Arts & Culture

October 11 – November 8, 2020
Timed entry to the Carriage Barn at 1:00, 1:45, 2:30, and 3:15 PM

Register now

For much of its history, Ridgefield was a farming community, however, no family farm could be entirely self-sufficient. Members of the community developed specialized trades to accommodate the needs of a growing village, and by the turn of the 19th century, the nature of Ridgefield’s Main Street shifted to reflect this new market. Small enterprises had sprung up all over town, and by 1820, roughly one-third of Ridgefielders were engaged in some type of manufacturing.

This award-wining exhibition explores the interdependency of farms, families, and businesses across Ridgefield’s history – showcasing individual trades and their tools. An online exhibit—combining maps, narrative text, and multimedia content—takes visitors on a virtual tour of the businesses on Ridgefield’s 19th-Century Main Street.

In addition, there is a curated display of featured trades on-site in the Carriage Barn, where visitors can learn more about Ridgefield’s trades through the tools that were used. All hands-on elements have been removed in compliance with COVID-19 protocols. Pre-registration with timed entries for groups of up to 8 people is required to visit the exhibition in the Carriage Barn. Click here to register.

As in previous years, family demonstrations will be offered outdoors on weekends, including blacksmithing on October 25 (visit this page for details, tbd). School groups and other “cohorts” are encouraged to make a special reservation for a guided tour of the Carriage Barn.

Additionally, a series of virtual Zoom talks is planned on topics such as tavern tastings, a history of medicine and pandemics, and the boom and bust of economic cycles in Connecticut’s past.

Click here to register for timed entry.

Image: Alan Horowitz demonstrates 18th century blacksmithing.

Twenty Twenty will be be changing throughout the exhibition’s run with the artists creating new work and adding to, or modifying, their installations in the galleries. The second installation will open on December 6, 2020 and the third installation will open on February 7, 2021.

Twenty Twenty is an exhibition of works on paper rolled out sequentially over the course of five months that presents the work of seven artists who primarily utilize photographic imagery. This exhibition was conceived of in 2019 to document and respond to the 2020 election season and was originally scheduled to open in June 2020. With the Museum’s temporary closure from early March to the end of June due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the exhibition opening was pushed back to October.

2020 has been historic year and the work being created by the artists now reflects their lived experience through a landmark election year, a global pandemic, and a national reckoning with systemic racial injustice and police brutality. The exhibition asks the question can a ‘slow’ museum exhibition actively participate in democracy amidst the cacophony of Tweets and abbreviated news app headlines via a medium that moves no faster that the speed of a human hand pushing a pencil?

Artists participating in the exhibition include Marti Cormand (Brooklyn, NY), Oasa DuVerney (Brooklyn, NY), Judith Eisler (Vienna, Austria and Warren, CT), Andy Mister (Beacon, NY), William Powhida (Brooklyn, NY), Gil Scullion (Middletown, CT), and Diana Shpungin (Brooklyn, NY).

The artists will be adding works to the exhibition in early December and early February creating a platform for response throughout the exhibition. Following key moments in the election cycle, the final installation of the exhibition will reflect the proceeding years’ political and social experiences through the lens of these artists’ lived experiences. The Aldrich has commissioned the seven artists to create the work for this exhibition. The exhibition will be accompanied by a newspaper, published in two editions, that will bookend the exhibition.

Organized by Richard Klein, Exhibitions Director, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum.

October 23 – 24, 2020
$10 per person

Register now

On this guided walk of Timothy Keeler’s Haunt, visitors will meet some of the ghosts of Ridgefield’s past from across three centuries going back to its founding days in the early 1700.

These ghosts came from all walks of life, some wealthy and influential, others from the fringes of society. But all left their mark on our town’s history and their stories live on forever. This is the time to hear their voices and meet them — in the flesh!

Not for the faint of heart. Muster up your courage to encounter these apparitions from a distanced past. Dress warmly and wear good shoes; we have uneven walkways.

We will run this program unless torrential rainstorms ensue.

Parking at 152 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877.

Length of walk is about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Appropriate for families with children ages 7+.

