The Arts and Crafts Association of Meriden / Gallery 53

The Arts and Crafts Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the cultural enrichment of the community. Founded in 1907, it is one of the oldest visual arts organizations in the state of Connecticut.  There is a full schedule of classes, exhibits, workshops, and other art related activities.  The Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, 12-4 pm, and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 pm.  Located at 53 Colony Street, with free and ample parking space across the street, the Gallery is easy to reach from I-91 and I-84. Call (203) 235-5347 for directions.

The Augusta Curtis Cultural Center

A not - for-profit organization housed in the historic Curtis Memorial Library in Meriden, Connecticut. The Center offers a diverse range of programming for members and the greater community including lectures, exhibits and interactive programs focused on the arts and sciences.  Located at 175 East Main Street.  www.curtisculturalcenter.org, phone:  203.639.2856, info@curtisculturalcenter.org

Castle Craig Players

Almira F. Stephan Memorial Playhouse, 59 West Main Street, Meriden CT 06451, (203) 634-6922, www.castlecraig.org.

The Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra, CCCYO

A project of the Meriden ArtsTrust.  The Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra is rehearsing on Thursday afternoons from 4:30-6:30 at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, 175 East Main Street.  Parents and prospective members are always invited to come and listen to rehearsals.  Admission is by audition with our Music Director and Conductor, Mrs. Veronica Germain.  Auditioners must have two years of instrument experience and be in grades 6-12.  The service area of the CCCYO is Berlin, Cheshire, Durham, Middlefield, Middletown, Meriden, Southington and Wallingford.  Homeschoolers are welcome!  For more information and to schedule and audition, please call Mrs. Katrina S. Axelrod, Administrator, at (203) 235-7445 and/or send e-mail to meridenartstrust@yahoo.com.  Please spread the word about the CCCYO, we have about 23 young musicians, we would like to have 50!

CT Academy of Ballet & Performing Arts

Dance & Voice/Music Instruction.  Classes in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical. Dance promotes creativity, self-confidence, and grace. Beginner to Pre-professional.  626-632 East Main Street, Meriden, CT 06450.  miss.laura.s@snet.net

Greater Meriden Community Chorus

GMCC rehearses each Monday, September through May, at 7:00 pm at The Bradley Home 320 Colony Street in Meriden.  GMCC is open to all who love to sing, there are no auditions.  Our annual dues are $45.00.  Anyone interested in joining may come to a rehearsal or call Nancy, 237-2493, for more information.

Meriden ArtsTrust

"Bringing the Arts to Area Youth and Bringing the Area's Youth to the Arts."  Meriden ArtsTrust is the parent organization of the Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra, and serves as a planning and administrative agency to 'good ideas' for arts education projects involving youth in the cities and towns of Berlin, Cheshire, Durham, Middlefield, Middletown, Meriden, Southington and Wallingford.  Meriden ArtsTrust is seeking members for its Planning Committee and the pro bon services of a lawyer or tax specialist to assist in the attainment of non-profit status.  For more information please call Mrs. Katrina S. Axelrod, Administrator, at (203) 235-7445 and/or send e-mail to meridenartstrust@yahoo.com.

Meriden Poetry Society

The objectives of the society are to promote and foster the love and appreciation of poetry and encourage creative writing among the members of the community.  This not-for-profit organization meets at the Friends Room of the Meriden Public Library.  Meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1:30 PM from September through June.  For more information call Mario Cavallo at 237-8252

The Meriden Youth Theatre at the YMCA

MYT promotes musical theatre as a vehicle to involve and educate Connecticut youth ranging in ages from 5 to 19.  MYT provides a creative and positive environment that encourages teamwork, communication and accomplishment.  MYT casts all who audition or desire to become involved, drawing upon the diversity of ethnic, racial, religious, and social backgrounds of its participants.  Over the past 15 years, MYT has played an important role in the lives of many young theatre artists, teaching participants not only how to sing, dance, act, and direct, but also how to be responsible, tolerant, and self-confident.  For more information about our upcoming productions, email Carolyn at MYTYMCA@cox.net or call the Meriden YMCA @ 235-6386.

