Learn Calligraphy Basics-

Anyone can learn calligraphy, so come join this beginner class as we learn about the Chancery Italic style of handwriting, most popular during the Renaissance and most usable today. Participants will review the structure of the lower-case alphabet and proceed to the capital letters while using broad-nibbed tools. If time permits, we might even try out a dip pen. Have fun, amaze yourself. Handouts provided.

No experience with calligraphy is necessary.

We ask students to be 18+

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Join us for Connecticut’s longest-running big-city drag brunch experience – live vocals, comedy, chaos, and more!

Indulge in an unforgettable experience of live singing and hilarious comedy with our monthly Pink Eggs & Glam Drag Brunch, presented by Sky Casper Entertainment and The Social Bar + Kitchen. Our event features a lineup of the world’s most talented drag superstars, promising an entertaining and captivating performance that will leave you mesmerized. Our #PinkEggsAndGlam event is a must-attend for enthusiasts seeking an exhilarating brunch experience with unbeatable live entertainment. Join us for a phenomenal time that is guaranteed to be unforgettable!

Broadway-Bound Diva & Drag Race Sensation Jan (previously Jan Sport) joins us this month! Jan is a proud Boston Conservatory graduate, a dynamic drag performer and singer best known for her time on RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 12) and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars (Season 6), and recently a star of Drag The Musical. Jan first gained national attention with appearances on The Voice and America’s Got Talent with her drag group, Stephanie’s Child. Known for her powerful live vocals, sharp comedy, and theatrical performances, Jan returns to Pink Eggs & Glam, ready to bring high-energy entertainment and unforgettable moments to the stage!

Seating Times: 11 AM & 2 PM, Showtimes: 12 & 3 PM

TICKETS: $30 in advance, $35 at the door. AGES 14+ PLEASE 🙂

Food and beverages are sold separately at the venue.

Pink Eggs & Glam Drag Brunch T-Shirts are available at the event – sharpies are also available so you can collect your favorite drag performers’ autographs on your merchandise!

We’ve got so much coming up! Check out our lineup, and make sure to sign up for event updates at SkyCasper.com/events

POP-UP CLOTHING SWAP hosted by Swappy Seconds ♻️ 🌎 💖

Come join us at Hygienic Art for a fun, eco-friendly, fashion event! It's a great way to declutter your closet and refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank. You never know what hidden gems you'll find 💎 Any clothing that doesn’t get claimed by the end of the Swap will be resold or donated to a local non-profit.

There will be a raffle, snacks, local vendors, and mimosas for purchase!

Follow @swappy2nds on Instagram and TikTok for more details.

CLOTHING GUIDELINES:

👗 Each participant must bring 10-20 lightly used, clean, ready-to-go items of clothing.

🚫 No stains, no holes, no rips. No accessories or shoes this time around, please!

💰 You will receive (1) Swappy Coin for each item of clothing you bring and that will be your currency for shopping other Swap items.

💖 Curated collection from The Swappy Seconds Boutique will also be available for purchase (cash & Venmo only).

SWAP RULES:

• Take what you need & leave the rest.
• If it doesn’t bring you joy, put it back.
• Be kind to yourself and others.
• Have fun!

TIMELINE:

11am - 12pm: Arrive, check-in with the Swappy's staff, receive Swappy Coins for your clothing, and distribute your items into designated areas according to clothing type.

12pm - 2pm: Shop for new-to-you clothing.

2pm: Raffle winners announced!

CONTACT US:
For any questions or accessibility requests, please reach out to swappy2nds@gmail.com.

PHOTO / VIDEO DISCLAIMER:

By signing up, you give Swappy Seconds permission to take photos, videos, or audio recordings during the event. These may be used for promotional purposes on our social media or in print. If you'd prefer not to be photographed, just let us know at the event or via email swappy2nds@gmail.com.

This beginner-friendly class is an introduction to the relief process, the technique used in the oldest forms of printmaking. By creating a single-color linocut print, you will learn the basics of relief printing. We will explore types of carving blocks, inks, and papers, and you will learn how to prepare your carving block, transfer your design, and carve and ink the block. You will make several prints, both by hand printing and using the printing press. (After this class, members will be certified to use the press for relief printing.)

