Community Events Calendar

Using both hand-building techniques and the potter’s wheel, participants learn the foundational skills needed to create basic ceramic cups, bowls, and floral containers. As students refine these skills, they will work on more complex projects. This will enable them to combine techniques, push their creativity, and practice creative problem-solving.

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Glazing, slips, and other surface treatments will be explored. There will be instructor demonstrations and individual consultations. Wear clothes that can get dirty.

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In this 3-session class, children ages 7-11 learn to fold, construct and paint 3-dimensional stars for the holidays. Stars can be used as window decorations or as ornaments. Perfect gifts for the season. All materials included. No experience necessary.

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Cathy Lovell’s lifelong interest in the creative arts continues to guide her through a gratifying career as both art educator and studio artist. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire and Wesleyan University, Cathy has taught in the Newton, MA, Greenwich, CT and East Lyme, CT public school systems. She has also taught private classes in various fields including stained glass, jewelry making and silver work, enameling, ceramics, glass bead making, and quilting.

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In the interest of furthering her own education, Cathy received a scholarship to attend the Pilchuck Glass School where she worked with Dale Chihuly and Patrick Reyntiens. Her interest in felting began with a workshop led by Lynne Ocone at the Guilford Art Center. Cathy is a member of the Northeast Felt makers Guild where she has had the privilege of participating in classes given by world renowned felt makers. Cathy credits her friend and fellow felt maker Catherine Stebinger with sharing ongoing creative energy, inspiration, and encouragement. Her work is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

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Yale Camerata is holding in-person auditions for experienced singers of the Yale and greater New Haven communities on December 10 and 11, 2025. Soprano, alto, tenor, and bass positions open.

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All auditions will be held in The Great Hall (N100), Yale Divinity School, 409 Prospect Street, New Haven. Registration is required.

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For more information and registration link, see the ISM Choral Auditions website.

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Yale Camerata is a choral ensemble of approximately 80 singers, with a special commitment to diverse choral music, open to experienced singers from the Yale and New Haven communities. The choir is conducted by Dr. Felicia Barber.

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Contact: Don Youngberg

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The BACA Gallery will be open into the evening as part of Branford's Shop, Sip & Stroll event for your holiday shopping convenience. Drop by for festive refreshments, find that special artist-made gift and leave with a complimentary treat for yourself.

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Free

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A mingle of handmade goods locally crafted by talented artisans.

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In need of more permanent representation, we created a space to gather, to encourage, and sell. Come join us.

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1st Mingle Dec. 11 5-8 pm

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Also by appointment starting Jan 2025. Call 203 823 7425

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Inaugurated in 1867, Street Hall—today part of the Yale University Art Gallery—housed the first school of art in the country. Its curriculum permitted students from a variety of disciplines to sketch from live models and original works of art. Take part in this centuries-old practice by joining us for an evening of guided sketching. 

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Open to all ages and levels of drawing experience. Materials are provided.

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University students: if you need a break from your studies, join us for an hour of sketching and listening to music, with a takeaway treat at the end. 

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Explore the craft of screen printing in this engaging, hands-on workshop. Start with a live demonstration of screen creation, where you’ll learn how to prepare and set up designs. Then, try your hand at printing your own designs using pre-made screens. Ideal for beginners or those curious about trying a new creative technique, this workshop offers a chance to combine practical skills with artistic expression, resulting in custom prints to take home.

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What to Expect:  

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• A step-by-step demonstration of the screen creation process, including design preparation and screen coating.

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• Hands-on practice screen printing using pre-made screens and vibrant inks.

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• The opportunity to print your own designs onto fabric or paper.

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Skills You’ll Acquire:  

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•  Screen Printing Basics:  Learn the essentials of screen preparation and printing.

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•  Printing Techniques:  Develop skills for even ink application and clean design transfer.

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•  Creative Design Insight:  Gain an understanding of the artistic possibilities of screen printing.

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What’s Provided:  

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• All materials, including pre-made screens, fabric, paper, and inks.

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• Tools and equipment for screen printing.

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• Expert guidance from an experienced screen printing instructor.

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Who Should Attend:  

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• Beginners interested in learning screen printing techniques.

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• Creatives looking to explore a new medium for their artwork.

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• DIY enthusiasts eager to craft custom prints for clothing, home decor, or art.

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Prerequisites/Safety Information:  

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• No prior experience is necessary; beginners are welcome.

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• Wear clothing you don’t mind getting a little ink on.

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• All materials and safety instructions will be provided.

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Instructor: Austin Larkin

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Tickets:

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Standard Ticket: $87.00

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MakeHaven Members: $74.00

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You must click below and REGISTER to attend at:

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https://www.makehaven.org/civicrm/event/info?id=591&reset=1&reset=1

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Scroll to the bottom of the page and complete the information under Register (gray box) and hit submit. You will receive an acknowledgement by email. Questions? Email info@makehaven.org

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Rich with stunning musical performances, the documentary Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music captures  Taylor Mac ’s marathon, 24-hour immersive theatrical experience. The one-time-only concert offered an alternative take on U.S. history, narrated through popular music performed by Mac (accompanied by a 24-piece orchestra) in elaborate, decade-specific costumes. 

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Following the film screening stay for a conversation with Taylor Mac and  Machine Dazzle  moderated by  Tavia Nyong’O  the William Lampson Professor of American Studies; Black Studies; Performance Studies; and Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies at Yale University.

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Presented by HBO Documentary Films in association with Content Superba, a Telling Pictures and Pomegranate Arts Production in association with Fifth Season and Nature’s Darlings. Directed and produced by  Rob Epstein  and  Jeffrey Friedman ; produced by Joel Stillerman, Linda Brumbach, Alisa E. Regas, Taylor Mac, Mari Rivera. Executive producers, Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller; coordinating producer, Anna Klein.

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Taylor Mac’s 24 Decade History of Popular Music was a decade in the making and captures Mac’s lens on the entirety of US history from 1776 to present day. The 24-hour live show, comprising over 240 songs and performed by Mac and a huge supporting cast, was performed only once in its entirety in Brooklyn, NY. Oscar-winning filmmakers Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman adapt this tour de force performance in all its righteous outrage and radical humanity in this feature length documentary.

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Thursday, December 11, 2025

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Supersuckers

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Scott H. Biram

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King Sickabilly

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$23 advanced / $28 at the door

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21+

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Doors at 7 PM

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Music at 8 PM

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SUPERSUCKERS

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“You’ve heard our name, you’ve seen our records, our t-shirts and our stickers. We’re probably the favorite band of someone you know and yet maybe we’re still a mystery to you. Well my friend, that’s okay, you’re at the right place to get to know the greatest rock-n-roll band in the world, The Supersuckers.

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And the next time you see the ‘Supersuckers’ name, whether it’s in the record store, online somewhere, or on the marquee at your local rock club, know that there are some quality, honest, ass-kicking, hard-working individuals behind it all trying to make your life a little better through the “Evil Powers Of Rock-n-Roll” (and the occasional detour into the country music, of course) and we’d love nothing better than to have you there with us as! Just remember to wear clean underwear, ‘cuz we’re gonna rock the pants right off of you!”– Eddie Spaghetti, The Supersuckers

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SCOTT H. BIRAM

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Scott H. Biram unleashes a fervent display of conviction through, not only the genuine blues, classic country, bluegrass, and rock n roll, but he seals the deal with punk, heavy metal, and frankly, anything else he wants to. He’s The Dirty Old One Man Band. He will still the room with haunting South Texas blues, then turn it upside down, into a truck driver’s mosh pit. Like he says, it might be baptism, or it might be murder, either way…you gonna see the light.

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This legally ordained preacher’s singing, yodeling, growling, leering and brash preachin’ and hollerin’ is accompanied by sloppy riffs, and licks literally yanked, one at a time, out of his collection of crusty, worn out, Gibson hollowbody guitars, and battle axes. All this held down with a pounding backbeat brought forth by his amplified left foot, and self customed stomp board. The remainder of this brutally charming one-man band consists of an unwieldy combination of beat-up amplifiers and old microphones strung together by a tangled mess of guitar cables. Don’t get too close! You gonna get some grease on ya!

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Years of compulsive touring, along with a steady diet of down and dirty blues, rock, punk, country, and hillbilly have developed Scott H. Biram’s signature concoction, attracting a hefty array of fans who dig the bizarre and twisted sides of the rock and roll spectrum. His live shows, performed all over the world, deliver a take no prisoners attitude, a stomping, pulsing John Lee Hooker-channeling, and cockeyed tales of black water baptisms and murder, all while romanticizing the on-the-road lifestyle.

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SCOTT H. BIRAM IS THE DIRTY OLD ONE MAN BAND.

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KING SICKABILLY

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Serious songwriting from YEARS of hardship, road experience and inner turmoil.

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The way it was supposed to be, but with a new approach.

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Over 10 years of relentless touring has cemented SASQUATCH as one of the most high gear, powerhouse band leaders around... his bands, The Sick-a-Billys, Holy Hellraisers, Full Moon Boys and his critically acclaimed King Sickabilly 'One Man Band' have all stayed true as far as vocals, lyrics and his fiery guitar-work. Never giving up his song-writing mission... keeping real music alive and dangerous in the under-underground. Risen from a not so forgotten past, when Live Music still meant something and the scene wasn't a Pre-Apocalyptic Ghost Town... bloody fingertips and a soul-haunting voice will deliver you songs about Sin, Love, Murder, Tornadoes and drinking until you wake up under a random barstool.

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Cafe Nine

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250 State Street

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New Haven, CT 06510

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During November 24, 2025– February 4, 2026, the NewAlliance Foundation Art Gallery at CT State Community College, Gateway Campus is pleased to present the work of Hafsa Nouman and Sarah Phyllis Smith in their two-person exhibition “You Will Be the Mirror”.

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This exhibition includes luminous abstract paintings by Hafsa Nouman, and delicate narrative photographs from Sarah Phyllis Smith. Nouman’s abstract fields are mirrored in Smith’s conceptual photographs and both artists deconstruct space, context, and interpretation with their unique, thought provoking art practices.

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Hafsa’s practice focuses on the deconstruction of colonial hierarchies embedded in patriarchal spaces- both monumental and domestic. Her critical focus is rooted in the relationship between ‘object’ and ‘desire’ which often results in visual excavations of architectural thresholds, such as doors, walls, and wrought iron patterns. Through those thresholds, Nouman creates a spatial logic that brings attention to the painted object’s histories, and material realities in a way that they can be re-embodied in the gallery space.

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Sarah’s photography follows another deconstruction through abstraction and manipulation of the images. Though her work is deeply personal, themes of loss, longing, and desire permeate throughout her images, and act as both voyeuristic insight and decontextualization. In this examination of her personal experiences the viewer is invited into her both stark and tender space, where deep and slow processing occurs. When we see figures in her work, they are sometimes performative, and sometimes autobiographical. These two directions bring Sarah’s images into their own world. They come from a realistic documentation, but through her perception we arrive at an open-ended meditative place of self-discovery.

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Please join us for a reception on Thursday, December 4, 5:00-7:00pm with light refreshments and food. The NewAlliance Foundation Art Gallery at CT State Community College, Gateway is open Monday -Friday 9:00am-9:00pm.

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Artist Talk:11:00am-12:00pm in the Gallery.

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The Guilford Art Center’s annual Holiday Expo returns November 14, 2025 – January 11, 2026, offering an extraordinary selection of handcrafted gifts from hundreds of local and regional artists and makers.