Because of social-distancing safety guidelines, the Jesse Lee Pumpkin Patch cannot offer pumpkins this year. Instead, we will pivot to a special plan that will allow us – AND YOU! – to continue to support the Navajo people in New Mexico who grow our pumpkins and share in our patch’s proceeds.

We will be creating plywood pumpkin cutouts that will be painted orange, attached to wooden stakes and “planted” in our normal patch spot, on the front lawn of Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church (at King Lane and Main Street in Ridgefield).

On the weekends of Oct. 17-18 and 24-25, you can buy a wooden pumpkin ($10 small; $20 medium; and $30 large) and decorate it. Proceeds from the Jesse Lee “Homemade” Pumpkin Patch will be donated to our Navajo mission partners in New Mexico.

We’ll even have a “Best Pumpkin of the Homemade Patch Contest,” for those who want to enter. Judging will be on Sun., Oct. 25th at 3 p.m. The pumpkins will remain on display for Ridgefielders to enjoy through Halloween.

While you’re at our patch, you’ll be able to learn more about the Navajo Indians, their proud history, Jesse Lee’s long mission relationship with them, and the impact COVID-19 has had on the Native American community.

Because of social-distancing safety guidelines, the Jesse Lee Pumpkin Patch cannot offer pumpkins this year. Instead, we will pivot to a special plan that will allow us – AND YOU! – to continue to support the Navajo people in New Mexico who grow our pumpkins and share in our patch’s proceeds.

We will be creating plywood pumpkin cutouts that will be painted orange, attached to wooden stakes and “planted” in our normal patch spot, on the front lawn of Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church (at King Lane and Main Street in Ridgefield).

On the weekends of Oct. 17-18 and 24-25, you can buy a wooden pumpkin ($10 small; $20 medium; and $30 large) and decorate it. Proceeds from the Jesse Lee “Homemade” Pumpkin Patch will be donated to our Navajo mission partners in New Mexico.

We’ll even have a “Best Pumpkin of the Homemade Patch Contest,” for those who want to enter. Judging will be on Sun., Oct. 25th at 3 p.m. The pumpkins will remain on display for Ridgefielders to enjoy through Halloween.

While you’re at our patch, you’ll be able to learn more about the Navajo Indians, their proud history, Jesse Lee’s long mission relationship with them, and the impact COVID-19 has had on the Native American community.

The Aldrich is thrilled to welcome Kirsten Ivey-Colson and Lynn Turner, the duo behind The AntiRacist Table, in an interactive virtual workshop sharing core principles they have developed to fight against racism working from themes presented within the episode of the podcast series Hindsight is: The Webbs. Kirsten and Lynn will lead the group into the art of storytelling as a way to connect with each other, our history, and the intersectional work of antiracism as a path to healing and liberation for ourselves and our world. This is a unique opportunity to join in community together around The Table to share, learn, reflect, and grow.

Jonathan Mirin, Artistic Director of Piti Theatre Company, will introduce the project and the collaborative process of creating Hindsight is: The Webbs.

Kirsten Ivey-Colson is an attorney and a student of nonviolence communication (NVC), right speech, conflict resolution, and meditation. Her undergraduate degree is in African American Studies and English, and in addition to her JD, she holds an LLM in Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Lynn Turner, is an educator who is passionate about teaching young children and supporting families, work that she has done for over ten years. In addition to her undergraduate degree in Fine Arts she has her MAT in Early Childhood Education.

To find out more please visit theantiracisttable.com.
Funders

Generous support for Hindsight is podcast series is provided by the New England Foundation for the Arts and Connecticut Humanities.

Funded in part by the New England States Touring program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Regional Touring Program and the six New England state arts agencies.

with Ridgefield Police Department and Ridgefield Theater Barn

Creepy Characters and Treat Giveaways

This event is open to Ridgefield residents only and requires pre-registration (beginning October 13). Separate registrations should be made for each participating vehicle. Please register your family online no later than October 28.

Costumes are encouraged, including car decorations!

Walk-ups are not permitted. Rain or shine.

