stone-bench-art-park

ART PARK in Phase 2

path-art-park stone-bench-art-parkThe Marlborough Arts Center’s ART PARK is in Phase 2 now after last year’s fund-raising efforts to buy and preserve the land for the future of arts in the community and region. At the moment this means the beginning of making paths through the trees so that people will soon be able to utilize the 1 1/2 acres of land that will include a Sculpture Park.

The pictures show what a few volunteers are making possible by working together. There is now a curving path around the periphery of the lot that makes a safe way to enter and walk the area. The first of the sculptures is a hand-worked stone bench near the back stone wall, a place to sit and reflect. There will be a clear area in the center for en plein artists to paint as invasive plant ground cover is in the process of being removed.

If you would like to join in, just bring a pair of work gloves and come over to the Arts Center on a Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. to help. Besides the fun of a joint effort, you will have the pleasure of knowing that you have literally had a hand in creating the ART PARK.

The Marlborough Arts Center is located at 231 North Main Street in Marlborough, CT and is a non-profit regional center for the arts.

May’s 4th Friday @ the Arts Cafe

The Marlborough Arts Center’s “4th Friday @ the Arts Cafe” presents Jeff Snow, performing The Softer Side of Celtic, Friday, May 27, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. at 231 North Main Street, Marlborough, CT.  Jeff Snow is a talented multi-instrumentalist who plays the music and tells the stories behind the songs.

Jeff plays six and twelve string guitar, autoharp, Celtic Bouzouki & Bodhran, and he also plays the drums and a variety of other percussion instruments. A skilled guitar player, Jeff was featured in the August 2006 issue of Acoustic Guitar Magazine. He is also a contributor to the magazine.

Growing up as the son of a drummer in a Bagpipe band and in a home where older Celtic songs were the everyday sounds, Jeff developed a love for the music of Scotland, England and Ireland. His concerts have been described as “quiet and relaxing”—and much of it is—but sometimes he’ll break out and the foot stomping begins!

The magical sounds from the instruments coupled with vocals and Jeff’s love and knowledge of his Scottish heritage create a delightful program of traditional and original tunes and songs. Much of the history of Scotland, England and Ireland is preserved in song. Hearing those stories along with the songs educate as well as entertain. You will see singing, laughing, lots of smiles and perhaps a few tears.

There is no better example of this than the Ballad of Kilkelly Ireland. In 1855 John Hunt left his family’s home in Kilkelly Ireland and came to the United States.  When he left Ireland, John Hunt was 13 years old. He settled in Maryland, found a job, got married and had children. He never returned to Ireland and never saw his family again. Without cell phones and the internet, communication was by the annual family letter. In the 1970’s these letters were discovered by songwriter Peter Jones. He wrote the ballad that tells the story of the Hunt family.

Jeff has performed for audiences of all ages and in a variety of settings including concert halls, libraries, museums, churches, schools, and private homes.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m., but doors are open by 7:00, allowing a chance to see our current exhibit, choose a seat, buy a refreshment, and settle in for the music. Admission at the door is $10 per person. BYOWine. Other refreshments are available. Visit the website at www.marlborougharts.org or telephone (860) 295-9389 for more details on the many artistic activities offered by the Marlborough Arts Center including renting this beautiful facility for an event of your own.

MAC May 2016 Memo to the Membership

Here we are in the “merry, merry month of May” which has taken us by surprise with its cool temperatures. However, there is always warmth at the Arts Center so please note what is special this month.

1)  There is an OPEN RECEPTION on Friday, May 6, from 7-9 p.m.  at the Arts Center to open the “Arts by Veterans” Show, featuring artworks by 26 different veterans of all the services and various wars. These include works in all media: oil, watercolor, photography, sculpture, etc.  Please plan to attend the Reception, meet the Veteran artists, and hear the stories behind their creative works. MAC is proud to honor our Veterans and their work.

2)  The “Arts by Veterans” Show is open every Saturday and Sunday , 1-4 p.m., beginning May 7 after the Open Reception, throughout the month of  May.

3)  4th Friday @ the Arts Cafe, May 27th,  this month highlights “The Softer Side of Celtic”, a wonderful group whose music and stories will liven up your spirits with the backdrop of the Veterans’ Art Show lining the Charles W. Hall Art Gallery.  A double pleasure…

4)  We are working on the ART PARK and have completed a walking path around the perimeter, one of the first steps needed. We will keep you appraised as we continue with Phase 2.

5)  Remember to sign up for our newest art classes: “Chain Jewelry” and “Watercolor Classes” by contacting Aldo Passarelli at (860) 874-9622. Details are on our website www.marlborougharts.org.

6)  Many community events are also happening at MAC with personal parties, weddings, receptions, and political forums among them. If you are interested in renting our beautiful facilities, leave a message at (860) 295-9389.

7)  We are looking for someone with accounting skills to assist our Treasurer, so if you’d like to help out MAC in this way, leave a message on that same phone,  (860) 295-9389.

Hoping to see you and your friends at MAC soon!

OPEN RECEPTION for Art by Veterans Show

Come one, come all to the Open Reception on Friday, May 6, 2016 from 7-9 p.m. to honor the 26 Veterans who have created the wonderful exhibit now in place at the Marlborough Arts Center, 231 North Main Street. Their 50 artistic works cover a range of media including oils, watercolors, photographs, and sculptures. This is a chance to meet the Veteran artists and hear the stories behind their artworks, and is free of charge to the public.