S.W.E.E.T. Potato Society

S.W.E.E.T. Potato Society, LLC is a women’s organization working and striving to help our community of women to succeed in all levels of achievements.  We are professional women focused on education, strengthening occupational skills and enhancing the quality of life within the Community.  Through fundraisers and grants we will provide various programs for children of various age groups and adults. “ Representing All Aspects Of The Black Woman.” e-mail: sweetpotatosociety@sbcglobal.net, www.sweetpotatosociety.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

APRIL

Apr 4, The Meriden Arts Council presents "A night of Bluegrass music" as a benefit event for the Student Arts Awards, at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, 7-10 pm.  Admission 10.00 in advance and 15.00 at the door.  Tickets can be purchased at JC Music, Fischer’s Fine Foods, Gallery 53, and The Friends of the Library.  Caberet Style Event& BYOB.  Come out and support Meriden’s Art Council raise monies for the scholarship fund.  For more info see www.themeridenartscouncil.org or more info about The Bristol Boys at http://bristolboys.googlepages.com/

Apr 8, 6th Annual Meriden Land Trust & ACCC Presentation, 175 East Main Street Meriden, CT 06450.  Tuesday, April 08, 2008 7:00 pm "Connecticut’s Changing Landscapes".  Free Admission CT Forester Robert Rock will be presenter.  Contact  Bill Revil at mlt@meridenlandtrust.com

Apr 11-13, Annie,Jr.  Location: St. Rose Community Center,  Center Street  Meriden CT 06450. Meriden Youth Theatre's production of the Broadway musical, Annie, Jr., is based on 'Little Orphan Annie' one of the most popular and long-lasting comic strips in history. Time: 07:00 PM.  Contact: Mimi, mimice@webtv.net 203-235-5109

Apr 13, Lace Exhibit and Demonstration, Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, 175 East Main St, Meriden, CT 06450.   Sunday, April 13, 2008 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  The history, study, collection, and making of hand-made lace, and the people who make it.  Hands-on learning to make bobbin, tatted, knitted, and crocheted lace.  Free admission.

Apr 13, Travel Series at the Augusta "India".  Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, 175 East Main St, Meriden, CT 06450.  Sunday, April 13, 2008 2pm.  #3 in series is "India" presented by Dick Boynton.  Donation $5.00.  3rd of 4 in series, monthly the second Sunday of the Month through May.  May will be "Venice" also by Dick Boynton.

Apr 16, Meriden Poetry Society, Friends Room at the Meriden Public Library, 1:30 – 3:00 PM. For more information call Mario Cavallo at 237-8252.

Apr 16, F.T. Maloney High School Student Photography Exhibit.  The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Center will host a student photography exhibit which opens on Wednesday April 16th.  This event was arranged by Maloney senior Lindsey Pearsall and is sponsored by the Meriden Advisory Board on Aging.  The exhibit will feature film and digital photographs by students from Maloney High School.  The exhibit will open at 10:15 am followed by refreshments and entertainment.   The Senior Center is located at 22 West Main Street.  For more information call 238-2334 Ext. 159

Apr 19-21, Meriden Youth Theatre Studio at the Y, Location: MYT Rehearsal Hall 66 Crown Street  Meriden CT 06450. A 10 week, Disney themed studio focusing on voice, dancing, acting, audition techniques, and solo and ensemble performance.  Open to grades K-12. Time: 09:00 AM.  Contact: carolyn daniels, mytymca@cox.net 203-237-7192

MAY

May 4, 3:00, at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, the Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra will have a benefit concert by the CCSU Sinfonietta.  The Sinfonietta is comprised of the best orchestra Music students at Central Connecticut State University, their professors and community 'alums'.  Tickets are $5, to encourage young people and their families to attend.  Please come and support the Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra and hear a very fine ensemble. Reception with fun and interesting raffles will follow. Come and support young musicians and young musicianship in the Central Connecticut region! For more information send e-mail to: Katrina Axelrod, Administrator, meridenartstrust@yahoo.com

May 07, Meriden Soap Box Derby Display, 175 Main Street, Meriden, CT 06492.  Wednesday, May 07, 2008.  Call for times.  Display Wednesday May 7th through Saturday Morning May 10th.  All cars will be on display for the upcoming Soap Box Derby on Saturday May 10th. Please call for viewing times.  Drivers reception on Thursday evening.

May 10, Grace like Rain, 2nd Annual Lady's Fellowship Tea.  Faith Center Church, AT THE AUGUSTA, 175 Main Street, Meriden, CT 06492.  Saturday, May 10, 2008.  12:00 noon to 3:00 pm.  Tickets $15.00 Adults and $10.00-girls 12 and under.  For more information cal  203-237-2456.  Ladies wear your gloves and hats.  This is a wonderful way to spend the Mother’s Day weekend.  There will be great music, great fellowship and gifts galore. 

May 13, CT National Speakers Association Speaker Program 2007-2008.  AT THE AUGUSTA 175 East Main Street, Meriden, CT.  Tuesday, May 13, 2008, 6:00pm to 9:00pm.  CHANGE YOUR IMAGE,CHANGE YOUR LIFE:  speaker  Sandy Dumont....For more information call Carolyn Finch at 203-791-2756 or email Carolyn@Carolynfinch.com.  Think you know what looks good on you?  Think again!  Sandy Dumont’s 30 years experience confirms that we choose colors and styles from the "heart and soul" (or habit) and not from the results in the mirror.  Learn how to increase your confidence, credibility, and cash flow from a seasoned image consultant.  Sandy Dumont is featured in print, on radio, and TV from coast to coast and in Europe.

