with the crowd’s spirited vibe and provide a unique opportunity to interact with some of the county’s most creative forces. On view in the Gallery, Modern Families, a photographic inquiry into who and what constitutes the American family today. Anchored by rarely exhibited work by Harlem Renaissance photographer James Van Der Zee (1886-1983), it explores the diverse faces and relationships that represent “family” from the points of view of eleven regional photographers. The party continues on Saturday, May 18th from 1 to 5 pm at Family ArtsBash, an afternoon of family fun and arts activities! For more and tickets: artswestchester.org.

May 1 – 9, 2019

Wednesdays, May 1, 8, 16, 22 – 7-9 p.m., Legendary Film Directors Series at Darien Library, 1441 Post Road, Darien, CT. Visit the Darien Library for a four-week series looking at legendary directors and films shot in New York and Paris. Week 1: New York, New York: Part I – Wednesday, May 1 – 7-9pm:  This initial session focuses on New York City as we like to imagine it – the “fake” Big Apple of classic Hollywood back lot musicals (“It’s Always Fair Weather”), dramas (“Saboteur”), and romances (“The Clock”), and their later influences (“New York, New York”). Week 2:  New York, New York: Part II – Wednesday, May 8 – 7-9 pm:  Experience the “real” Manhattan from a variety of eras where filmmakers took their cameras, crews, and actors into the streets of the city that never sleeps. When possible, actual street locations are identified for such films as “Annie Hall,” “The French Connection,” “West Side Story,” “Adam’s Rib,” and “Somebody Up There Likes Me.” Week 3: We’ll Always Have Paris: Part I – Wednesday, May 16 – 7-9pm: We begin with “Hollywood’s Paris” of artificial backlot streets and shops, including Rouben Mamoulien’s “Love Me Tonight,” Vincente Minnelli’s “An American in Paris,” and Billy Wilder’s “Irma La Douce,” among many others. Week 4: We’ll Always Have Paris: Part II – Wednesday, May 22 – 7-9pm:  The “real” Paris is best captured by directors who know the terrain well, including Jean Renoir (“Boudu Saved From Drowning”), François Truffaut (“The 400 Blows”), Jean-Luc Godard (“Breathless”), Bernardo Bertolucci (“The Conformist”), and contemporary filmmakers such as Leos Carax (“Holy Motors”). For more and to register: darienlibrary.org.

Thursdays, May 2, 16, 30 – 6:00 – 8:oo pm – Art Talk: “The Modernist Legacy” at Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay Street, Katonah, NY. Tracing modern descendants who challenge the representation of the landscape, this lecture series connects today’s prominent contemporary figures to the modernists included in LandEscape (through June 16, 2019). Artists will speak about their practice, their influences, and the legacy of historical figures represented in the exhibition. Wine reception following the lecture. May 2: Lois Dodd, May 16: Ryan Nord Kitchen, May 30: Vera Iliatova. About the exhibition: LandEscape explores the early 20th century American modernists who exhibited their innovative paintings at the groundbreaking 1913 Armory Show, and compares it to the work of artists from the 21st century who have rediscovered and reinvigorated the genre. This show is comprised of approximately 30 works and reveals how a diverse range of artists broke from the established landscape painting traditions of their predecessors to create a new visual language that profoundly changed the way landscape was perceived. To purchase tickets: katonahmuseum.org.

May 2 – 27, 2019, Greenwich Arts Council’s Art to the Avenue, Greenwich, CT. Each May, with the overwhelming support of the Greenwich business community, the Arts Council turns Greenwich Avenue into a strolling gallery, Art to the Avenue. One of the largest and most exciting festivals ever organized, the Opening is set for Thursday, May 2, from 5:30 – 8pm. Most stores host receptions for the hundreds of visitors who attend to preview the work of over 120 artists. The art selected by the retailers remains in place through Memorial Day, so there is ample time for viewers to experience the “gallery” that downtown Greenwich becomes. All the art on display is for sale, and a 30% tax deduction for the purchaser benefits GAC. For more information and a map with all locations and featured artists: greenwichartscouncil.org.

Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 5 – Spring Crafts at Lyndhurst, 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown, NY. Crafts at Lyndhurst showcases over 275 modern American makers, artists, designers and craftspeople from across the country selling their exciting contemporary creations and is a celebration of all things handmade. A full day art and shopping experience for the entire family including interactive kids activities, delicious gourmet foods and concessions, hands-on demonstrations and more at Westchester’s favorite out-of-the-box shopping experience. Event takes place under tents. Rain or shine. No pets allowed within the show site. ADMISSION: Adults $12; seniors $11; kids 6-16 $4, under 6 free. Free to Lyndhurst Members. Tickets are on sale on-site on the day of the event. Cash or check only. Visit www.artrider.com for discount coupons, group rates, and more information. SCHEDULE: Friday, May 3 from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday, May 4 from 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday, May 5 from 10 am to 5 pm. For more: lyndhurst.org.