Please read through the relief printing handout (found here) before class, and bring a simple design no larger than 5x8 inches. A good beginner design has a bold image, thick lines, and no fine details. Keeping it simple will help you avoid frustration and allow you to focus on the fundamentals of printmaking. You can find some great ideas by searching for free black and white vector art. Several design options will also be available to choose from in class.

Certification for Members: Printing Press Members who demonstrate proper use of the printing press can be certified for independent access to the tool.

Thanks to generous donations from The Frank Loomis Palmer Foundation, prices of our certification classes are greatly reduced.

Get your tickets today!

Ages: 15+

Please note that the class fee is non-refundable. Plan accordingly.

Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), TheaterWorksUSA‘s Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party!

It’s not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.

Recommended Grade Levels: Pre-K to 2nd

Curriculum Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Literature Based, Music

Themes: Friendship, Exploration, Teamwork, Creativity, Adventure

Tickets: $17 per person. Groups of 15 or more: $15 per person & groups will receive one free chaperone ticket with every 15 paid. Additional chaperone tickets available for $15 per person.

Special Assistance: The Garde is equipped with wheelchair seating positions and accessible bathrooms. Wireless listening systems are available by reservation. Please indicate special needs at the time of your reservation. Wheelchair seating is available in the orchestra only.

TICKETS or QUESTIONS: Call the Garde Box Office at (860) 444-7373 ext 1. or email boxoffice@gardearts.org 

Educational Resources Here

Download Theater Etiquette Basics Here

Download Arrival & Departure Procedures Here

Please Note: Due to time constraints the Garde requires that students arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to performance time.

This performance is part of the DOMINION ENERGY SCHOOLTIME PERFORMANCE SERIES

The Anglican Singers present Peppino D'Agostino "Made In Italy"

A young Sicilian artist left Italy over 30 years ago, with the dream of “playing with the greatest guitarists”. Peppino has achieved his dream and he’s now firmly planted in the “who’s who” of the guitar world.

Peppino D’Agostino emerged on the acoustic guitar scene in the early 80’s as a leading member of the second wave of the great fingerstylists that helped redefine the instrument in the ’90s. His remarkable technique, penchant for open tunings, and percussive effects are the basis of his unique compositional style which has been inspiring musicians and audiences alike for decades. Add to that his natural warmth, playfulness, and broad musical tastes and you have the recipe for what he calls “minestrone music”. His virtuosity and his emotional charge have also had a significant influence on the younger generation of fingerstyle guitarists. D’Agostino continues to evolve and grow in ways that would have been hard to predict when he first showcased his melodic yet emotionally intense style on the recordings Acoustic Spirit, Close to the Heart, and Every Step of the Way which was named one of the top three acoustic guitar albums of all time by Acoustic Guitar magazine readers.

Proceeds from this concert will be used to promote the mission of the The Anglican Singers and its international tour fund. Learn more at anglicansingers.org.

Experience the gripping power of Anthony Davis's opera Amistad, a masterpiece that revives the true story of the 1839 Amistad uprising—a courageous fight for freedom that ignited a landmark legal battle in Connecticut, resonating through history. Presented by Connecticut Lyric Opera in collaboration with Harlem Opera Theater and Discovering Amistad, this visually and musically compelling production combines music, theater, and multimedia elements to bring this pivotal story to life. Join us as we explore themes of racial justice, resilience, and the enduring quest for human dignity, underscoring opera's ability to spark dialogue and reflection in today's world.

Basics of Crochet

Join Sparks Crochet Wizard Maritza Vargas and learn the basics of crochet to create your own scarf. This two-part class will introduce you to the essential techniques needed to start your crochet journey.

• First Class: We will cover three fundamental stitches: single, double, and half double. These stitches form the foundation for most crochet projects.
• Second Class: Learn how to adjust these basic stitches to create new decorative patterns, adding unique elements to your scarf.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this class will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to start crocheting. All materials will be provided.

