Basic Italian I, a 13-session beginner class, will be held on Thursdays, May 8 to July 31, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The class will cover pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, conversation, and culture. The required text is Learn Italian the Fast and Fun Way by Marcel Danesi, Barron's Publisher, any edition, available online at abebooks.com and other retailers. 

Join us for Story Time on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 for new books, free play, and fun crafts!

Dates:  June 14 – July 27, 2025

Reception: Saturday June 14, 4 – 6 PM, public invited

Gallery hours: Thursday – Saturday 11:00 – 5:30, Sunday 12:00 – 4:00 and by appointment

Kenise Barnes Fine Art is honored to present a solo exhibition of new paintings by Janna Watson. Watson is a conceptual painter based in Toronto, Canada. Poems Without Words is Watson’s fourth solo exhibition with the gallery who has included Watson in eight other exhibitions and placed her work in numerous private collections. The gallery has represented the artist since 2017.

Through her practice, Watson works to reframe spirituality into objects that reflect fluidity, agility, and joy. She communicates this through a queering of the painterly process, into one that is diversely applied, gestural, and multi-oriented. Janna intentionally forgoes the use of borders on her paintings to create a sense of the infinite, and the inherent vulnerability of a spirituality that is not contained by a canon.

Janna Watson’s compositions and color choices are both careful and spontaneous, each gesture evoking an unstated emotional response. The paintings are generous passages of vivid color with swooping buttery paint strokes, and calligraphic marks floating on fields of saturated color. They are not spare, but they have an implied economy of language, each gesture gathered towards the others with an unseen gravitational force coalescing into a graceful equilibrium.

Part of the exhilaration I acquire from painting is being able to see shifts within myself manifested into a physical reality. The most truthful form of expression I have found in my life thus far has been the abstract language of painting.  – Janna Watson, 2025

Janna Watson’s work is widely exhibited internationally including in Canada, the United States and Taiwan. Watson’s paintings can be found in significant collections including Google, Air Canada, TD Bank Financial Group, Toronto, CIBC, Toronto, Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Toronto, HBC Global Art Collection, New York, to name a few. Watson earned a BFA in Drawing and Painting from Ontario College of Art and Design University, Toronto.

Please contact Lani Ming Holloway, Associate Director, Lani@kbfa.com, 860 560 3085 with inquires or to arrange a preview of the exhibition.

Presented by Sr. Jolyn Walker

Join us for a powerful and uplifting Spiritual Juneteenth Program as we honor the legacy of our ancestors, celebrate liberation, and embrace the spirit of resilience and faith. This special gathering will feature inspiring prayers and historical reflections, highlighting the "Grandmother of Juneteenth". This is a message of hope rooted in the journey toward freedom.

Through gentle movement, spoken word, and community fellowship, we will reflect on the enduring strength of the African American spirit and the divine presence that has guided generations toward justice and equality. This event fosters community by creating a community circle inviting participants to engage in a *drum circle and cultural dance.

*Drums will be provided for up to 12 participants. If there are more or others who choose not to drum, they can use other instruments that will be available.

Together, we will rejoice in the triumphs of the past, find encouragement for the present, and seek divine wisdom for the future.

Come prepared to worship, celebrate, and uplift one another in the spirit of unity and liberation. All are welcome to this sacred and joyous occasion!

1 pm Flag raiaing ceremony at Torrington City Hall.

2:30 pm Celebration at Trinity Episcopal Church. Following flag raising.

Join us for our newest book club, Afternoon Delights! Each month we will read one book, then meet the third Thursday of the month at 1:30pm to chat about it. Simply pick up a copy of this month’s book at the front counter! No registration is required. Coffee, tea and snacks provided by the Friends of the Thomaston Public Library. This month we will be discussing A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. 

For the first year, we will be hosting a summer market located at Franklin Plaza on the same nights as our Summer Concert Series. Each Thursday between June and August, check out vendors of all different varieties from meats, veggies, maple syrup, handcrafted goods, and more! Check out our full vendor list soon! Inquire above if you would like to be a vendor!

Check out some of our confirmed vendors:

• Misfit Farms
• Sunset Meadow Vineyards
• Dancing Ferns Houseplants
• Oracle Mushroom Co
• Hathor Hill Farm
• Bloom Where Planted
• Bantam Bread
• Laura Rubino Crafts
• Forever Connected LLC
• and more!

Gallery 25 Presents: Heatwaves & Hues – A Summer Art Show

Heatwaves & Hues, running from Friday, May 2 – Sunday, August 17. This vibrant exhibition will showcase works bursting with color and inspired by the warmth and energy of summer.

Plan a Fun Weekend in New Milford!

New Milford is an exciting destination, offering a variety of activities for visitors. Enjoy well-reviewed restaurants, pubs, and unique shops, take in a film at our charming Art Deco movie theater, or catch a live performance at the innovative TheatreWorks playhouse. Stroll through our beautiful historic New England Green, a perfect spot to relax and soak in the town’s charm.

