As we do nearly every week, we again welcome new artists to our online gallery.
Whether you’re a regular visitor or first-timer — and whether you’re an accomplished artist or one just starting out: We want you.
This is your feature. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.
“Free the Foot Bridge!” (Michael Tomashefsky — Available for purchase; click here)
“For Mom, Great pond, Falmouth, MA” — oil on canvas, 24 x 36 (Cathy Kim Walker)
“Serene Takeoff” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Woodside Avenue” (John Maloney)
Untitled (Cohl Katz)
“Floral Forest” — acrylic pouring with fine point illustrator accent pen (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
“Cupcakes — Baked and Crocheted” (Rebecca Stein Richards)
Untitled — collage, white/black pen (Toby Michaels — Available for purchase; click here)
“Brinna” — silverpoint on prepared linen, 10 x 8 (Werner Liepolt)
Photographer Mike Hibbard says, “Path to our vacation cottage: Be on the lookout for Alligators and rabies infected Monkeys. Even worse, we are in a dead zone – no TV or cellphones!”
“Osprey Soaring Over Compo” — watercolor and pencil (Steve Stein)
“Server” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
MoCA\CT was packed last night, for the opening of its “Art, Jazz + the Blues” exhibition.
The sprawling show explores the intersections between visual art and 2 musical forms deeply rooted in African American traditions.
Westport artists are well represented, with many works drawing from the rich holdings of the Westport Public Art Collections. The centerpiece is “Giants of the Blues,” 7 large pieces by Eric von Schmidt depicting scores of influential artists, from the jazz, blues and folk worlds. It has hung for 20 years in auditorium lobby at Staples High School — von Schmidt’s alma mater — but at MoCA can be seen and appreciated much more grandly.
The exhibition also includes art by high school students, responding to a prompt about music in their lives and culture.
The opening reception featured remarks by von Schmidt’s daughter, and piano entertainment by Westport resident and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band’s original keyboardist, Mark Naftalin.
MoCA\CT executive director Robin Jaffee Frank (far left) and others involved in the “Art, Jazz + the Blues” exhibit. One of Eric von Schmidt’s 7 works hangs at the right. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Also last night: a reception honoring Bill Harmer’s 10 years as executive director of the Westport Library.
Former board of trustees chairs spoke about his work transforming the institution into Connecticut’s only 5-star library. In his remarks, Harmer praised the trustees, his staff, and the community for their collaborative work, and promised even deeper relationships in the future.
The event was held at The Visual Brand studio on Church Lane, where Harmer and other Library officials spent a great deal of time during the Library’s actual physical transformation in the late 2010s.
Bill Harmer, at his 10-year reception. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The only agenda item for next month’s meeting (March 3, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) is “to hold a public discussion to support the Town Administration in its Cribari Bridge discussions with the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation, with the intent to adopt a sense of the meeting resolution.”
Cohl Katz is a hair stylist and makeup artist to the stars.
Her client list runs, literally, from A (Al Green, Al Pacino, Alec Baldwin, Arnold Schwarzenegger) to Z (Zelda Williams).
With Barbara Bush, Bob Dylan, Cal Ripken, Cindy Crawford, Ellen DeGeneres, Hillary Clinton, Hilary Swank, Jerry Seinfeld, John McEnroe, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mary Tyler Moore, Mel Gibson, Mick Jagger, Muhammad Ali, Nicole Kidman, Ray Charles, Robin Williams, Rod Stewart, Rosie O’Donnell, Sting and Tom Cruise in between.
Now, it can include you.
In your home.
Cohl is offering house calls throughout the area.
Haircuts, hair style, makeup, makeup lessons; for weddings, big moments, perhaps a TV appearance or speech — she’s ready for it all.
You don’t need a red carpet to welcome Cohl. Just a front door.
Text 917-848-9596 for an appointment, or more information.
Cohl Katz and a client …
… and now Cohl comes to you.
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The Staples High School Counseling Department helps students find the right college.
On March 5, they’re bringing in a big gun to help.
Higher education expert Jeff Selingo will speak on “Dream School: Finding The College That’s Right For You” (book signing 5:30 p.m., presentation 6 p.m., followed by Q-and-A).
Selingo’s previous book, “Who Gets In and Why,” explored decision-making by university admissions offices. His latest, “Dream School,” shifts the focus toward student agency. The presentation will encourage families to move beyond selectivity, and evaluate colleges through the lenses of fit, value, and long-term outcomes.
