Since 2002, the Malloy Lecture in the Arts has brought some of the world’s most extraordinary creative voices to Westport.
Clive Davis, Arthur Miller, Joyce Carol Oates, Christopher Plummer, Salman Rushdie and others have sparked thought-provoking, engaging conversations for Westport Library audiences of all ages.
The lectures were underwritten by Westport artist Susan Malloy.
Now — thanks to the Malloy Fund for the Arts — the Library is reimagining the series.
The relaunched event will celebrate Westport’s artistic legacy, while also looking toward its future.
On March 6 (7 p.m.), the Library hosts an evening of conversation and storytelling. Some of Westport’s most influential artists will reflect on how this town has shaped generations of creatives.
Actor/director Jim Naughton — a Weston resident — will moderate the panel discussion. Participants include graphic artistMiggs Burroughs, whose work has defined the town’s artistic identity; Melody James, a leader in the arts known for fostering creative expression; and singer/ actor Melissa Newman, who launched her photo-based book about her parents, Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman, at the Library in 2023. All are Westport residents.
Ann Sheffer — a passionate arts advocate and philanthropist whose family’s contributions have helped shape the cultural fabric of Westport — will also speak.
Additional special guests will be added closer to the event.
Their conversation will explore how Westport has become a magnet for artists, performers and creatives for decades; how the town’s artistic spirit has evolved, and continues to thrive in new and exciting ways; and the role of the next generation in carrying forward Westport’s rich cultural heritage.
Susan Malloy
==================================================
Ever wished you could snag an invite to Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak’s house?
I’ve never gotten one. But thanks to the New York Times, I — and anyone else on the planet with internet — can check out a few highlights.
Today’s New York Times Real Estate section — and a previous digital feature several days ago — shows a few rooms. The new NBC “Today” host reveals how the family landed in Westport (it was midway between New York and Bristol, Connecticut, where she works for ESPN), and near a train station.
He talks about their strong relationship with the town (youth sports coaching, PTA, etc.).
And he shows off his grandmother’s beloved chair, and his own candle-making equipment.
All of the comments on the Times story are favorable. Many note how genuine and hard-working the couple is. Many others cite how lived-in and well-loved the house seems to be. It’s not fake or prettified, like many celebrities’ homes.
One commenter applauded the creases in the couch, as evidence that it’s actually used.
Click here for a tour of Craig and Lindsay’s home. (Hat tips: John Karrel, Les Dinkin)
Craig Melvin’s chair, vinyl and more. (Photo/Tony Cenicola for The New York Times)
==================================================
The entrance sign at Longshore was showing its age.
There’s a new one now — courtesy of Marty Rogers, Westport’s favorite sign-maker.
It looks a lot like the old one. But it’s fresher, cleaner — and, like its predecessor, will last for quite a while. (Hat tip: David Tetenbaum)
Henry Smith and Marty Rogers, of Marty’s Sign Design.
==================================================
As a busy doctor — and the mother of 2 — Jordan White doesn’t have a lot of time to dance.
But the 1994 Staples High School graduate is making time for Dancing with the Doctors. The April event pairs a Providence doctor with a professional dancer. Proceeds benefit Hope Health Hospice & Palliative Care.
Dr. White is a consultant medical director at the Rhode Island Department of Health, and a course leader in the Primary Care-Population Medicine Program at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School.
She focues on RIDOH’s refugee health program, family planning/reproductive justice, and the health of pregnant and parenting families.
Click here to vote for (and donate to) Dr. White.
Dr. Jordan White
================================================
Staples High School’s elite Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra performs a free concert on March 4 (2:45 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).
The public is invited to this Y’s Men of Westport and Weston-sponsored event.
Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra
==================================================
Hernan Diaz — author of “In The Distance,” the Westport Library’s 2025 WestportREADS selection — entertained a large Trefz Forum audience Thursday, in a keynote conversation.
Catherine Shen — host of Connecticut Public’s morning talk show and podcast
“Where We Live” — asked provocative questions. Diaz answered scintillatingly, with depth and insight.
Catherine Shen chats with Hernan Diaz. (Photo/KT Kaminski)
=================================================
We all know the dog days of August.
Half a year away, here is a “Westport … Naturally” dog day of February.
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
==================================================
And finally … on this date in 1923, Howard Carter unsealed the burial chamber of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
(Through snow, rain, sleet, hail — and brilliant sunshine — “06880” is here for you. We’re your 24/7/365 source for hyper-local news, events, opinions and more. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)
I am so proud of what Jordan has accomplished! It seems like yesterday she was an excellent chemistry student of mine at Staples! We would love to see the Dance with the Doctors event which is for a great cause.