Friday, May 3, 8:00pm – Alexander String Quartet at Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck, NY. Over the past 37 years, the Alexander String Quartet has performed in the major music capitals of five continents, securing its standing among the world’s premiere ensembles. Widely admired for its interpretations of Beethoven, Mozart, and Shostakovich, the quartet’s recordings of the Beethoven cycle (twice), and the Bartók and Shostakovich cycles have all won international critical acclaim. The quartet has also established itself as an important advocate of new music through over 30 commissions from such composers as Jake Heggie, Cindy Cox, Augusta Read Thomas, Robert Greenberg, Martin Bresnick, César Cano, and Pulitzer Prize-winner, Wayne Peterson. PROGRAM: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: String Quartet, K. 428; Krzysztof Eugeniusz Penderecki: String Quartet No. 3; Antonín Dvořák: String Quartet, Op. 96 “American”. For more and tickets: emelin.org.

Sunday, May 5, 4 – 6 pm – Treetops Chamber Music Society presents Cassatt String Quartet with Magdalena Baczewska, piano at Carriage Barns Arts Center, 681 South Avenue, New Canaan, CT. The Manhattan-based Cassatt String Quartet, “an extraordinary quartet” (The New York Times) and a Treetops CMS regular, returns for a grand finale with greatly influential works by Mozart, Beethoven and Schumann. Pianist Magdalena Baczewska has been acclaimed as a “world-class” musician (The American Record Guide) and “eloquent and technically flawless” (The Washington Post). Program: MOZART: String Quartet in D Major, K. 575, “Prussian”; BEETHOVEN: String Quartet in B Flat Major, Op. 18, No. 6, “La Malinconia” and SCHUMANN: Piano Quintet in E Flat Major, Op. 44. For tickets and more: carriagebarn.org.

Sunday, May 5, 3:00 pm – Westchester Oratorio Society (WOS) presents Joseph Haydn’s “The Creation” (“Die Schöpfung”) at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, 480 Bedford Road, Chappaqua, NY. The concert will feature soloists Catherine Steinbrink, Soprano, Jeffrey Strand, Tenor and David Salsbery Fry, Bass, accompanied by the WOS Festival Orchestra. The Creation, considered a masterpiece of the oratorio tradition, celebrates the creation of the world as described in the “Book of Genesis.” Scored for chorus, three soloists and symphonic orchestra, it was first performed in Vienna in 1799. The oratorio society will be singing the Libretto by Gottfried van Swieten in the original German. According to WOS Artistic Director Benjamin Niemczyk, while singing in German can be a challenge for singers, it is a practice WOS is comfortable with. “Singing in the original German gives us greater insight into the piece and ultimately, the composer. We look forward to sharing this work with the public alongside our accomplished soloists and full symphony orchestra.” For more and tickets: westchesteroratorio.org.

May 3 – June 22, 2019 – Valéria Nascimento: BLOOM AT Heather Gaudio Fine Art, 66 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT. Nature is the main source of inspiration for Nascimento, its beauty, essence and ephemerality rendered in delicate porcelain sculpture.  The Brazilian artist’s architectural background informs the structure of her designs in interior spaces, making them small, intimate compositions or oversized site-specific installations. Painstakingly rolling the porcelain ceramic to make it paper-thin, Nascimento cuts and sculpts her shapes before they are fired at high temperatures. Delicate rings, blossoms, petals, cups and other botanical elements emerge from the kilns, their colors transformed into soft, muted tones of creams, whites, blues, greys and blacks. The small sculptures are arranged in clusters and systems to create large blooms and other flora encased in Perspex or mounted directly onto the wall.  These works will be featured alongside two large-scale installations for which she is known.  The first, an explosion of hibiscus blossoms in white and grey hues will grace an entire gallery wall measuring over 100 feet.  Rainforest, a more immersive hanging mobile installation, will transform the gallery space to an environment with suspended petals, flowers, seeds, branches and other natural forms.  Nascimento takes the viewer on a meditative journey through botanical scenery, providing an ethereal experience with the weightlessness of the material. The show will open with a public reception on Friday, May 3, 5-7pm. For more: heathergaudiofineart.com.

May 9 – June 6, 2019 – Robert Mars: These Important Years at Gilles Clement Gallery, 45 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT – Recent works from contemporary artist Robert Mars celebrate the commonplace objects, brands and personalities of an America long past. In a thoroughly modern and exquisitely constructed manner, Mars captures the enduring importance that timeless 1950’s and 60’s icons bear in the broader context of popular cultural heritage and global history. “The images evoke a feeling of nostalgia, but I am not looking back to the past. I present them in a modern and current way to speak to their continued relevance decades later. The images remain alive and fresh through modern techniques and applications.”– Robert Mars. RSVP for Opening Reception: Thursday, May 9, 7:00 pm. For more: gclementgallery.com.

 

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