11 Interlaken Road, Lakeville, CT 06039. Phone: 860-435-3775.

The ninth season of the Hotchkiss School Summer Portals Chamber Music Series opens with its  first concert  July 2, 2012 at 7:30PM in the Katherine M. Elfers Hall at the Esther Eastman Music Center.  Portals music artistic director Melvin Chen and the 2012 Portals resident quartet, three of whom are new to the program will perform works by Gideon Klein, Clara Schumann and Antonin Dvooak.  Admission to the concerts are free.  Check the website for further concerts during the month of July.

5 Wykeham Road, Washington, CT 06793. Phone: 860-868-7586.

The Naturalist's Studio – "Branching Out"--15 Artist's using various mediums – February 25th to April 29th--Reception February 25th from 12 to 2 pm. The Stairwell Gallery at Gunn Memorial Library in Washington, CT is delighted to announce the opening of a new exhibit featuring the work of fifteen artists from The Naturalist's Studio.   The exhibit will be up from February 25th to April 29th and may be viewed during normal library hours. A reception will be held February 25th from 12 to 2pm. In the summer of 2004, a class entitled Botanical Drawing taught at the Washington Art Association by Banjie Nicholas evolved to a new level.  At the request of the students, color was introduced and it became Botanical Painting and Drawing. Ms. Nicholas is a licensed wild bird rehabilitator.  She also raises a variety of silkworm moths and butterflies.  Wanting to share her artful observations of nature with likeminded artists, she inspired them to share their own collection of fauna and flora.  Before long a core group of students were painting and drawing bee's nests, bones, dragonflies, feathers, bugs and shells.  Thus, the genesis of The Naturalist's Studio, a group of likeminded artists and now friends supporting one another with their goals and projects. Employing mediums such as gouache, colored pencil, watercolor, acrylic, egg tempera, silverpoint, sculpture and graphite, they generate a creative energy that transcends medium and benefits all. Frannie Aeschliman, Ted Dove, Eileen Field, Mary Hawvermale, Richard Heys, Roxana Laughlan, Phyllis McGoldrick, Marge Muzyczka, Sarah Payson, Martha Schwerdtle, Ted Schwerdtle, Faith Stewart-Gordon, Gertrude Thiel and Cherra Wyllie are class members and artists who have met in Warren at Banjie's studio on Friday mornings for many years. You will want to stop by and see this wonderful show depicting chipmunks, eggshells and more!

25 Hopkins Rd., New Preston, CT 06777. Phone: 860-868-7954.

The 2011-2012 Litchfield Hills Winter Wine Trail has begun!!! What is it? A great way to see the Litchfield Hills wineries in the quiet beauty of their 'off season' while having the chance to win some great prizes. What do I do? Pick up a program card at any participating winery.  Visit all 6 wineries and have your card signed.  Then, turn it in by April 10th 2012. What vineyards are participating? DiGrazia Vineyard, Jerram Winery, Haight-Brown Vineyard, Hopkins Vineyard, Miranda Vineyard  & Sunset Meadow Vineyards. When does the program run? December 1st through March 30th. What are the prizes? Overnight stay at The Sachem Farmhouse B&B, Warren, CT. www.thesachemfarmhouse.com.. Dinner & Theatre tickets at Infinity Hall & Bistro, Norfolk, CT www.infinityhall.com/www.infinityhall.com amd much more.

736 Nod Hill Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877. Phone: 203-834-1896.

Wilton and Ridgefield, Connecticut: In the summer of 2011, Weir Farm National Historic Site commissioned New York photographer and former Artist-in-Residence Xiomáro to create a photographic record of the interiors of the Weir House, Weir Studio, and Young Studio. Xiomáro was tasked with documenting the present state of the buildings' interiors, prior to the completion of the four-phase restoration project now underway. A selection of these images comprise the new exhibit on display at Weir Farm National Historic Site titled Weir Was Here – Secret Rooms, Doors, and Windows, offering visitors a small glimpse into the historic structures while they remain closed to the public. All three buildings are currently empty, allowing Xiomáro the chance to focus on the details of these spaces -- features that might otherwise go unnoticed in a fully furnished setting. This is the first artistic collection of photographs of the building interiors in the site's history, and captures the beauty and texture of these intimate spaces. "There is a mystery and secrecy to these relatively empty spaces," Xiomáro explained, noting how "the same eyes and hands that created works of Impressionism also unlocked these doors and opened the shutters to take in the inspiring landscape framed by the windows." Weir Was Here – Secret Rooms, Doors, and Windows can be viewed in the Burlingham House Visitor Center on Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., now through March 31, 2012. From April 1st through May 31st, the exhibit can be viewed Thursdays – Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Xiomáro will present five gallery talks about his photographs titled In the Footsteps of Weir from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the following weekends: Saturday, January 7, Sunday, February 5
Sunday, March 4, Sunday, April 1 and Sunday, May 6. There is no fee to participate in the gallery talks, but registration is required. For more information on the exhibit, or to register for one of the gallery talks, please call (203) 834-1896 x12.