Day-of Instructions:

• Enter though Market Street entrance.
• Upon entering, you will be asked to check-in with event staff and provide the family name used for your online registration. Only one registration needed per vehicle, not per person.
• You will be directed to follow the drive-thru loop, stopping in front of Lounsbury House before continuing to the exit.
• Guests remain in car for the event.

Age appropriateness: Children 10 years of age and younger.

Because of social-distancing safety guidelines, the Jesse Lee Pumpkin Patch cannot offer pumpkins this year. Instead, we will pivot to a special plan that will allow us – AND YOU! – to continue to support the Navajo people in New Mexico who grow our pumpkins and share in our patch’s proceeds.

We will be creating plywood pumpkin cutouts that will be painted orange, attached to wooden stakes and “planted” in our normal patch spot, on the front lawn of Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church (at King Lane and Main Street in Ridgefield).

On the weekends of Oct. 17-18 and 24-25, you can buy a wooden pumpkin ($10 small; $20 medium; and $30 large) and decorate it. Proceeds from the Jesse Lee “Homemade” Pumpkin Patch will be donated to our Navajo mission partners in New Mexico.

We’ll even have a “Best Pumpkin of the Homemade Patch Contest,” for those who want to enter. Judging will be on Sun., Oct. 25th at 3 p.m. The pumpkins will remain on display for Ridgefielders to enjoy through Halloween.

While you’re at our patch, you’ll be able to learn more about the Navajo Indians, their proud history, Jesse Lee’s long mission relationship with them, and the impact COVID-19 has had on the Native American community.

Wednesday Class Series: November 4, 11, 18, December 2 and 9; 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is thrilled to announce the return of the popular series “Getting” Contemporary Art this fall exploring a new roster of exhibitions and artist ideas. This 5-session virtual course provides a roadmap to central themes and ideas that have influenced artistic practice since the 1960s. Designed to be intimate, dynamic, and thought-provoking, participants will build skills to analyze, interpret, and discuss contemporary art while looking closely at the Museum’s current exhibitions. This course includes a unique behind the scenes opportunity to meet with exhibiting artist Judith Eisler virtually and explore her studio and practice on December 2. “Getting” Contemporary Art is led by Danielle Ogden, M.A., Ed.M., Adjunct Professor at Fairfield University and Museum Specialist, Adult Learning at The Aldrich.

All sessions will be recorded with lecture materials emailed after each class.

November 4: Re-writing the Rules: Learn new approaches to art history and looking at contemporary art. In this class we will survey a diverse range of issues that motivate artists and uncover the various ways they consider and comment on the world we live in.

November 11: “We are All Made of Stars”: This class will explore contemporary art as an interdisciplinary practice and dive into the star motif exhibited in Frank Stella’s Stars, A Survey and art inspired by the sky, astronomy, geometry, and more.

November 18: The Art of Reflection: What is the relationship between art and healing? Can works of art be transcendent? In this class we will investigate how artists such as Mark Rothko, James Turrell, and exhibiting artist Rudy Shepherd have used art as a vehicle for deep reflection, healing, and transformation.

December 2: Virtual Studio Visit: Join us for a behind-the-scenes visit with Twenty Twenty artist Judith Eisler in her studio in Vienna, Austria and a discussion on her work on view at the Museum, including portraits of women captured by media in profound public appearances such as Nancy Pelosi captured during President Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address and an essential health care worker wearing a double layer of mask and visor during the pandemic.

December 9: Absurdity, Surrealism and Pop Art: This class will use the themes, techniques, and processes in Dada and Surrealism as a lens to explore Genesis Belanger’s exhibition, Through the Eye of a Needle.

Wednesday Class Series: November 4, 11, 18, December 2 and 9; 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is thrilled to announce the return of the popular series “Getting” Contemporary Art this fall exploring a new roster of exhibitions and artist ideas. This 5-session virtual course provides a roadmap to central themes and ideas that have influenced artistic practice since the 1960s. Designed to be intimate, dynamic, and thought-provoking, participants will build skills to analyze, interpret, and discuss contemporary art while looking closely at the Museum’s current exhibitions. This course includes a unique behind the scenes opportunity to meet with exhibiting artist Judith Eisler virtually and explore her studio and practice on December 2. “Getting” Contemporary Art is led by Danielle Ogden, M.A., Ed.M., Adjunct Professor at Fairfield University and Museum Specialist, Adult Learning at The Aldrich.

