Please take a moment to RSVP if you can, as it is helpful in gauging food and drinks. If not, no worries and I hope to see you there!

RSVP

The show's title, derived from the Patti Smith poem, Wild Leaves, speaks to the vital regenerative energy of nature, a theme which united the work of the artists Yura Adams, Katie DeGroot, Maggie Nowinski and Jacqueline Qiu.

The public is invited to attend a reception at the Kershner Gallery in the Fairfield Library on Thursday, March 12, 5:30-7:30pm for a new art show, “A Bevy of Beauty”, the paintings of Nathan Rosler, Rosa Sclafani and Keith Magner. Their work will be on exhibit from March 5 to May during library hours at 1080 Old Post Road in Fairfield.

NATHAN ROSLER

Nathan Rosler holds a degree with a foundation in graphic design. His early training emphasized structure, restraint and visual clarity.

Although he set aside painting for decades, he recently returned to it with a renewed focus and maturity shaped by time, distance, and lived experience. He now approaches abstraction with both discipline and openness, blending design sensibility with intuitive, process-driven exploration.

Nathan says his work explores the space between calm and chaos, and the quiet pressure that exists beneath seemingly restrained surfaces. “Returning to painting after many years, I’m drawn to slow processes—layering, transparency, and reduction—as a way to soften visual noise without fully erasing it. Color and atmosphere do the emotional work, carrying tension through subtle shifts rather than overt gesture. The paintings hold stillness, but not resolution, inviting viewers to linger in moments where control loosens and ambiguity remains.”

ROSA SCLAFANI

Rosa Elvira Sclafani is a watercolor artist based in Connecticut. She specializes in realistic works. Originally from Lima, Peru, she currently resides in Trumbull, Ct with her husband and two dogs.

Rosa was first introduced to art at a young age by watching her father paint, and draw. Then, 28 years ago, she enrolled in courses focused on folk art painting using acrylic and gouache. As a member of the Society of Decorative Painters, she later took classes in oil and watercolor. She furthered her education by studying fine arts at Norwalk Community College, the Rowayton Arts Center and the Silvermine School of Arts.

Her artistic work, including photography, has been exhibited in numerous juried and group shows in Connecticut and New York. It was selected and featured in the Book “Colors” Women Edition 2024 Art to Hearts Project 100 selected Emerging Artists Around the World. Rosa is an exhibiting member of ArtPlace Gallery and Rowayton Arts Center.

Rosa says she draws inspiration from her Peruvian roots, particularly the vibrant colors, nature, and culture of her native country. “My paintings reflect my emotions and culture. Working with watercolor gives me the freedom to express and capture what I see. Through the process of applying color and defining images using a sequence of washes and glazes, I can create desired techniques or effects to produce depth, textures and color in my works. This has also contributed to my passion for photography which allows me to document my personal experiences- capturing objects and scenes that I later use in my painting.”

KEITH MAGNER

At an early age, Keith was attracted to and studied sculpture, where he gained an appreciation of light and mass. He developed his skills while studying at the University of Hartford Art School as a teen, followed by studies at Alfred University School of Art & Design.

He has exhibited in juried art shows at a national and state level, and as an elected member of the Salmagundi Club in New York, NY, and Art Place in Fairfield, CT. He is also an Associate Artist at Lyme Art Association. Keith is a member of the Oil Painters of America and the American Society of Marine Artists. He also earned an undergraduate degree in Marketing and Management Information Systems as well as a Master's in Business Administration.

An avid outdoorsman, Keith is drawn to plein air painting, which allows him to experience the energy in the scenes that he paints. Residing in Fairfield, CT, he enjoys the proximity of coastal estuaries, harbors, and communities that inspire his work. Keith frequently references his plein air works when developing larger studio paintings, allowing him to reflect the essence of the scene on a larger scale.

Keith states, “I strive to create work that radiates the beauty around us. Art allows me to unplug and immerse myself in my surroundings.” It is this passion for art that has kept him engaged in painting throughout his career in the interactive advertising industry.