Experience Gallery 25

Gallery 25 is an artist-run gallery featuring 25 members working across all genres. Along with our exciting exhibitions, we invite you to take part in our workshops, live demonstrations, artist discussions, and photography walks!

We welcome you to explore, create, and be inspired!

Come check out the Torrington Recreations 2025 Summer Concert Series at Coe Park! Over the course of 14 weeks, every Thursday, starting June 5th and running through September 4th, we will be hosting 14 different bands who will perform a range of different genres. Concerts will be held on the outside portico at the Coe Memorial Park (101 Litchfield Road) from 6pm-8pm. Bring your blankets, chairs, food and drinks to enjoy our concerts in the park!

Ellimist® is a Progressive Metal Outfit originating from the Northeastern USA: They are chaotic, inventive, musically diverse, and have been frequently described as pioneers of the 'Space Metal' genre. Known for their colorful live performances and story-driven music, they are one of the must-see musical acts in the Northeastern United States!

CT's 17th State Troubadour & Band

"A Musical Celebration Honoring Juneteenth”

Food Truck: Meraki

BYOB & lawn chairs, blanket / Rain (Indoors) or Shine

Full Summer Sunset Concert Series:

Friday June 13: Scott Hopkins Band

Thursday June 19: Nekita Waller & Band

Friday July 25: Caribbean Vibe Steel Drum Band

Friday August 22: Al Fenton Big Band

Friday September 12: Potter's Field

Join our FREE block party concert series downtown with live music on Bank Street, street games, local eats, sidewalk sales and fun! Grab your chairs and join us downtown for an evening of safe and community-involved entertainment:

June 19, with a Rain Date of June 26: Anchor Management

+ 9-Hole Mini Golf

July 17, with a Rain Date of July 18: Nashville Drive

+ Cotton Candy Cart

August 21, with a Rain Date of Aug 28: Pop Rocks

+ Henna By Elyse

Sept 18, with a Rain Date of Sept 19: Struggle Monkey

Thursday, June 19th, at 6:30, 2nd Home welcomes back Sherry Steiner. Sherry describes her performance as soothing solo improvisational instrumental piano music, and we are very much looking forward to a relaxing evening. Kind of what 2nd Home was designed for. Great music, food, drinks, and relaxation. Come down and enjoy!

For reservations call 860-238-4500 or email us at momanddad@2ndhomelounge.com

See our complete event list - https://2ndhomelounge.com/events/

2nd Home Lounge

524 Main Street, Winsted

2ndhomelounge.com

Join our mailing list - https://2ndhomelounge.com/email-sign-up/

Join us this Thursday for beginner Line Dancing at Bad Dog in Torrington!

$10 cash/Venmo at the door.

Check in at 6:45, lessons at 7!

COME Dance with us!! Fun Times for all!!

Mail artists have sent in their creative post cards from 17 countries.

Snail mail has never been so creative and clever.

https://personaland.com/hut/exhibition/going-postal-2-gallery-1-of-2

Personaland is an artist-driven global village transforming the world of art by using technology to bridge time zones and cultural boundaries. Our mission is to promote humanity, creativity, and community through a mix of entertainment, enchantment, and imagination.

Since its 2018 launch, Personaland, in its global reach, has showcased over 800 visual artists, filmmakers, musicians, and poets from 68 countries in 32 group art shows and 55 individual exhibitions, many with videos of artist profiles.  https://www.personaland.com

We want your wildest image, film, music or poem. NO ENTRY FEE

Deadline for submissions - June 30

https://personaland.com/submit/wearing-wild.php

Personaland is an artist-driven global village transforming the world of art by using technology to bridge time zones and cultural boundaries. Our mission is to promote humanity, creativity, and community through a mix of entertainment, enchantment, and imagination.

Since its 2018 launch, Personaland, in its global reach, has showcased over 800 visual artists, filmmakers, musicians, and poets from 68 countries in 32 group art shows and 55 individual exhibitions, many with videos of artist profiles.  https://www.personaland.com

CALL FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS!

Gallery 25 proudly presents EXPOSURES 2025 Open Juried Photography Show!

Now accepting submissions!

Drop off Images to Gallery 25: Sunday, August 17 (11am-3pm)

Photography Show Runs from August 21-Sept 7

Opening Reception is Saturday, August 23 from 2-4pm

Whether you're a seasoned pro or an emerging talent behind the lens, this is your chance to showcase your vision and compete for cash prizes—including a $350 First Place Award!

We’re looking for original, striking, and creative photography in all styles and subjects.

Hosted at Gallery 25 in the Historic Train Station, New Milford

Submit your work online at Gallery25CT.com by Thursday, August 14

All levels welcome

Please Note: While we celebrate artistic expression, we ask that displayed artwork be suitable for viewing by all ages. Please review the prospectus for eligibility prior to submission.

Aspire. Inspire. Get Exposed.

Submit your work today and be part of one of the region’s most exciting annual photography exhibitions!

Gallery 25 in the Historic Train Station

11 Railroad Street

New Milford, CT

Gallery25CT.com