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For the season, the GAC Shop doubles in size, filling both the shop and the gallery space with one-of-a-kind treasures: jewelry, home goods, clothing, accessories, ornaments, specialty foods, and more. Each piece is handmade with care, making the gift as unique as the person receiving it.

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 New this year, the Holiday Expo will also feature a special section of work by members of the Lyme Artisans Guild , known for their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to preserving traditional techniques. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase their beautiful, locally made creations alongside other Holiday Expo artists. The Guild’s mission closely aligns with GAC’s, making for an exciting seasonal partnership.

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 “The Holiday Expo is a celebration of creativity and community,” says Maureen Belden, Executive Director of Guilford Art Center. “When you shop here, you’re not just finding a beautiful, handmade gift—you’re supporting local artists, investing in their livelihoods, and helping to sustain the arts in our region. Every purchase makes a difference.”

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 Lyme Artisans Guild President Carol Stanland adds, “Handcrafts are very much about community and making connections with people in a community, making any acquisition more meaningful than it would otherwise be. We at LAG very much enjoy sharing our process as well as our products. Knowledge about process gives our products depth.”

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 New items arrive throughout the season, so there’s always something fresh to discover. Personal shoppers are available to help with selections, and businesses can arrange custom gift packages for employees.

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 Events:

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• November 14: Opening Reception, 5–7pm
• November 15: Egyptian Coil Chaining Demo (for wire jewelry) with Michelle Pearson
• November 22: Gel Printing on Paper Demo with Barbara Eaglesham
• December 13: Color and Pattern Matching in Fabric Design Demo with Carol Stanland

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 Proceeds benefit the artists and fund Guilford Art Center’s educational and community programs.

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Holiday Expo Hours:

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November 14, 2025 – January 11, 2026

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Mon–Sat, 10am–5pm | Sun, 12–5pm

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  Location: Guilford Art Center, 411 Church Street, Guilford, CT

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More information: www.guilfordartcenter.org | facebook.com/guilfordartcenter

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Phone: 203-453-5947

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The Guilford Art Center’s annual Holiday Expo returns November 14, 2025 – January 11, 2026, offering an extraordinary selection of handcrafted gifts from hundreds of independent artists and makers. The community is invited to the free Opening Reception event on Friday, Nov 14 from 5-7pm.

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For the season, the GAC Shop doubles in size, filling both the shop and the gallery space with one-of-a-kind treasures: jewelry, home goods, clothing, accessories, ornaments, specialty foods, and more. Each piece is handmade with care, making the gift as unique as the person receiving it.

​

New this year, the Holiday Expo will also feature a special section of work by members of the Lyme Artisans Guild , known for their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to preserving traditional techniques. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase their beautiful, locally made creations alongside other Holiday Expo artists. The Guild’s mission closely aligns with GAC’s, making for an exciting seasonal partnership.

​

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“The Holiday Expo is a celebration of creativity and community,” says Maureen Belden, Executive Director of Guilford Art Center. “When you shop here, you’re not just finding a beautiful, handmade gift—you’re supporting local artists, investing in their livelihoods, and helping to sustain the arts in our region. Every purchase makes a difference.”

​

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Lyme Artisans Guild President Carol Stanland adds, “Handcrafts are very much about community and making connections with people in a community, making any acquisition more meaningful than it would otherwise be. We at LAG very much enjoy sharing our process as well as our products. Knowledge about process gives our products depth.”

​

​

New items arrive throughout the season, so there’s always something fresh to discover. Personal shoppers are available to help with selections, and businesses can arrange custom gift packages for employees.

​

Events:

​

• November 14: Opening Reception, 5–7pm
• November 15: Egyptian Coil Chaining Demo (for wire jewelry) with Michelle Pearson
• November 22: Gel Printing on Paper Demo with Barbara Eaglesham
• December 13: Color and Pattern Matching in Fabric Design Demo with Carol Stanland

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Proceeds benefit the artists and fund Guilford Art Center’s educational and community programs.

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Holiday Expo Hours:

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November 14, 2025 – January 11, 2026

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Mon–Sat, 10am–5pm | Sun, 12–5pm

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Location: Guilford Art Center, 411 Church Street, Guilford, CT

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More information: www.guilfordartcenter.org | facebook.com/guilfordartcenter

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Phone: 203-453-5947

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Exhibit Hours:

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Wednesday – Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday, 12 to 5 pm.

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From Frank Pepe’s original hat to celebrity-signed pizza boxes (including Gwyneth Paltrow and Yogi Berra!), if you love the crust, the crunch and the char of New Haven apizza, or simply have strong views on what comprises a good pie, you’ll find something to feed your personal pizza passion in the new exhibit “Pronounced Ah-Beetz,” open now at the New Haven Museum (NHM) through October 2027.

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“Pronounced Ah-Beetz” examines the fun, the flavor and the history of pizza, including its origin as an affordable means of feeding workers in the fields of Italy, and how it became the food of the poor in the U.S. The Italian migration to New Haven gave way to Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana, which gave birth to Sally’s Apizza, while a mile away Tony’s Apizza became Modern. How these three establishments became among the most iconically loved pizza restaurants in the country is a major focus.

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While the exhibit highlights the “Big 3” original apizza spots in New Haven, it also extends through the family tree of New Haven pizzerias to present a picture of family, food and community that includes a host of other local pizzerias, including: Ernie’s, Zuppardi’s, BAR, Zeneli’s, Olde World, and the Big Green Pizza Truck, among others.

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Exhibition open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm with free parking and admission EXCEPT Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving); Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve); and Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day).

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For centuries people around the world have celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ and numerous traditions have been incorporated into the Christmas season. Advent calendars, Christmas trees, and the display of the crèche, the three-dimensional representation of the Nativity scene, are just a few of these traditions. These traditions also incorporate other important Christian figures and events in Christ’s life, such as St. Nicholas Day and the Feast of the Epiphany.

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This Christmas, the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center presents the exhibit, The Spirit of Christmas, which features crèches and other artwork from around the globe celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and traditions and feast days during the season.

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Enjoy the Christmas season at the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center through this exhibit, the supplemental exhibit Away in a Manger and a variety of programs, including our annual Christmastime Family Day. Discover more of our offerings at https://www.michaelmcgivneycenter.org/

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Make the following offerings a part of your family’s holiday tradition!

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A mixed media show featuring artwork by Susan Stickney

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 🎉 Support Local This Holiday Season! 🎁✨

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Shop local in the Whitney-Audubon District from November 28 to December 24 and enjoy a sweet treat with your purchase!

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🛍️ Spend $25 or more at participating retailers and present your same-day paper receipt to indulge in one of these delightful offers: • FREE Cupcake from Katalina’s Bakery (74 Whitney Avenue) 🧁 • OR FREE Hot Cocoa from Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea (258 Church Street) ☕

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Explore unique finds at Walker-Loden with antiques, jewelry, and festive gifts, or visit Kathadin Furniture for stunning custom rugs and eclectic treasures. Looking for something sparkling? Gilden’s Jewelers has an exquisite selection of jewelry just for you! Or take a festive art class at The Giggling Pig.

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👉 Check out the Official Rules & Regulations and participating merchants in the Whitney-Audubon Retail & Arts District  or https://theshopsatyale.com/holidaysonwhitney/

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Happy Holidays and happy shopping local! ❤️

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 🎉 Support Local This Holiday Season! 🎁✨

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Shop local in the Whitney-Audubon District from November 28 to December 24 and enjoy a sweet treat with your purchase!

​

🛍️ Spend $25 or more at participating retailers and present your same-day paper receipt to indulge in one of these delightful offers: • FREE Cupcake from Katalina’s Bakery (74 Whitney Avenue) 🧁 • OR FREE Hot Cocoa from Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea (258 Church Street) ☕

​

Explore unique finds at Walker-Loden with antiques, jewelry, and festive gifts, or visit Kathadin Furniture for stunning custom rugs and eclectic treasures. Looking for something sparkling? Gilden’s Jewelers has an exquisite selection of jewelry just for you! Or take a festive art class at The Giggling Pig.

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👉 Check out the Official Rules & Regulations and participating merchants in the Whitney-Audubon Retail & Arts District  or https://theshopsatyale.com/holidaysonwhitney/

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Happy Holidays and happy shopping local! ❤️

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 🎉 Holiday Shopping Made Easy! 🚗✨

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Enjoy FREE 2-HOUR PARKING at The Shops at Yale from November 28 to December 24!

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🛍️ Simply make a same-day purchase of $50 or more at any retailer or restaurant, and present your paper or digital receipt to the parking lot attendant when exiting.

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Participating locations include:

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• 56 Broadway

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• 255 Crown Street

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Take advantage of this festive offer and shop local while enjoying the convenience of complimentary parking!

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👉 Don’t miss out on this holiday perk!

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 Happy Holidays and happy shopping! 🎁❤️

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https://theshopsatyale.com/holiday/

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Each year, the Institute of Sacred Music organizes a series of Zoom lectures that focus on late antique and Byzantine art and architecture. The Late Antique and Byzantine Art and Architecture lecture series is offered in collaboration with the departments of Classics and History of Art and is organized by Robert S. Nelson (History of Art, emeritus), Felicity Harley (Yale Divinity School/ISM), Justin Willson (History of Art) and Vasileios Marinis (Yale Divinity School/ISM).

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Free and open to the public, but registration is required.

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View the Late Antique and Byzantine Art and Architecture page for specific event dates, titles and presenters.

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Contact: Katya Vetrov

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Image: Mosaic Floor with Views of Alexandria and Memphis, ca. 540 CE, The Yale-British School Excavations at Gerasa, Yale University Art Gallery

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 The Art of Dreaming - Spectrum Art Gallery Holiday Exhibit Opens November 21

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With the holidays approaching, Spectrum Art Gallery presents The Art of Dreaming. This season find imagination, memory, and hope especially alive as this exhibit explores the boundless world of dreams—where fantasy, romance, and the surreal converge. Discover fine art and photography by established and emerging artists, alongside the Artisans Store filled to the brim with holiday items and seasonal gifts such as pottery, glass, fiber, jewelry, home décor, paper art, and handmade ornaments displayed on Spectrum’s two 6-foot holiday trees.  Start the holidays right at an Open Gallery Reception on Friday, November 21 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy fine art, crafts, wine, and refreshments that evening and all throughout the Open House Weekend, Saturday, November 22 (1 to 6pm), and Sunday, November 23 (1-5pm). The Art of Dreaming runs through January 10, 2026. Spectrum Gallery, voted Best Gallery and Best Jewelry Store on the Shoreline, is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, CT. Regular Gallery Hours are Wed-Sat (12-6pm) and Sun (12-5pm). Between December 6 - 24, Gallery is open Mon-Sat.  12-6pm; Suns. 12-5pm and on Dec 24, 11am-2pm. For more information about exhibits and classes, workshops, and summer camps for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available throughout the US. Follow Spectrum social media at facebook.com/spectrumartgallery, instagram.com/spectrumartgallery, x.com/spectrum_ct, and youtube.com/@spectrumgallery6211

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 The Art of Dreaming - Spectrum Art Gallery Holiday Exhibit Opens November 21