Our Public Works Department did the heavy lifting after Monday’s blizzard.
But there’s still work to be done — including 24 miles of sidewalks.
This was the scene yesterday, on Hillspoint Road.
(Photo) Tracy Porosoff)
They’re doing a great job.
But they sure wouldn’t mind if residents with shovels lent a hand outside their own homes, too.
PS: Speaking of snow removal, Billy Cohen sends great thanks to Westport Police Chief David Farrell, for making sure that mounds of snow have been removed from the main (southbound side) parking lot at the Saugatuck train station. (The Westport Police are in charge of parking lots at the Westport and Greens Farms stations.)
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Speaking of Monday’s snowfall: It kept attendance down on Tuesday, at a morning Westport Library event.
But Allan Siegert was there. And he wants “06880” readers to know what they missed. He writes:
“Can AI ever replicate the magic of human actors on a real set? That is what Westport’s own Stéphanie Szostak, who played fashion editor Jacqueline Follet opposite Meryl Streep in ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ and starred in ‘Iron Man 3’ and ‘A Million Little Things,’ asked AI entrepreneur Eline van der Velden.
“Szostak is a working actress who has lived the experience. van der Velden is trying to recreate through AI, and she wanted to know if it’s even possible.
“Szostak said the finished product may look similar, but the process is fundamentally different. On a real set, she said, it’s the happy accidents, the unplanned collaboration, and the raw human energy between actors that create the magic. She said no prompt can engineer that.
“Van der Velden pushed back, saying filming motion capture for Tilly actually feels more raw and free than a traditional set, less choreographed, more like a rehearsal room, where the focus shifts entirely to craft and energy rather than appearance.
“But Van der Velden acknowledged there will always be a place for 100% human productions — just as filmmakers still shoot on film in a digital age.”
Stephanie Szostak, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Allan Siegert)
Siegert also reports: “Enslaved people in Revolutionary War-era Connecticut faced a choice with no good answer: fight for Patriots who offered no real promise of freedom, or flee to the British side and risk being sold to the brutal Caribbean slave trade if caught.
“That stark dilemma was brought to life yesterday morning by historian Ramin Ganeshram, speaking to the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston.
“Ganeshram — executive director of the Westport Museum for History & Culture, and a George Washington Presidential Library Fellow, noted that enslaved people first arrived in Connecticut in 1639. Many had roots here going back 3 or 4 generations by the time the war began.”
Ramin Ganeshram, at the Y’s Men meeting. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
A celebration of the life of Jon Gailmor — the 1966 Staples High School graduate and beloved musician/educator/humanist who died November 30 — is set for May 23, from 1 to 6 p.m.
The setting is appropriate: the statehouse lawn in Montpelier, Vermont. He lived in the Green Mountain State for 40 years, and was named an official state treasure for his work with students, and his love for Vermont.
And finally … Eric von Schmidt was not just a very talented painter. He’s included in MoCA\CT’s “Art, Jazz + The Blues” exhibition as a blues and folk singer too, who made a big impact on a young Bob Dylan.
In fact, Dylan name-checks von Schmidt — and talks at length about him — on “Baby, Let Me Follow You Down,” in his debut album. Click here or below to listen.
(Another day, another Roundup, full of news, info and photos. If you like this daily dump of stuff — which takes a ton of time to produce! — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
However, we noted, a manager denied they were closing. “I’d be one of the first to know,” he told us.
Perhaps he knows now. Yesterday, Westport Patch said that the gourmet grocery store would close by February 28. The closure is reportedly due to “real estate considerations.”
Balducci’s — which took over from Hay Day, Westport’s first high-end grocery retailer — has one other Connecticut location, in Riverside. Click here for the full Patch story. (Hat tip: Dave Goldstein)
Just before 9 p.m. on Monday, a stationary license plate reader alerted Westport Police to a stolen motor vehicle in Saugatuck.
An officer located the vehicle, traveling north on Saugatuck Avenue. The officer followed it to the intersection of Riverside Avenue and Post Road West.
A second officer blocked is path, and a felony high risk motor vehicle stop was executed. The 4 occupants were ordered out of the car, and were compliant. A loaded firearm was located on the rear floor.