This is a two-part class taking place at 7 Union St., New London, CT 06320

Sign up today!

Ages 16+

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Learners Ink, LLC one of the most trusted a globally recognized professional training institute is privileged to welcome you to be one among the hundreds of thousands of Learners Ink trained and achieved certified professionals.

Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification is the top professional certifications for project managers offered by the Project Management Institute, USA.

Below are the workshop location and dates:

Workshop Location : Groton, CT

Week Day Dates: July 23-26, 2024 || Aug 27-30, 2024 || Sep 24-27, 2024||Oct 29 - Nov 01, 2024|| Dec -10-11-12-13, 2024 || Jan 28-31, 2025

Weekend Dates: July 20-21-27-28, 2024 || Aug 24-25-31-01 Sep, 2024 || Sep 21-22-28-29, 2024 || Oct-19-20-26-27|| Nov -24-25-30-01 Dec, 2024 || Jan 26-27-01-02 Feb, 2025

We also customize the training as per your requirement. We also conduct 1 to 1 session and onsite training.

What's Included?

35 Contact Hours project management education certificate

Digital files with access key to be downloaded from PMI®

100% Pass Guarantee*

PMBOK® Guide (Latest Updates 2022)

Soft Copy PMBOK Guide 6th & 7th Edition

PMI® 1000 mock exam practice questions on a simulator with live instructor led review ($199 value)

PMP® Exam Blueprint (PMP® Exam Application steps and procedure)

PMP® Exam Tips and Techniques

Group Activities for better reinforcement

Real-world examples from various industries

Industry based case studies

15+ years of industry experienced trainer

98.8% first-time pass rate

PMI-Certified (ATP) PMP Expert Instructors

PMP® Exam Application Assistance

PMP® ‘Application Framework’ to enable easy filling of the Application Form

Panel discussion by faculty team to illustrate project situations.

"Quick Fire" round to recap the learning and clarify doubts, if any.

A "Mock Simulation" on the last day of the workshop.

24/7 customer support

Click here to know more about the course

*We also provide the corporate training at any remote location, if you have group participants. It can be conducted at your company premises on your preferred dates.

Group Offering: 10% OFF for 3-5 Participants | up to 15% OFF for 5-10 Participants | up to 20% OFF for more than 15 Participants

Who needs to attend?

Associate project managers, project managers, IT project managers, project coordinators, project analysts, project leaders, senior project managers, team leaders, product managers, program managers, project sponsors, and project team members seeking the PMP or CAPM certification.

Benefits of PMP® Certification:

Gain the skills and knowledge of Project Management based on the PMBOK® Guide - 7th Edition and real-life Project Management practices

know how to use the tools and techniques you learned while studying for the PMP® exam

Apply Project Management techniques useful in the real world

Open Doors to New Clients

Gain International Recognition

Establish Credibility

Examination Details

Prerequisites:

Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent)

7,500 hours leading and directing projects

35 hours of project management education

OR

Four-year degree

4,500 hours leading and directing projects

35 hours of project management education

Examination Format:

The exam consists of 180 questions

The time duration of the examination is 230 min

Candidates are scored on 175 questions only.

Examination cost:

Member: US$405.00

Non-member: US$555.00

Other course you might be interested: PMT | PMF | CAPM | LSSGB | LSSBB | ITIL Foundation| CBAP | PMI-ACP | Big Data | DevOps | Data Science | CSM

Contact Information:

Click here to chat with us or email us

Email: byrne@learnersink.com

Phone: +1 (408) 444-7579

The 16-piece New London Big Band brings the fun back to The Social Bar & Kitchen for their monthly residency!

Schedule: The band will perform two hour-long sets (6:30-7:30pm and 8:00-9:00pm). Both sets are included with your ticket purchase.

Seating & dining: In order to provide you the best service possible, we have a variety of seating times for this show between 5:30pm and 6:15pm. Choose the ticket based on the time you'd like to be seated. We ask that you please arrive at the seating time on your ticket, so that we may give you proper service.

Tickets: $15 presale, $20 at the door on the day of the show. A service charge will be added to the ticket price.