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With the holidays approaching, Spectrum Art Gallery presents The Art of Dreaming. This season find imagination, memory, and hope especially alive as this exhibit explores the boundless world of dreams—where fantasy, romance, and the surreal converge. Discover fine art and photography by established and emerging artists, alongside the Artisans Store filled to the brim with holiday items and seasonal gifts such as pottery, glass, fiber, jewelry, home décor, paper art, and handmade ornaments displayed on Spectrum’s two 6-foot holiday trees.  Start the holidays right at an Open Gallery Reception on Friday, November 21 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy fine art, crafts, wine, and refreshments that evening and all throughout the Open House Weekend, Saturday, November 22 (1 to 6pm), and Sunday, November 23 (1-5pm). The Art of Dreaming runs through January 10, 2026. Spectrum Gallery, voted Best Gallery and Best Jewelry Store on the Shoreline, is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, CT. Regular Gallery Hours are Wed-Sat (12-6pm) and Sun (12-5pm). Between December 6 - 24, Gallery is open Mon-Sat.  12-6pm; Suns. 12-5pm and on Dec 24, 11am-2pm. For more information about exhibits and classes, workshops, and summer camps for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available throughout the US. Follow Spectrum social media at facebook.com/spectrumartgallery, instagram.com/spectrumartgallery, x.com/spectrum_ct, and youtube.com/@spectrumgallery6211

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 The Art of Dreaming - Spectrum Art Gallery Holiday Exhibit Opens November 21

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With the holidays approaching, Spectrum Art Gallery presents The Art of Dreaming. This season find imagination, memory, and hope especially alive as this exhibit explores the boundless world of dreams—where fantasy, romance, and the surreal converge. Discover fine art and photography by established and emerging artists, alongside the Artisans Store filled to the brim with holiday items and seasonal gifts such as pottery, glass, fiber, jewelry, home décor, paper art, and handmade ornaments displayed on Spectrum’s two 6-foot holiday trees.  Start the holidays right at an Open Gallery Reception on Friday, November 21 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy fine art, crafts, wine, and refreshments that evening and all throughout the Open House Weekend, Saturday, November 22 (1 to 6pm), and Sunday, November 23 (1-5pm). The Art of Dreaming runs through January 10, 2026. Spectrum Gallery, voted Best Gallery and Best Jewelry Store on the Shoreline, is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, CT. Regular Gallery Hours are Wed-Sat (12-6pm) and Sun (12-5pm). Between December 6 - 24, Gallery is open Mon-Sat.  12-6pm; Suns. 12-5pm and on Dec 24, 11am-2pm. For more information about exhibits and classes, workshops, and summer camps for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available throughout the US. Follow Spectrum social media at facebook.com/spectrumartgallery, instagram.com/spectrumartgallery, x.com/spectrum_ct, and youtube.com/@spectrumgallery6211

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 The Art of Dreaming - Spectrum Art Gallery Holiday Exhibit Opens November 21

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With the holidays approaching, Spectrum Art Gallery presents The Art of Dreaming. This season find imagination, memory, and hope especially alive as this exhibit explores the boundless world of dreams—where fantasy, romance, and the surreal converge. Discover fine art and photography by established and emerging artists, alongside the Artisans Store filled to the brim with holiday items and seasonal gifts such as pottery, glass, fiber, jewelry, home décor, paper art, and handmade ornaments displayed on Spectrum’s two 6-foot holiday trees.  Start the holidays right at an Open Gallery Reception on Friday, November 21 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy fine art, crafts, wine, and refreshments that evening and all throughout the Open House Weekend, Saturday, November 22 (1 to 6pm), and Sunday, November 23 (1-5pm). The Art of Dreaming runs through January 10, 2026. Spectrum Gallery, voted Best Gallery and Best Jewelry Store on the Shoreline, is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, CT. Regular Gallery Hours are Wed-Sat (12-6pm) and Sun (12-5pm). Between December 6 - 24, Gallery is open Mon-Sat.  12-6pm; Suns. 12-5pm and on Dec 24, 11am-2pm. For more information about exhibits and classes, workshops, and summer camps for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available throughout the US. Follow Spectrum social media at facebook.com/spectrumartgallery, instagram.com/spectrumartgallery, x.com/spectrum_ct, and youtube.com/@spectrumgallery6211

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 The Art of Dreaming - Spectrum Art Gallery Holiday Exhibit Opens November 21

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With the holidays approaching, Spectrum Art Gallery presents The Art of Dreaming. This season find imagination, memory, and hope especially alive as this exhibit explores the boundless world of dreams—where fantasy, romance, and the surreal converge. Discover fine art and photography by established and emerging artists, alongside the Artisans Store filled to the brim with holiday items and seasonal gifts such as pottery, glass, fiber, jewelry, home décor, paper art, and handmade ornaments displayed on Spectrum’s two 6-foot holiday trees.  Start the holidays right at an Open Gallery Reception on Friday, November 21 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy fine art, crafts, wine, and refreshments that evening and all throughout the Open House Weekend, Saturday, November 22 (1 to 6pm), and Sunday, November 23 (1-5pm). The Art of Dreaming runs through January 10, 2026. Spectrum Gallery, voted Best Gallery and Best Jewelry Store on the Shoreline, is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, CT. Regular Gallery Hours are Wed-Sat (12-6pm) and Sun (12-5pm). Between December 6 - 24, Gallery is open Mon-Sat.  12-6pm; Suns. 12-5pm and on Dec 24, 11am-2pm. For more information about exhibits and classes, workshops, and summer camps for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available throughout the US. Follow Spectrum social media at facebook.com/spectrumartgallery, instagram.com/spectrumartgallery, x.com/spectrum_ct, and youtube.com/@spectrumgallery6211

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Join our volunteer museum educators for an interactive exploration of highlights from our collection. In a New Light: Five Centuries of British Art features works from the sixteenth century to the present, now on view in a reimagined installation. 

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Tours meet in the Entrance Court by the Visitor Services desk. 

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Yearning for a tree, but don’t have a car or just don’t ever want to leave downtown? Now you don’t have to! Visit the Downtown NHV Tree Farm for a fun and festive experience finding your new tree!

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🎄✨ Kids’ Night Out! ELF ON THE SHELF ✨🎄

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Friday, December 12th | 5–8 PM

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Need a few hours to wrap gifts, finish your shopping, or just enjoy some quiet time? We’ve got you covered! 🙌

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Drop the kids off for a fun-filled night of:

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🎨 Painting their very own Elf on the Shelf

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❄️ Making snow slime

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🎶 Dancing to holiday music

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🎭 Imaginative fun in our creative winter play area

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🍕 Pizza included!

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It’s going to be a night full of creativity, laughter, and holiday magic at The Giggling Pig New Haven! ❤️

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🎟️ Space is limited — reserve your spot now!

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👕 Dress for a mess!

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👉 Register here: https://www.thegigglingpig.com/events-new-haven

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#TheGigglingPigNewHaven #KidsNightOut #ElfOnTheShelf #HolidayFun #CreativeKids #PizzaAndPainting #HolidayMagic #SnowSlime #KidsEvent #NewHavenEvents

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FREE; no tickets required. Known for his dramatic and revelatory performances, violinist Shunske Sato was artistic leader and concertmaster of the Netherlands Bach Society from 2013 to 2023. Experience his consummate artistry in person at an intimate recital of solo violin works by Bach. Learn more.

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Performer remarks begin at 5pm; music starts at 5:15. Part of the Elm City Consort’s Fridays at Five series.

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Join Audra of Motherhood Creations for a festive, hands-on workshop where you’ll design and create your own resin winter ornaments—perfect for decorating your home or gifting to loved ones. Explore resin’s creative possibilities while crafting colorful, sparkling pieces that capture the holiday spirit.

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What to Expect

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Participants will learn the fundamentals of resin crafting, from mixing and safe handling to pouring and decorating. You’ll choose from a variety of ornament molds and embellishments—such as glitter, pigments, and embedded elements—to personalize your designs. With step-by-step instruction and time to experiment, you’ll leave with resin ornaments ready to cure and shine.

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Skills You’ll Acquire

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• Resin mixing and pouring techniques

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• Combining colors, textures, and inclusions for unique effects

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• Safe handling practices for resin and related materials

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What’s Provided

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• Resin, molds, and decorative inclusions

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• Safety equipment and materials

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• Hands-on instruction and creative guidance

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Who Should Attend

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This class is great for beginners—no prior resin experience is needed. Perfect for creative enthusiasts looking to explore a new craft or make personalized holiday decorations.

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Prerequisites/Safety Information

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Please wear clothing that can get messy and tie back long hair. Finished ornaments require curing time; pickup arrangements will be shared during the workshop.

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Instructor: Audra Cannizzaro

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Workshop Ticket Fee:

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Standard Ticket: $75.00

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MakeHaven Members: $64.00

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You must click below and REGISTER to attend at:

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https://www.makehaven.org/civicrm/event/info?id=644&reset=1&reset=1

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Scroll to the bottom of the page and complete the information under Register (gray box) and hit submit. You will receive an acknowledgement by email. Questions? Email info@makehaven.org

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Come use MakeHaven’s die press cutter to create one-of-a-kind envelopes and collaged greeting cards using thrifted paper treasures. In this hands-on workshop, you'll transform discarded materials—like old books, magazines, and maps—into beautiful, usable stationery with a cozy, seasonal feel. It's the perfect way to craft unique, thoughtful cards for the coming months.

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What to Expect

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Participants will get familiar with MakeHaven’s die press cutter and explore collage techniques to create unique greeting cards and envelopes. You’ll work with a curated collection of upcycled materials, which will include some winter-themed imagery and textures, but you’re also welcome to bring your own stash of interesting papers to personalize your designs. Each participant will leave with a finished set of ten handmade cards and envelopes, ready to mail or gift.

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Skills You’ll Acquire

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• Safe and effective use of a die press cutter

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• Basics of paper selection for collage and cutting

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• Small-scale collage techniques

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• Design strategies for making visually cohesive stationery sets

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What’s Provided

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• Access to the die press cutter

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• A variety of thrifted and salvaged paper (magazines, books, maps, etc.) with seasonal options

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• Cardstock, adhesive, and essential supplies

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• Enough materials to make at least 10 card and envelope sets

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Who Should Attend

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This class is perfect for paper lovers, holiday card enthusiasts, collage artists, or anyone who loves creative reuse. No prior experience needed—just a love for making things with your hands and a desire to send unique greetings.

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Prerequisites/Safety Information

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No prerequisites. Basic hand tool safety will be reviewed. Participants should be comfortable using scissors and pressing/turning a die cutter with light force.

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Instructor: Clara Biesel

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Workshop Ticket Fee  

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Standard Ticket: $60.00

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MakeHaven Members: $51.00

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You must click below and REGISTER to attend at:

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https://www.makehaven.org/civicrm/event/info?id=659&reset=1&reset=1

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Scroll to the bottom of the page and complete the information under Register (gray box) and hit submit. You will receive an acknowledgement by email. Questions? Email info@makehaven.org

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North America's largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner theatre show is now playing in New Haven, CT! Solve a hilarious true crime murder mystery while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Just beware! The culprit is hiding in plain sight somewhere in the room, and you may find yourself as a Prime Suspect before you know it!

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Join us for an event that is very different from a traditional mystery dinner show. Our actors are not dressed in costume and are hidden in the audience! This results in a fun, social and interactive evening suitable for all adults.

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Each ticket includes our signature award-winning mystery dinner theatre show, along with a full plated dinner, waitstaff gratuity, and plenty of surprises during the show.

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Happens on the following Dates:

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• Dec 13, 2025, 6:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)
• Dec 20, 2025, 6:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: Eastern Time (US & Canada)

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Kick off the holiday season with a magical morning at  The Shore Line Trolley Museum! Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast while Santa makes his way around the room to greet families, say “hi,” and spread holiday cheer. After breakfast, hop aboard one of our vintage trolleys for a festive ride through history.

