Arts & Culture

Opening Reception:

Saturday, September 21st,  4-6pm

Juror: Fred Giampietro of The Fred Giampietro Gallery in New Haven, CT

Email director.rgoa@gmail.com for questions.

Also on Program
Jewish Musician Beth Styles and
‘Pizza in the Hut’ Sukkot Celebration

A refugee from Syria is the guest speaker Friday, Oct. 18, at the Sabbath service of Congregation Shir Shalom of Westchester and Fairfield Counties. Also scheduled is live music performed by refugees and immigrants.

The special service, known as “Welcome the Stranger” Shabbat, says Rabbi David Reiner, “is in partnership with the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) and the North American Immigrant Justice Campaign sponsored by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.”

The Shabbat program, from 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m., includes a separate music performance by composer and singer Beth Styles, whose music is “a soulful mix of Jewish gospel with deeply spiritual and lush melodies,” says Cantor Debbie Katchko-Gray. Ms. Styles, who is founder and music director of inspirational choir New World Chorus in Stamford, is producing a new CD of Jewish music.

To top off the evening, there is “Pizza in the Hut,” the temple’s annual Sukkot program for congregants of all ages. In addition to the food of choice, it features crafts activities.

Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society “works around the world to protect refugees who have been forced to flee their homelands because of who they are, including ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities.”

The Religious Action Center’s Immigrant Justice Campaign “seeks to promote permanent protection, dignity and respect for all 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the USA.”

For more information: info@ourshirshalom.org; (203) 438-6589.

Visit The Aldrich for FREE the third Saturday of each month! See the latest in contemporary art, explore our Sculpture Garden, and join us for a tour and art-making workshop.

Gallery Tour
12 noon

Participate in a tour highlighting key pieces throughout the Museum and Sculpture Garden and engage in conversation around Weather Reportand the work of Eva LeWitt, Sara Cwynar, Radcliffe Bailey, Tom Friedman, Nari Ward, and Tony Tasset, led by practicing artist and Aldrich staff member Noah Fox.

Art-Marking Workshop: DIY Costumes and Creatures with Anabel Siegal
10 am to 12 noon and 1 to 3 pm
All ages

We’re transforming into The Aldrich Contemp-BOO-rary all month long! In this exciting workshop, led by teaching artist Anabel Siegal, participants will use a variety of materials such as cardboard, fabric, paper, and paint to create a one-of-a-kind costumes, Halloween decorations, and anything in between! Then feel free to stop by the Museum on October 31 to trick or treat and show off your spooky masterpieces!

Third Saturdays are generously sponsored by Fairfield County Bank.

Please join us for a one-day cross-disciplinary symposium investigating the intersection of art and weather. The symposium features our Exhibitions Director, Richard Klein, and noted WCBS 880 radio meteorologist, Craig Allen, hosting a unique gathering of artists and researchers presenting on weather as it informs their work, reflecting how atmosphere shapes our collective experience. The symposium is presented in conjunction with the exhibition Weather Report, which will be on view at The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum October 6, 2019, to March 29, 2020.

RSVP Here

Image: Nick Cave, Tondo (2018). Courtesy Jack Shainman Gallery, New York.

This is a solo piece based on true events, accounts and personal experiences from the Honduran immigrant mothers in the NY/NJ area, all of whom the playwright and her colleagues have supported. Each asylum-seeking mother and child in this story crossed the border during the summer of 2018. Some names are changed and some characters are interpreted versions of people they met and helped. Some scenarios are condensed and dramatized but nothing has been exaggerated.

Performances by New Caracas and Alea will follow. They will present a song cycle inspired by the Venezuelan migration crisis.

Doors open at 7:00pm.  We are a cabaret theater.  Please feel free to bring food and drink to indulge at the theater before or during the show.  A cash bar serving beer and wine along with a signature cocktail will be open prior to the show & at intermission.  ​Thank you for your support.  We look forward to seeing you at the show.

Free for high school students, educators, and parents.