#kershnergallery #fairfieldlibrary #newartshow

An exciting new exhibition is coming to Artworks gallery, two amazing completely different artists Jen Greely and Angela Rustici. Please join us for an opening reception on Thursday, March 12, 5-8 pm

Jacob Jolliff is one of the world’s premier contemporary mandolinists. He graduated from Berklee College of Music, having studied there on a full scholarship. The following year he won the USA’s National Mandolin Championship in Winfield, KS. A fixture of the bluegrass scene, he has performed and collaborated with Béla Fleck, Tony Trischka, Michael Daves, Grant Gordy, Wes Corbett, and Alex Hargreaves, to name a few. 

Currently, his focus is on his own ensemble, The Jacob Jolliff Band—one of the most cutting-edge progressive bluegrass groups on the scene today. The band plays a combination of complex original instrumental music and vocal repertoire that spans from trad bluegrass to unlikely pop covers. Improvisation and the ensemble interplay are at the forefront.

Register here: https://ridgefieldlibrary.librarymarket.com/event/hold-ridgefield-folk-jacob-jolliff-126274

The Artists Collective of Westport is excited to announce its first
“New Members Exhibit” in the Sheffer Barn at the Westport Playhouse. 

The following 14 new Collective members will be
showing their work in a variety of media:
Laura Appelman
Peggy Dembicer
Tim Eaton
Ira Hara
Julie Hicks
Tom Kretsch
Shelly Lowenstein
Paula Morgan
Erwin Ong
Butch Quick
Jodi Rabinowitz
Elizabeth Hiltz Thomas,
Michael Tomashefsky
Rowene Weems.

The fun and free reception will be on Tuesday, March 3 from 6 to 8pm
with food, beverages and music by Broadway music conductor
and composer Caren Cole.

The exhibit will be open from March 4 - 7 from 12 noon to 4pm each day, with artists talks at 4pm on Sunday, March 8

Below, 3 minute video about the Artists Collective of Westport

Join us on Saturday, February 28th at the SoNo Branch Library for a Chinese New Year Celebration! Sign up and bring everyone for activities and shows that'll bring joy and wonder!

Link: https://www.norwalkpl.org/FormCenter/Online-Registration-Form-5/Norwalk-Chinese-School-New-Year-Celebrat-967?fbclid=IwY2xjawP8cjdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJqcGU0dFUxSTFJQzQ2Um5vc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHijg8_N9mN75byS8fJjY25jM6pi-m-rE73roVw-BEjfdgIwZWCziLoVc5EAl_aem_5POHGGqyowm2HNgjPxJciw

Drop in for a wonderful afternoon of FREE Jazz with Melissa Newman and Tony Lombardozzi.

Silvermine Galleries is proud to present “The Power of Love,” an inspiring exhibition celebrating love as an active, generative force, one that heals, connects, uplifts, and transforms.
Rooted in Silvermine’s long tradition of artistic exploration and community engagement, this show highlights art’s ability to create meaning, foster connection, and inspire hope.

Join us for the opening reception on Valentine’s Day and experience works that express love through color, form, light, texture, and material, celebrating its capacity to strengthen, nurture, and uplift.

Opening Reception: February 14, 2026
Silvermine Galleries, New Canaan, CT
Free and open to the public

Celebrate love, art, and community with us this Valentine’s Day!

https://www.silvermineart.org/.../silvermine-arts-center.../

#SilvermineGalleries #ThePowerOfLove #ArtExhibition #ValentinesDay #CommunityThroughArt #ArtWithHeart

💘💖MIC OF LOVE!: FEBRUARY OPEN MIC at Eco Evolution!💖💘
✨JOIN US for an awesome evening of music, comedy, poetry, creative community, and more!! Valentine’s Day theming in performances is optional but very encouraged!!
✨SAVE THE DATE or SIGN UP NOW to perform!!
➡️ SIGN UP via link in bio!!