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  Dates:  Saturdays, December 6th, 13th & 20th

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  Seatings:  8:30 AM & 9:30 AM

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  Location:  The Shore Line Trolley Museum

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Space is limited, so reserve your spot early for this holiday tradition your family won’t want to miss!

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Show up for your creative self this fall with the Saturday Drawing Club. Our theme is illustrate your life! 

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Draw upon personal stories, family recipes, and favorite places while creating and learning about sequential art, with weekly prompts and materials combined with a mix of conversation, creative time, and feedback.

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Don't miss this holiday gifts bonanza presented by the Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA)! Browse original arts, crafts, jewelry, photography, wood, textiles, leather, and unique gifts galore, all at the old Branford Post Office located at 1111 Main Street from 10 AM to 4 PM. 

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Meet the artisans and take some selfies with Santa!

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Free

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The Guilford Art Center’s annual Holiday Expo returns November 14, 2025 – January 11, 2026, offering an extraordinary selection of handcrafted gifts from hundreds of local and regional artists and makers.

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For the season, the GAC Shop doubles in size, filling both the shop and the gallery space with one-of-a-kind treasures: jewelry, home goods, clothing, accessories, ornaments, specialty foods, and more. Each piece is handmade with care, making the gift as unique as the person receiving it.

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 New this year, the Holiday Expo will also feature a special section of work by members of the Lyme Artisans Guild , known for their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to preserving traditional techniques. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase their beautiful, locally made creations alongside other Holiday Expo artists. The Guild’s mission closely aligns with GAC’s, making for an exciting seasonal partnership.

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 “The Holiday Expo is a celebration of creativity and community,” says Maureen Belden, Executive Director of Guilford Art Center. “When you shop here, you’re not just finding a beautiful, handmade gift—you’re supporting local artists, investing in their livelihoods, and helping to sustain the arts in our region. Every purchase makes a difference.”

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 Lyme Artisans Guild President Carol Stanland adds, “Handcrafts are very much about community and making connections with people in a community, making any acquisition more meaningful than it would otherwise be. We at LAG very much enjoy sharing our process as well as our products. Knowledge about process gives our products depth.”

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 New items arrive throughout the season, so there’s always something fresh to discover. Personal shoppers are available to help with selections, and businesses can arrange custom gift packages for employees.

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 Events:

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• November 14: Opening Reception, 5–7pm
• November 15: Egyptian Coil Chaining Demo (for wire jewelry) with Michelle Pearson
• November 22: Gel Printing on Paper Demo with Barbara Eaglesham
• December 13: Color and Pattern Matching in Fabric Design Demo with Carol Stanland

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 Proceeds benefit the artists and fund Guilford Art Center’s educational and community programs.

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Holiday Expo Hours:

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November 14, 2025 – January 11, 2026

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Mon–Sat, 10am–5pm | Sun, 12–5pm

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  Location: Guilford Art Center, 411 Church Street, Guilford, CT

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More information: www.guilfordartcenter.org | facebook.com/guilfordartcenter

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Phone: 203-453-5947

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The Guilford Art Center’s annual Holiday Expo returns November 14, 2025 – January 11, 2026, offering an extraordinary selection of handcrafted gifts from hundreds of independent artists and makers. The community is invited to the free Opening Reception event on Friday, Nov 14 from 5-7pm.

​

For the season, the GAC Shop doubles in size, filling both the shop and the gallery space with one-of-a-kind treasures: jewelry, home goods, clothing, accessories, ornaments, specialty foods, and more. Each piece is handmade with care, making the gift as unique as the person receiving it.

​

New this year, the Holiday Expo will also feature a special section of work by members of the Lyme Artisans Guild , known for their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to preserving traditional techniques. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase their beautiful, locally made creations alongside other Holiday Expo artists. The Guild’s mission closely aligns with GAC’s, making for an exciting seasonal partnership.

​

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“The Holiday Expo is a celebration of creativity and community,” says Maureen Belden, Executive Director of Guilford Art Center. “When you shop here, you’re not just finding a beautiful, handmade gift—you’re supporting local artists, investing in their livelihoods, and helping to sustain the arts in our region. Every purchase makes a difference.”

​

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Lyme Artisans Guild President Carol Stanland adds, “Handcrafts are very much about community and making connections with people in a community, making any acquisition more meaningful than it would otherwise be. We at LAG very much enjoy sharing our process as well as our products. Knowledge about process gives our products depth.”

​

​

New items arrive throughout the season, so there’s always something fresh to discover. Personal shoppers are available to help with selections, and businesses can arrange custom gift packages for employees.

​

Events:

​

• November 14: Opening Reception, 5–7pm
• November 15: Egyptian Coil Chaining Demo (for wire jewelry) with Michelle Pearson
• November 22: Gel Printing on Paper Demo with Barbara Eaglesham
• December 13: Color and Pattern Matching in Fabric Design Demo with Carol Stanland

​

Proceeds benefit the artists and fund Guilford Art Center’s educational and community programs.

​

Holiday Expo Hours:

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November 14, 2025 – January 11, 2026

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Mon–Sat, 10am–5pm | Sun, 12–5pm

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Location: Guilford Art Center, 411 Church Street, Guilford, CT

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More information: www.guilfordartcenter.org | facebook.com/guilfordartcenter

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Phone: 203-453-5947

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Make a journal, sketchbook, or notebook encased in a flexible Kraft-Tex cover that looks and behaves like leather. In this hands-on workshop you’ll sew refillable page inserts, design a cover with pockets and a closure of your choice, and leave with a finished refillable notebook prototype you can reuse and customize.

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What to Expect

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Expect demonstrations and guided work time: you’ll fold and hand-sew signatures (page inserts), plan and assemble a Kraft-Tex cover, add optional pockets, and attach your chosen closure. The instructor will offer step-by-step support so you can complete a working refillable notebook during the session.

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Skills You’ll Acquire

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• How to hand-sew signatures (page inserts) using standard paper

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• Planning and constructing a Kraft-Tex cover that mimics leather

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• Adding pockets and designing a closure system (elastic, strap, snap, etc.)

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• Basic finishing techniques for a durable, refillable notebook

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What’s Provided

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• Needles, thread, closure materials, elastic, and other hardware (provided/loaned by instructor)

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• Instructor-supplied Kraft-Tex in two colors (instructor will submit receipts)

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• Instructional templates and guidance throughout the workshop

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 • A ream of copy paper (for signatures)

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Consumables you should bring:

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• Any colored paper you’d like to include (use what you have on hand)

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Who Should Attend

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Open to makers of all levels. This is a beginning-friendly class that also suits more experienced crafters who want to learn or refine hand-sewn bookbinding and Kraft-Tex cover techniques. Participants ages 13–18 are welcome with parental/guardian supervision.

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Prerequisites / Safety Information

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No prior experience required. Bring ideas for how you’ll use the notebook and a phone or camera to take process photos. Please wear comfortable clothes suitable for crafting.

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Instructor : Jane Copes

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Workshop Ticket Fee : 

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Standard Ticket: $75.00

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MakeHaven Members: $65.00

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You must click below and REGISTER to attend at:

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https://www.makehaven.org/civicrm/event/info?id=653&reset=1&reset=1

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Scroll to the bottom of the page and complete the information under Register (gray box) and hit submit. You will receive an acknowledgement by email. Questions? Email info@makehaven.org

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Since 1990, Trees of Hope has served as a holiday tradition in Greater New Haven. This event is open to the public daily and will feature over 160 beautiful holiday displays donated and sponsored by individuals, local businesses and community organizations. Raffle tickets are sold for $1 each and attendees will be able to distribute their tickets towards the displays they would like to win on our raffle platform. It is a fun event for the entire family and a perfect way to get in the holiday spirit and kick off this special season. Trees of Hope is our largest fundraising event and therefore, instrumental in securing the funds necessary to support the brave children and families at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.

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Trees of Hope will be held on weekdays from 11am–7pm and on weekends 10am - 5pm at the Long Wharf Maritime Center in New Haven, CT, located at 555 Long Wharf Drive, from December 6th through December 14th. 

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https://rmhc-ctma.org/events/ct-trees-of-hope

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 🎉 Support Local This Holiday Season! 🎁✨

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Shop local in the Whitney-Audubon District from November 28 to December 24 and enjoy a sweet treat with your purchase!

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🛍️ Spend $25 or more at participating retailers and present your same-day paper receipt to indulge in one of these delightful offers: • FREE Cupcake from Katalina’s Bakery (74 Whitney Avenue) 🧁 • OR FREE Hot Cocoa from Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea (258 Church Street) ☕

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Explore unique finds at Walker-Loden with antiques, jewelry, and festive gifts, or visit Kathadin Furniture for stunning custom rugs and eclectic treasures. Looking for something sparkling? Gilden’s Jewelers has an exquisite selection of jewelry just for you! Or take a festive art class at The Giggling Pig.

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👉 Check out the Official Rules & Regulations and participating merchants in the Whitney-Audubon Retail & Arts District  or https://theshopsatyale.com/holidaysonwhitney/

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Happy Holidays and happy shopping local! ❤️

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A mixed media show featuring artwork by Susan Stickney

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 🎉 Indulge in Sweet Treats This Holiday Season! ☕🍪✨

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From November 28 to December 24, enjoy FREE Gourmet Hot Cocoa or a Cookie with your purchase at The Shops at Yale!

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🛍️ Spend $50 or more at participating retailers and present your same-day paper or digital receipt to delight in one of these festive treats: • FREE Gourmet Hot Cocoa from Claire’s Corner Copia (1000 Chapel Street) ☕ • OR a FREE Cookie from Cookie39 (39 Broadway) 🍪

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Shop local and discover unique gifts while fueling your holiday spirit!

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👉 Check out the official rules & regulations and participating merchants at The Shops at Yale Holiday

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or https://theshopsatyale.com/holiday/

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Happy Holidays and happy shopping! 🎁❤️

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 🎉 Holiday Shopping Made Easy! 🚗✨

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Enjoy FREE 2-HOUR PARKING at The Shops at Yale from November 28 to December 24!

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🛍️ Simply make a same-day purchase of $50 or more at any retailer or restaurant, and present your paper or digital receipt to the parking lot attendant when exiting.

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Participating locations include:

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• 56 Broadway

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• 255 Crown Street

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Take advantage of this festive offer and shop local while enjoying the convenience of complimentary parking!

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👉 Don’t miss out on this holiday perk!

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 Happy Holidays and happy shopping! 🎁❤️

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https://theshopsatyale.com/holiday/

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Bring the whole family to the Shore Line Trolley Museum this holiday season for a magical  Visit with Santa! Running  Thanksgiving weekend  and  weekends in December  through  December 21st , this festive event is packed with holiday fun.

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  What’s Included?

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• Take a cozy ride to Santa aboard our  heated trolley , beautifully decorated for the season.
• Tell Santa what’s on your Christmas list and receive a  small gift.
• Take lots of photos  with Santa to capture the special moment.
• Enjoy a cup of  hot chocolate  to warm up!
• Stroll through the museum and check out the  holiday-decorated trolleys.
• Visit our  museum store  for unique and thoughtful gift ideas.

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  Most of the event takes place outside , so dress warmly and get ready for a fun, festive day filled with holiday cheer!