A “ghost gun,” assembled from assorted parts, it did not have a serial number. ‘
Three male juveniles were charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, and conspiracy to commit larceny of a motor vehicle.
An 18-year-old male from West Haven was charged with those 2 counts, as well as illegal possession of a firearm, and conspiracy to commit that act. He was held on $20,000 bond.
Ghost gun recovered by the Westport Police Department.
After years in New York and Los Angeles — working with Tom Hanks, Jessica Lange, Charlize Theron, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Lee Curtis, Helen Mirren, Al Pacino and Johnny Depp — she’s living, and welcoming clients, here.
Cohl Katz at work …
She’s also offering a special deal for “06880” readers. Mention “06880,” and get a special discount for your haircut and style, makeup application, makeup lesson or mini-glam refresh. (Men, you’re included!)
Cohl makes you feel like a star — for a holiday event, photo shoot, wedding, or just any ol’ day. Call 917-848-9596 for details.
Speaking of theater: “The Importance of Being Earnest” started previews last night at the Westport Country Playhouse. The first play of its 95th season runs through November 15.
Through the first 9 days of early voting, 7.87% of eligible Westport voters have cast ballots.
The breakdown:
Democrats: 892 of 7,948 eligible voters (11.22%)
Republicans: 240 of 3,337 eligible voters (7.19%)
Unaffiliated: 359 of 7,584 eligible voters (4.73%)
Early voting continues this week, also at Town Hall:
Wednesday, October 29 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 30 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, October 31 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 1 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 2 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sure, you can go trick-or-treating with your kids on Friday.
But for real adult fun, head to Weston’s Lachat Town Farm.
From 7 to 8:30 p.m., there are drinks at the bar, a campfire — and then, in the candlelit barn, noted actor Frank Converse reads Edgar Allan Poe’s terrifying “The Pit and the Pendulum.”
Westporter Dale Najarian is one of over 40 artists who will open their studios November 8 and 9 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), as part of the Bridgeport Art Trail.
Three floors at Metro Art (345 Railroad Avenue, Bridgeport) will be free to the public. Mediums include drawing, painting, sculpture, jewelry, printmaking, photography and video. Many artists offer special prices and discounts.
There’s music, drinks and food too. All ages are invited.
Her husband died last week, in his sleep. Once again, she is asking for help, for cremation and expenses going forward. Click here for her Spotfund post.
Westport Writers’ Workshop hosts a conversation with New York Times Magazine staff writer and novelist Taffy Brodesser-Akner. The event is November 13 (7 p.m., Sacred Heart University Theatre, Fairfield).
The evening will explore her diverse career, including her insights into modern relationships, ambition, and identity.
Brian Marsella — described as “a psychedelic Art Tatum” — returns to Jazz at the Post tomorrow (Thursday, VFW Post 399; shows at 7 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; click here for tickets and more information).
Longtime Westporter Stephen Haffner died Sunday, at Bridgeport Hospital. He was 75.
After graduating from Boston University he joined the family accounting firm. He later took over the business, and ran it for many years before retiring.
Stephen enjoyed playing baseball, traveling the world, immersing himself in the arts and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his children, Caroline Haffner (Ryan Fairhurst) and Casey Haffner (Bronco Pavlin); grandchildren Harper Fairhurst and Ava Pavlin, and sisters Joan Haffner and Barbara Haffner. He was predeceased by his sisters Susan Haffner and Margie O’Hora of Stony Point, New York.
Funeral services will be held today (Wedneday, October 29, 11 a.m., Abraham Green & Son Funeral Home, 88 Beach Rd, Fairfield). Burial will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport.
Shiva will be observed at the home of Michal Scarfo in Westport following burial until 7:30 p.m., and tomorrow (Thursday 4 to 7 p.m.). For more information and to share a message, click here. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Stephen Haffner
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Autumn is a photographer’s dream, Rowene Weems says.
Here’s one reason why. She shot Nash’s Pond — today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature image — from Blind Brook Road.
And finally … this date in 1929 is remembered as “Black Tuesday.” New York Stock Exchange investors traded 16 million shares — an astonishing amount. $14 billion of stock value was lost, wiping out thousands of people. The Dow Jones Average lost 30.57 points — but that was 11.73% of its value. Combined with the previous day’s losses, that meant a drop of 68.90 points– 23.05% in just 2 days.