Curious about the process of applying to and attending art school? Share your portfolio with admissions representatives from leading art colleges and universities such as the New School, Pratt Institute, and the School at the Art Institute of Chicago. This annual program affords high school students a unique opportunity to personally interact with representatives from leading art programs while deepening their understanding of what programs exist, where to find them, and if they are the right fit. Doors open at 3 pm and close at 7 pm. Parents and teachers are welcome to attend.

If you have any questions, please email Sierra Van Ryck deGroot at svanryckdegroot@aldrichart.org

Are you curious about Contemporary Art? Do you ever look at a work of art and say to yourself, “I just don’t get it”? Led by Danielle Ogden, M.A., Ed.M., this 5-week course provides a roadmap for understanding the works of some of the most influential artists of our time. Through stimulating lectures, lively conversations, and hands-on activities, we will dive deep and explore the central themes and ideas that have influenced artistic practice since the 1960s, including identity politics, the body, spirituality, the environment, and technology. Time will be spent looking closely at works of art in the Museum’s galleries and placing them within the context of Contemporary Art movements. We will also dedicate time to self-reflection, providing opportunities to identify, cultivate, and even debate, your own approaches to analyzing, interpreting, and engaging with Contemporary Art.The fifth class will include a unique behind-the-scenes opportunity to meet exhibiting artist, Zoë Sheehan Saldaña, during the installation of her upcoming exhibition, There Must Be Some Way Out of Here.

We’re hosting a spooky, Halloween-themed Drink & Draw. With wine, snacks, and a live model in costume, this is an evening you won’t want to miss! Experiment with a variety of materials such as charcoal, pastel, graphite sticks, and watercolor, or feel free to bring your own materials. No prior drawing experience necessary.

Register at shop.aldrichart.org.

Keeler Tavern Museum… the only place to experience the spirits of Ridgefield’s past. Visit historic rooms and the people who lived in the Keeler Tavern during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Advanced registration required. Tours depart every 10 minutes.

Are you curious about Contemporary Art? Do you ever look at a work of art and say to yourself, “I just don’t get it”? Led by Danielle Ogden, M.A., Ed.M., this 5-week course provides a roadmap for understanding the works of some of the most influential artists of our time. Through stimulating lectures, lively conversations, and hands-on activities, we will dive deep and explore the central themes and ideas that have influenced artistic practice since the 1960s, including identity politics, the body, spirituality, the environment, and technology. Time will be spent looking closely at works of art in the Museum’s galleries and placing them within the context of Contemporary Art movements. We will also dedicate time to self-reflection, providing opportunities to identify, cultivate, and even debate, your own approaches to analyzing, interpreting, and engaging with Contemporary Art.The fifth class will include a unique behind-the-scenes opportunity to meet exhibiting artist, Zoë Sheehan Saldaña, during the installation of her upcoming exhibition, There Must Be Some Way Out of Here.

The American Craftsmen Show is an annual event that showcases award-winning and nationally known artists and craftsmen offering their work for sale. Many of these creations are inspired by the traditions, methods and styles of the early American craftsmen. Featured works include: pottery, wood carvings, painted furniture, textiles, holiday folk art and much more.

All proceeds benefit Lounsbury House free community events and historic preservation efforts.

D N K L presents Living Compassion Two, a multimedia portrayal of the Dalai Lama’s Life narrated by his niece Tencho Gyatso. Includes reception with performer meet and greet.
Pre-event Tibet Today, a discussion about Tibetan refugees and what is being done to preserve their culture in exile. This educational program is free and open to the public. Sunday November 3rd, 7pm. 7pm

Are you curious about Contemporary Art? Do you ever look at a work of art and say to yourself, “I just don’t get it”? Led by Danielle Ogden, M.A., Ed.M., this 5-week course provides a roadmap for understanding the works of some of the most influential artists of our time. Through stimulating lectures, lively conversations, and hands-on activities, we will dive deep and explore the central themes and ideas that have influenced artistic practice since the 1960s, including identity politics, the body, spirituality, the environment, and technology. Time will be spent looking closely at works of art in the Museum’s galleries and placing them within the context of Contemporary Art movements. We will also dedicate time to self-reflection, providing opportunities to identify, cultivate, and even debate, your own approaches to analyzing, interpreting, and engaging with Contemporary Art.The fifth class will include a unique behind-the-scenes opportunity to meet exhibiting artist, Zoë Sheehan Saldaña, during the installation of her upcoming exhibition, There Must Be Some Way Out of Here.