May 15, Meriden Public Schools Annual Student Art Show, Location: Augusta Curtis Cultural Center (Elementary display CT  . Meriden Public Schools  and Wilcox Technical High School will be displaying student artwork at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center (Elementary displays) and Gallery 53 (Middle and High School Displays)  May 15th through May 28th.  Opening reception on Thursday May 15th 4:00-7:00pm.  Time: 04:00 PM

May 17 & 18, ARTFEST 2008, AN INVITATION TO ARTISANS, CRAFT PEOPLE, SCULPTORS AND PERFORMING ARTISTS.  ARTFEST 2008 will take place on Saturday May 17th and Sunday May 18th, 2008 on the historic South Main Street Parade Ground in Wallingford.  ARTFEST 2008 is being coordinated with Choate Rosemary Hall’s annual reunion weekend and marketed throughout the region.  ARTFEST 2008 hours of operation are 10AM – 5PM on both Saturday and Sunday. Contact the office at 203-284-1807 or email at wallingfordcenter@sbcglobal.net.

May 18, Travel Series At the Augusta "Switzerland, Italy, & France",  At the Augusta, Sunday, May 18, 2008, 2pm.  "Over, Under & Around the Alps" presented by Frank & Phyllis Donovan.  Admission $5.00

May 24, at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra concert with the Augusta Curtis Concert Band, will perform right after the Memorial Day parade, at around 11:30. This concert is for Memorial Day when we honor our fallen soldiers and veterans, something we don’t do enough these days.  We're hoping that the audience will be of all generations, and that as we pay our respects, we can be aware of what is going on in the world. Free-will offering. Reception will follow. Come help start a new tradition in Meriden! For more information send e-mail to: Katrina Axelrod, Administrator, meridenartstrust@yahoo.com

May 29, at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center the Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra, (CCCYO) will play for the opening of the Rosa Ponselle Memorial Garden on the East side of this building from 4:30-6:30. For more information send e-mail to: Katrina Axelrod, Administrator, meridenartstrust@yahoo.com

JUNE

Jun 1-30, Photos and Fabric.  Southington Library, 255 Main Street, Southington, CT.  This is a mixed media exhibit by Meriden artist Lynn C Fisher.  Some of the pieces are archival quality digital photographs, matted using a variety of different fabrics that enhance the image, then framed.  Some of the pieces were created by printing images on fabric and then incorporating them into wall hangings, using a variety of needle work techniques, beads, cord and wire.  The artist enjoys creating unusual effects, either with photographic technique, or by manipulating her images digitally.  dashpilot@aim.com for more info.

Jun 1, Travel Series At the Augusta.  ACCC, 175 Main Street.  Sunday, June 01, 2008, 2:00pm to 4:00pm.  Last of the travel series.  This month is Venice with Dick Boynton. Admission is $5.00 per person with lite refreshments.

Jun 8, at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, the Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra's Fourth (!) Annual Spring Concert we’ll open the doors at 2 for prospective CCCYO members to come in and ask questions and meet the musicians, the concert will be at 3, and last about an hour. Reception with fun and interesting raffles will follow. Come support the CCCYO! For more information send e-mail to: Katrina Axelrod, Administrator, meridenartstrust@yahoo.com

JULY

Jul 6, JC Music Student Recital ACCC & JC Music.  ACCC, 175 Main Street Sunday, July 06, 2008, 2:00pm to 5:00pm.  Featuring student performances vocal & instrumental.  Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased at JC Music on West Main Street. For more info call Jeff at 630-2496

Jul 7- Aug 15, Summer Youth Musical Theater Camp.  ACCC, 175 Main Street The Greater Meriden Community Chorus, Monday, July 07, 2008 through Friday, August 15, 2008.  Co-Sponsors: Augusta Curtis Cultural Center & J.C. Music.  Singing,Voice,Acting,Improvisation, Stage Make-up, Solos, Group Singing, Auditioning Techniques & more.  For more info call Nancy Stewart at 203-237-2493.  Faculty:  Nancy Stewart, Roberta DeFiore, and Mike Reynolds.  Additional classes added this year!!  Ages 10 to 18  July 21 to July 25 and July 28 to August 1.  Ages 5-6 July 7 to July 11.  Ages 7-9 Aug. 11 to Aug. 15.

All MAC members are eligible to have their events listed in our calendar, please e-mail to: info@meridenartscouncil.org, or snail mail to, MAC Membership, P.O. Box 2334, Meriden, CT 06450.  Our online calendar is updated as needed, the deadline for our printed calendar is the 15^th of  March, June, September, and December.