Event Types: Arts & Culture

Come to view the “Once Upon a Time” Exhibit by artist Nancy Lasar at the Loft Gallery at The Smithy Market beginning April 1st through June 30th, 2025. There will also be an opening for a chance to meet the artist on Saturday, April 5th from 2pm-4pm.

This event is part of Washington Restaurant Week 2025 – celebrating food and the arts from April 4th through the 13th!

“Whether in drawing, painting or printmaking, the process for me is about layering and energizing space in such a way that objects are fluid, interconnected and full of energy and movement. I try to use a variety of lines, marks and media to suggest both stasis and openness to possibility and transformation. As I attempt to describe the multiple realities which intermingle in memory, imagination and daily life, images emerge and diverge — reconfiguring in new relationships.”

The Frederick Gunn School will present “Rowland Scherman ’55: Peace Protest, and Promise,” an exhibit featuring iconic photographs of significant cultural, political, and musical events, April 12 – June 8 in the Perakos Family Cares Art Gallery of the Thomas S. Perakos Arts and Community Center. An opening reception and gallery talk with the artist will be held April 24 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.The gallery is open to the public free of charge. Parking is available in the Upper Parking Lot off Kirby Road, with a limited number of accessible parking spaces outside TPACC. Please see the Campus Map for details.

A Gunn alumnus, Scherman studied photography at Oberlin College and became the first official photographer for the Peace Corps. He photographed for LIFE magazine, Look, the United States Information Agency, and others. Through his lens, he captured many historic events in the 1960s, including the 1963 Newport Folk Festival, the March on Washington, D.C., and Woodstock. He traveled with U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy, toured with Judy Collins, and was in the studio when Crosby, Stills, and Nash recorded their first album. He won a Grammy Award for “Best Album Cover, Photography” in 1967 for his photograph of Bob Dylan, which was used for “Bob Dylan’s Greatest Hits.” Scherman’s work is archived at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and featured in the book, “Timeless,” and he was the subject of the documentary film, “Eye on the Sixties.”

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
April 12 – June 8
Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

OPENING RECEPTION & GALLERY TALK
Thursday, April 24 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Photo caption:
John Lennon and Yoko Ono at a protest, London, August 1971 ©Rowland Scherman
Courtesy of Rowland Scherman and The Rowland Scherman Collection, Robert S. Cox Special Collections and University Archives Research Center, University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries.

Currently on display at Eckert Fine Art are works on paper featuring drawings, prints, photographs and watercolors by artists, Andrew Wyeth, Robert Rauschenberg, Sol LeWitt, Jasper Johns, Tom Wesselmann, Paul Cadmus, Phillip Pearlstein, Norman Bluhm, Chizuru Morii Kaplan, George Deem and Eric Forstmann.

On display now through May 17th.

Learn more

The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens is pleased to welcome “In Transit,” an art exhibition by Jeff McCracken on view beginning Friday, May 2.

An opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 3 from 3 to 5 pm. The public is invited to attend.

The paintings in this show demonstrate a mastery of realism, mood, and human presence.

The foundation of McCracken’s practice is linked to being emotionally influenced by the story each individual conveys. His subway series of paintings focus on individuals being private in a public place, capturing that fleeting moment when their inner humanity is revealed regardless of who they are or where they’re from.

Check our social media for weekly open hours: @judyblackpark on Instagram and Facebook.

Learn more

This month, the Friday Afternoon Book Club invites readers to immerse themselves in the rich and unforgettable world of A Prayer for Owen Meany by bestselling author John Irving. Known for its emotional depth, sharp wit, and profound themes, the novel promises to spark meaningful conversation and reflection among book lovers.

Set in 1950s New Hampshire, the story follows the lifelong friendship between John Wheelwright and the remarkable Owen Meany—a boy with a strange voice and an unshakable belief that he is destined for a divine purpose. Through Owen’s extraordinary faith and the twists of fate that shape their lives, Irving explores powerful themes of religion, destiny, grief, and identity.

Book club members will explore questions like: What does it mean to believe in something greater than yourself? How does friendship shape our sense of self and purpose? And how can one small person leave an outsized impact on the world?

All are welcome—whether you’re reading it for the first time or revisiting this unforgettable classic. Join us for a thoughtful and engaging discussion!

The Hickory Stick Bookshop is delighted to welcome back NY Times bestselling author and perennial fan favorite Marie Bostwick who will be signing copies of her new book “The Book Club for Troublesome Women” on Saturday, May 10th at 3 pm.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Margaret Ryan never really meant to start a book club . . . or a feminist revolution in her buttoned-up suburb. By 1960s standards, Margaret Ryan is living the American woman’s dream. She has a husband, three children, a station wagon, and a home in Concordia–one of Northern Virginia’s most exclusive and picturesque suburbs. She has a standing invitation to the neighborhood coffee klatch, and now, thanks to her husband, a new subscription to A Woman’s Place–a magazine that tells housewives like Margaret exactly who to be and what to buy. On paper, she has it all. So why doesn’t that feel like enough?