✨For sign-up questions contact FUMFA Poets & Writers Live
✨For venue-related questions contact Eco Evolution

NORWALK CLOTHING SWAP at The Art Monster Studio

Thursday, February 12, 2026

4:00 - 8:00 PM

Get ready to swap your clothes and refresh your wardrobe!

Join us for a fun-filled event where you can exchange your pre-loved clothes with others. This event is all about refreshing your wardrobe in a mindful, joyful way, and building connections right here in Norwalk. It’s sustainable, fun, and a great way to try something new without spending a dime.

What type of clothing will be swapped? Adult, womens, mens, and unisex items are welcome. More details in the FAQ!

What to bring: Participants are encouraged to bring up to 20 gently used items. Please ensure all clothing and accessories are clean, in good condition, and free of rips, stains, or tears. Seasonal pieces are especially appreciated.

Item drop-off times:

• Monday, Feb 9 (10 AM–6 PM)

• Tuesday, Feb 10 (10 AM–6 PM)

• Wednesday, Feb 11 (10 AM–6 PM)

• Thursday, Feb 12 (10 AM–3 PM) - in advance of the event!

Our volunteer organizing team will sort and style everything in advance. When the swap opens, you’ll be able to browse and take home up to 20 items for free.

Giving back: We’ll be collecting an optional $10 donation to support the Art Monster Children’s Art Program. All unclaimed clothing will also be donated. Come for the clothes, stay for the community. Whether you’re looking to declutter, discover something new, or celebrate self-love in a creative space, this swap is a welcoming place for all.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Volunteer with Us: If you would like to volunteer, please email: freelancefitz@gmail.com. This event is being organized by Natalia Aristizabal & Cait Fitzpatrick.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/norwalk-clothing-swap-at-the-art-monster-studio-tickets-1981437577132?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawPgrLhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF0NTVlNFZ1eWdaNjQzQlMxc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjfCW4IPhjUzhBQlk3U6USSGcjBA4OJb9XRWILn4cXNEPDFoXc6Df-UqbbJ4_aem_0fuDyQsPxRFkIiiz5WoTWg

Join us in person to celebrate 100 years of Black history, culture, and achievements!

Celebrate A Century of Black History

Join us as we commemorate 100 YEARS of national recognition of Black history through a reflective community gathering honoring the ongoing impact of Black life and culture, featuring brief historical reflection, community voices, and dialogue.

Guest Speakers:

• Erika Foster-Senteio, Ministerial Associate, First Congregational Church

• Jahmane West, Artist & Owner, Art of Jahmane & Kultjah

Light refreshments will be provided. Enjoy coffee and pastries courtesy of Black By Demand

RSVP https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-a-century-of-black-history-tickets-1980333772623?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Wilton Library is pleased to present "Western Stars," a solo exhibition by Redding resident, Robert Mars, on view from February 5 through February 27. In this new body of work, Mars explores the intersection of myth and memory, drawing connections between classic western films and the glowing iconography of vintage neon signs. Both shaped the mythology of the American West—transforming history into enduring symbols of freedom, danger, and rugged individualism. By pairing cinematic drama with luminous roadside Americana, Mars examines how these myths persist in our cultural memory, flickering between fact and fantasy, darkness and light. 

About Robert Mars

Chronicling a fascination with 1950’s and 60’s iconography, Robert Mars creates artwork that celebrates both the commonplace objects and spectacular icons of an era long past and how they remain relevant in today's society. Although looking to the past, his artwork reflects a thoroughly modern vision, and is presented in an exquisitely constructed manner. His eye for a distinct facet of American history is impeccable, and his ability to manipulate both the color and wordplay of vintage printed material has earned him reference with the likes of Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, and Richard Diebenkorn, among other masters from the School of Pop. By taking inspiration from the Golden Age of American popular culture and celebrating figures of the 1950’s and 60’s. The past is always present. 