The Great Depression had begun.
(The Dow Jones now gains — and loses — hundreds of points in a day. So we ask if you can please spare not a dime, but dollars, to help support “06880.” Please click here. Our portfolio thanks you!)
Posted onJuly 26, 2025|Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #276
We welcome 4 new artists — including 2 teenagers — to this week’s online art gallery.
Their submissions underscore what this weekly feature is all about .
No matter how young (or old) you are; what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Please email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled — colored pencil (John Jannotta — 18 years old)
“Self-portrait” — pencil on paper (William Fellah)
“the Blind Date” — digital illustration and composition (Ken Runkel — Available for sale; click here)
“Pink Patio Flower Pot” — watercolor (Eric Bosch)
Untitled — watercolor (Jo Ann Davidson)
“Still Life of a Lemon” (Jenny Sherinsky Stein)
“The Curl” (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
“Light Dance” — photograph (Jerry Kuyper)
Untitled — photograph (Cohl Katz)
“Footsteps on the Beach” — oil on canvas (Lindsay Kulla)
Untitled — photograph (Beth Cody)
“Ceremony of Friendship and Hope” (Mike Hibbard)
“Ready to Wade, Bathe or Gossip” (Steve Stein)
“Handful” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
Posted onJuly 19, 2025|Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #275
Today’s online art gallery heads overseas.
Well, 2 of this week’s submissions have French connections.
And the others show off our usual creative, eclectic mix. Including, for the first time, a commissioned drawing of an artist who himself is a regular contributor here.
No matter what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Please email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“One Doll, Two Pencils” — digital illustration (Ken Runkel — Available for purchase; click here)
“Homage a Paulemile” — oil on canvas, 15 x 18 (Leila Pissarro — Available for purchase; click here)
“Blue Flowers” — collage, paper (Jodi Rabinowitz; Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Cohl Katz — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
“Sundown at Compo” — watercolor (Steve Stein)
“Is Here Here or Is Here There?” (Mike Hibbard)
“Mike Hibbard” — pencil on paper (William Fellah)
“Ceci N’est Pas un Pipe” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
Posted onJuly 12, 2025|Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #274
The 4th of July is over. But our artists have not forgotten.
Their work — and a broad variety of others — is featured in today’s online art gallery.
We hope many more artists will join them this summer. Our gallery is open to all.
No matter what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Please email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Do Words Matter?” (Tom Doran — Available for sale; click here)
“Hot Cold and In Between” — acrylic pouring (Dorothy Robertshaw; Available for sale; click here)
“Beagle Mix, Laila” — pencil on paper (William Fellah)
Untitled (Cohl Katz)
“Happy 249th — Old Glory in All Her Backgrounds” (Steve Stein)
“Meeting Across Dimensions” (Jerry Kuyper)
Eric Bosch built this birdhouse from scratch (including the working light). He says, “It gives off a nice seaside glow on these hot summer nights.”
“We Thought The Deer Were Eating Our Flowers!” (Mike Hibbard)
“Family Outing” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
During her life as an editor at Publisher’s Weekly, Sybil Steinberg amassed an enormous array of books: advance copies of the most revered works in literature, first editions, volumes signed by the authors and inscribed to the beloved Westporter.
Steinberg died earlier this year. At the Westport Library’s StoryFest 2024, many editions from her vast collection will be available for purchase.
Among the items: a first edition copy, inscribed to Steinberg, of Amy Tan’s “The Joy Luck Club,” a signed copy of Kurt Vonnegut’s “Timequake,” and advance copies from authors like Joyce Carol Oates, Peter DeVries and Laura Z Hobson.
Also available: a compilation of past Sybil’s Lists, collections of her recommended books that she unveiled regularly at the Library.
Proceeds from the sale will benefit StoryFest, the Library’s annual literary festival which this year is dedicated to Steinberg’s memory. A special dedication ceremony in her honor is set for Saturday, September 21 (1 p.m).
When school starts next Tuesday, the Westport Police Department will increase traffic enforcement in school zones.
Officers will look for drivers using cell phones, speeding, and disregarding school bus signals.
Police remind commuters to allow for extra time, as school buses and students again take to the roads.
Homemade reminder, near Kings Highway Elementary School.
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As summer winds down, the Westport Community Gardens growing season nears an end.
As plans proceed for a new Long Lots Elementary School, the final resolution of the gardens is up i the air.