Margaret is thrown for a loop when she first meets Charlotte Gustafson, Concordia’s newest and most intriguing resident. As an excuse to be in the mysterious Charlotte’s orbit, Margaret concocts a book club get-together and invites two other neighborhood women–Bitsy and Viv–to the inaugural meeting. As the women share secrets, cocktails, and their honest reactions to the controversial bestseller The Feminine Mystique, they begin to discover that the American dream they’d been sold isn’t all roses and sunshine–and that their secret longing for more is something they share. Nicknaming themselves the Bettys, after Betty Friedan, these four friends have no idea their impromptu club and the books they read together will become the glue that helps them hold fast through tears, triumphs, angst, and arguments–and what will prove to be the most consequential and freeing year of their lives.

“The Book Club for Troublesome Women” is a humorous, thought provoking, and nostalgic romp through one pivotal and tumultuous American year–as well as an ode to self-discovery, persistence, and the power of sisterhood.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When not curled up with a good book, Marie Bostwick can usually be found in her office, trying to write one. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nineteen uplifting works of historical and contemporary fiction, Marie’s books are beloved by readers across the globe.

Drawing on her lifelong love of quilting and her unshakable belief in the power of sisterhood, Marie’s popular Cobbled Court Quilt series has been embraced by quilters and non-sewers alike. Her standalone books have also found a passionate following among lovers of women’s fiction. Marie’s novel, “The Second Sister” was adapted into the 2018 Hallmark Hall of Fame feature film “Christmas Everlasting”, starring Patti LaBelle. Marie’s novel, “Hope on the Inside”, was published in March 2019 and was chosen as a Reader’s Digest “Select Editions” book. Marie’s books have been published in fourteen different languages.

Marie lives in Washington state with her husband and a beautiful but moderately spoiled Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

“This is a novel about ambitious women and the mentors that inspired them to excellence . . . Bostwick carves an unforgettable path for her characters.”–Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of The Good Left Undone

“In The Book Club for Troublesome Women, the talented Marie Bostwick says this, ‘Acquaintances abound, but true friendships are rare and worth waiting for, ‘ capturing the essence, and the heart, of this story. If you love stories about friendships, strong women, the 60s, and the power of the written word, this is the book for you.”–Marybeth Mayhew Whalen, author of Every Moment Since

“Bostwick’s latest is ideal for fans of historical fiction and those who enjoyed Bonnie Garmus’s Lessons in Chemistry, Kristin Hannah’s The Women, or Kate Quinn’s The Briar Club, which explore the historical roles of women and the challenges they faced within a society structured to define and limit their roles in and out of the home.’–Library Journal Starred Review

This event is free and open to the public. If you are unable to attend this event, you may reserve signed copies of “The Book Club for Troublesome Women” by calling The Hickory Stick Bookshop at (860) 868 0525, or shop our website 24/7 at www.hickorystickbookshop.com.

The Gunn Memorial Library invites intermediate and fluent French speakers to join us for an hour of stimulating and immersive French Conversation.

Over the hour, participants will read articles extracted from French magazines, covering cultural topics and current events. Guided conversations will encourage lively exchanges, helping participants refine their French while deepening their appreciation for Francophone culture.This program is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow Francophiles, share perspectives, and experience the richness of the French language in a welcoming environment.

Join us for a meaningful cultural and linguistic experience!

Register here

Join us for a special screening of A Complete Unknown, the acclaimed 2024 biographical drama about legendary musician Bob Dylan’s transformative early years.

Directed by James Mangold, A Complete Unknown chronicles the journey of a 19-year-old Bob Dylan (portrayed by Timothée Chalamet) as he arrives in New York City in 1961. Determined to meet his idol, the ailing folk singer Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy), Dylan quickly immerses himself in the vibrant Greenwich Village music scene. Under the mentorship of figures like Pete Seeger (Edward Norton) and alongside contemporaries such as Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro), Dylan’s meteoric rise challenges traditional folk norms, culminating in his controversial electric performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. ​

A Complete Unknown has garnered critical acclaim, earning eight nominations at the 97th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Chalamet. The film is celebrated for its authentic portrayal of Dylan’s early career and the cultural shifts of the 1960s. ​

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the story of a musical icon’s rise to prominence and the moments that defined a generation.

Rated R
2:21 H

The Hickory Stick Bookshop is delighted to host Gina Barreca, editor of the recently released book “Fast Famous Women” who will be discussing the book with two of the contributing authors, Mary Lasley and Elizabeth Norton. This event, which will include a book signing, will take place at the bookshop on Thursday May 15th at 5.00 pm.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Famous women become symbols of social insecurity, embody expectations of what we might become, and models of how women should – or should not – behave. In 75 brilliant new pieces of flash nonfiction, “Fast Famous Women” offers sharp, insightful, and delightfully necessary examinations of the often absurd, sometimes thrilling, and frequently crushing experience of being a woman in the public eye. It’s not enough for a woman simply to be wildly talented or sublimely accomplished, after all. She must be fast in her rise, conspicuous in her ascent, and utterly undeniable in her achievements. (She should probably also be cute, right? It can’t hurt if she’s cute.)

Written with wonder, insight, and respect, famous women from Taylor Swift, Mary Shelley, Annie Oakley, Shirley Chisholm, and Lizzie Borden are subjects which allow us to grasp the perilous excitement of wanting fame – or perhaps, wanting to step away from it. To be a woman in the spotlight is to walk a tightrope, to balance on the narrowest of beams, where every misstep or excess is magnified, and every achievement is fraught with the potential for ridicule or resentment.