All sessions will be recorded with lecture materials emailed after each class.

November 4: Re-writing the Rules: Learn new approaches to art history and looking at contemporary art. In this class we will survey a diverse range of issues that motivate artists and uncover the various ways they consider and comment on the world we live in.

November 11: “We are All Made of Stars”: This class will explore contemporary art as an interdisciplinary practice and dive into the star motif exhibited in Frank Stella’s Stars, A Survey and art inspired by the sky, astronomy, geometry, and more.

November 18: The Art of Reflection: What is the relationship between art and healing? Can works of art be transcendent? In this class we will investigate how artists such as Mark Rothko, James Turrell, and exhibiting artist Rudy Shepherd have used art as a vehicle for deep reflection, healing, and transformation.

December 2: Virtual Studio Visit: Join us for a behind-the-scenes visit with Twenty Twenty artist Judith Eisler in her studio in Vienna, Austria and a discussion on her work on view at the Museum, including portraits of women captured by media in profound public appearances such as Nancy Pelosi captured during President Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address and an essential health care worker wearing a double layer of mask and visor during the pandemic.

December 9: Absurdity, Surrealism and Pop Art: This class will use the themes, techniques, and processes in Dada and Surrealism as a lens to explore Genesis Belanger’s exhibition, Through the Eye of a Needle.

Seating in the theater limited to 180 tickets due to capacity restrictions – VIRTUAL tickets also available to watch from the comfort of your own home!

Christine O’Leary and her students will perform LIVE from The Ridgefield Playhouse stage with limited indoor seating. Virtual tickets are also available to watch from the comfort of your own home. Ticket purchasers will be e-mailed a Zoom show link and given instructions the day of the show. At checkout, attendees also have the opportunity to donate to The Leir Foundation Arts for Everyone program, which helps make performing arts shows at the Ridgefield Playhouse and elsewhere available to economically disadvantaged area residents.

Host and teacher Christine O’Leary, a professional comedian, has taken her Stand-Up Comedy Writing Workshop students on an eight-week journey of writing and practicing their routines. It all culminates on The Playhouse stage in a rare opportunity to see up-and-coming comics make their debut in The Comedy Workshop Graduation Showcase!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the advertised date of a performance is subject to change as we abide by local and federal guidelines. Original tickets will be valid for any rescheduled date or reissued. If you are a ticket holder unable to attend a rescheduled date, there are no refunds; however, exchanges will be available through the box office.

November 13 – 22, 2020 · 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Get a jump on your gift shopping this year with a visit to Holiday Boutique in the Barn! This year’s boutique takes place Nov. 13 to 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. In addition to art, books, jewelry, crafts, holiday ornaments, and puzzles, you’ll be able to grab a jar of the renowned Cranberry Chutney, made from a historic Keeler Tavern recipe. Chutney will be available Nov. 20. You can also pick up one of our Keeler Kids in a Box kits to make a holiday craft. We’ll be following COVID protocols, so please wear a mask and bear with us if the barn is at capacity with shoppers.

We’ve always said, “Art makes a great gift!” And this year is no different. Giving the gift of art is a way to express your love with originality and creativity. The holidays always enhance our feelings for family and friends, our love for fine food and spirits, and a real hope for the future.

This year the Guild presents this exhibition of works inspired by the gift of art theme, with pieces you feel could make a great gift. Submit up to two works in any medium and format for the Art of Giving in-gallery and online exhibition.

For further information and to apply online, please visit our website.

Seating in the theater limited to 180 tickets due to capacity restrictions – VIRTUAL tickets also available to watch from the comfort of your own home!