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  Dates:

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• Thanksgiving Weekend
• Weekends in December  until  December 21st

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Create lasting holiday memories with a visit to Santa at the Shore Line Trolley Museum!

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Join our volunteer museum educators for an interactive exploration of highlights from our collection. In a New Light: Five Centuries of British Art features works from the sixteenth century to the present, now on view in a reimagined installation. 

​

Tours meet in the Entrance Court by the Visitor Services desk. 

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The Schwarzman Center offers student-led tours of Shining Light on Truth: Black Lives at Yale & in New Haven, on selected Saturdays from 11am - 12pm, and 12:30pm - 1:30pm. These tours are free and open to the public, and no registration is required. Simply meet inside the Rotunda at the corner of College and Grove Streets! 

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Group tours are available upon request during our operating hours. Those with a group of ten or more people should contact us at ysc.info@yale.edu to schedule a time.

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About the exhibition: 

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Installed at the Schwarzman Center,  “Shining Light on Truth: Black Lives at Yale & in New Haven,”  illuminates ongoing research that recovers the essential role of Black people throughout Yale and New Haven history. The exhibition puts back at the center of local storytelling people who have always been central to local history. It celebrates Black community building, resistance, and resilience on campus and in New Haven.

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The show includes nearly one hundred images of Yale’s earliest Black students from the 1800s and early 1900s, many of whom had deep New Haven connections. The Schwarzman exhibition features compelling reproductions of photographs of New Haveners who were custodians of Yale. The Luke, Grimes, Creed, Park, and Bassett families, among the many people key to founding and sustaining Yale, and who are heralded in the show.

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“Shining Light on Truth: Black Lives at Yale & in New Haven” showcases the proposal, made and thwarted in 1831, to build a Black college in New Haven. It also highlights the successful efforts of Black students in the 1960s to establish the Afro-American Cultural Center and Afro-American Studies at Yale.

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This exhibition brings forth knowledge kept alive in archives and memory for many centuries—even when the dominant culture chose to ignore, bury, or forget. It extends the work of the Yale and Slavery Research Project and follows from the exhibition, “Shining Light on Truth: New Haven, Yale and Slavery,” at the New Haven Museum from February 16, 2024 – March 1, 2025.

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The exhibition team includes David Jon Walker ’23 MFA, lead designer, and Michael Morand ’87 ’93 M.Div., lead curator, with Timeica Bethel ’11, Robert Laird Brown, Jennifer Coggins, Mohamed Diallo ’26, Regina Mason, Hope McGrath, Carlynne Robinson, and Charles Warner, Jr.

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Yearning for a tree, but don’t have a car or just don’t ever want to leave downtown? Now you don’t have to! Visit the Downtown NHV Tree Farm for a fun and festive experience finding your new tree!

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 The Art of Dreaming - Spectrum Art Gallery Holiday Exhibit Opens November 21

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With the holidays approaching, Spectrum Art Gallery presents The Art of Dreaming. This season find imagination, memory, and hope especially alive as this exhibit explores the boundless world of dreams—where fantasy, romance, and the surreal converge. Discover fine art and photography by established and emerging artists, alongside the Artisans Store filled to the brim with holiday items and seasonal gifts such as pottery, glass, fiber, jewelry, home décor, paper art, and handmade ornaments displayed on Spectrum’s two 6-foot holiday trees.  Start the holidays right at an Open Gallery Reception on Friday, November 21 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy fine art, crafts, wine, and refreshments that evening and all throughout the Open House Weekend, Saturday, November 22 (1 to 6pm), and Sunday, November 23 (1-5pm). The Art of Dreaming runs through January 10, 2026. Spectrum Gallery, voted Best Gallery and Best Jewelry Store on the Shoreline, is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, CT. Regular Gallery Hours are Wed-Sat (12-6pm) and Sun (12-5pm). Between December 6 - 24, Gallery is open Mon-Sat.  12-6pm; Suns. 12-5pm and on Dec 24, 11am-2pm. For more information about exhibits and classes, workshops, and summer camps for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available throughout the US. Follow Spectrum social media at facebook.com/spectrumartgallery, instagram.com/spectrumartgallery, x.com/spectrum_ct, and youtube.com/@spectrumgallery6211

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 The Art of Dreaming - Spectrum Art Gallery Holiday Exhibit Opens November 21

​

With the holidays approaching, Spectrum Art Gallery presents The Art of Dreaming. This season find imagination, memory, and hope especially alive as this exhibit explores the boundless world of dreams—where fantasy, romance, and the surreal converge. Discover fine art and photography by established and emerging artists, alongside the Artisans Store filled to the brim with holiday items and seasonal gifts such as pottery, glass, fiber, jewelry, home décor, paper art, and handmade ornaments displayed on Spectrum’s two 6-foot holiday trees.  Start the holidays right at an Open Gallery Reception on Friday, November 21 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy fine art, crafts, wine, and refreshments that evening and all throughout the Open House Weekend, Saturday, November 22 (1 to 6pm), and Sunday, November 23 (1-5pm). The Art of Dreaming runs through January 10, 2026. Spectrum Gallery, voted Best Gallery and Best Jewelry Store on the Shoreline, is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, CT. Regular Gallery Hours are Wed-Sat (12-6pm) and Sun (12-5pm). Between December 6 - 24, Gallery is open Mon-Sat.  12-6pm; Suns. 12-5pm and on Dec 24, 11am-2pm. For more information about exhibits and classes, workshops, and summer camps for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available throughout the US. Follow Spectrum social media at facebook.com/spectrumartgallery, instagram.com/spectrumartgallery, x.com/spectrum_ct, and youtube.com/@spectrumgallery6211

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 The Art of Dreaming - Spectrum Art Gallery Holiday Exhibit Opens November 21

​

With the holidays approaching, Spectrum Art Gallery presents The Art of Dreaming. This season find imagination, memory, and hope especially alive as this exhibit explores the boundless world of dreams—where fantasy, romance, and the surreal converge. Discover fine art and photography by established and emerging artists, alongside the Artisans Store filled to the brim with holiday items and seasonal gifts such as pottery, glass, fiber, jewelry, home décor, paper art, and handmade ornaments displayed on Spectrum’s two 6-foot holiday trees.  Start the holidays right at an Open Gallery Reception on Friday, November 21 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy fine art, crafts, wine, and refreshments that evening and all throughout the Open House Weekend, Saturday, November 22 (1 to 6pm), and Sunday, November 23 (1-5pm). The Art of Dreaming runs through January 10, 2026. Spectrum Gallery, voted Best Gallery and Best Jewelry Store on the Shoreline, is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, CT. Regular Gallery Hours are Wed-Sat (12-6pm) and Sun (12-5pm). Between December 6 - 24, Gallery is open Mon-Sat.  12-6pm; Suns. 12-5pm and on Dec 24, 11am-2pm. For more information about exhibits and classes, workshops, and summer camps for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available throughout the US. Follow Spectrum social media at facebook.com/spectrumartgallery, instagram.com/spectrumartgallery, x.com/spectrum_ct, and youtube.com/@spectrumgallery6211

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 The Art of Dreaming - Spectrum Art Gallery Holiday Exhibit Opens November 21

​

With the holidays approaching, Spectrum Art Gallery presents The Art of Dreaming. This season find imagination, memory, and hope especially alive as this exhibit explores the boundless world of dreams—where fantasy, romance, and the surreal converge. Discover fine art and photography by established and emerging artists, alongside the Artisans Store filled to the brim with holiday items and seasonal gifts such as pottery, glass, fiber, jewelry, home décor, paper art, and handmade ornaments displayed on Spectrum’s two 6-foot holiday trees.  Start the holidays right at an Open Gallery Reception on Friday, November 21 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy fine art, crafts, wine, and refreshments that evening and all throughout the Open House Weekend, Saturday, November 22 (1 to 6pm), and Sunday, November 23 (1-5pm). The Art of Dreaming runs through January 10, 2026. Spectrum Gallery, voted Best Gallery and Best Jewelry Store on the Shoreline, is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, CT. Regular Gallery Hours are Wed-Sat (12-6pm) and Sun (12-5pm). Between December 6 - 24, Gallery is open Mon-Sat.  12-6pm; Suns. 12-5pm and on Dec 24, 11am-2pm. For more information about exhibits and classes, workshops, and summer camps for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available throughout the US. Follow Spectrum social media at facebook.com/spectrumartgallery, instagram.com/spectrumartgallery, x.com/spectrum_ct, and youtube.com/@spectrumgallery6211

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 The Art of Dreaming - Spectrum Art Gallery Holiday Exhibit Opens November 21

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With the holidays approaching, Spectrum Art Gallery presents The Art of Dreaming. This season find imagination, memory, and hope especially alive as this exhibit explores the boundless world of dreams—where fantasy, romance, and the surreal converge. Discover fine art and photography by established and emerging artists, alongside the Artisans Store filled to the brim with holiday items and seasonal gifts such as pottery, glass, fiber, jewelry, home décor, paper art, and handmade ornaments displayed on Spectrum’s two 6-foot holiday trees.  Start the holidays right at an Open Gallery Reception on Friday, November 21 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy fine art, crafts, wine, and refreshments that evening and all throughout the Open House Weekend, Saturday, November 22 (1 to 6pm), and Sunday, November 23 (1-5pm). The Art of Dreaming runs through January 10, 2026. Spectrum Gallery, voted Best Gallery and Best Jewelry Store on the Shoreline, is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, CT. Regular Gallery Hours are Wed-Sat (12-6pm) and Sun (12-5pm). Between December 6 - 24, Gallery is open Mon-Sat.  12-6pm; Suns. 12-5pm and on Dec 24, 11am-2pm. For more information about exhibits and classes, workshops, and summer camps for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available throughout the US. Follow Spectrum social media at facebook.com/spectrumartgallery, instagram.com/spectrumartgallery, x.com/spectrum_ct, and youtube.com/@spectrumgallery6211

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Exhibit Hours:

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Wednesday – Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday, 12 to 5 pm.

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From Frank Pepe’s original hat to celebrity-signed pizza boxes (including Gwyneth Paltrow and Yogi Berra!), if you love the crust, the crunch and the char of New Haven apizza, or simply have strong views on what comprises a good pie, you’ll find something to feed your personal pizza passion in the new exhibit “Pronounced Ah-Beetz,” open now at the New Haven Museum (NHM) through October 2027.

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“Pronounced Ah-Beetz” examines the fun, the flavor and the history of pizza, including its origin as an affordable means of feeding workers in the fields of Italy, and how it became the food of the poor in the U.S. The Italian migration to New Haven gave way to Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana, which gave birth to Sally’s Apizza, while a mile away Tony’s Apizza became Modern. How these three establishments became among the most iconically loved pizza restaurants in the country is a major focus.

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While the exhibit highlights the “Big 3” original apizza spots in New Haven, it also extends through the family tree of New Haven pizzerias to present a picture of family, food and community that includes a host of other local pizzerias, including: Ernie’s, Zuppardi’s, BAR, Zeneli’s, Olde World, and the Big Green Pizza Truck, among others.

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Need time to tackle your holiday shopping? Drop the kids off for some creative fun while you check off your gift list! Two workshops will be offered: Saturday, December 13 and Saturday, December 20 from 12:00-2:00pm. Young artists get a festive space to explore their creativity through hands-on holiday-themed art projects, and you enjoy a few hours to yourself for Holiday, whether it’s in GAC’s Holiday Expo or around town. Register online at www.guilfordartcenter.org or call (203) 453-5947.

