Program/Events Listing

Toys from Long Ago

Friday, November 25 – Sunday, February 26

Bring back fond memories and create them with you children and loved ones when you visit the museum to see the William Brinley hand carved miniature circus on loan from the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport. Delightful and fascinating vintage dolls, toys and games from the Mattatuck’s collection will also be exhibited.

Mattatuck Museum Exhibits Major Gift of Contemporary Art

The Mattatuck Museum will present Many Visions/One Community featuring an array of art mediums by contemporary artists. The exhibit will open on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 with a public reception from 5:30-7:30pm and runs through June 1, 2012.

The Mattatuck Museum, is pleased to announce a donation of contemporary art by collectors Benjamin Ortiz and Victor Torchia, Jr. Given at the time that Marie Galbraith is stepping down as director of the museum and moving to Director of Education and Public Programming, the donation reflects Marie's outreach to the various communities that make up our audiences.

The gift of paintings, sculpture and works on paper by 31 artists celebrates each year of Marie's tenure. It includes works by artists of diverse backgrounds, some well-known and others just emerging. Galbraith, who is stepping down in February to work on the more creative aspects of museum programming and education, is delighted with the gift which represents multicultural diversity in both its creators and its subjects.

The donation contains a variety of art forms including painting, photography, watercolors and etchings. It represents such movements as figurative realism, feminist art, abstraction, and conceptual art. Included in the donated is a 1955 black-and-white photograph, Grand Central Station, by Larry Silver, Antonio Frasconi's colorful woodcut Sioux Chief, 1971, and a mixed media work, Esperanza, 1995, by Yolanda Vasquez Petrocelli.

This contribution by Benjamin Ortiz and Victor Torchia Jr. is important as it significantly increases the museum's holdings in 20^th and 21^st century art. Their desire to share their remarkable collection reflects their philosophy that art reflects our culture and that art can inspire us. Additionally, this gift can be used for teaching as well as the enjoyment of our audiences.

The opening reception is free and open to the public. RSVPs are required and can be made by calling Cathy Filippone at (203) 753-0381 ext 10. Or go to the website at www.MattatuckMuseum.org for more information and to register online. 

From Top:

Alberta Cifolelli, Making Waves #3, 1979

Mixed media, 23 1/2 x 17 3/4

Larry Silver, Grand Central Station, New York City, c. 1950, printed 1983

Silver gelatin print, 11 x 12 1/2

Vocalist Glenda Davenport and Bassist John Mobilio to Perform at First Thursday

This First Thursday will feature talented New York jazz vocalist, Glenda Davenport and multi-talented bassist John Mobilio, accompanied by James Santucci on piano and drummer Jack Varanelli at the First Thursday event on March 1, 2012 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. All are invited to come and welcome in the summer with a lovely evening of Jazz in the Courtyard of the Mattatuck.

Ms. Davenport began her singing career in June, 1992. She was a winner at The World Famous Apollo Theater’s Amateur Night in April, 1993 and the opening act for comedian Bill Cosby in 1994 at the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College. In July 1995, she performed with tenor saxophonist Carmen Leggio’s Quartet at the Saratoga Jazz Festival, Saratoga, NY. She currently performs regularly throughout the tri-state area.

John Mobilio is a jazz bassist who performs regularly with a number of jazz combos and big bands in the Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts area. As a bassist, educator, musical director and performer John brings his joy of jazz and music to audiences and students throughout Connecticut and the surrounding states.