Tag Archives: Clarendon Fine Art

Roundup: Zenia Gordon, MoCA CT, Clarendon …

Three couples — Jamie and Phil Rubin. Michelle Ahoubim and Greg Krieger, and
Richelle and Greg Kalnit — have organized a GoFundMe drive for a wonderful nanny and caregiver.

They write: “Our beloved Zenia Gordon, who has been a pillar of strength and love in our community for decades, is facing a profound health crisis.

“This past week, Zenia suffered a severe heart attack that required the insertion of 4 stents. However, the situation quickly escalated as doctors discovered multiple tears in her coronary artery, necessitating urgent airlifting to Hartford on July 19. Her condition is critical, and she is now preparing for what will likely be a complex and lengthy journey, which may include open heart surgery.

“Zenia’s impact on our lives, and the lives of many in our community, is immeasurable. Zenia has been a caregiver for our children. You may know her from Temple Israel, The Learning Community, Gan Izzy, various sports events. She was a pillar of stability during COVID, and has been a trusted caregiver for sick family members during difficult times. Zenia has been there for all of us. Her warmth, kindness and unwavering dedication have touched the lives of so many.”

The GoFundMe page seeks donations for medical and related expenses.

“Zenia is more than just a caregiver; she is family to many of us,” the 3 families write.

“Let’s rally together and show her the same love and support she has given to our community for years. Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in Zenia’s journey toward recovery.”

Click here for the GoFundMe page.

Zenia Gordon and her husband Kollen.

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While the Gillespie Center is renovated, Homes with Hope has relocated its food pantry to Sasco Creek Village.

The Post Road East site works well. It’s bright and airy, easily accessible, and very welcoming.

It’s also diagonally across the street from Stop & Shop. The supermarket often hosts Westport Sunrise Rotary food drives.

The latest was yesterday. Shoppers gave generously yesterday, to support Homes with Hope’s pantry.

Volunteers collected non-perishable food and personal hygiene items. Donors also gave $690.10 in cash.

Sunrise Rotary — in coordination with the Westport Police Department and other volunteers — plan another drive this fall.

Sunrise Rotarians (from left) Katie Augustyn, Joe Renzulli, Charlie Haberstroh and Liz Wong, outside Stop & Shop yesterday.

Meanwhile, at the other entrance, Westport Police members joined Chief Foti Koskinas (2nd from left), Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden (2nd from right), and other volunteers.

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Clarendon Fine Art — the very cool Main Street gallery — hosts a fun and informative event this Thursday (July 25, 4 to 6 p.m.).

Three speakers — Karen Frome of Rise Project, Jen Berniker of Designport, and Clarendon’s Eve Gianni — will talk about art as “an integral component to interior design.”

The subject matter is intriguing. There will be drinks and snacks. And of course, you’ll get to see the latest art hanging on the gallery walls.

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Upcoming events at MoCA CT:

Fairfield County Dance Festival (July 25, 6:30 p.m.).

MoCA Some Noise: Open Mic Night (Friday, July 26; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.). Acoustic music, poetry, and slam poetry. Everyone is invited to participate.

The Artisan Marketplace Summer Series (Sunday, July 28; noon to 4 p.m.). A great place to support the talent and creativity of local artisans

Artisan Workshop Series and art classes:

  • Ceramic Multi-Bowls, with Leah Corbett (August 2, 9)
  • Faces in Clay, with Bianca Barroca (August 2, 9)Thursdays (5:45 to 7:15 p.m.):
  • Sunset Plein Air (BYOB)
  • Summer Toddler Tuesdays
  • Summer Toddler Thursdays
  • Summer Art Workshops for Kids (Ages 8-12; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays)
  • Candle Making with Oh D’Luxe Candle Company  (September 25, October 16; 6 to 8 p.m.).

Charles Ives Music Festival Presents: “INFINITE,” performed by the CIMF artists & guest musicians (August 6, 7 to 9 p.m.).

Family Day Featuring Oran Etkin: Timbalooloo (August 18; noon to 2 p.m.); jazz performance (and an ice cream truck).

Click here for more information.

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Dogs are not allowed on Compo Beach, from now through October 1.

But these 2 canines seem to be figuring out a way to get around the ban — while, meanwhile, posing for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Theresa Anovick)

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And finally … On this date in 1861, the First Battle of Bull Run — the first major battle of the Civil War — began. It was a victory for the Confederate army.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We are “where Westport meets the world.” But we can’t do it without our readers’ help. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Pic Of The Day #2210

Clarendon — the British art gallery — opened its first US location in February. Tonight they held a grand opening party, with this grand greeter at its Main Street entrance. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Roundup: Clarendon Fine Art, Blues, Jazz …

Clarendon Fine Art has over 80 galleries across the UK.

But none in the US.

Until next month.

Clarendon’s very first American gallery opens at 22 Main Street. That’s the new construction on the right side, just north of Post Road East.

The world’s largest gallery group wants to make art “accessible to all.” They boast an eclectic portfolio of artists, across a broad range of genres. 

The new 3,200-square foot building will showcase an international portfolio of originals, collector’s editions, and sculpture from famous names, alongside emerging talents.

Works from artists like Picasso, Miro, Warhol and Hockney; cutting edge pop, street, and contemporary art; more traditional work including landscape, wildlife, still life, figurative and abstract art, is all on sale at Clarendon.

CEO Helen Swaby calls Westport “a thriving cultural and creative center (which), like Clarendon, has a strong commitment to the preservation of community, traditions and quality of life.”

A British Clarendon gallery.

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Yesterday was special not only because America voted.

There was also a lunar eclipse.

Maggie Dobbins was up early, to capture both it and the sunrise.

(Photos/Maggie Dobbins)

But wait … there’s more!

