Chester Arts & Literary Weekend

As artist enclaves in Connecticut go, the village of Chester is amongst the top of the list. To celebrate that, the town is hosting a Chester Arts & Literary Weekend from February 9-11 at myriad shops and venues. On tap: readings/talks, Meet the Artists, demonstrations, workshops, jam sessions and live evening performances. Click for a schedule and map.

Friday, February 9

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek (CBSRZ) welcomes Chester Arts & Literary Weekenders to check out Moya Aiken’s exhibition. (please call in advance, (860) 526-8920).

2 p.m. – 9 p.m. Little House Brewing Company will feature local photographer Brenda Dunn and her Veiled Void series.

12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Chester Gallery is hosting a special exhibition of works from Richard Claude Ziemann in conjunction with his upcoming exhibit ‘In Nature’ at the New Britain Museum of American Art.

6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jam Session (acoustic) open to all musicians and listeners at Chester Meeting House

Saturday, February 10

Chester Public Library
10 a.m. Erica Cirino (environmentally-focused)
11 a.m. Leslie Connor (author of middle-grade novels)
12 p.m. Jeanne Ferruolo Zulick (author of middle-grade novels)
1 p.m. Nancy Tandon (author of middle-grade novels)
2 p.m. Doe Boyle (science and nature books for kids & Tassy Walden info)
3 p.m. Paul Beckman (Flash Fiction for adult readers)

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Chester Historical Society at The Mill one-time-only display of Creative Challenges Past/Future featuring artifacts from past challenges taken from early Chester manufacturers. Dive in and join this year’s “Watch Out!” challenge using antique pocket watch glasses circa 1880s.

Noon Glass Art Demonstration at Atmosphere

12 p.m. – 9 p.m. Little House Brewing Company will feature local photographer Brenda Dunn and her Veiled Void series.

Ongoing demos & talks
Blackkat Leather
Dina Varano at Dina Varano Gallery
Leif Nilsson at Spring Street Studio & Gallery

12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Chester artist Aidan Neely and Deep River Woodworker Nick Shkutzko (Just Wood Crafting) at Little House Brewing Company

12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Chester Gallery is hosting a special exhibition of works from Richard Claude Ziemann in conjunction with his upcoming exhibit ‘In Nature’ at the New Britain Museum of American Art.

3 p.m. – p.m. Artist Brigid Miniter at The Wayfinder Society

4 p.m. Howard Fishman, author of “To Anyone Who Ever Asks: The Life, Music, and Mystery of Connie Converse” at Spring Street Studio & Gallery

5 p.m. Renee Bauer, author of “She Who Wins” at The Wayfinder Society

7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Connecticut Storytelling Center Benefit featuring storytelling by Jennifer Munro and Liz Gruber with music from Joe Flood at Chester Meeting House

Sunday, February 11

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Chester Historical Society at The Mill one-time-only display of Creative Challenges Past/Future featuring artifacts from past challenges taken from early Chester manufacturers. Dive in and join this year’s “Watch Out!” challenge using antique pocket watch glasses circa 1880s.

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Meet the Artists, Lori Warner Gallery

Chester Public Library
12 Elaine Alexander (young readers)
1 Frank Dormer (illustrated picture books)
2 Kimberly Behra Kenna (middle-grade novels)

12-6 Little House Brewing Company will feature local photographer Brenda Dunn and her Veiled Void series.

1 p.m. – 2 p.m. A 3D art demo from Damien Stockley at The Wayfinder Society

1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Jam session at Spring Street Studio & Gallery

Ongoing demos & talks
Blackkat Leather
Dina Varano at Dina Varano Gallery
Leif Nilsson at Spring Street Studio & Gallery

1 p.m. – 3 p.m. New England artist and author of Pints & Panels, Em Sauter at Little House Brewing Company

3:30 p.m. Chester Gallery is hosting a Meet the Artist event featuring Moya Aiken.

5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Breakwater Books presents a series of One-Act Plays at Chester Meeting House