38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT 06793. Phone: 860-868-0518.

IAIS will feature the exquisite Wampum jewelry of artists Allen Hazard Sr.and Craig Spears Sr.  Natvie Peoples of the East believe wampum is sacred.  "The shell was given the same respect that we gave to all living creatures; we believed they shared their lives with us.  Upon harvesting Quahogs from the ocean we would pray and give thanks for them allowing us to take their lives to continue ours."  Most Eastern Natives would carry wampum with them on their journeys and if they had to stay at another camp wampum was offered as a thank you.  The Europeans misinterpreted this practice and thought wampum was money. Allen, who acquired the skill from his mother and sister, has been making wampum for the last thirty years.  Craig is a master stone mason by trade and began working with wampum twenty years ago.  His love for wild life is seen in his carving of the great eagle and the mighty bear.  Allen and Craig's combined collection includes many uniquely designed wampum necklaces, bracelets, earrings, a belt, and a mosaic ceremonial pipe.  Te exhibition will be on display in the Museum Gift Shop January 2, 2012 through February 29, 2012.

229 E. Litchfield Rd., Litchfield, CT 06759. Phone: 860-567-3163.

The Marie Louise Trichet Art Gallery at Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center. Opening: Saturday, January 7th, 3:30 – 5:30 pm. Artist’s Talk: 3:45 pm, followed by a reception. Gallery hours: Monday through Saturday10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

5 Wykeham Road, Washington, CT 06793. Phone: 860-868-7586.

Karen Pepper exhibits paintings at the Gunn Memorial Library-January 7th to February 18th-Reception January 14th – 12 -2pm The exhibit title: Color and Music will be on exhibit at the Stairwell Gallery at Gunn Memorial Library in Washington, CT.   The exhibit will be up from January 7th through February 18th and may be viewed during normal library hours. A reception will be held in the Wykeham Room of  the Library on Saturday, January 14 from 12 to 2. Karen was born in Lancaster, PA, but decided she wanted to see more of her wonderful country.  She settled for a time in Colorado and then later in Hawaii.  Increasingly inspired by America's culture and natural wonder, she began to study art at the University of Hawaii in Hilo.  In 1989, she moved back east to complete a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the University of Kutztown, PA. After she married, Karen lived in England for three years and Switzerland for seven years.  She now lives with her husband and two daughters in Washington, CT. Ms. Pepper's attachment and love for the beauty that surrounds her is reflected in her work. She plans a canvas using stripes or background symbols so they contrast against the softer, free flowing applications of color.  Her most recent work is influenced by music.  She selects color combinations and then allows music to lead her on an expressionistic application of paint and oil pastels. Those who visit the Stairwell Gallery will enjoy the soft and satisfying beauty of a special artist's work.

43 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810. Phone: 203-743-5200.

On Saturday, January 14, 2012 an Exhibit Opening at the Danbury Museum and Historical Socieety will be held for the new exhibit--Locally Grown Art.  An Artist Meet and Greet will be held from 3-5PM in Huntington Hall.  Refrehments will be served.  Sculpture - Painting - Photography by featured artists:  Jane Bennett, Eric Camiel, Barry Collins, Glada Crispiels and other local artists.  Artwork will be available for purchase throught the exhibit.  The event is free and open to the public.  Donations gratefully accepted.

425 Bantam Rd., Litchfield, CT Phone: 860-567-4661.

Winter Antiques Auction - February 2012 * American Folk Art, Furniture, Decorations & Paintings * European Antiques & Fine Art

144 West Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06702. Phone: 203-753-0381.

On Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 5:30PM the All Jazz First Thurday program continues. Featuring Duane Huff is a native of New Haven, CT and studied percussion at the Audubon School of Music. Duane moved to Delaware where he started Huff Brothers Entertainment in 1995. He has performed for the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, Rehobeth Jazz Festival, JVC Jazz Festival, and many other local and national venues. Mr. Huff is known for his tasteful and sophisticated style of percussion, adding many colors to the spectrum of music.Born a minister's Daughter in Utica, New York.  Theresa Wright grew up singing gospel music with her Mother as her vocal coach. Over the years Theresa has expanded her range of music and is one of the premier Jazz, R&B, and Gospel vocalists around. Theresa is known for her heartfelt, inspirational, and soulful style. In addition to Duane Huff Theresa is presently working with Jeff Pitchall and Texas Flood, and J Giles of the J Giles Band as a background vocalist. She has also released her debut CD titled "Time & Time Again".   Brad Rickert began classical piano studies at age 10 at The Hartt School of Music. He also attended Westminster College and Berklee School of Music. He has performed on the road in the showroom circuit from Miami to Montreal. He performed locally at The Hartford Jazz Festival and at various venues in Connecticut.  Check the website for further information.