A graduate of Parsons School of Design in New York, Mars often references his decades as a  graphic designer in his work. Mars’ artwork is exhibited worldwide including museum, corporate, and private collections in Munich, Tokyo, Amsterdam, London, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Laguna  Beach, Paris, Aspen, and Australia. 

Opening Reception on Friday, February 6 from 6 to 7:30pm is free and open to the public. Exhibition runs through Friday, February 27. A majority of the works will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the library.   

❄️𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘❕𝗗𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗻𝗼𝘄𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝘂𝗿 @coalspizza 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝙎𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝟭/𝟯𝟭 (previously 1/25) Swing through from 5-8 to see awesome 🖼️ and eat good🍕 𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨❕

If you are in the area, we hope you will pop in to see some new artwork, share some refreshments, visit with our friends and family, and support Open Doors with a donation of nonperishable food or personal hygiene items. Event is free.

Optional- Artwork will available for sale "Off the Wall"--20% of sales will be donated to Open Door. Brendan's 101 will be open for business, so feel free to support our friends Christine and Brendan McGee, by buying a snack, treat, or staying for dinner afterwards!

If you are unable to attend, the show will continue until February 27th during store hours.

Saturday, January 31 from 4-6pm: Opening Reception

Wednesday, Jan. 14: Pre-exhibition Group visit to the NBMAA, including lunch and tour of the exhibition Norman Rockwell From Camera To Canvas

Wednesday, Feb. 11: The Legacy of Gordon Parks,  presentation & reception with exhibit juror Peter Kunhardt Jr. (tentatvie)

Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 6pm:  Flashes Of Brilliance, presentation & book signing with author Anika Burgess

The poets of The Northeast Coast share their poems live and celebrate the launch of The Northeast Coast Press!

You're invited to From The Northeast Coast to Norwalk, our first in-person event in Norwalk, CT! As you might have seen on social media, this event will include time to meet and mingle with poets from Issues I and II and time to hear them share their poems at the mic! We will also be celebrating the launch of The Northeast Coast Press and its pilot poetry collection, Editor Katherine E. Schneider's Breaking the Fever! Light refreshments and beverages will be provided.

The event will take place on Saturday, January 31 from 4pm to 6pm at the awesome Art Monster Studio at 57 Chestnut Street. There is plenty of free parking at the venue for those driving. For those traveling from further away, the venue is a very short walk or ride from the South Norwalk train station, and the Residence Inn Norwalk is close to the venue and train too if you'd like to make it an overnight getaway!

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-the-northeast-coast-to-norwalk-tickets-1964457334770?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

We are so excited to reveal the extraordinary collection of PoP Art in the main gallery this evening. Bermano and Vinci pulled out all the stops for this exhibit! We also are proud to showcase an incredible group exhibition on the main level. Jodi Decrenza, Melinda Buie, Charles Seton, Meredith Mulhearn and gallery owner/artist Suzanne Bellehumeur. There is ample parking both in the rear gallery parking lot, adjacent street - Lafayette PL and the large municipal parking lot 1/2 block down Lafayette PL on the left.

Let's celebrate local! We're excited to showcase several of the brands that we carry in store, and some special guests who will be joining us that evening.

Try out samples from Red Bee Honey, Be Chocolat, Grace Farms Tea, Glasshouse Fragrances, Michael Joseph's Catering, our Forget Me Not Collection custom photography greeting cards, plus some special guests; Piecemeal Farms Gourmet Mushrooms, Cedaface Oils, Lynne Mercein Jewelry & Captain Zig Brewery. There will be tastings, nibbles and drinks to enjoy with opportunities to ask questions of the vendors and try their products.

All attendees that pre-register will receive a 10% discount on products sold by Nielsen's. Product offered directly through the vendors is not eligible for the discount.