Christine O’Leary and friends will perform LIVE from The Ridgefield Playhouse stage with limited indoor seating. Virtual tickets are also available to watch from the comfort of your own home. Ticket purchasers will be e-mailed a Zoom show link and given instructions the day of the show. At checkout, attendees also have the opportunity to donate to The Leir Foundation Arts for Everyone program, which helps make performing arts shows at the Ridgefield Playhouse and elsewhere available to economically disadvantaged area residents.

Don’t miss this evening of rapid-fire stand-up comedy featuring award-winning comic Christine O’Leary and handpicked members of her stand-up comedy troupe – Team Green Light Comedy. Nominated by Curve Magazine as one of the ‘50 Funniest Lesbians in America,’ O’Leary has toured the country and worked with top comedians in the business and soaked up 1:1 potent advice from Jay Leno, Sinbad, Tracy Morgan, Jim Breuer, Whoopi Goldberg Gilbert Gottfried, and Joy Behar. O’Leary and her comedy comrades deliver a hilarious, belly laughing evening of nonstop stand-up bits and beats, new and old comics and material!

STARRING: TBD

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the advertised date of a performance is subject to change as we abide by local and federal guidelines. Original tickets will be valid for any rescheduled date or reissued. If you are a ticket holder unable to attend a rescheduled date, there are no refunds; however, exchanges will be available through the box office.

Sir David McVicar’s bold new staging of Tosca, Puccini’s operatic thriller of Napoleonic Rome, thrilled Met audiences when it rang in the New Year in 2018. Only weeks later, the production was seen by opera lovers worldwide as part of the Met’s Live in HD series of cinema presentations. In this performance, Bulgarian soprano Sonya Yoncheva is the passionate title diva, opposite charismatic tenor Vittorio Grigolo as her lover, the idealistic painter Mario Cavaradossi. Baritone Željko Lučić is the menacing Baron Scarpia, the evil chief of police who employs brutal tactics to ensnare both criminals and sexual conquests. On the podium, Emmanuel Villaume conducts the electrifying score, which features some of Puccini’s most memorable melodies.

The Ridgefield Playhouse is following Connecticut Safety Guidelines in order to continually serve and protect our patrons and community. We ask that you observe the following:

Purchase concession via our mobile site ridgefieldplayhouse.ordernext.com. Available up to two hours prior to the start of the movie- you can pick up your concessions on your way in! The app will be open throughout the film as well.
Ushers will seat you – All tickets are General Admission.
Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the lobby and bathrooms.
And remember: FACEMASKS ARE REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES! Please maintain a 6 foot distance from others.

Wednesday Class Series: November 4, 11, 18, December 2 and 9; 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is thrilled to announce the return of the popular series “Getting” Contemporary Art this fall exploring a new roster of exhibitions and artist ideas. This 5-session virtual course provides a roadmap to central themes and ideas that have influenced artistic practice since the 1960s. Designed to be intimate, dynamic, and thought-provoking, participants will build skills to analyze, interpret, and discuss contemporary art while looking closely at the Museum’s current exhibitions. This course includes a unique behind the scenes opportunity to meet with exhibiting artist Judith Eisler virtually and explore her studio and practice on December 2. “Getting” Contemporary Art is led by Danielle Ogden, M.A., Ed.M., Adjunct Professor at Fairfield University and Museum Specialist, Adult Learning at The Aldrich.

All sessions will be recorded with lecture materials emailed after each class.

November 4: Re-writing the Rules: Learn new approaches to art history and looking at contemporary art. In this class we will survey a diverse range of issues that motivate artists and uncover the various ways they consider and comment on the world we live in.

November 11: “We are All Made of Stars”: This class will explore contemporary art as an interdisciplinary practice and dive into the star motif exhibited in Frank Stella’s Stars, A Survey and art inspired by the sky, astronomy, geometry, and more.

November 18: The Art of Reflection: What is the relationship between art and healing? Can works of art be transcendent? In this class we will investigate how artists such as Mark Rothko, James Turrell, and exhibiting artist Rudy Shepherd have used art as a vehicle for deep reflection, healing, and transformation.