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 🎶✨ Celebrate the Season with Strolling Connecticut Yuletide Carolers! 🎄🎤

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Join us for a festive celebration as talented carolers, dressed in beautiful traditional garb, fill the air with holiday cheer throughout the Broadway and Chapel Historic Districts!

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When & Where:

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📍 Chapel Street Historic District:

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• Saturdays, November 29, December 6, 13 & 20
• ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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📍 Broadway Shopping District:

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• Sundays, November 30, December 7, 14 & 21
• ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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📸 Capture the Magic! Don’t miss the great photo opportunities as our merry carolers spread holiday spirit throughout the districts!

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Bring your family and friends to soak in the festive atmosphere and create cherished memories together! 🎉

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👉 For more details, visit The Shops at Yale .

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The Schwarzman Center offers student-led tours of Shining Light on Truth: Black Lives at Yale & in New Haven, on selected Saturdays from 11am - 12pm, and 12:30pm - 1:30pm. These tours are free and open to the public, and no registration is required. Simply meet inside the Rotunda at the corner of College and Grove Streets! 

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Group tours are available upon request during our operating hours. Those with a group of ten or more people should contact us at ysc.info@yale.edu to schedule a time.

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About the exhibition: 

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Installed at the Schwarzman Center,  “Shining Light on Truth: Black Lives at Yale & in New Haven,”  illuminates ongoing research that recovers the essential role of Black people throughout Yale and New Haven history. The exhibition puts back at the center of local storytelling people who have always been central to local history. It celebrates Black community building, resistance, and resilience on campus and in New Haven.

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The show includes nearly one hundred images of Yale’s earliest Black students from the 1800s and early 1900s, many of whom had deep New Haven connections. The Schwarzman exhibition features compelling reproductions of photographs of New Haveners who were custodians of Yale. The Luke, Grimes, Creed, Park, and Bassett families, among the many people key to founding and sustaining Yale, and who are heralded in the show.

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“Shining Light on Truth: Black Lives at Yale & in New Haven” showcases the proposal, made and thwarted in 1831, to build a Black college in New Haven. It also highlights the successful efforts of Black students in the 1960s to establish the Afro-American Cultural Center and Afro-American Studies at Yale.

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This exhibition brings forth knowledge kept alive in archives and memory for many centuries—even when the dominant culture chose to ignore, bury, or forget. It extends the work of the Yale and Slavery Research Project and follows from the exhibition, “Shining Light on Truth: New Haven, Yale and Slavery,” at the New Haven Museum from February 16, 2024 – March 1, 2025.

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The exhibition team includes David Jon Walker ’23 MFA, lead designer, and Michael Morand ’87 ’93 M.Div., lead curator, with Timeica Bethel ’11, Robert Laird Brown, Jennifer Coggins, Mohamed Diallo ’26, Regina Mason, Hope McGrath, Carlynne Robinson, and Charles Warner, Jr.

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Join our Student Guides to learn more about In a New Light: Five Centuries of British Art. Each tour is created by a Student Guide to explore a specific theme in the museum’s collection. 

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Tours meet in the Entrance Court by the Visitors Service Desk

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Join NHM for a one-man performance of Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol” as performed by Michael Rose. In his 90-minute cut of the perennial holiday favorite, Rose embodies over a dozen characters, from Ebeneezer Scrooge to Tiny Tim to the three ghosts of Christmas. The performance will be on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 2 pm., with a reception at 1:30 p.m. 

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Rose is an actor and theatre educator based in New Haven. He studied theatre at Yale University and the London Academy of Musical and Dramatic Arts. He directs and performs in plays at the Whitney Center senior living facility and teaches theatre to youth through his own extracurricular programs. 

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“A Christmas Carol” is one of the most adapted of Dickens’s works, with versions ranging from the Muppets to David Sedaris. Rose notes that the show arose out of a tradition of him reading the novella out loud to his family at Christmas time—he enjoyed it so much that he wanted to share it with the public. Having seen a number of adaptations of “A Christmas Carol,” he wanted to create one that was very true to the original text.

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“‘A Christmas Carol’ will always be relevant to people of any faith or background because it is about opening our heart to connection with others.” Rose says. “The tale’s spirit of open-heartedness and generosity is what I hope the public will take from the presentation.”

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While you’re there you can enjoy a special “What’s in the Whitney Library?” program, “New Haven Holidays” from 12 to 4 p.m., where librarian Emma Norden will offer a glimpse of Christmas past from the Whitney Library collection. View a charming collection of holiday treasures—from handmade Christmas cards from the early 1900s to greetings from overseas soldiers during WW1. It will also include an astonishing article from the December 24, 1950, New Haven Register recounting Dickens’s 1868 Elm City reading of the “Christmas Carol,” replete with rioting crowds and a ticketing scandal so colossal that the entire appearance was rescheduled and re-ticketed.

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 World Premiere of A Good Run: Finding Peace with Parkinson’s

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You are invited to the premiere of the mini documentary A Good Run: Finding Peace with Parkinson’s followed by a conversation with Hollywood Author and Producer Cole Brown.

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Admission is free- RSVP required.

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RSVP Online Here

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Saturday, December 13, 2025

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2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

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Hopkins School

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Academic and Performing Arts Center

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986 Forest Road

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New Haven, CT 06515

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Event schedule:

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Opening Reception                              2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

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Film Screening                                      2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

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Conversation with Cole Brown         3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

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Closing Reception                                 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

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About the film: Over the past decade, Etana has witnessed her mother’s battle with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that affects the body’s ability to move and function. Diagnosed at the age of 58, Kathleen’s diagnosis reversed the roles between mother and daughter much earlier than expected. The cinematic piece focuses on the subtleties that make a relationship between mother and daughter soft, yet impenetrable. The film shares their journey through heartfelt interviews, childhood moments and reflection. By capturing the realities of love and loss, the piece provides viewers with the opportunity to see how even the deepest pain can be turned into something positive.

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View the preview trailer here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAR74HsP_JS/?hl=en

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We are so happy to welcome back our friend and fabulous local author Debbi Michiko Florence , who will be visiting for a reading and signing of her new book, Monster Maker: The Strange Creatures of Mark Nagata. This event will include a kaiju character trading cards and bookmark giveaway, and a youth-led origami workshop. Don’t miss the fun… see you here!

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More about the book:

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Lion Head charges into Melted Candle Man! GAOO!

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Chicken Head swoops down and thrashes Lion Head! GUCHYA!

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The monster battle rages on! GASHAN!

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These kaiju, Japanese creatures delivered as toys to a nine-year-old boy one Christmas day from relatives in Japan, became the catalyst for artist and toymaker Mark Nagata’s career. This is the story of his journey from budding artist to world-renowned Japanese toymaker!

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When Mark Nagata was nine years old, he received a Christmas package in his California home all the way from relatives in Japan. Inside the package, Mark found brightly colored plastic toys. What amazed Mark about these toys was how different they were from his own action figures, being so brightly colored with shimmering, unrecognizable writing on the boxes.

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It didn’t matter that Mark didn’t understand the writing. After conjuring up names for each figure, it was clear that it was love at first sight!

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Monster Maker: The Strange Creatures of Mark Nagata is a biographical account of toy designer, painter, illustrator, and collector Mark Nagata. From a very young age, Mark was a fan of many classic comic book series, movies and toys. It was the introduction to classic Japanese television shows that truly sparked his creativity, which ultimately led to his success as a toymaker, most specifically kaiju toys.

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Kaiju translates to strange creature but has since come to mean large monster in Japanese. Mark bases his toy design and artwork on this type of creature and his work has flourished into an important and well-recognized art form in the United States and around the world.

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More about Debbi:

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A third-generation Japanese American, Debbi Michiko Florence is the acclaimed author of more than twenty books for children and tweens. Her books have received starred reviews, Junior Library Guild Selections, and inclusion on lists such as Amazon Best Books and the Chicago Public Library Best of the Best. She loves to write stories about friendship and family. Her middle grade novels include Sweet and Sour, This Is How I Roll, A Study in Secrets, and Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai. She is also the author of the award-winning Jasmine Toguchi chapter book series. A native Californian, Debbi now lives in Connecticut.

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The Greater New Haven Community Chorus presents its winter concert, "GLORY: Music of Justice, Equity and Splendor," on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at Battell Chapel, 400 College St., New Haven. The concert features Vivaldi’s Gloria, RV 589, as well as selections from the African-American Spiritual tradition, John Legend’s “Glory” from the 2014 film "Selma," and more! Tickets at $20 and $10 are available at GNHCC.org.

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 Taylor Mac ’s beloved annual holiday extravaganza, Holiday Sauce blends music, burlesque and random acts of fabulousness in the most subversive and cathartic event of the season. Ibsen Award winner and MacArthur Fellow Taylor Mac (who uses “judy” as a gender pronoun) invites long-time collaborators (including  Matt Ray  as music director with looks and appearances from  Machine Dazzle ) and surprise special guests to celebrate the holidays in all of their dysfunction. There is more to the holidays than rampant gift giving—in Taylor’s world, creativity and imagination are their own spirituality. Taylor Mac reminds us of the collective power of our chosen families, a message that rings true in spite of capitalism’s attempt to hijack the holidays. Holiday Sauce is produced by  Pomegranate Arts.

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"‘Taylor Mac’s Holiday Sauce’ will cure your Christmas blues... plies acerbic wit, subversive politics, circus pageantry, sartorial riot and boundless compassion to the holidays"

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San Francisco Chronicle

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Meet the Artists:

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Taylor Mac

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MacArthur fellow

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Machine Dazzle

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Costume Designer / Ensemble 

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Matt Ray

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Theater-Maker, Composer, Pianist, Singer, Songwriter, Arranger, & Music Director.

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Pomegranate Arts

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Creative and Executive Producer 

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"Tremendously charismatic...an extravagant celebration of queerness and chosen family"

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Bay Area News Group (Mercury News, East Bay Times)

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Exhibition open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm with free parking and admission EXCEPT Saturday, June 7; Friday, July 4 (Independence Day); Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving Day); Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve); and Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day).

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In remembrance of Pope Francis, who passed on April 21, 2025, the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center is honored to present this exhibit illustrating the pope’s outreach to the peripheries during his 47 international trips.

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Learn more: https://www.michaelmcgivneycenter.org/exhibits/francis-pope-of-the-peripheries/

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Exhibition open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm with free parking and admission EXCEPT Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving); Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve); and Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day).

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Many crèches, the three-dimensional representation of the Nativity scene, feature a diversity of settings and stable designs — the most common of which is an open-front wood structure. However, many artisans model their crèches after buildings and landscapes that are native to their homelands.

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This exhibit includes a variety of crèches that showcase different examples of stables and mangers. In addition, it also highlights a handful of works whose settings have been customized for the figures they contain. One of these is the Neapolitan, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, by Cantone and Costabile of Naples, Italy. In addition, a brand-new crèche will be featured in this exhibit: The Nativity at New Haven's St. Mary’s Church, designed by US-based Navidad Nativities, Inc., with figures made in Italy by Original Heide.

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Since 1990, Trees of Hope has served as a holiday tradition in Greater New Haven. This event is open to the public daily and will feature over 160 beautiful holiday displays donated and sponsored by individuals, local businesses and community organizations. Raffle tickets are sold for $1 each and attendees will be able to distribute their tickets towards the displays they would like to win on our raffle platform. It is a fun event for the entire family and a perfect way to get in the holiday spirit and kick off this special season. Trees of Hope is our largest fundraising event and therefore, instrumental in securing the funds necessary to support the brave children and families at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.

