Budget-Friendly Classes & Events in CT

Most artists are used to living on a tight budget, but in today's climate more and more families are looking for ways to save money. As people look to cut expenses, art classes and summer events are seen as luxuries. But don't put away that sketchbook just yet. You don't have to be rich to enrich your artistic life. Here are a few examples:

The New Britain Museum of American Art

http://www.nbmaa.org

• "Art Happy Hour" on the 2nd Thursday of every month, enjoy art and conversation in the galleries. Complimentary light refreshments will be served from 5:30-6 pm. followed by a program from 6-7 p.m. This program is Free with general admission. General admission is free for members, $9 for adults and $8 for seniors.
• "Sketching with the Masters" every Friday from 10:30am - noon. Materials are provided. All skill levels welcome. This program is Free with general admission. General admission is free for members, $9 for adults and $8 for seniors.

Lyman Allyn Art Museum (New London, CT)
http://www.lymanallyn.org/programs.html

• "Free First Sunday" every first Sunday of the month - a family day of free art activities, free snacks, and free admission! Check the museum website for more information and a list of month-to-month activities.

These and other interesting events are saved on the "SAQA CT Events Calendar"

Tour Connecticut's Museums with ART PASS

• Discover Connecticut’s artistic treasures with a $25 Art Pass, valid for admission to all fifteen world-class museums and historic sites on the statewide Connecticut Art Trail*. You determine the two month time-frame; we admit you to 15 museums. Explore diverse, quality collections rich in history and heritage, including European masterpieces, American Impressionism, ancient art and contemporary culture. Children twelve and under are free when accompanied by an adult. *Five museums are already free and open to the public. To purchase the Art Pass, visit www.arttrail.org.
  

Review - Opening Reception of "Zen Stitches"

SAQA member Nike Cutsumpas attended the Opening Reception for Zen Stitches yesterday, June 27th, at the Hammond Museum in North Salem NY. According to Nike, the event "was a lovely success with a groaning board of hors d'oeuvres and wine. The show was fascinating with many interpretations of the Japanese Stroll Garden which was the theme of the exhibit. Go and stroll through the exhibit and the garden . . ." (image upper left: Opening Reception)

(image lower left:
Jennifer O'Brien's art quilt "Guiding Light", on display in the Zen Stitches exhibition)

You can still take Nike's advice and visit the exhibit, which runs until September 19th. Check our Calendar of Events for more details or visit the museum's website: Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden.

Plan Ahead for this Weekend!

Check out SAQA CT's new "Calendar of Events"
You can view the calendar by the week, month or as an agenda list. Click on an event for more information.
Come back and check the calendar for an ongoing list of Fiber-Art-related events, classes and exhibitions of our members' artwork. Whenever possible, the hours of operation for galleries and museums and a link to the venue's website are included on the calendar.
Have fun!

Connecticut Yankee in....

Quilted Artwork by our Connecticut SAQA members can be found not only here, but around the USA and around the world. Here are a few examples of where you can see fine art quilts by Connecticut artists:

SAQA-CT members Jennifer O'Brien, Margaret Phillips, Nike Cutsumpas, Norma Schlager and Mayan Weinberg will display examples of their work in the "Zen Stitches" exhibition at the Hammond Museum in North Salem, NY.
An Opening Reception will be held this Saturday, June 27th from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Visit the Hammond Museum's website for more details and take a virtual stroll around their beautiful Japanese Gardens. The show will run from June 27th until September 19th.
(image left: "Mostly Purple" by Margaret Phillips)



Kate Themel's art quilt "Serenity: Zen Garden" (image: left) will be exhibited as part of the Sacred Threads exhibition in Reynoldsburg, Ohio from June 17th - 28th
Read a review of this show at
http://michigoose-life-quilts.blogspot.com




Fiber Revolution will host the "Fresh Dimensions" exhibition at the Latimer Quilt and Textile Center in Tillamook, Oregon from May 4th - July 5th
(image left: "Gone Wild" by Katharina Litchman)

Meet the Artists

Learn more about art quilts and the artists who make them. Martha Sielman will be lecturing on "Masters: Art Quilts" at the Bristol Public Library on July 30th.






Karen Loprete is this month's Featured Artist at the Valley Arts Council Gallery in Derby, CT







Pat Furguson will teach you "How to Care for your Quilts" at the Windham Textile & Historical Museum in Willimantic, CT. Admission is $10 per person (includes tea & pastry). The Museum requests you make a reservation.
July 19th from 4:00 -5:30 pm

Where to See works of Fiber Art - Here &Now

Looking for indoor events where you can enjoy art and culture AND avoid the rain? Check out some beautiful works of fiber art right here in the Nutmeg State:

GUILFORD
The Sisters In Cloth Exhibition has been EXTENDED
Sisters In Cloth is hosting the "Small Pieces/ Big Ideas" exhibition at the Guilford Art Center.
Extended by popular demand, the show will be open until June 30th, so don't miss it! Check out the Sisters' blog for more information and preview photos.


GUILFORD
Fusion highlights the work of artists in 3 different media
Fiber Artist Vivika DeNegre joins glass artist Barbara Shulman-Kirwin and weaver Carol Grave for Fusion: 3 Artists, 3 Media at the Chroma Gallery in Guilford, CT. The show runs until June 30th.



ANSONIA
Contemporary Fiber Art by Karen Loprete

Karen Loprete's unique and colorful creations are on display at Spector Furniture - 385 Main Street, Ansonia, CT from now through September

WILLIMANTIC
"Celebration Quilts" are on display at the Windham Textile & Historical Museum
Thirty quilts that celebrate special events, people and places are on display from now until August 30th at the Windham Textile & Historical Museum

Barbara Barrick McKie's studio in Lyme, CT will be featured in a 4 page article in this Summer's Studios Magazine. Available NOW

WELCOME

Welcome to the SAQA CT blog!
The Connecticut Region of SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) is here to support and promote professional fiber artists and teachers as well as quilters working to develop their fine art skills.

Here you will find links to various fiber artists living and working in Connecticut. We'll share our members' news, events and accomplishments and keep you up to date on where you can see our work in person. Enjoy your visit and come back often!