With new and original short, seductive, and sometimes shocking works by Caroline Leavitt, Jane Smiley, Mimi Pond, Molly Peacock, Dimple Dhabalia, Phillis Levin, and Leighann Lord, alongside other ground-breaking journalists, novelists, and writers, you’ll find emerging authors whose creative non-fiction is appearing on the page for the first time – you will find within these pages a celebration of the fallen woman long overdue.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Hailed as “smart and funny” by People, Gina Barreca was deemed a “feminist humor maven” by Ms. She has written ten booking including “Babes in Boyland: A Personal History of Coeducation in the Ivy League” and the bestselling “They Used To Call Me Snow White But I Drifted”. She’s a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of English at UCONN.

Elizabeth Norton is a writer and singer. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, she worked for many years as a science writer for MCI Communications, the Charles A. Dana Foundation, and Science Magazine. Drawing on her experience with singing, breath work, stage fright, and neurobiology, she coauthored “The End Of Stress As We Know It”, a book about the science of stress. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she is a longtime resident of Connecticut.

Mary Elaine Lasley is a writer and artist. After receiving her degree in English from the University of Connecticut, where she worked as the promotions director for WHUS Radio, she managed the social media campaign for “Fast Fallen Women (2023)”, the third installment in Gina Barreca’s Fast Women series. She is thrilled to be making her print debut in “Fast Famous Women”, for which she also provided the cover design.

This event is free and open to the public. If you are unable to attend this event, you may reserve signed copies of “Fast Famous Women” by calling The Hickory Stick Bookshop at (860) 868 0525, or shop our website 24/7 at www.hickorystickbookshop.com.

The third Wednesday of each month is Open Mic at The Hen’s Nest Gallery.

All are welcome to join Open Mic Night at The Hen’s Nest! Read a poem, tell a story, sing, play an instrument, do a magic trick. People share and listen. It is a fun evening of the unexpected and spontaneous.

Plant lovers and garden gurus are invited to The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens annual Gardenpalooza plant sale on Saturday, May 17 from 10 am to 1 pm featuring a variety of perennials, annuals, flowers, vegetable and herb plants available for purchase from Meadowbrook Gardens. Stock up on plants to start or add to your own home garden.

Additionally, Farmers and Cooks will be on site offering tasty ready-to-eat food for purchase featuring local ingredients.

Plus, local organizations will also be present to showcase their projects and initiatives. Discover how they’re growing positive change and get inspired to dig deeper into community connections!

On View May 22nd through June 1st at Judy Black Park!

Featuring works by K-12 students from Region 12 Schools. These young artists demonstrate what happens when curiosity meets creativity!

Join us as we continue to explore contemporary American poets. For the next few months, we will focus on collections from Joy Harjo, Ocean Vuong, Tracy K. Smith, and Dianne Seuss. We will examine how these poets transform personal experiences through their craft.
* Copies will be available for check out at the circulation desk

About Mark Scarbrough:
A former academic, Mark Scarbrough, left the seminary to pursue his doctoral work in nineteenth-century American literature at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He has presented papers on medieval literature at the International Medieval Conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and American literature at MLA and regional MLA conferences. He wrote screenplays for various production companies and developed much of the original food content in the early 1990s for a small internet startup called America Online. Mark Scarbrough is the co-author of thirty-five titles and has a thriving cookbook career. In 2020, Mark published his memoir, “Bookmarked: How The Great Works Of Western Civilization F*cked Up My Life,” which Will Schwalbe described as “equal parts charm, wit, and withering self-reflection.” Having left the classroom, Mark now finds himself immersed in literature, leading grant-sponsored book groups and six- to eight-week literary seminars throughout Litchfield County, Connecticut, and Berkshire County, Massachusetts.

Register here

The Storyteller’s Death by Ann Dávila Cardinal is a critically acclaimed novel that offers a compelling blend of magical realism, family legacy, and cultural exploration. It is an ideal choice for thoughtful discussion and reflection.
Set in 1970s Puerto Rico, The Storyteller’s Death follows Isla Larsen Sanchez, a teenage girl navigating the complexities of identity, grief, and belonging. After her grandmother’s death, Isla begins to experience vivid visions of her ancestors’ stories—visions that both unsettle and enlighten her. As Isla unravels generations of hidden truths, the line between past and present, myth and reality, becomes increasingly blurred.
Ann Dávila Cardinal masterfully weaves together themes of intergenerational trauma, storytelling, and cultural identity in a novel that is as emotionally resonant as it is thought-provoking.

All community members are invited to participate in this literary exploration. Whether you are a longtime participant or new to the group, we welcome your insights and perspectives.

Get ready for warmer weather by creating beautiful, seasonal crafts! Youngsters can use colorful paper, craft sticks, gems, and paper butterflies to design their own unique creations to take home. All materials will be provided, and the activity is fun for all ages!

Registration required, please register on our website

WAA is passionate about arts education. Whether you are an experienced artist or a novice, WAA offers a range of opportunities for creative exploration. We provide a nurturing place for people of all ages to develop their skills and explore new artistic directions with classes in painting, ceramics, sculpture, drawing, and more.

View current class offerings

The Gunn Memorial Library Stairwell Gallery is pleased to present Restoration: Landscapes & Botanical Abstracts in Gouache, an exhibition of beautiful landscapes and botanicals by artist Susan Newbury, on view from April 5 through May 31.