December 2: Virtual Studio Visit: Join us for a behind-the-scenes visit with Twenty Twenty artist Judith Eisler in her studio in Vienna, Austria and a discussion on her work on view at the Museum, including portraits of women captured by media in profound public appearances such as Nancy Pelosi captured during President Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address and an essential health care worker wearing a double layer of mask and visor during the pandemic.

December 9: Absurdity, Surrealism and Pop Art: This class will use the themes, techniques, and processes in Dada and Surrealism as a lens to explore Genesis Belanger’s exhibition, Through the Eye of a Needle.

$89; $80 member

“Razor-sharp linguistic sensibilities…” – Publisher’s Weekly

Join award-winning poet Patricia Smith in a 90-minute virtual writing masterclass. Smith is a professor at the College of Staten Island and in the MFA program at Sierra Nevada College, as well as a frequent instructor at prestigious writing conferences. The Aldrich is proud to present Patricia Smith in conjunction with the current exhibition Rudy Shepherd: Somebody’s Child. Limited to 30 participants; please register early.

Renowned spoken-word performer, playwright, author, writing teacher, and former journalist,Patricia Smith is the award-winning author of eight critically acclaimed books of poetry, including Pulitzer Prize finalist Incendiary Art, winner of the 2018 Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award, the 2018 NAACP Image Award, and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. A master of poetic forms from her Motown crown of sonnets to elegant ghazals, Smith’s poetry fearlessly engages with America’s continuous war on black bodies.

Co-sponsored by the Ridgefield Library.

12pm and 4pm!

Based on one of the most popular comic strips of all time and adapted from the smash Broadway musical, Annie is set in Depression-era New York City, where a spunky little girl (Aileen Quinn) lives in an orphanage run by the boozy, tyrannical Miss Hannigan (Carol Burnett). Annie’s hopes soar when multigazillionaire Oliver Warbucks (Albert Finney) decides to take in an orphan for a week to “upgrade his image.” She gets herself chosen, gradually Annie and her adopted dog, Sandy, ingratiate themselves, and eventually Warbucks adopts the girl. But his search for Annie’s missing parents turns up only the villainous Rooster (Tim Curry) and his venal girlfriend, Lily (Bernadette Peters), who conspire with Miss Hannigan to relieve Warbucks of both the girl and a hefty reward. It is left to Sandy, the other orphans and Daddy Warbucks to rescue Annie before it’s too late.

The sun is coming out on this special event that includes exclusive insights from Turner Classic Movies.

The Ridgefield Playhouse is following Connecticut Safety Guidelines in order to continually serve and protect our patrons and community. We ask that you observe the following:

Keep it “contactless” and save money! Tickets purchased online are only $10! Please purchase your tickets online and you’ll save $2!
Purchase concession via our mobile site ridgefieldplayhouse.ordernext.com. Available up to two hours prior to the start of the movie- you can pick up your concessions on your way in! The app will be open throughout the film as well.
Ushers will seat you – All tickets are General Admission.
Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the lobby and bathrooms.
And remember: FACEMASKS ARE REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES! Please maintain a 6 foot distance from others.

November 27 – December 20, 2020 · Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays

Ridgefield’s Economic & Community Development Commission, Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, and  Downtown Ridgefield have joined to deliver a safe & valuable holiday shopping, dining, and entertainment experience this holiday season.

Called ‘Holiday Village Market’ it is 2020’s version of the Holiday Stroll – scheduled to kick off on Black Friday. 

KTM&HC will have a booth! More info TBA.

A festive fundraiser for Lounsbury House with the Ridgefield Guild of Artists

Create your own gingerbread-styled version of a historic Ridgefield building – or design your own! Specially selected participants will have their entry creatively displayed by the talented RGA team.

These amazing gingerbread creations will be on window display at Lounsbury House November 27 – December 20. Don’t miss your opportunity to to view and vote for your favorite while supporting this magnificent Ridgefield landmark!

More Details Coming Soon!

Interested in participating and submitting your own gingerbread masterpiece? Email christina@LounsburyHouse.org to register to be part of this magical event! Entries will be due no later than 4:00pm on November 20.

