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.
=======================================================
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)
=======================================================
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.
=====================================================
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.
======================================================
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)
======================================================
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)
=======================================================
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.
=======================================================
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.
=======================================================
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.’”
======================================================
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)
======================================================
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.