Sally Kleinman calls the end of the season “always a bittersweet experience.”
But, she writes, yesterday “was particularly sad. I couldn’t resist channeling the last episode of ‘M*A*S*H,’ using the rocks that had lined one of my beds.”
If you remember that classic show from 1983 — the finale after 11 memorable years — you’ll instantly recognize Sally’s message.
Joni Mitchell is the focus of the next First Folk Sunday.
Acoustic guitarist Suzanne Sheridan — founder of the monthly event — will be joined by keyboardist Bob Cooper and violinist Cat Lines on September 1 (Saugatuck Rowing Club, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.), in a tribute to the legendary singer/songwriter.
The music cover charge is $15 per ticket; click here to purchase, and for more information.
A special First Folk Sunday menu will be available, and the Rowing Club bar will be open.
Cat Malkin — the longtime Westporter; animal communicator, animal Reiki master and pet loss grief counselor, and co-author of “Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs” — hosts a Zoom fundraiser this Sunday (6 p.m.).
“Chat Pawty” with Minnie — the bulldog star of Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” — is a chance to ask pet celebrity questions and win prizes.
It’s like “Oprah” — except animals are interviewed by Cat. Minnie will answer questions live. Cat will translate.
Prizes include a VIP Chat Pawty for your animal family, spa animal Reiki treatment, “Only Murders in the Building” Swag and more.
There’s a minimum donation of $20 (Venmo @HurleysHeart-BulldogRescue; note “Chat Pawty,” and add your email to receive the Zoom link and details.
Can’t make it live? You’ll receive a recording.
All proceeds benefit Hurley’s Heart Bulldog Rescue, a non-profit that rescues and rehabilitates French and English bulldogs.
Cat Malkin
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Lou Weinberg and his wife were enjoying a leisure paddle out to Cockenoe Island on Wednesday, when this bad boy rolled by.
(Photo/Lou Weinberg)
The kayakers kept their distance. And wondered who was on board, and where they were headed.
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Earlier this year, “06880” sponsored a cool contest with Cohl Katz.
The Westport stylist to the stars offered her talents — a haircut and makeup application for women, a haircut and style for men — to 3 winners of a contest she and I cooked up.
We asked 3 trivia questions about famous current or past Westport or Weston residents. All have been Cohl’s clients.
Todd Pines knew that an actor who prepared for a role by eating only bananas, water and rice for a month was Christopher Walken (“The Deer Hunter”).
Yesterday, he picked up his prize.
“Todd wanted a haircut he could just towel dry,” Cohl reports.
But he left with something extra: jalapeños from her garden.
That’s full service, for sure.
Todd Pines, and his peppers: Lookin’ good!
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a bit different than usual.
Richard Fogel spotted this sign, at Wakeman Field:
And finally … the upcoming First Folk Sunday honors Joni Mitchell (story above). Today, we honor her too:
(School will soon be open. Stay on top of all the news with “06880” — and please consider a contribution to help us share it with you. Please click here. Thank you!)
Dozens of readers responded to Sunday’s “Cool Cohl Katz Contest.”
The Westport stylist to the stars offered her talents — a haircut and makeup application for women, a haircut and style for men — to 3 winners of a contest she and I cooked up.
We asked 3 trivia questions about famous current or past Westport or Weston residents. All of them have been (of course!) Cohl’s clients.
Then we put all the correct answers in a (stylish) hat, and drew 3 lucky winners.
Question #1:This former Westporter started out as a stockbroker. But that’s not where they gained the most fame.
This got the most correct responses: 47. The answer is (of course) Martha Stewart. (The most popular incorrect guess: James Comey).
Congratulations to the winner: Anne Leskow.
Martha Stewart and her former husband Andy, outside their Turkey Hill home.
Question #2: To prepare for his role as an emotionally destroyed soldier in a film that won him an Academy Award, this actor ate only bananas, water and rice for a month.
31 readers knew this was Christopher Walken, in “The Deer Hunter.” (Not Tom Hanks or Tom Cruise, also clients of Cohl’s.)
The winner is: Todd Pines.
Christopher Walken in “The Deer Hunter.”
Question #3: This musician has co-written 14 songs on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Incorrect guesses were led by Nile Rodgers and Ashford & Simpson. The correct answer — known by 32 readers — is Keith Richards.