Group discounts: We now offer discounts for groups of 6+ and 10+ guests! Tickets will be discounted based on group size. Just click one of the Group Discount tickets and make your purchase. Group discount is only available when one person buys the tickets. We cannot give you the discount if everyone buys the tickets separately. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Beginner workshops are perfect for you to grab your friends, grab a drink and come make tiny trees! We’re bringing the awesome art of bonsai out of the hedged in gardens and into the streets! Or at least into your favorite bars/breweries/pubs. Bonsai Bar is a night of fun you don’t want to miss. Learn the fundamental skills and techniques behind the art of bonsai while enjoying a night out with friends! Our teachers will introduce core concepts and guide your experience as you pot, prune, and design your very own bonsai tree!

Venue: Tox Brewing Company 

Address:  635 Broad St, New London, CT 06320

Website: https://bonsaibar.com/products/tox-brewing-company

This workshop will be hosted at Tox Brewing Company, Beer nerds and explorers: passion for creating better beer drives us. Tox Brewing Company is owned and operated by brewers - and we are eager to share our best beer with all.

Three captivating performances:

Friday, May 30th | 7:00pm

Saturday, May 31st  | 1:00pm

Saturday, May 31st | 7:00pm

Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including “Tomorrow.”

With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations… and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

Annie is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.  www.mtishows.com

A portion of proceeds will benefit

Dancers Against Cancer

Broadway Kids & Company, School of Performing Arts

was founded in 2000 by owner and Artistic Director Kristin Burrows. The school was started with the goal of passing on the love of musical theatre and dance by creating a positive nurturing environment where young people could explore the arts and build self-confidence, learn to work hard toward something, and have a safe place to grow as individuals as well as work together.

The school offers a full year round performing arts curriculum with all levels of classes for ages 18 mos through adult.

BroadwayKidsandCompany.com

 Follow us on Facebook

RECREATIONAL – COMPETITIVE – PRE-PROFESSIONAL

Three captivating performances:

Friday, May 30th | 7:00pm

Saturday, May 31st  | 1:00pm

Saturday, May 31st | 7:00pm

Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including “Tomorrow.”

With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations… and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

Annie is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.  www.mtishows.com

A portion of proceeds will benefit

Dancers Against Cancer

Broadway Kids & Company, School of Performing Arts

was founded in 2000 by owner and Artistic Director Kristin Burrows. The school was started with the goal of passing on the love of musical theatre and dance by creating a positive nurturing environment where young people could explore the arts and build self-confidence, learn to work hard toward something, and have a safe place to grow as individuals as well as work together.

The school offers a full year round performing arts curriculum with all levels of classes for ages 18 mos through adult.

BroadwayKidsandCompany.com

 Follow us on Facebook

RECREATIONAL – COMPETITIVE – PRE-PROFESSIONAL

Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman. She will create a “miracle.” Spinning the words “Some Pig” in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig but also ensures his place on the farm forever.

This treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.

Recommended Grade Levels: K – 5th

Curriculum Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Literature Based, Music, Relationships & Family

Themes: Friendship, Communication, Perseverance, Coming of Age, Loyalty, Sacrifice

Tickets: $17 per person. Groups of 15 or more: $15 per person & groups will receive one free chaperone ticket with every 15 paid. Additional chaperone tickets available for $15 per person.

Special Assistance: The Garde is equipped with wheelchair seating positions and accessible bathrooms. Wireless listening systems are available by reservation. Please indicate special needs at the time of your reservation. Wheelchair seating is available in the orchestra only.

TICKETS or QUESTIONS: Call the Garde Box Office at (860) 444-7373 ext 1. or email boxoffice@gardearts.org 

Educational Resources Here

Download Theater Etiquette Basics Here

Download Arrival & Departure Procedures Here

Please Note: Due to time constraints the Garde requires that students arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to performance time.

This performance is part of the DOMINION ENERGY SCHOOLTIME PERFORMANCE SERIES

Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman. She will create a “miracle.” Spinning the words “Some Pig” in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig but also ensures his place on the farm forever.

This treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.