Susan’s work is a celebration of nature’s depth and detail, drawing inspiration from the stunning landscapes, waterscapes, and gardens of her rural New York State roots and her home in Litchfield County. With a background in graphic and fashion design, her artistic practice has evolved into a dynamic exploration of color, pattern, and movement. She works primarily in gouache, acrylic, and mixed media on paper, canvas, and wood panel, using a bright, rich palette to create layered compositions that blend natural elements with abstract forms.

“Nature not only provides the subject matter but the solitude, joy, and purpose for my paintings, creating a place of quiet introspection and restoration,” she says. Her work reflects this philosophy, infusing familiar landscapes with energy and emotion while maintaining a sense of tranquility and balance. Inspired by both the botanical world and interior design elements such as fabric, wallpaper, and tilework, her paintings feature repeating shapes and striking color contrasts for an unexpected visual experience.

Her instinctive approach to painting allows her to let go of the rules, creating compositions that are both structured and free-flowing. She paints in her Litchfield County studio and accepts commission work.

Gunn Memorial Library is located at 5 Wykeham Road at the juncture of Route 47 opposite the Green in Washington, CT. Library hours may be found at gunnlibrary.org.

For more information call (860)868-7586 or email, [email protected].

In an immersive forest setting with no locks, keys or clocks, Wigwam Escape’s thematic puzzles challenge game players to hunt, find water and prepare food similar to how Native people did for thousands of years prior to European contact. The Institute for American Indian Studies, proudly presents a new way to interact with history, a themed escape room, Wigwam Escape.

For more information or to book your escape room, go to: wigwamescape.org.

Visit our exhibit about the unique people, places and events that have shaped Washington’s rich history.

The Museum offers free guided tours every Saturday at 1:00 pm. Private tours and large group tours can be coordinated upon request. For scheduling or more information, please email [email protected] or [email protected].

Hours of Operation:
Thursdays/Fridays from 10am-4pm
Saturdays from 10am – 3pm
*Free Admission*

We are delighted to share these positive reviews of “Washington, Connecticut: An American Story”:

• Bill Hosley posted a review on the Creating Sense of Place for Connecticut Facebook page. Bill Hosley, is the former curator of the Wadsworth Atheneum and is still active in local history initiatives.
• Tracey O’Shaughnessy’s review was published in the Republican American. She is the Associate Features Editor and coordinates the newspaper’s visual arts and theater coverage. She has received national and regional awards for her arts criticism, commentary and news features.

Eckert Fine Art is pleased to feature the art of world-famous artist, Hunt Slonem at their Connecticut gallery and the Mayflower Inn and Spa. Hunt is best known for his paintings populated with rows of birds, bunnies and butterflies, which he renders in thick, lavishly colored brushstrokes. He is also a sculptor, designer and collector of antiques, mansions and castles.

Throughout his extensive career as a NewYork artist, Slonem has favored the subject of exotic birds, rabbits, and butterflies. His work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Milieu,Vogue and the New York Times, to name a few.

Learn more

Opening day at Eckert Fine Art: Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 2-5 pm. The show runs through June 22nd, 2025.
Eckert Fine Art, 10 Titus Rd., Washington Depot, CT in the historic Woodruff Garage.

Get ready for an unforgettable literary event! The Hickory Stick Bookshop and the Gunn Memorial Library proudly present a highly anticipated Author Talk with Martha Hall Kelly, celebrating the release of her latest novel, Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club. Mark your calendars—this must-attend event coincides with the book’s arrival in stores on May 27, 2025! Don’t miss the chance to hear from the bestselling author behind Lilac Girls as she delves into her riveting new story.

About the book:
A mesmerizing tale of love, war, and hidden family ties, Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club takes readers on a journey between past and present on the storied island of Martha’s Vineyard.

2016: Thirty-four-year-old Mari Starwood is still grieving after her mother’s death as she travels to the storied island of Martha’s Vineyard, off the coast of Massachusetts. She comes from California and has nothing but a name on paper: Elizabeth Devereaux, the famous but reclusive Vineyard painter. When Mari makes it to Mrs. Devereaux’s stunning waterfront farm under the guise of taking a painting class, Mrs. Devereaux begins to tell her the story of the Smith sisters, who once lived there. As the tale unfolds, Mari is shocked to learn that her relationship to this island runs deeper than she ever thought possible.

1942: The Smith girls—nineteen-year-old aspiring writer Cadence and sixteen-year-old war-obsessed Briar—are faced with the impossible task of holding their failing family farm together during World War II as the U.S. Army arrives on Martha’s Vineyard. When Briar spots German U-boats lurking off the island’s shores, and Cadence falls into an unlikely romance with a sworn enemy, their quiet lives are officially upended. In an attempt at normalcy, Cadence and her best friend, Bess, start a book club, which grows in members and influence as they connect with a fabulous New York publisher who could make all of Cadence’s dreams come true. But all that is put at risk by a mysterious man who washes ashore—and whispers of a spy in their midst.

About the Author:
Martha Hall Kelly is the New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls, Lost Roses, Sunflower Sisters, and The Golden Doves. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she was inspired to write this novel by her mother’s family, the Smiths, who settled on Martha’s Vineyard in 1891. She received journalism degrees from Syracuse and Northwestern universities and worked as an advertising copywriter for many years before becoming a novelist. With more than two million copies of her books sold and translated in fifty countries, Martha Hall Kelly lives in Litchfield, Connecticut, and Hobe Sound, Florida.