With the Great White Way closed until June 2021 – let’s raise our glasses and toast to Broadway!  This virtually streamed show can be viewed inside the Playhouse on the big screen (everyone who attends the screening in the theater will receive a free glass of bubbly) or you can watch with your family Thanksgiving weekend from the comfort of your own home! Performances include some of your favorite Broadway stars – Jarrod Spector (Jersey Boys, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Tony Award nominee Ann Hampton Callaway, Morgan James (Motown The Musical and Postmodern Jukebox), Oscar, Tony and Grammy Award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz, Tony Award winner Debbie Gravitte, Sam Gravitte (Wicked The Musical), Wicked Divas and more- including a special guest appearance by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein! Hear some of your favorite Broadway numbers from Hamilton, Wicked, Chicago, The Lion King, and Phantom of the Opera along with lots of surprises!

Teed & Brown Broadway & Cabaret Series
Sponsored by Campari & Cinzano Prosecco

Wednesday Class Series: November 4, 11, 18, December 2 and 9; 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is thrilled to announce the return of the popular series “Getting” Contemporary Art this fall exploring a new roster of exhibitions and artist ideas. This 5-session virtual course provides a roadmap to central themes and ideas that have influenced artistic practice since the 1960s. Designed to be intimate, dynamic, and thought-provoking, participants will build skills to analyze, interpret, and discuss contemporary art while looking closely at the Museum’s current exhibitions. This course includes a unique behind the scenes opportunity to meet with exhibiting artist Judith Eisler virtually and explore her studio and practice on December 2. “Getting” Contemporary Art is led by Danielle Ogden, M.A., Ed.M., Adjunct Professor at Fairfield University and Museum Specialist, Adult Learning at The Aldrich.

All sessions will be recorded with lecture materials emailed after each class.

November 4: Re-writing the Rules: Learn new approaches to art history and looking at contemporary art. In this class we will survey a diverse range of issues that motivate artists and uncover the various ways they consider and comment on the world we live in.

November 11: “We are All Made of Stars”: This class will explore contemporary art as an interdisciplinary practice and dive into the star motif exhibited in Frank Stella’s Stars, A Survey and art inspired by the sky, astronomy, geometry, and more.

November 18: The Art of Reflection: What is the relationship between art and healing? Can works of art be transcendent? In this class we will investigate how artists such as Mark Rothko, James Turrell, and exhibiting artist Rudy Shepherd have used art as a vehicle for deep reflection, healing, and transformation.

December 2: Virtual Studio Visit: Join us for a behind-the-scenes visit with Twenty Twenty artist Judith Eisler in her studio in Vienna, Austria and a discussion on her work on view at the Museum, including portraits of women captured by media in profound public appearances such as Nancy Pelosi captured during President Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address and an essential health care worker wearing a double layer of mask and visor during the pandemic.

December 9: Absurdity, Surrealism and Pop Art: This class will use the themes, techniques, and processes in Dada and Surrealism as a lens to explore Genesis Belanger’s exhibition, Through the Eye of a Needle.

Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra board, staff and fundraising committee is excited to present All Hearts Holiday Auction–an online auction to benefit RSO musicians who have been unable to perform with the orchestra since the global pandemic struck last spring.

The auction, which will be online from December 3rd-7th, will feature a unique selection of gifts from local merchants and service providers that are sure to delight an array of family and friends. From a night out on the town, to baubles, books, and toys, the auction will bring gift shopping right to your living room! 

An important part of the All Hearts fundraiser is promoting shopping local by highlighting the merchants, service providers and other non-profits who are supporting the event. “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity from those who have offered an item, service or experience for the auction. We currently have about 50 participating partners, with more added every day.” says Amanda Dranow, RSO Director of Development. “We hope everyone has started to see the All Hearts logo on windows around town!”

In the coming weeks, the RSO looks forward to publishing short features on our auction donors, as well as continuing our social media posts on Instagram and Facebook @ridgefieldsymphony.

The auction will be available on the RSO website at www.ridgefieldsymphony.org/auction. Look for item previews coming soon!