An Evening with Cowboy Junkies

For more than 30 years, Cowboy Junkies have combined folk, blues and rock with the quiet intensity that is their musical signature on more than two dozen critically acclaimed albums, including their 1988 breakthrough The Trinity Sessions. Their most recent album, All That Reckoning, was released last year.

Formed in Toronto in 1985 with siblings Michael Timmins on guitar, Margo Timmins on vocals, Peter Timmins on drums, and Michael’s lifelong friend Alan Anton on bass, the band has sparkled over the course of 25 albums. With Cowboy Junkies’ latest album, All That Reckoning, the band once again gently shakes the listener to wake up. Whether commenting on the fragile state of the world or on personal relationships, this new collection of songs encourages the listener to take notice. It also may be the most powerful album Cowboy Junkies have yet recorded.

Sponsors:
Doyle and Coffin

Are you curious about Contemporary Art? Do you ever look at a work of art and say to yourself, “I just don’t get it”? Led by Danielle Ogden, M.A., Ed.M., this 5-week course provides a roadmap for understanding the works of some of the most influential artists of our time. Through stimulating lectures, lively conversations, and hands-on activities, we will dive deep and explore the central themes and ideas that have influenced artistic practice since the 1960s, including identity politics, the body, spirituality, the environment, and technology. Time will be spent looking closely at works of art in the Museum’s galleries and placing them within the context of Contemporary Art movements. We will also dedicate time to self-reflection, providing opportunities to identify, cultivate, and even debate, your own approaches to analyzing, interpreting, and engaging with Contemporary Art.The fifth class will include a unique behind-the-scenes opportunity to meet exhibiting artist, Zoë Sheehan Saldaña, during the installation of her upcoming exhibition, There Must Be Some Way Out of Here.

Are you curious about Contemporary Art? Do you ever look at a work of art and say to yourself, “I just don’t get it”? Led by Danielle Ogden, M.A., Ed.M., this 5-week course provides a roadmap for understanding the works of some of the most influential artists of our time. Through stimulating lectures, lively conversations, and hands-on activities, we will dive deep and explore the central themes and ideas that have influenced artistic practice since the 1960s, including identity politics, the body, spirituality, the environment, and technology. Time will be spent looking closely at works of art in the Museum’s galleries and placing them within the context of Contemporary Art movements. We will also dedicate time to self-reflection, providing opportunities to identify, cultivate, and even debate, your own approaches to analyzing, interpreting, and engaging with Contemporary Art.The fifth class will include a unique behind-the-scenes opportunity to meet exhibiting artist, Zoë Sheehan Saldaña, during the installation of her upcoming exhibition, There Must Be Some Way Out of Here.

Now in its fifteenth year, Festive Home is the Guild’s biggest fundraiser of the year…and the most fun! 

This holiday marketplace and fundraiser brings many, many shoppers to our charming antique building every year. They will find the galleries brimming with creative gifts… unique hand-made and hand-selected gift items such as jewelry, apparel, and original artwork, to decorative and useful objects for holiday home decorating, and much, much more. 

More information will be posted when it becomes available. 

Sign up for our newsletter to stay posted on upcoming events! 

Join us in the lobby at 7:15pm for a free wine tasting & art exhibit by a local artist!

Back after a sold-out show last summer, join famed time-twisting musical collective Postmodern Jukebox for a vintage-style Christmas celebration! Known for reworking popular modern music into different vintage genres, especially early 20th century forms such as swing and jazz, PMJ has amassed over one billion YouTube views and played hundreds of shows to sold-out houses on six continents.