Recommended Grade Levels: K – 5th

Curriculum Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Literature Based, Music, Relationships & Family

Themes: Friendship, Communication, Perseverance, Coming of Age, Loyalty, Sacrifice

Tickets: $17 per person. Groups of 15 or more: $15 per person & groups will receive one free chaperone ticket with every 15 paid. Additional chaperone tickets available for $15 per person.

Special Assistance: The Garde is equipped with wheelchair seating positions and accessible bathrooms. Wireless listening systems are available by reservation. Please indicate special needs at the time of your reservation. Wheelchair seating is available in the orchestra only.

TICKETS or QUESTIONS: Call the Garde Box Office at (860) 444-7373 ext 1. or email boxoffice@gardearts.org 

Educational Resources Here

Download Theater Etiquette Basics Here

Download Arrival & Departure Procedures Here

Please Note: Due to time constraints the Garde requires that students arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to performance time.

This performance is part of the DOMINION ENERGY SCHOOLTIME PERFORMANCE SERIES

Join us at the Parade Plaza in New London, and don't forget to bring your chairs to enjoy live music. Families can also take part in free activities, explore food vendors, experience face painting, and engage in various other family-friendly activities.

 Fireworks Sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino

Eddie B. soared to new heights by creating his own opportunity starting with his series of comical videos titled “What Teachers Really Want to Say”. In a matter of hours, those videos sparked the attention of educators all over the country when they realized that they were not alone and finally had someone to joke about the things they were reluctant to say out loud. 

Shortly after, Eddie decided to take his videos to the stage selling out comedy clubs, theaters, and arenas with his “Teachers Only Comedy Tour” in 2017-2018 and the “I’m Already Professionally Developed Tour” in 2019- 2020. When the worldwide pandemic made it impossible for Eddie to see his fans in person he began performing his “Teachers Only” comedy virtually! Now that things are getting back to normal Eddie B is ready to give educators more of his unfiltered comedy beginning with his ” Teachers Only Summer Break Tour” in 2021! 

Eddie B has established himself as the official voice of teachers across the globe. Educators from America to Africa, Dallas to Dubai, New York to New Delhi (and beyond) are getting a lesson in the funniest ways to express their worst frustrations and they are loving every second of Eddie B’s uncensored, raw, and hysterically realistic portrayal of a teacher’s hectic life, from the point of view of an actual teacher!

Steven Spielberg, Richard Donner (Lethal Weapon films) and Chris Columbus (Harry Potter films) collaborate to create an epic children’s adventure of subterranean caverns, sunken galleons and a fortune in lost pirate treasure waiting to be found by a group of friends known as The Goonies.

With brothers Mikey (Sean Astin) and Brand’s (Josh Brolin) house slated for demolition by greedy land developers, the boys decide their only hope lies in finding a long-lost treasure. They uncover a treasure map and with their friends descend to a subterranean sea and an abandoned galleon in this fun-filled, fast-paced adventure.

Directed by: Richard Donner

Cast: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, Kerri Green, Martha Plimpton, Ke Huy Quan

Students will learn the basics of origami corrugations, a style that allows them to create incredible, mountainous origami forms that bend the light in interesting ways with a single sheet of paper. Learn amazing things you can do with paper! No experience is necessary.

Origami has become increasingly a part of fields that the maker community touches: engineering, mathematics, the biomedical field, fashion, artwork, and the list continues. Starting the fundamentals with the artistic, participants can learn the foundations of origami design by playing with a few simple rules, and incredible origami corrugation patterns that can be used across many fields of study!

No experience with origami, mathematics, engineering, or "maker" activities required. The instructor can bend the content to match the interest of the participants.

We ask students to be 14+

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

This stained glass project is designed for first-timers and experienced glass artists alike. A simple yet elegant design, these air plant holders bring the tranquility of nature indoors and soothing color to a sunny window. A healthy air plant (“tillandsia”) is included to make your creation complete and a perfect gift! The holders are designed and intended to be hung.

In this workshop, you will learn to score glass, grind, foil, and solder. Sign up to make your air plant holder today!

Please be advised that sufficient hand strength and dexterity are required for scoring glass as well as the ability to stand while working with tools.