BE Chocolat

BE was started by husband-and-wife team Benoit and Sylvie in 2014. Benoit was born and raised in Belgium, and after earning his Belgian Master Chocolatier degree in 2009, he went on to be the Head Chef of the chocolate corner at the Belgian Pavilion during the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. When they moved to the US, he was making chocolate for friends and family who encouraged them to open up a storefront so everyone could enjoy their chocolate creations. So in 2021 they did just that and opened the Atelier in Fairfield. BE Chocolat emphasizes craftsmanship, creativity and selecting chocolates to make each visit an experience.

Cedaface Oil

Handmade in small batches in Rowayton, Ceda face oils are delicious smelling, organic beauty oils made especially for faces but still beneficial to all parts of the body, including scalp and hair. The oils are comprised of non-clogging, plant-based carrier oils (organic grapeseed, apricot kernel, and rosehip seed oils, organic jojoba) and unique combinations of essential oils that have multiple and varying benefits to the skin, with no chemicals or preservatives. There are 13 different mixes in a variety of scents—from floral to citrus to musk to woodsy—so people can choose according to their likes, and/or potential skin issues.

Captain Zig Brewery

Captain Zig is our very own superhero imagined by our youngest daughter. Our company embodies the spirit of promoting the inner superhero in all of us.

We have been brewing since 2008, perfecting our personal recipes along the way. Based in Darien, CT, our goal has always been to create beers we can enjoy with family and friends. In 2023, we decided it was time to expand our ability to share our recipes with a larger audience.

Thus, the canning process began and Captain Zig Brewing was born.

Grace Farms Tea

Grace Farms Tea & Coffee is an ethical tea and coffee brand rooted in sustainability, wellness, and social impact. We source organic teas and specialty coffees from women-led cooperatives and smallholder farmers around the world, supporting peace, resilience, and community through every cup.

Glasshouse Fragrances

We believe that our sense of smell is the most powerful one of all.

This is the world we inhabit and continually create at Glasshouse Fragrances. Complex, layered fine fragrances in many forms that make you feel something. Deeper. Beyond our product and yourself. What we make and where we take you is further than fragrance itself. Close your eyes. Open your imagination.

Lynne Mercein Fine Jewelry

Lynne Mercein draws her design inspiration from the natural beauty of the beaches, mountains and countryside around the world.

She began metalsmithing as a young girl in Northern California, where she was born and raised. Her father, who made jewelry as a hobby, introduced her to the art of jewelry making. Her passion was sparked then and her desire to work with metal and gemstones grew into adulthood. Now, Lynne designs and fabricates her pieces working with a team of New York City based metalsmiths and gem setters. Each design continues to celebrate the beauty of the natural world and is made with the utmost care and precision. Using 20 years of experience and training, Lynne hand selects all gems and ensures that each and every piece is a true work of art.

Red Bee Honey

Red Bee is a boutique honey company and design studio curated by author and honey sommelier
C. Marina Marchese. The collection offers single - origin honey, beeswax candles, soap, lip balm,
handmade stationary and journals.

Michael Joseph's Catering

Founded in 1985, Michael Joseph’s Catering provides high quality catering and event needs for customers in Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Our experienced, professional culinary chefs and event planners are known for their unique and distinctive styles in food preparation and presentation.

Joseph M Viesta, Michael Joseph's founder has successfully planned and catered events for over 30 years. His services extend far beyond his clients' needs. Formally he served on the Board of Directors for STAR , Lighting The WAy , the Darien Chamber of Commerce, Darien United Way and the Center for Hope.

Justin M Viesta along with Gary Newman , Matt Ness & Kelcie Lopez, work together to create innovative and palate-pleasing menus and desserts. With their creative event planning ideas and expertise , events catered by Michael Joseph's Catering are both unique and memorable.

The entire staff at Michael Joseph's Catering is customer focused, dedicated, innovative and experienced and will create that special event for you.