Twelve hours later, a full beaver moon rose over Compo. Seth Goltzer was there.

(Photo/Seth Goltzer)

And Rick Benson was at Sherwood Mill Pond …

(Photo/Rick Benson)

… while not far away was Seth Goltzer:

(Photo/Seth Goltzer)

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Mark Naftalin’s 3rd “Blue Sunday” rocks the Westport Library on November 20.

The keyboardist/producer/radio host/Rock & Roll Hall of Famer has curated a great set of blues musicians, for the latest in the monthly series.

The November Blue Sunday features “Beehive Queen” and “Saturday Night Live” chanteuse Christine Ohlman, blues and soul man Willie J. Laws, plus Naftalin’s already legendary Blue Sunday Band, with Crispin Cioe, Paul Gabriel and JD Seem.

The first 2 Blue Sundays drew packed houses to the Library’s Trefz Forum. The November 20 concert begins at 2:30 p.m.

You won’t be wailing over the admission price. Unbelievably, it’s free.

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On Friday, the Westport Police Department’s 3rd annual Officer Awards ceremony recognized outstanding from 2021.

Among the honorees were 2 civilians: “06880” Unsung Hero Tucker Peters, for saving a friend from drowning after their boat tipped over last summer, and Jose Rodriguez, who helped a woman climb to safety after falling onto the train tracks.

Also recognized: Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Cohen and firefighter Michael Durette who assisted officers in locating a dangerous felon.

Westport Police Department officers were of course recognized for their success in a variety of incidents involving armed suspects, barricaded subjects, the mentally ill, and time consuming, in-depth investigations.

Detectives Ashley Delvecchio and Marc Heinmiller were co-recipients of the 2021 Officer of the Year Award, for their consistent and innate ability to solve investigative cases.

In all, 40 officers received awards. Many were multiple recipients.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas, with Marc Heinmiller and Ashley Delvecchio, co-Officers of the Year.

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The Westport Library’s Book Sale is (almost) here.

The upcoming event (Friday through Monday) features thousands of gently used books in more than 50 categories, including children’s, classics, fiction, mysteries, sci-fi/fantasy, art, photography, math, science, psychology, religion, biography, business, cooking, gardening, performing arts, travel, foreign language — to name just a few.

Items of special interest: leather-bound vintage book sets; extensive collections of history books and cookbooks; a new “Fiction for $1” room; from the personal library of Joseph Califano, former US Secretary of HEW, books signed to him by their authors, including one by Dr. Seuss. and a card from the Broadway show “In the Heights” signed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and other cast members.

Also on sale: a broad array of DVDs and CDs, and a limited selection of collectibles and artwork.

The book sale benefits both the Library and Westport Book Shop, the used bookstore on Jesup Green that provides employment for people with disabilities.

Volunteers are still needed. To help, email volunteers@westportbooksales.org.

Admission to the book sale is free (except early access Friday morning. Click here for more information, including times and daily specials.

The Westport Library Book Sale.(Photo/Dan Woog)

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It’s become a tradition: Because the Westport Rotary Club meets each Tuesday at noon, the 1st selectperson now address addresses the group every Election Day.

Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker did the honors yesterday, at Green’s Farms Congregational Church. She talked about traffic congestion, Longshore and downtown.

She also expressed concern about the state of public discourse in the US, and how it impacts who chooses to serve in positions like hers.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker at yesterday’s Rotary Club. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)

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Westport Country Playhouse is going mobile.

The 91-year-old institution now brings live theater to schools, parks, community centers and other gathering spots.

They supply the fully staged play. Your group supplies the audience.

The first production –“Scaredy Kat Presents” — is designed for grades 5 through 9. But it entertains audiences of all ages, while fostering an understanding of social/emotional wellness.

The tour begins in January, with dates available for booking. School, religious institution, library and community space administrators can click here for more details, and booking information.

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Congratulations to Witt Lindau and Delaney McGee.

The Staples High School musicians participated in the National Association for Music Education conference, as part of the All-National Honor Ensembles. They were selected by video audition, from the top music students in the country.

Delaney played trumpet in the All-National Orchestra, while Witt Lindau was a drummer with the All National Modern Band) (aka known as a “rock band”).

Congratulations too (of course!) to Staples band director Phil Giampietro.

Witt Lindau and Delaney McGee.

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The recent HBO special on Paul Newman, and publication of his memoir, has brought Paul Newman back in the spotlight.

Nearly everyone in Westport has a story about our down-to-earth neighbor. Gil Ghitelman shares his:

“Kenyon College — Newman’s alma mater — is mentioned frequently in his new book.

“My son Nick (Kenyon ’94) gave me a hoodie I occasionally wear on spirited walks to town. Recently several Westporters asked if I knew Paul.

Gil Ghitelman, in his Kenyon hoodie.

“I never met him. But my wife had an encounter that is worth telling.

“They both were in the checkout line at Organic Market in Playhouse Square. Paul was buying, of all things, a couple of Newman’s Own peanut butter cups.

“Dispensing with the unwritten protocol to ignore local celebrities — let alone initiate a conversation — she said, ‘Excuse me. Are those any good?’

“Newman smiled and replied, ‘They better be.  I’m paying full retail for them.’”

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When Marisa Zer arrived home the other night, she could not get in her Greens Farms area driveway.

Two bucks fighting for supremacy blocked her way.

She did not get involved. Instead, she took a photo for “06880,” Day or night, anything can happen in our “Westport … Naturally” world.

(Photo/Melissa Zer)

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And finally … the day after Americans voted, all the results are not yet in. Some may take days to tabulate.

While the count goes on, let’s all heed Jackson Browne’s words:

We may lose, and we may win …
Take it easy.