Ages 16+

This is a one-day class taking place at 7 Union St. New London CT 06320

Sign up today!

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

No prior woodworking experience is required.

Build an outdoor folding chair in a day! Students will cut and drill parts to create a folding chair, commonly called a Kentucky Stick Chair. The chair, made out of cedar, is ideal for sitting on a porch or at the beach on a summer day. -Students will spend the day laying out, cutting, and drilling more than 40 parts to make the complete chair. The finished chairs will be taken home at the end of the day.

-Due to the use of cedar, a lung irritant, N95 masks will be required in the shop during the class. The class fee includes the cost of a mask, but students are encouraged to bring a well-fitted N95 mask or equivalent respirator.

This class is aimed at novice woodworkers, and all tools and materials will be supplied - no prior experience is required.

18+

For Spark Members: After successful completion, members will be able to use the chop saw, drill press, and router table independently. Thanks to a generous donation and grant support from the Frank Loomis Palmer Foundation, these classes are reduced in price.

Sign Up Today!

Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Learn the fundamentals of Inkscape! This course will go over the basics of vector graphics using Inkscape, a free and open-source program and a maker staple for integration with the various machines at Spark. You can create a design in Inkscape and turn it into a pattern to be laser cut or engraved in conjunction with Lightburn or cut on the CNC router with VCarve. But the first step is always a design program.

Class requires a laptop. If you do not have a laptop to bring to class, please write to electronics@sparkmakerspace.org to see if one is available to use during class. Please download and install the latest version of Inkscape before class. Click here to download.

Ages 14+

This workshop will go over: how to draw basic shapes, how to create paths, union/difference/intersection functions, snaps, alignment, and other essential operations. No experience is necessary, but if you have a project in mind, we can work on the operations that most closely relate to that project.

This is a one-day class taking place at 7 Union St., New London, CT 06320. Sign up today! Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

This beginner-friendly class is an introduction to the relief process, the technique used in the oldest forms of printmaking. By creating a single-color linocut print, you will learn the basics of relief printing. We will explore types of carving blocks, inks, and papers, and you will learn how to prepare your carving block, transfer your design, and carve and ink the block. You will make several prints, both by hand printing and using the printing press. (After this class, members will be certified to use the press for relief printing.)

Please read through the relief printing handout (found here) before class, and bring a simple design no larger than 5x8 inches. A good beginner design has a bold image, thick lines, and no fine details. Keeping it simple will help you avoid frustration and allow you to focus on the fundamentals of printmaking. You can find some great ideas by searching for free black and white vector art. Several design options will also be available to choose from in class.

Certification for Members: Printing Press Members who demonstrate proper use of the printing press can be certified for independent access to the tool.

Thanks to generous donations from The Frank Loomis Palmer Foundation, prices of our certification classes are greatly reduced.

Get your tickets today!

Ages: 15+

Please note that the class fee is non-refundable. Plan accordingly.

The popular songwriting series returns to New London with a performance from the “Original Sinners” Hugh Birdsall, Jim Carpenter, John Fries and Ben Parent, in the Oasis Room

ABOUT THE SINNER’S CIRCLE

“To think it all began on an uneventful morn” –Bob Dylan

The Sinner’s Circle began circa 2010 with the idea of bringing a Nashville-style songwriters’ circle to southern New England; a safe space for area songwriters to try out and “swap” new songs in front of each other and a discerning listening audience, get to know each other’s music better and hone their individual crafts. Ben Parent (of the Rivergods) had heard fellow songwriter Jim Carpenter (the Hoolios) talk often of these types of songwriting circles in his travels to the south, and the two decided to team up with two other prolific area songwriters, local rock legend Hugh Birdsall (the Reducers, Dogbite) and the blues-oriented John Fries (the Heat) and the Sinners Circle was born with a well-received first show at an area coffee shop.