This new photography art form introduces that by capturing the essence of a subject without specific form and detail, the experience is no longer literal. This increases the ability for one to pull from their own understanding, feelings, and perspective while interpreting the subject. Nabil West refers to this new form as “Interpretism”. During post-pandemic years, he was drawn to the open space created in one of his earlier works (Heartbeat, 2017). West longed for the "breathing room" or the time and space he had for reflection during the pandemic. This openness can be felt in the art work.

Another defining characteristic of the art is that these photographs are untouched, and as viewed through the lens, with the intent of bringing nature's true colors and imagery indoors. The approach of this photographic art creates indistinguishable transitions between colors, while celebrating nature’s vibrancy and wide tonal range, originating from often color-specific locations from around the world. It presents the beauty and power of nature without the cerebral distraction of detail, transforming the experience of viewing into more of a feeling rather than a thought.

“These works have just returned from their debut at Miami art week, and I am moved by the response it received! I hope you can join in viewing for yourself at this upcoming reception. It would be wonderful to see you there!” - Nabil West

Aaron Q. Weinstein, PhD, Assistant Professor of Politics at Fairfield University, delivers the opening lecture for our new exhibition.

To mark the opening of the exhibition For Which It Stands..., Aaron Q. Weinstein, PhD, Assistant Professor of Politics, will deliver a lecture at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, exploring the complex role of the U.S. flag in America’s “civil religion.” Dr. Weinstein will examine how the flag's meaning shifts based on context, political use, and personal interpretation.

His talk will be introduced by Executive Director and Exhibition Curator Carey Weber, with remarks by Fairfield University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD. The lecture will also be livestreamed on Arts & Minds Live (to register for a reminder, click here).

To register for the reception that will follow the lecture in Bellarmine Hall, click here. Shuttles will be available between the Quick Center and Bellarmine Hall.

About the exhibition: This exhibition examines depictions of the American flag through 70+ works by a diverse group of artists, beginning during WWI with Childe Hassam’s Italian Day, May 1918 and continuing to the present day, including a textile sculpture commissioned for the show from Maria de Los Angeles. The exhibition includes work in a variety of media by artists including Jasper Johns, Faith Ringgold, Robert Rauschenberg, Shepard Fairey, and Julie Mehretu, and challenges viewers to consider who the American flag truly represents and whether justice is available to all.

For Which It Stands… forms part of America250: The Promise and Paradox, an initiative through which Fairfield University Explores 250 Years of the American Experiment.

Samuel Owen Gallery specializes in contemporary art, both original works and multiples. Samuel Owen Gallery maintains an extensive inventory of work by David Yarrow, Paul Rousso, Nick Veasey, Tyler Shields, Daniel Allen Cohen, Charles Patrick, and Charlie Bluett to name just a few. With over 20 years of experience in the art business, owners Lee and Cindy Milazzo share an unerring eye for unique and engaging contemporary art.  Lee and Cindy and their staff enjoy sharing their knowledge of art and artists, so whether a seasoned collector or new to collecting art, visitors to the gallery will be treated to a memorable experience. Please visit our website at www.samuelowen.com.

Event Details

Jelani Cobb, the renowned journalist, scholar, speaker, and current dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, will be the guest of honor at Westport’s 20th annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration.

The annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration is a partnership between the Library, TEAM Westport, the Westport Country Playhouse, Westport Museum for History and Culture, and the Westport/Weston Clergy Association.

Why You Should Come

Cobb is a clear voice in the fight for a better America. The dean of the Columbia Journalism School and PBS Frontline correspondent for two critically acclaimed documentaries, Cobb explores the enormous complexities of our history, politics, and culture, while offering guidance and hope for the future.

A longtime writer for The New Yorker, the editor of its anthology collection The Matter of Black Lives, and the author of Three or More Is a Riot (one of Kirkus‘s best books of the year), Cobb “combines the rigor and depth of a professional historian with the alertness of a reporter, the liberal passion of an engaged public intellectual, and the literary flair of a fine writer,” said Hendrik Hertzberg, The New Yorker.