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Trees of Hope will be held on weekdays from 11am–7pm and on weekends 10am - 5pm at the Long Wharf Maritime Center in New Haven, CT, located at 555 Long Wharf Drive, from December 6th through December 14th. 

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https://rmhc-ctma.org/events/ct-trees-of-hope

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Exhibition open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm with free parking and admission EXCEPT Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving); Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve); and Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day).

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For centuries people around the world have celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ and numerous traditions have been incorporated into the Christmas season. Advent calendars, Christmas trees, and the display of the crèche, the three-dimensional representation of the Nativity scene, are just a few of these traditions. These traditions also incorporate other important Christian figures and events in Christ’s life, such as St. Nicholas Day and the Feast of the Epiphany.

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This Christmas, the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center presents the exhibit, The Spirit of Christmas, which features crèches and other artwork from around the globe celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and traditions and feast days during the season.

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Enjoy the Christmas season at the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center through this exhibit, the supplemental exhibit Away in a Manger and a variety of programs, including our annual Christmastime Family Day. Discover more of our offerings at https://www.michaelmcgivneycenter.org/

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Make the following offerings a part of your family’s holiday tradition!

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Discover the artistry of rug tufting, a creative process where participants will sketch a pattern on a cloth, then use a tufting gun to inject the yarn into the cloth.

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Participants will delve into the hands-on experience of tufting their own unique designs. The process begins with sketching a pattern on a cloth, followed by using a tufting gun to intricately inject yarn into the fabric canvas. Each participant will be assigned the use of tufting gun and frame, all materials will be provided to create a rug approximately 20" x24". Over the two sessions participants will create a carpet of their own design which they can take home.

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What to Expect:

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Participants will explore the fascinating world of rug tufting, with each attendee provided with the necessary tools, including a tufting gun and frame. With expert guidance, you'll bring your vision to life, creating a stunning rug approximately 20" x 24".

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This class runs over 2 sessions: Sunday 10a - 5p & Monday 7p - 9p. The Monday session is for finishing the backing on your rug. If you cannot make the Monday portion, please inform the instructor so your rugs method can be adjusted to finish in one day. 

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Skills Learned:

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• Sketching rug designs on cloth

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• Operating a tufting gun with precision

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• Weaving techniques for texture and color variety

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Who Should Take This Class:

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This workshop welcomes both beginners and those with some experience eager to explore the art of rug tufting and bring their designs to life.

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What's Provided:

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• All necessary materials for rug tufting, including yarn and fabric canvas.

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• Expert guidance and assistance throughout both sessions.

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• Tufting gun and frame assigned for individual use

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Reserve your spot now for a captivating journey into the art of rug tufting. Limited spaces available. Unleash your creativity and take home a unique carpet crafted by your own hands!

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This class runs over 2 sessions: Sunday 10a - 5p & Monday 7p - 9p. The Monday session is for finishing the backing on your rug. If you cannot make the Monday portion, please inform the instructor so your rugs method can be adjusted to finish in one day. 

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Instructor: Vanessa Reyes

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Workshop Ticket Fee :

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Standard Public Ticket: $157.00

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MakeHaven members: $134.00

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You must click below and REGISTER to attend at:

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https://www.makehaven.org/civicrm/event/info?id=558&reset=1&reset=1

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Scroll to the bottom of the page and complete the information under Register (gray box) and hit submit. You will receive an acknowledgement by email. Questions? Email info@makehaven.org

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 🎉 Support Local This Holiday Season! 🎁✨

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Shop local in the Whitney-Audubon District from November 28 to December 24 and enjoy a sweet treat with your purchase!

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🛍️ Spend $25 or more at participating retailers and present your same-day paper receipt to indulge in one of these delightful offers: • FREE Cupcake from Katalina’s Bakery (74 Whitney Avenue) 🧁 • OR FREE Hot Cocoa from Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea (258 Church Street) ☕

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Explore unique finds at Walker-Loden with antiques, jewelry, and festive gifts, or visit Kathadin Furniture for stunning custom rugs and eclectic treasures. Looking for something sparkling? Gilden’s Jewelers has an exquisite selection of jewelry just for you! Or take a festive art class at The Giggling Pig.

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👉 Check out the Official Rules & Regulations and participating merchants in the Whitney-Audubon Retail & Arts District  or https://theshopsatyale.com/holidaysonwhitney/

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Happy Holidays and happy shopping local! ❤️

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Step into the world of metalworking with our comprehensive lathe workshop, where safety meets precision and creativity knows no bounds. This hands-on class covers all the essentials of lathe operation, from safety protocols to basic machining techniques, empowering you to bring your metalworking dreams to life.

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What to Expect:  This comprehensive class begins with  1.5–2 hours of lecture and discussion , covering foundational knowledge and safety practices before heading to the shop floor. After the discussion, you’ll move to the machines for hands-on learning through a guided project. From selecting and setting up tools to mastering the art of stock installation and part turning, you'll gain hands-on experience in every aspect of the lathe workflow. Through a series of interactive demonstrations and practical exercises, you'll learn essential skills such as filing, drilling, and maintaining concentricity, ensuring that each part you create meets the highest standards of precision and quality.

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Skills You'll Acquire:

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• Selecting and setting up tools in the lathe toolholder
• Applying a file to remove burrs from a part
• Installing stock in the lathe chuck for turning purposes
• Maintaining basic concentricity in a part
• Using a drill chuck in the lathe tailstock
• Properly drilling holes in metalwork

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Please note:

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Participants must watch the following two videos before the class:

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Manual Metalworking Lathe Basics

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Metalworking Metrology

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(Note: Participants *must* watch the two videos listed above. Anyone who has not watched the videos may be asked to leave, no refund will be issued.)

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What's Provided:  All necessary tools and materials will be provided for the workshop, ensuring that you have everything you need to dive into the exciting world of metal lathe machining. Additionally, safety glasses and other necessary safety equipment will be available for participants to use.

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Who Should Attend:  This workshop is perfect for beginners and hobbyists eager to explore the art of metalworking. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, a budding machinist, or simply curious about expanding your skill set, this class offers a welcoming environment for learners of all backgrounds and experience levels.

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Prerequisites/Safety Information:  Prior to the workshop,  participants are required to watch two instructional videos on  lathe basics  and  metalworking metrology. This ensures that everyone enters the workshop with a foundational understanding of lathe operation and safety protocols. Participants are also required to wear closed-toe shoes and avoid wearing any loose or dangling clothing or accessories during the workshop to ensure personal safety.

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Participants will receive a link to class materials in their confirmation email and are  strongly encouraged to review the content ahead of time  to get the most out of the in-person session.

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Instructor : Brandon DaSilva

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Workshop Ticket Fee :

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Standard Ticket $228.00

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MakeHaven Members: $193.00

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You must click below and REGISTER to attend at:

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https://www.makehaven.org/civicrm/event/info?id=647&reset=1&reset=1

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Scroll to the bottom of the page and complete the information under Register (gray box) and hit submit. You will receive an acknowledgement by email. Questions? Email info@makehaven.org

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Bring the whole family to the Shore Line Trolley Museum this holiday season for a magical  Visit with Santa! Running  Thanksgiving weekend  and  weekends in December  through  December 21st , this festive event is packed with holiday fun.

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  What’s Included?

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• Take a cozy ride to Santa aboard our  heated trolley , beautifully decorated for the season.
• Tell Santa what’s on your Christmas list and receive a  small gift.
• Take lots of photos  with Santa to capture the special moment.
• Enjoy a cup of  hot chocolate  to warm up!
• Stroll through the museum and check out the  holiday-decorated trolleys.
• Visit our  museum store  for unique and thoughtful gift ideas.

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  Most of the event takes place outside , so dress warmly and get ready for a fun, festive day filled with holiday cheer!

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  Dates:

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• Thanksgiving Weekend
• Weekends in December  until  December 21st

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Create lasting holiday memories with a visit to Santa at the Shore Line Trolley Museum!

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EveryBody Dances @ Yale Schwarzman Center brings local and visiting dance artists to our Dance Studio to teach masterclasses in jazz, hip hop, salsa, modern, contemporary, precision dance and more! All community members are welcome. This week's class is titled Building Burlesque: Bigger, Better, Bawdier led by  Tigger! 

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Class Description: 

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Wanna try your hand (and the rest of your body) at Burlesque? Or improve the ecdysiast skills that you have? 

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Set the stage on fire & go from talented to TNT! A long-time collaborator with Taylor Mac (Holiday Sauce), Tigger! is an acclaimed pioneer of today's Burlesque Renaissance, as well as a trained actor & teacher who has been "acting like a stripper" since 1992. His class will break down what makes a burlesque performer stand out. Learn techniques & tips to make the most of what you've already got & take your performances to the next level. 

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This is an interactive lecture with burlesque acting & burlesque movement exercises. Be prepared to take notes. Bring clothing you can comfortably move in & shoes you'd feel good performing in, along with an extra layer that you can readily & beautifully remove! (No actual nudity involved in this class.)

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The Guilford Art Center’s annual Holiday Expo returns November 14, 2025 – January 11, 2026, offering an extraordinary selection of handcrafted gifts from hundreds of independent artists and makers. The community is invited to the free Opening Reception event on Friday, Nov 14 from 5-7pm.

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For the season, the GAC Shop doubles in size, filling both the shop and the gallery space with one-of-a-kind treasures: jewelry, home goods, clothing, accessories, ornaments, specialty foods, and more. Each piece is handmade with care, making the gift as unique as the person receiving it.

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New this year, the Holiday Expo will also feature a special section of work by members of the Lyme Artisans Guild , known for their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to preserving traditional techniques. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase their beautiful, locally made creations alongside other Holiday Expo artists. The Guild’s mission closely aligns with GAC’s, making for an exciting seasonal partnership.

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“The Holiday Expo is a celebration of creativity and community,” says Maureen Belden, Executive Director of Guilford Art Center. “When you shop here, you’re not just finding a beautiful, handmade gift—you’re supporting local artists, investing in their livelihoods, and helping to sustain the arts in our region. Every purchase makes a difference.”

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Lyme Artisans Guild President Carol Stanland adds, “Handcrafts are very much about community and making connections with people in a community, making any acquisition more meaningful than it would otherwise be. We at LAG very much enjoy sharing our process as well as our products. Knowledge about process gives our products depth.”

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New items arrive throughout the season, so there’s always something fresh to discover. Personal shoppers are available to help with selections, and businesses can arrange custom gift packages for employees.

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Events:

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• November 14: Opening Reception, 5–7pm
• November 15: Egyptian Coil Chaining Demo (for wire jewelry) with Michelle Pearson
• November 22: Gel Printing on Paper Demo with Barbara Eaglesham
• December 13: Color and Pattern Matching in Fabric Design Demo with Carol Stanland

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Proceeds benefit the artists and fund Guilford Art Center’s educational and community programs.

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Holiday Expo Hours:

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November 14, 2025 – January 11, 2026

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Mon–Sat, 10am–5pm | Sun, 12–5pm

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Location: Guilford Art Center, 411 Church Street, Guilford, CT

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More information: www.guilfordartcenter.org | facebook.com/guilfordartcenter

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Phone: 203-453-5947

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The Guilford Art Center’s annual Holiday Expo returns November 14, 2025 – January 11, 2026, offering an extraordinary selection of handcrafted gifts from hundreds of local and regional artists and makers.