Wednesday Class Series: November 4, 11, 18, December 2 and 9; 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is thrilled to announce the return of the popular series “Getting” Contemporary Art this fall exploring a new roster of exhibitions and artist ideas. This 5-session virtual course provides a roadmap to central themes and ideas that have influenced artistic practice since the 1960s. Designed to be intimate, dynamic, and thought-provoking, participants will build skills to analyze, interpret, and discuss contemporary art while looking closely at the Museum’s current exhibitions. This course includes a unique behind the scenes opportunity to meet with exhibiting artist Judith Eisler virtually and explore her studio and practice on December 2. “Getting” Contemporary Art is led by Danielle Ogden, M.A., Ed.M., Adjunct Professor at Fairfield University and Museum Specialist, Adult Learning at The Aldrich.

All sessions will be recorded with lecture materials emailed after each class.

November 4: Re-writing the Rules: Learn new approaches to art history and looking at contemporary art. In this class we will survey a diverse range of issues that motivate artists and uncover the various ways they consider and comment on the world we live in.

November 11: “We are All Made of Stars”: This class will explore contemporary art as an interdisciplinary practice and dive into the star motif exhibited in Frank Stella’s Stars, A Survey and art inspired by the sky, astronomy, geometry, and more.

November 18: The Art of Reflection: What is the relationship between art and healing? Can works of art be transcendent? In this class we will investigate how artists such as Mark Rothko, James Turrell, and exhibiting artist Rudy Shepherd have used art as a vehicle for deep reflection, healing, and transformation.

December 2: Virtual Studio Visit: Join us for a behind-the-scenes visit with Twenty Twenty artist Judith Eisler in her studio in Vienna, Austria and a discussion on her work on view at the Museum, including portraits of women captured by media in profound public appearances such as Nancy Pelosi captured during President Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address and an essential health care worker wearing a double layer of mask and visor during the pandemic.

December 9: Absurdity, Surrealism and Pop Art: This class will use the themes, techniques, and processes in Dada and Surrealism as a lens to explore Genesis Belanger’s exhibition, Through the Eye of a Needle.

The Founders Hall-iday Light Fight is a new event. Ridgefield homeowners and businesses will sign up to decorate the exterior of their home or commercial location with holiday lights.

The public is invited to view the lights between December 10^th to 20^th, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm, and vote for their favorite(s) by making a monetary donation to Founders Hall. The location that raises the most money will be the winner, to be announced on December 22^nd.

There has been a great deal of interest in the Light Fight. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions. Also, visit founders-hall.org/light-fight to read additional FAQ’s.

Will my name and address be given out if I sign up?
Residential addresses will be published, not homeowners’ names. For businesses, we will publish both the business name and the address. The winner’s name and address will be published on December 22, even if it is a residence.

Is there a limit to how many homes or businesses can sign up for the Light Fight?
No. Everyone who wants to sign up can. But there is a deadline – see below.

How do I sign up?
Visit founders-hall.org/light-fight to read the Contest Rules, FAQ and Entry Form (which includes the waiver.) You can sign up online or print, fill out and mail in the Entry Form.

Is there a deadline to sign up for the Light Fight?
Yes! Registrations must be received on or before Sunday, November 1.

Will the biggest, fanciest light display win?
Not necessarily. The address that raises the most money in donations to Founders Hall will be the winner. Competitors can encourage friends, family and neighbors to vote for them via a donation to Founders Hall. (Hint: there is no requirement that donors live in Ridgefield.)

Do I have to have a holiday theme? What if I want a religious theme?
Light displays and corresponding decorations can have any theme or no theme at all. There are no limits put on the decorations.

I want to sign up to decorate my house, and I live on a private accessway. Is that allowed?
All houses participating must be easily viewed from the road. We do not want to encourage the public to drive on private property. So, if your house can’t be seen from the road, you can participate by viewing the light displays between December 10 and 20 and voting for your favorite(s).

I would like to talk to someone before signing up.
Cindy Nesbitt, the director of development at Founders Hall, is happy to answer all your questions. She can be reached at 203-431-7000 or cindy@founders-hall.org.

Many thanks to lead sponsor Fairfield County Bank for making this event possible.