About Westport’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is an annual event commemorating the life and values of Dr. King, held the weekend before the observed Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Past Martin Luther King Jr. celebration keynote speakers include National Book Award winner and MacArthur Fellow Ibram X. Kendi; Pulitzer Prize winner James Forman Jr.; New York Times best-selling authors Heather McGhee and Layla Saad; Guggenheim Scholar Carol Anderson; American Book Award winner Tricia Rose; Quinnipiac Law School founder Marilyn Ford; author/artist/ filmmaker/multi-dimensional performance artist Junauda Petrus, former King speechwriter and advisor Dr. Clarence B. Jones; and last year’s guest, award-winning writer, producer, and Shondaland visionary Shonda Rhimes.

About Jelani Cobb

Renowned for his thoughtful and incisive exploration of the complexities of our history, politics, and culture, Cobb received a Peabody Award for his 2020 PBS Frontline film Whose Vote Counts? and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Commentary in 2018. He joined the Columbia Journalism School faculty in 2016 and became dean in 2022.

Cobb has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since 2015 and a political analyst for MS Now since 2019. He is the author of The Substance of Hope: Barack Obama and the Paradox of Progress and To the Break of Dawn: A Freestyle on the Hip Hop Aesthetic, and the editor or co-editor of several volumes, including The Matter of Black Lives, a collection of The New Yorker’s writings on race, and The Essential Kerner Commission Report. He also is producer or co-producer on a number of documentaries, including Lincoln’s Dilemma, Obama: A More Perfect Union, Policing the Police and THE RIOT REPORT.

Cobb’s most recent work is Three or More Is a Riot, a collection of both published and original writing from his frontline reporting over the last decade. Three or More Is a Riot was named one of Kirkus’ best books of the year.

“Three or More Is a Riot is an archive of a writer at the height of his powers — and his powers are many,” said Ta-Nehisi Coates, author of The Message and Between the World and Me. “Insight, historical memory, reportage, pith, and, not least of all, wit. All these gifts Jelani Cobb deploys here without missing a beat, effortlessly weaving them into his own distinctive style.”

Click here to see a clip of Cobb’s conversation, “The Most Valuable Tool in the Search for Equality”

A graduate of Jamaica High School in Queens, New York, Cobb earned his BA from Howard University and received both is MA and doctorate (in American History) from Rutgers University.

In addition to his work at Columbia, The New Yorker, and MS Now, Cobb serves on the board of directors of the American Journalism Project and the board of trustees of the New York Public Library. He received an honorary doctorate for the Advancement of Science and Art from Cooper Union in 2022, and an honorary doctorate of letters from Rutgers University in 2024. York College / CUNY and Teachers College have honored him with medals.

He was elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in 2023 and is a recipient of fellowships from the Ford Foundation, the Fulbright Foundation, and the Shorenstein Center at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

About Trey Ellis

Ellis is an American Book Award-winning novelist, two-time Emmy- and Peabody-winning filmmaker, NAACP Image award-winning playwright and essayist, and professor of professional practice at Columbia University’s School of the Arts. His lauded first novel, Platitudes, was reissued by Northeastern University Press along with his influential essay, “The New Black Aesthetic.” He also served as executive producer of King in the Wilderness, the 2018 Emmy Award-winning HBO documentary (Outstanding Historical Documentary) on the last three days of Dr. King’s life.

Reserve here: https://westportlibrary.org/event/20th-annual-rev-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-celebration-peabody-award-winning-journalist-and-scholar-jelani-cobb/

Lesley’s amazing photography of familiar waterfront landscapes will be on display at the Westport Book Shop in January! Join us to celebrate and appreciate his beautiful images of seaside towns including Westport, Southport, Black Rock, Provincetown, and Martha’s Vineyard.
Whether you’re an art lover or simply curious, this is the perfect chance to enjoy inspiring visuals and good vibes. All photograph purchases will benefit the Westport Public Library.