​

For the season, the GAC Shop doubles in size, filling both the shop and the gallery space with one-of-a-kind treasures: jewelry, home goods, clothing, accessories, ornaments, specialty foods, and more. Each piece is handmade with care, making the gift as unique as the person receiving it.

​

 New this year, the Holiday Expo will also feature a special section of work by members of the Lyme Artisans Guild , known for their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to preserving traditional techniques. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase their beautiful, locally made creations alongside other Holiday Expo artists. The Guild’s mission closely aligns with GAC’s, making for an exciting seasonal partnership.

​

 “The Holiday Expo is a celebration of creativity and community,” says Maureen Belden, Executive Director of Guilford Art Center. “When you shop here, you’re not just finding a beautiful, handmade gift—you’re supporting local artists, investing in their livelihoods, and helping to sustain the arts in our region. Every purchase makes a difference.”

​

 Lyme Artisans Guild President Carol Stanland adds, “Handcrafts are very much about community and making connections with people in a community, making any acquisition more meaningful than it would otherwise be. We at LAG very much enjoy sharing our process as well as our products. Knowledge about process gives our products depth.”

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 New items arrive throughout the season, so there’s always something fresh to discover. Personal shoppers are available to help with selections, and businesses can arrange custom gift packages for employees.

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 Events:

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• November 14: Opening Reception, 5–7pm
• November 15: Egyptian Coil Chaining Demo (for wire jewelry) with Michelle Pearson
• November 22: Gel Printing on Paper Demo with Barbara Eaglesham
• December 13: Color and Pattern Matching in Fabric Design Demo with Carol Stanland

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 Proceeds benefit the artists and fund Guilford Art Center’s educational and community programs.

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Holiday Expo Hours:

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November 14, 2025 – January 11, 2026

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Mon–Sat, 10am–5pm | Sun, 12–5pm

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  Location: Guilford Art Center, 411 Church Street, Guilford, CT

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More information: www.guilfordartcenter.org | facebook.com/guilfordartcenter

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Phone: 203-453-5947

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 The Art of Dreaming - Spectrum Art Gallery Holiday Exhibit Opens November 21

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With the holidays approaching, Spectrum Art Gallery presents The Art of Dreaming. This season find imagination, memory, and hope especially alive as this exhibit explores the boundless world of dreams—where fantasy, romance, and the surreal converge. Discover fine art and photography by established and emerging artists, alongside the Artisans Store filled to the brim with holiday items and seasonal gifts such as pottery, glass, fiber, jewelry, home décor, paper art, and handmade ornaments displayed on Spectrum’s two 6-foot holiday trees.  Start the holidays right at an Open Gallery Reception on Friday, November 21 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy fine art, crafts, wine, and refreshments that evening and all throughout the Open House Weekend, Saturday, November 22 (1 to 6pm), and Sunday, November 23 (1-5pm). The Art of Dreaming runs through January 10, 2026. Spectrum Gallery, voted Best Gallery and Best Jewelry Store on the Shoreline, is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, CT. Regular Gallery Hours are Wed-Sat (12-6pm) and Sun (12-5pm). Between December 6 - 24, Gallery is open Mon-Sat.  12-6pm; Suns. 12-5pm and on Dec 24, 11am-2pm. For more information about exhibits and classes, workshops, and summer camps for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available throughout the US. Follow Spectrum social media at facebook.com/spectrumartgallery, instagram.com/spectrumartgallery, x.com/spectrum_ct, and youtube.com/@spectrumgallery6211

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 The Art of Dreaming - Spectrum Art Gallery Holiday Exhibit Opens November 21

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With the holidays approaching, Spectrum Art Gallery presents The Art of Dreaming. This season find imagination, memory, and hope especially alive as this exhibit explores the boundless world of dreams—where fantasy, romance, and the surreal converge. Discover fine art and photography by established and emerging artists, alongside the Artisans Store filled to the brim with holiday items and seasonal gifts such as pottery, glass, fiber, jewelry, home décor, paper art, and handmade ornaments displayed on Spectrum’s two 6-foot holiday trees.  Start the holidays right at an Open Gallery Reception on Friday, November 21 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy fine art, crafts, wine, and refreshments that evening and all throughout the Open House Weekend, Saturday, November 22 (1 to 6pm), and Sunday, November 23 (1-5pm). The Art of Dreaming runs through January 10, 2026. Spectrum Gallery, voted Best Gallery and Best Jewelry Store on the Shoreline, is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, CT. Regular Gallery Hours are Wed-Sat (12-6pm) and Sun (12-5pm). Between December 6 - 24, Gallery is open Mon-Sat.  12-6pm; Suns. 12-5pm and on Dec 24, 11am-2pm. For more information about exhibits and classes, workshops, and summer camps for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available throughout the US. Follow Spectrum social media at facebook.com/spectrumartgallery, instagram.com/spectrumartgallery, x.com/spectrum_ct, and youtube.com/@spectrumgallery6211

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 The Art of Dreaming - Spectrum Art Gallery Holiday Exhibit Opens November 21

​

With the holidays approaching, Spectrum Art Gallery presents The Art of Dreaming. This season find imagination, memory, and hope especially alive as this exhibit explores the boundless world of dreams—where fantasy, romance, and the surreal converge. Discover fine art and photography by established and emerging artists, alongside the Artisans Store filled to the brim with holiday items and seasonal gifts such as pottery, glass, fiber, jewelry, home décor, paper art, and handmade ornaments displayed on Spectrum’s two 6-foot holiday trees.  Start the holidays right at an Open Gallery Reception on Friday, November 21 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy fine art, crafts, wine, and refreshments that evening and all throughout the Open House Weekend, Saturday, November 22 (1 to 6pm), and Sunday, November 23 (1-5pm). The Art of Dreaming runs through January 10, 2026. Spectrum Gallery, voted Best Gallery and Best Jewelry Store on the Shoreline, is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, CT. Regular Gallery Hours are Wed-Sat (12-6pm) and Sun (12-5pm). Between December 6 - 24, Gallery is open Mon-Sat.  12-6pm; Suns. 12-5pm and on Dec 24, 11am-2pm. For more information about exhibits and classes, workshops, and summer camps for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available throughout the US. Follow Spectrum social media at facebook.com/spectrumartgallery, instagram.com/spectrumartgallery, x.com/spectrum_ct, and youtube.com/@spectrumgallery6211

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 The Art of Dreaming - Spectrum Art Gallery Holiday Exhibit Opens November 21

​

With the holidays approaching, Spectrum Art Gallery presents The Art of Dreaming. This season find imagination, memory, and hope especially alive as this exhibit explores the boundless world of dreams—where fantasy, romance, and the surreal converge. Discover fine art and photography by established and emerging artists, alongside the Artisans Store filled to the brim with holiday items and seasonal gifts such as pottery, glass, fiber, jewelry, home décor, paper art, and handmade ornaments displayed on Spectrum’s two 6-foot holiday trees.  Start the holidays right at an Open Gallery Reception on Friday, November 21 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy fine art, crafts, wine, and refreshments that evening and all throughout the Open House Weekend, Saturday, November 22 (1 to 6pm), and Sunday, November 23 (1-5pm). The Art of Dreaming runs through January 10, 2026. Spectrum Gallery, voted Best Gallery and Best Jewelry Store on the Shoreline, is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, CT. Regular Gallery Hours are Wed-Sat (12-6pm) and Sun (12-5pm). Between December 6 - 24, Gallery is open Mon-Sat.  12-6pm; Suns. 12-5pm and on Dec 24, 11am-2pm. For more information about exhibits and classes, workshops, and summer camps for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available throughout the US. Follow Spectrum social media at facebook.com/spectrumartgallery, instagram.com/spectrumartgallery, x.com/spectrum_ct, and youtube.com/@spectrumgallery6211

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We are so happy to have the Crafters of Color joining us again this year for a Winter Market in the bookspace. Mark your calendars, because this will be a super sweet opportunity to snap up locally made artisan goods. What better gifts to give than the ones that give back to community? There are none… So let’s make it rain for our beloved makers!

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 🎶✨ Celebrate the Season with Strolling Connecticut Yuletide Carolers! 🎄🎤

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Join us for a festive celebration as talented carolers, dressed in beautiful traditional garb, fill the air with holiday cheer throughout the Broadway and Chapel Historic Districts!

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When & Where:

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📍 Chapel Street Historic District:

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• Saturdays, November 29, December 6, 13 & 20
• ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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📍 Broadway Shopping District:

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• Sundays, November 30, December 7, 14 & 21
• ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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📸 Capture the Magic! Don’t miss the great photo opportunities as our merry carolers spread holiday spirit throughout the districts!

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Bring your family and friends to soak in the festive atmosphere and create cherished memories together! 🎉

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👉 For more details, visit The Shops at Yale .

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Overcome the mysteries of the sewing machine and discover how fun and easy it can be! Learn the basics of machine sewing including threading, operating, and troubleshooting.

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Practice using the machine and then move on to simple projects for yourself or for gift-giving. Participants will learn a variety of machine sewing methods including piecing, applique, quilting, and freehand. Potential projects include art pieces, wall hangings, patchwork, quilt patterns, bags, a zippered pouch, table runner, or pillow cover. Tips for altering clothes can also be covered. Previous students are welcome to attend and work on more advanced projects.

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Tuition for this class includes a fee of $15 for basic materials provided by CAW.

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In this workshop make five holiday unique craft home décor projects to display or for gift giving. Create and learn the techniques to make an origami paper wreath, an upgraded to go coffee cup as a snowman holiday candy container, a unique gift bag, a paper tree and a triangle snowman box. Take home a detailed instruction workshop sheet, list of supplies, information about the techniques and photos of the projects. To make more holiday home décor projects, you will receive a kit which will include cardstock, die cut pieces, coordinating colored cardstock and any other supplies needed to make more of these projects on your own. No experience is necessary for this workshop just holiday spirit!

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Introducing Nancy Souza, a teacher, mixed media artist and crafter. Creating unique cards and paper projects using a variety of techniques, colorful cardstock and card layouts including inks, stencils, collage, upcycled vintage items, and more. Souza is a certified teacher, teaching at the elementary & high school levels and graduate level courses at Sacred Heart University Griswold High School campus, including her 6th Year post graduate level.

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Twenty-six years ago, a teaching colleague suggested Nancy sign up for a local card making class and the rest is history. It’s been an interesting and rewarding crafting journey both taking classes, sharing with crafting friends and teaching fellow crafters. Souza is a proud Certified Educator, completing 85 cards/projects posted on her Blog and a virtual class demo. Now she is creating samples for Altenew using new release items…and of course, her favorite color is glitter!

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Souza’s work is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

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A mixed media show featuring artwork by Susan Stickney

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Get into the holiday spirit at MakeHaven. Decorate cookies, create a colorful melted-crayon ornament, and snip colorful coffee filter snowflakes during an easygoing afternoon of festive fun.

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Join us at MakeHaven for a cozy, holiday-themed creative gathering! We’ll be decorating cookies and trying out a couple insta-famous simple crafts while enjoying the company of other makers. Enjoy a sweet spread of cookies you can decorate, eat on the spot, or take home. All ages and skill levels are welcome—come for the crafts, stay for the community, and leave with handmade holiday cheer!

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Second Sundays is a social gathering for makers. Whether you're working on something wild and wonderful, or still brainstorming your next big idea, this is the perfect space to show it off or bounce ideas around. We want to see what you’ve been up to, hear your stories, and get inspired by each other’s creativity. Snacks provided; feel free to bring a favorite to share if inspired.

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