Eckert Fine Art is pleased to feature the art of world-famous artist, Hunt Slonem at their Connecticut gallery and the Mayflower Inn and Spa. Hunt is best known for his paintings populated with rows of birds, bunnies and butterflies, which he renders in thick, lavishly colored brushstrokes. He is also a sculptor, designer and collector of antiques, mansions and castles.

Throughout his extensive career as a NewYork artist, Slonem has favored the subject of exotic birds, rabbits, and butterflies. His work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Milieu,Vogue and the New York Times, to name a few.

Learn more

Opening day at Eckert Fine Art: Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 2-5 pm. The show runs through June 22nd, 2025.
Eckert Fine Art, 10 Titus Rd., Washington Depot, CT in the historic Woodruff Garage.

ASAP!’s annual fundraiser is not only a night of celebration but a crucial source of funding for the arts-infused educational programming we provide to youth in our community. Your participation in this extraordinary evening of art and live performances directly supports a world where young people’s passion for learning is ignited.

Join us to honor Founder JoAnne Torti’s remarkable 26-year legacy and welcome our new Executive Director, Ali Psomas. Let’s celebrate the rich history and exciting future of ASAP! with host Ellen McCourt!

Families are welcome. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Attire
Casual cocktail

Program
5:30-6:00 pm – Check-in, snacks, and open bar
6:00-7:00 pm – ASAP! Youth Ensemble and Celebration of Young Writers performances
7:00-8:00 pm – Food, open bar, and Celebration of Young Photographers exhibition

Come to view the “Once Upon a Time” Exhibit by artist Nancy Lasar at the Loft Gallery at The Smithy Market beginning April 1st through June 30th, 2025. There will also be an opening for a chance to meet the artist on Saturday, April 5th from 2pm-4pm.

This event is part of Washington Restaurant Week 2025 – celebrating food and the arts from April 4th through the 13th!

“Whether in drawing, painting or printmaking, the process for me is about layering and energizing space in such a way that objects are fluid, interconnected and full of energy and movement. I try to use a variety of lines, marks and media to suggest both stasis and openness to possibility and transformation. As I attempt to describe the multiple realities which intermingle in memory, imagination and daily life, images emerge and diverge — reconfiguring in new relationships.”

The Frederick Gunn School will present “Rowland Scherman ’55: Peace Protest, and Promise,” an exhibit featuring iconic photographs of significant cultural, political, and musical events, April 12 – June 8 in the Perakos Family Cares Art Gallery of the Thomas S. Perakos Arts and Community Center. An opening reception and gallery talk with the artist will be held April 24 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.The gallery is open to the public free of charge. Parking is available in the Upper Parking Lot off Kirby Road, with a limited number of accessible parking spaces outside TPACC. Please see the Campus Map for details.

A Gunn alumnus, Scherman studied photography at Oberlin College and became the first official photographer for the Peace Corps. He photographed for LIFE magazine, Look, the United States Information Agency, and others. Through his lens, he captured many historic events in the 1960s, including the 1963 Newport Folk Festival, the March on Washington, D.C., and Woodstock. He traveled with U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy, toured with Judy Collins, and was in the studio when Crosby, Stills, and Nash recorded their first album. He won a Grammy Award for “Best Album Cover, Photography” in 1967 for his photograph of Bob Dylan, which was used for “Bob Dylan’s Greatest Hits.” Scherman’s work is archived at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and featured in the book, “Timeless,” and he was the subject of the documentary film, “Eye on the Sixties.”

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
April 12 – June 8
Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

OPENING RECEPTION & GALLERY TALK
Thursday, April 24 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Photo caption:
John Lennon and Yoko Ono at a protest, London, August 1971 ©Rowland Scherman
Courtesy of Rowland Scherman and The Rowland Scherman Collection, Robert S. Cox Special Collections and University Archives Research Center, University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries.

Learn more

On View May 22nd through June 1st at Judy Black Park!

Featuring works by K-12 students from Region 12 Schools. These young artists demonstrate what happens when curiosity meets creativity!

Eckert Fine Art is pleased to feature the art of world-famous artist, Hunt Slonem at their Connecticut gallery and the Mayflower Inn and Spa. Hunt is best known for his paintings populated with rows of birds, bunnies and butterflies, which he renders in thick, lavishly colored brushstrokes. He is also a sculptor, designer and collector of antiques, mansions and castles.

Throughout his extensive career as a NewYork artist, Slonem has favored the subject of exotic birds, rabbits, and butterflies. His work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Milieu,Vogue and the New York Times, to name a few.

Learn more

Opening day at Eckert Fine Art: Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 2-5 pm. The show runs through June 22nd, 2025.
Eckert Fine Art, 10 Titus Rd., Washington Depot, CT in the historic Woodruff Garage.

In an immersive forest setting with no locks, keys or clocks, Wigwam Escape’s thematic puzzles challenge game players to hunt, find water and prepare food similar to how Native people did for thousands of years prior to European contact. The Institute for American Indian Studies, proudly presents a new way to interact with history, a themed escape room, Wigwam Escape.

For more information or to book your escape room, go to: wigwamescape.org.

Join The Pantry for Open Mic Night on the first Wednesday of each month! Dinner orders are from 5:30pm-6:00pm and readings start at 6:00pm.