In the interplay between narrative and physical form, some objects offer what can be described as performative stories: narratives told through physical movement as well as words or images. Performative Stories will feature multidisciplinary artists Dan Hurlin and Maiko Kikuchi, experimental filmmaker Janie Geiser, and photographer Jason Gardner.

Co-curated by Leslee Asch and Kate Sheridan Chung

Exhibit dates: 1/15/26 - 3/4/26

Threads of Community

FREE OPENING RECEPTION THURSDAY 1/15 6-8pm

Join us as we celebrate Threads of Community, an exhibition bringing together artists whose practices are rooted in the fiber arts—stitching, weaving, embroidery, crochet, knitting, and construction with fiber. Through both tradition and innovation, these artists transform fiber into a powerful language of connection, memory, and making.

Featured Artists:
Faustin Adeniran, Carlos Biernnay, Naomi Clark, Linda Colletta, Ruben Marroquin, Sooo-z Mastropiece, Christina Morrow, and Liz Squillace—each weaving personal histories, cultural narratives, and experimental processes into a richly layered exhibition.

Upstairs in the loft gallery, artists and designers from Red Fashion School continue the conversation, where fiber bridges fine art, fashion, and design.

Threads of Community reminds us that community is not a single thread, but a tapestry—woven from many hands, stories, and shared experiences.

Opening Reception: Thursday Jan 15th, 6 - 8pm
 Location: The Norwalk Art Space
 Free & open to the public

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Event Details

JazzFC and Darien Library present: Grammy nominated pianist James Weidman with Harvie S, featuring Greg Wall and Ryan Sands.

Music of Monk, Mingus, Ellington, Gershwin and Weidman.

About the Quartet

Grammy nominated pianist James Weidman got his start as a member of James Moody’s band, and is currently a member of Joe Lovano’s US Five. He has recorded and toured with vocalists  Abby Lincoln, Cassandra Wilson and Kevin Mahogany.

Harvie S is one of the most recorded bassists of our time, appearing on well over 400 releases! His duo recordings with singer Sheila Jordan and pianist Kenny Barron are legendary.

Saxophonist Greg Wall is the Artistic Director of JazzFC, and has performed his music throughout the world, and brings the brightest stars of the New York Jazz scene to Westport’s Jazz at the Post each week.

Connecticut-born drummer Ryan Sands has emerged as one of today’s top young jazz drummers, performing with artists such as Terell Stafford, Geoffrey Keezer, and Jason Marsalis, and holding the drum chair for Christian Sands and Altus. With degrees from NEC and the Manhattan School of Music, he now teaches at Yale and SCSU. 

About JazzFC

The Jazz Society of Fairfield County (JazzFC) was formed to enrich the cultural life of Fairfield County by promoting the performance and appreciation of Jazz and its heritage.

JazzFC offers free or low-cost concerts by accomplished artists, outreach to under-served audiences, and educational and performance opportunities for student, amateur and emerging professional musicians. They are also committed to the maintenance and preservation of their historic 1937 Steinway Model M grand piano, formerly the house piano at the famous Village Gate jazz club in New York City, which has been played by an extensive list of iconic jazz musicians and appears on many recordings.

Presenting regular local concerts since 2015, JazzFC hosts a weekly jazz club, “Jazz at the Post”, in partnership with Westport’s Joseph J. Clinton VFW Post 399, with celebrated jazz artists such as Ethan Iverson, Antonio Hart, David Kikoski, Harvie S, and Joe Farnsworth as well as introducing our audience to the new generation of musicians moving the tradition forward.

JazzFC provides outreach to seniors, benefit performances for Veterans, and student musician clinics led by world-class professional musicians, followed by live performance opportunities by the students with their clinicians. In 2022, they launched a scholarship award for deserving students pursuing a higher education in music. JazzFC is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization.

Reserve Tix: https://www.darienlibrary.org/event/tentative-jazz-society-fairfield-county-jazzfc-94200