This holiday spectacular for the whole family stars “Dancing with the Stars” Mirrorball champions Tony Dovolani and Karina Smirnoff along with other celebrity pros from “Dancing with the Stars,” “American Idol,” and “So You Think You Can Dance.”  Backed by a live band, see all the talent-based reality TV shows up close and personal in an unforgettable Spectacular for all Seasons! Directed and choreographed by Jaymz Tuaileva from “Dancing with the Stars,” “Donny and Marie’s Las Vegas Christmas Show” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” Dance to the Holidays will be a new tradition for your family –  a star-studded evening you won’t ever forget!

The Leir Foundation Arts for Everyone Recipient is the Hispanic Center. Additional sponsorship provided by Union Savings Bank.

Sponsors:

Townvibe

Ridgefield Academy
Hamlethub
Arthur Murray
Nissan
Benchmark
The Lier Foundation
Union Savings Bank

Collins has recorded 50 albums in a five-decade career, earning multiple Grammy Awards, including one for her rendition of “Send in the Clowns.’ For these holiday shows, she will be joined by Norwegian singer-songwriter Jonas Fjeld, along with special guests Chatham County Line, who will open the show with a bluegrass set and join Collins and Fjeld for their performance.

Folk music may be regionally derived, but it’s always universally resonant. Case in point the folk album Winter Stories, to be released November 8^th,  a comfy collection of seasonal and emotionally evocative songs by an unlikely gathering of artists. The album lineup boasts the triple threat of iconic folk singer-songwriter Judy Collins, critically-acclaimed Norwegian folk artist Jonas Fjeld, and masterful bluegrass band Chatham County Line.

“I knew Jonas and Chatham County Line would be a great fit with me,” Judy says. “The language of music overarches everything, including geography. When we came together in the studio, we found we could speak to each other in a way that was compatible and nuanced.” Jonas adds: “What bonded us was a shared love of great songs.”

 The Ridgefield Playhouse Holiday Series Series 

 Doyle Coffin Architecture Singer Songwriter Series 

VIP MEET & GREET AVAILABLE!

Back after a sold out show earlier this year, the “The Real Housewives of New York” star returns with a night of cabaret featuring her own global dance hits – “Money Can’t Buy You Class,” “Girl Code” and others – along with holiday favorites.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Darlene Love returns with her holiday show, performing all her hits including the #1 holiday classic “Christmas Baby Please Come Home,” a song that she performed annually with Paul Shaffer and the CBS Symphony Orchestra on The Late Show With David Letterman for some 29 years before David retired.

ROCKAPELLA HOLIDAA cappella versions of everything from the holiday standards you know and love like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to a funky rendition of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch!”

They’ve become one of the world’s most sophisticated, lasting, and imitated vocal groups around today. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more influential one out there in this era of network television a cappella shows like NBC’s The Sing-Off, movies like Pitch Perfect, and innumerable college vocal groups that own the corner of cool on campuses everywhere.

Since the early ’90’s when they first achieved national television fame on PBS’s Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?, they’ve toured the globe and provided a funky powerful soundtrack to several generations of vocal music fans, while keeping it all fresh along the way. With buckets of catchy original pop songs, and complete contemporary revisions of sparkling Motown, pop, and soul classics, this group has always been the one to watch. ”Often imitated – never duplicated” applies here. Now they’re better than ever!

Christmas with the Celts returns to The Playhouse after sold-out performances for the past four seasons! This holiday show features a mix of lively traditional Irish music and instrumentation with American pop music and their own originals, along with ancient Irish and Scottish carols and traditional Christmas favorites. The Celts lineup stars, Ric Blair on vocal-guitar-bodhran & piano along with female lead singer and all Ireland champion fiddler and Irish dancer, Eimear Arkins.  Rick and Eimear will be complemented by an array of top-flight musicians on uilleann pipes, Irish whistles, fiddle, bodhran, banjo, five-string bass, drums and of course, the crowd-pleasing Irish dancers.  Christmas with The Celts isn’t just a concert; it’s a celebration of the holiday spirit, people, community and common connections!

Opening the show and performing with the Celts: Ashurst Irish Dancers