Join us for Washington’s beloved Music on the Green concerts every Friday starting June 6 – July 25 (except June 20 and July 11) at 6:30pm on the Washington Green.

Music on the Green – conceived as a fun, safe way to socialize during the pandemic – was so popular that we are thrilled to bring it back for the fifth year in a row! Bring a blanket or chairs and treat yourself to some fabulous food and treats from The Po Café, located right on The Green.

To stay up to date about Music on the Green, or to check on any weather cancellations, follow @washington_green_events on Instagram or Facebook.

Summer is the perfect season for card games with friends—make it even more enjoyable with your handmade playing card holder! In this beginner-friendly sewing workshop, you’ll learn how to:
Thread a sewing machine
Sew straight stitches with an accurate seam allowance
Pivot around corners
Add neat topstitching for a polished finish

By the end of the session, you’ll have a practical and gift-worthy item you made yourself. No experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and creativity!

Ages 18+
Registration Required.

Pride on the Green returns to Washington Green with family-friendly music, games, food, and lots of fun! Put on your rainbow finest and join us June 7th from 12pm-3pm on the Washington Green.

The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens is pleased to present Just Passing Through, an art exhibition by Brooke Hirsheimer, on view beginning Friday, June 6.

An opening reception will be held at the park on Saturday, June 7, from 3 to 5 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Brooke Hirsheimer is a contemporary mixed media artist whose work explores the whimsical and grounding relationship between humans and the natural world. Her playful yet introspective style combines color and abstraction, reminding us that we’re all here navigating a beautiful and wild planet.

This show will remain on view through Sunday, June 29. Check our social media for weekly open hours: @judyblackpark on Instagram and Facebook.

Save the date for Pilobolus’s Annual Ball on June 7th, 2025, which supports new works, education programs, and performances in the year ahead by attending our most important fundraiser of the year!

On June 7, 2025, our evening will begin with a sun-kissed cocktail reception followed by an outdoor stage performance with casual lawn seating for the audience. As the sun sets, we’ll enjoy dinner under a glittering tent and a joy-filled dance party featuring the Pilobolus artists. The event address will be provided upon registration.

The Ball is our most important fundraiser each year, and your ticket purchase will help support our new works, education programs, and performances in the year ahead.

Schedule of the Evening
6:00 pm Cocktail Party
6:30 pm Outdoor Stage Performance
7:30 pm Remarks & Dinner
8:30 pm Dancing
10 pm End of Evening

The Frederick Gunn School will present “Rowland Scherman ’55: Peace Protest, and Promise,” an exhibit featuring iconic photographs of significant cultural, political, and musical events, April 12 – June 8 in the Perakos Family Cares Art Gallery of the Thomas S. Perakos Arts and Community Center. An opening reception and gallery talk with the artist will be held April 24 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.The gallery is open to the public free of charge. Parking is available in the Upper Parking Lot off Kirby Road, with a limited number of accessible parking spaces outside TPACC. Please see the Campus Map for details.

A Gunn alumnus, Scherman studied photography at Oberlin College and became the first official photographer for the Peace Corps. He photographed for LIFE magazine, Look, the United States Information Agency, and others. Through his lens, he captured many historic events in the 1960s, including the 1963 Newport Folk Festival, the March on Washington, D.C., and Woodstock. He traveled with U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy, toured with Judy Collins, and was in the studio when Crosby, Stills, and Nash recorded their first album. He won a Grammy Award for “Best Album Cover, Photography” in 1967 for his photograph of Bob Dylan, which was used for “Bob Dylan’s Greatest Hits.” Scherman’s work is archived at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and featured in the book, “Timeless,” and he was the subject of the documentary film, “Eye on the Sixties.”

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
April 12 – June 8
Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Photo caption:
John Lennon and Yoko Ono at a protest, London, August 1971 ©Rowland Scherman
Courtesy of Rowland Scherman and The Rowland Scherman Collection, Robert S. Cox Special Collections and University Archives Research Center, University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries.

The Annual Pride Party at the Owl is back on Sunday, June 8th with a silent auction benefiting Pride in the Hills Fund for queer youth in the Litchfield Hills and Greater Waterbury!

Admission is free! Complimentary pizza & cash bar.

🍷 get drenched in rose
🍕 chase it with a slice
🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️raise $$$ for queer youth in CT
💃🏾 dance the Sunday away

Join us as we continue to explore contemporary American poets. For the next three months, we will focus on collections from Ocean Vuong, Tracy K. Smith, and Dianne Seuss. We will examine how these poets transform personal experiences through their craft.
* Copies will be available for check out at the circulation desk

About Mark Scarbrough:
A former academic, Mark Scarbrough, left the seminary to pursue his doctoral work in nineteenth-century American literature at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He has presented papers on medieval literature at the International Medieval Conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and American literature at MLA and regional MLA conferences. He wrote screenplays for various production companies and developed much of the original content in the early 1990s for a small internet startup called America Online. Mark Scarbrough is the co-author of thirty-five titles and has a thriving cookbook career. In 2020, Mark published his memoir, “Bookmarked: How The Great Works Of Western Civilization F*cked Up My Life,” which Will Schwalbe described as “equal parts charm, wit, and withering self-reflection.” Having left the classroom, Mark now finds himself immersed in literature, leading grant-sponsored book groups and six- to eight-week literary seminars throughout Litchfield County, Connecticut, and Berkshire County, Massachusetts.