I thought that was a giveaway, because I mentioned “Rolling Stone” magazine. Oh well …
The winner of that prize is: Stacey Henske.
Keef
Congratulations to all 3. Cohl will be in touch, to arrange your style session.
Didn’t win, but want to feel like a star anyway? Email cohlita@yahoo.com.
(If you enjoyed this fun contest — or anything else, any day, on “06880′ — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here, to help us keep publishing “in style.” Thank you!)
Cohl Katz is a hair stylist and makeup artist to the stars.
Her client list runs, literally, from A (Al Green, Al Pacino, Alec Baldwin, Arnold Schwarzenegger) to Z (Zelda Williams).
With Barbara Bush, Bob Dylan, Cal Ripken, Cindy Crawford, Ellen DeGeneres, Hillary Clinton, Hilary Swank, Jerry Seinfeld, John McEnroe, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mary Tyler Moore, Mel Gibson, Mick Jagger, Muhammad Ali, Nicole Kidman, Ray Charles, Robin Williams, Rod Stewart, Rosie O’Donnell, Sting and Tom Cruise in between.
Cohl Katz (right) with her client and friend, Katie Couric.
She’s also a Westporter. Cohl loves everything about our town: the beach, the arts, the vibe, this blog.
Now she wants to give something back, in a fun, “06880”-related way.
She’s offering her talents — a haircut and makeup application for women, a haircut and style for men — to 3 winners of a contest she and I cooked up.
Below are 3 trivia questions. Each one is about a famous Westport or Weston resident. All of them have been (of course!) Cohl’s clients.
Email your answers — to 1, 2 or all 3 — to 06880blog@gmail.com.
We’ll put all the names in a (stylish) hat, and pull 3 winners. (To clarify: If you answer 1 question correctly, your name will go in 1 time. Two correct answers means you’ll be in the hat twice; 3 = 3.)
The deadline is this Tuesday (June 4, 11:59 p.m.).
Let the games begin!
Question #1: This former Westporter started out as a stockbroker. But that’s not where they gained the most fame.
Question #2: To prepare for his role as an emotionally destroyed soldier in a film that won him an Academy Award, this actor ate only bananas, water and rice for a month.
Question #3: This musician has co-written 14 songs on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Cohl Katz with Tracy Morgan. If you are one of our 3 contest winners, you could sit in that chair soon.
Talented and popular 12-year-old Aerin Lichtman is joined today by an even younger artist: 10-year-old Ben Gionfriddo.
We welcome too a couple of full-time, gallery-showing professionals: Brian Whelan, and newcomer Dorie.
That’s the whole point of “06880”‘s online art feature: No matter what your theme or medium — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited to contribute.
Email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“‘The Aviana’: Luxury Bird Condos” — oil on cavas. Mary Madelyn Attanasio explains: “A friend of mine created several birdhouses for the Birdhouse Fundraiser. This painting was sold at a juried show.”
“Green Heron” — watercolor (Kathleen Burke)
“The Raven” — encaustic wax (Dorothy Robertshaw)
“Textured Art on Wood Panels” — Anne Bernier
“Alien” — watercolors, ink, colored pencils and oil pastels on paper (Ben Gionfriddo, 10 years old)
Untitled (Tom Doran)
“Beached” — pastels (Werner Liepolt)
“Compo Beach” (Cohl Katz)
“Moving Upstream” — Lynn Wilson says, “Herring are running at Stoney Brook Mill in Brewster, Massachusetts.”
“Lavender Field Retreat, Provence” — oil on canvas. Artist Dorie is showing this now at Westport River Gallery.
“Autumn Blaze Red Maple” (Aerin Lichtman, 12 years old)
“Ornament at Eleven O’Clock” — Photographer Peter Barlow explains: “The title refers to when the shadow is straight. Most of the time there is no shadow.“
“POP! No muscles moved?” — Maasai warrior jump dancing, Tanzania — Mike Hibbard
“The Tribe of Dan” — Artist Steve Stein says: “One of Chagall’s 12 windows representing the sons of Jacob. ‘Dan’ in Hebrew means’ judge.’ The tribe is associated with law, order, the scales of justice and its most famous member, Samson.”
“Working Remotely” (Lawrence Weisman)
“Shakespeare” — in honor of his birthday; acrylic and foil on canvas (Brian Whelan)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
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