Registration is required

In June, Hollister House Garden’s peonies become star attractions.

Venture out to the garden with watercolor instructor Betsy Rogers-Knox to take a detailed look at the exquisite ‘Mrs Franklin D. Roosevelt’ awarded the American Peony Society’s Gold Medal in 1948. Then return to the barn for a step-by-step watercolor class and learn how to use layered washes of color to capture the beautiful pastel shades of this peony. A simple template will be provided for those who prefer not to draw their own. All skill levels are welcome and personal instruction will be provided. Class size limited to 12.

HHG Members $90

Non-members $120

Join us for Washington’s beloved Music on the Green concerts every Friday starting June 6 – July 25 (except June 20 and July 11) at 6:30pm on the Washington Green.

Music on the Green – conceived as a fun, safe way to socialize during the pandemic – was so popular that we are thrilled to bring it back for the fifth year in a row! Bring a blanket or chairs and treat yourself to some fabulous food and treats from The Po Café, located right on The Green.

To stay up to date about Music on the Green, or to check on any weather cancellations, follow @washington_green_events on Instagram or Facebook.

The third Wednesday of each month is Open Mic at The Hen’s Nest Gallery.

All are welcome to join Open Mic Night at The Hen’s Nest! Read a poem, tell a story, sing, play an instrument, do a magic trick. People share and listen. It is a fun evening of the unexpected and spontaneous.

Kids Sewing Workshop: Sew a Playing Card Holder (Grades 4-5) | June 17, 3:30-5:00 pm
Summer is an excellent time to play card games with friends. Make it easier to track all the cards with a handmade playing card holder! In this beginner-friendly workshop, participants will learn how to thread a sewing machine, sew straight stitches with an accurate seam allowance, pivot around corners, and sew topstitching as they create a practical item that’s also great for gifting.

Grades 4 & 5
Registration Required

The Gunn Memorial Library invites intermediate and fluent French speakers to join us for an hour of stimulating and immersive French Conversation.

Over the hour, participants will read articles extracted from French magazines, covering cultural topics and current events. Guided conversations will encourage lively exchanges, helping participants refine their French while deepening their appreciation for Francophone culture. This program is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Francophiles, share perspectives, and experience the richness of the French language in a welcoming environment.

Join us for a meaningful cultural and linguistic experience!

Register here

Washington’s Community Block Party is happening on Friday, June 20th from 5:30pm-8:00pm in the Depot! Join us for summer’s big kick-off featuring live music, outdoor games, food samples, wine tastings, an outdoor movie, and more. This event is sponsored by the Washington Business Association and Washington Parks and Recreation.

Join us for a favorite Washington tradition – outdoor movie night at Judy Black Park! Movie rolls at dusk. BYO chairs, blankets, food and beverages. Leashed pets only. Outdoor movies are free and open to the public. Movie titles and more details to come.

Join Interior Designer Ariel Okin and her editorial brand Fenimore Lane at the Mayflower Inn & Spa for a celebration of design from Saturday, June 21st to Sunday, June 22nd. Journey to the countryside to shop our all-day Design Bazaar or take part in our summit of one-of-a-kind panels and workshops featuring locally and internationally recognized designers and thought-leaders.

Learn more

Saturday, June 21st

• 9:00 – 10:00am | Workshop: Block Printing with Pomegranate – Partake in an immersive block printing workshop with Angela Beck from Pomegranate, celebrated bespoke table linens company, to learn the art of hand-blocked printing on textiles.

• 11:00am – 5:00pm | Shop the Bazaar – Shop local and international brands spanning interiors, decor, furniture, fabrics, antiques and fashion in the Design Bazaar. Step inside and discover a treasure trove of style and design, leaving the countryside with unique pieces, antiques, gifts and more.

• 10:00am – 5:00pm | Farrow & Ball “Trade Desk”

• 11:00am – 5:00pm  | Tuck Shop Chocolate Stand

• 11:00am – 5:00pm | Explore the Wild Iris Flower Truck 

• 11:00am – 5:00pm | Interactive Oso & Me Children’s Programming – We invite guests and children of all ages to join us for the Design Summit. Oso & Me, a baby and children’s boutique specializing in beautifully made apparel, will provide complimentary children’s programming that is engaging, educational, and fun.

• 12:00pm | Book Signing

• 2:00 – 3:00pm | Workshop: Basket Weaving with Underwater Weaving – Immersive yourself in the art of basket weaving with founder of celebrated basket weaving studio, Underwater Weaving. Step into the Tea House and enjoy hands-on basket weaving class exploring the various techniques, materials and patterns that have been passed down through generations, and leave with your own basket creation.

• 4:30 – 5:30pm | Panel: British Design with Farrow & Ball – Join us for a panel on British design and interiors featuring best-in-class panelists: Interior Designer, Editor in Chief of Fenimore Lane, Ariel Okin, and more panelists to be announced, in partnership with Farrow & Ball.

Sunday, June 22nd

• 9:00 – 10:00am | Workshop: Block printing with Pomegranate – Partake in an immersive block printing workshop with Angela Beck from Pomegranate, celebrated bespoke table linens company, to learn the art of hand-blocked printing on textiles.

• 11:00am – 5:00pm | Shop the Bazaar – Shop local and international brands spanning interiors, decor, furniture, fabrics, antiques and fashion in the Design Bazaar. Step inside and discover a treasure trove of style and design, leaving the countryside with unique pieces, antiques, gifts and more.

• 10:00am – 5:00pm | Farrow & Ball “Trade Desk”

• 11:00am – 5:00pm  | Tuck Shop Chocolate Stand

• 11:00am – 5:00pm | Explore the Wild Iris Flower Truck 

• 11:00am – 5:00pm | Interactive Oso & Me Children’s Programming – We invite guests and children of all ages to join us for the Design Summit. Oso & Me, a baby and children’s boutique specializing in beautifully made apparel, will provide complimentary children’s programming that is engaging, educational, and fun.

• 12:00pm | Book Signing

• 2:00 – 3:00pm | Workshop: Decoupage with Sister Parish Design – Take part in an unforgettable decoupage workshop with Eliza Crater Harris, Chief Creative Officer of Sister Parish Design. The women in Eliza’s family have been practicing the art of decoupage for generations, and Eliza will walk you through this relaxing, hands-on craft using the tips and tricks learned from her great grandmother. Using cutouts of flora, fauna and other illustrations, you’ll be guided on gluing these onto a small dish and finishing it with a lacquer to create a one-of-a-kind trinket for your home.

• 4:30 – 5:30pm | Panel: Creators in the Home Space with ShopMy – Join us for a lively and inspiring discussion about creators in the home space featuring best-in-class panelists: Interior Designer, Editor in Chief of Fenimore Lane, Ariel Okin, and more panelists to be announced, in partnership with ShopMy.

Join the Sherman Chamber Ensemble for a special concert celebrating the genius of Antonín Dvořák.

Featuring Susan Rotholz on flute, Suliman Tekalli and Jane Chung on violin, Sarah Adams on viola, and Eliot Bailen on cello.

Works include String Quartet No. 13 in G major, Op. 106 and Terzetto in C Major, Op. 74 for flute (originally violin), violin and viola.

Joining the Sherman Chamber Ensemble for the first time is violinist Suliman Tekalli. He has established his unique voice as an exciting and versatile soloist and chamber musician through his visceral yet elegant and mature performance style, captivating audiences with the depth of his interpretations an assured technique. As the top prize winner of the 2015 Seoul International Music Competition and prize winner in the Sendai, Lipizer, and Szeryng International Violin Competition, Suliman Tekalli’s performing career has taken him throughout the U.S., Canada, Central America, Europe, and Asia, gracing the stages of numerous halls including Stern Hall at Carnegie Hall, the Seoul Arts Center, Wigmore Hall, and the Millennial Hall at the Kennedy Center among others. His performances have been broadcasted on live TV and radio from KBS TV in Korea, Montreal Canada’s CBC Radio 3, WQXR, and NPR.

Tickets $30. Children ages 16 and under free.

Get tickets

Level up your sewing skills with this intermediate workshop! Do you like the look of intricate quilt blocks but dislike fiddly cutting, measuring, and trimming? Foundation paper piecing might be the technique for you! In this workshop, you’ll learn how to “sew by number” and create a beautiful quilt block by machine stitching fabric on top of a removable paper template. Once you know the basics, you can visit the Makerspace during Open Hours to create more blocks and transform them into a fully finished quilted project!

Ages 18+
Registration Required

Join us for Washington’s beloved Music on the Green concerts every Friday starting June 6 – July 25 (except June 20 and July 11) at 6:30pm on the Washington Green.

Music on the Green – conceived as a fun, safe way to socialize during the pandemic – was so popular that we are thrilled to bring it back for the fifth year in a row! Bring a blanket or chairs and treat yourself to some fabulous food and treats from The Po Café, located right on The Green.

To stay up to date about Music on the Green, or to check on any weather cancellations, follow @washington_green_events on Instagram or Facebook.

Continue the Journey: Meditation for Everyday Life

Join us for additional sessions that delve deeper into the art and science of meditation—an age-old practice known to steady the mind, nourish the heart, and ground us amidst life’s constant changes. Whether you’re just beginning or returning to refresh your practice, these gatherings offer a welcoming space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most.

Together, we will:

1. Learn practical techniques for cultivating inner steadiness—anytime, anywhere
2. Explore how to navigate common challenges and distractions in practice
3. Sit in guided meditation sessions to experience stillness firsthand
4. Share reflections, questions, and insights in a supportive group space
5. Build a toolkit for sustaining a meaningful home practice

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to quiet a racing mind—or to greet yourself with gentle awareness—this is your invitation. Come with curiosity. Leave with clarity. All are welcome.

BIO: Sheila Klapper’s unwavering dedication to meditation spans many decades, practicing within various traditions. In 2021, she completed an intensive 2-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training program with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach through the Greater Good Science Center, Sounds True, and the Awareness Training Institute. For 9 years, Sheila taught in community centers, adult education programs, and libraries in Northwestern, CT. During COVID, she began leading virtual groups that continued for several years. She started a bi-monthly meditation group at the Litchfield Community Center more than 5 years ago that continues to serve a welcoming group of meditators.

Sheila became a certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor in 2000 and briefly ran her own yoga studio in Glastonbury, CT. Later, she brought her commitment to wellness to Hartford Hospital, where she taught yoga and meditation to both staff and patients while serving as a Medical Librarian.