The series quickly caught hold in the community. One of the “original sinners” would host three other regional songwriters every six weeks or so, hosting circles at increasingly bigger venues. Soon they were filling larger stages across the region, including the Eugene O’Neill Theatre’s Rose Barn and the Hygienic Art Park. Audiences loved the intimate “song swap” format and enjoyed watching the spontaneous collaboration that would often happen at the Circles — one songwriter improvising a harmony vocal or playing a solo on another writer’s song. Many of the regions’s best and upcoming songwriters lobbied and were invited to play the series.

Initially, each circle was recorded and a limited run cd was released with recordings from the first dozen or so Circles. Released pre-streaming, the music now lives on in the collective memory of those who happened to be there.

Until now, dormant since COVID, the Sinners Circle returns with a brand new run for 2025, kicking off at the Garde Arts Center’s state-of-the-art Oasis Room on Friday, June 20 at 8pm., featuring an all-new in-house sound system and upstairs bar. Reconnecting for the first time in years will be the “original sinners” Jim Carpenter, Hugh Birdsall, John Fries and Ben Parent, showcasing new and rare material, and shining a new light on the local songwriting scene.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Hugh Birdsall

Hugh Birdsall has been playing music in Connecticut for decades, literally. He is a founding member of The Reducers, Dogbite, The Three-Pack, The Original Sinners, SheSaidHeSaid, and more recently, Hugh and Dana, and The Ground Zero Boys.

Guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, and bon vivant, he has toured extensively and has performed and recorded in some of the finest studios, basements, garages, dives, and farmers markets in the region, the country and around the world.

Heavily influenced by 30’s blues, 40’s hot jazz, 50’s rock n’ roll, the 60’s folk movement, and the 70’s punk rock explosion, his body of work includes songs as diverse as “Black Plastic Shoes,” “Bombs Away, Lock and Load,” “Grace,” and “Wailing City Girl.” Most recently, he has collaborated with his songwriting partner, Tom Deedy, on a full- blown musical, called War Orphans.

Hugh founded and organizes the annual Pass the Guitar benefit concert for The New London Homeless Hospitality Center, as well as the quarterly Hoot for Hunger to benefit the New London Community Meal Center, drawing together regional talents to raise money for these critical community services.

Jim Carpenter

Jim Carpenter (aka James Waine Carpenter) is an award-winning singer-songwriter, author, and record producer. As chief songwriter for The Hoolios, The CarLeans, and Southern Fiction, as well as performing as a solo artist, Jim has twelve albums of original music to his credit. 

Carpenter’s myriad awards include winning the Chicago Songwriting Contest, being a finalist (twice) in the South Florida Song Competition and the Nashville Songwriter’s Contest, placing second in Boston’s Rose Garden Song Competition, and an honorable mention in CMT’s Music Songwriting Competition. Locally, he has Whalie Awards for Best Producer, Best Americana Song, Best Americana Band, Best Performance and Best Music Series.

As a fiction writer, he has published five collections of short fiction and the novella Black Narrows. A sixth collection of short stories entitled The Gecko Traveling Circus, as well as a new solo album, Tailights, are scheduled for release in June 2025.

Born in hometown Chincoteague Island, Virginia, he has lived in Norfolk, Cape May, Key West,

Miami, and Nashville. He currently resides in Niantic, and records, writes, and produces at LOCO DARE Productions. Jim’s breathtaking guitar-picking skills have inspired countless musicians in the region and beyond, including all of the other Original Sinners.

John Fries

John Fries’ songwriting seamlessly blends the raw emotion of blues with soul. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of musical legends, including Amos Lee, John Prine, Martin Sexton, Eric Clapton, D’Angelo, the Black Crowes, Joey Landreth, and Chris Whitley, John has carved out a unique sound that captivates audiences and resonates deeply with listeners.

From a young age, John was immersed in the rich tapestry of musical influences that would shape his artistic identity. With a natural affinity for storytelling, he channels his personal experiences and observations into his songwriting, crafting lyrics that are both relatable and poignant. His powerful vocals and evocative guitar playing bring to life a technicolor array of songs exploring themes of love, loss, and societal climate.

Throughout his career, John Fries has garnered recognition for his compelling performances and his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. Whether performing in intimate venues or gracing larger stages (Fries opened for blues legend Robert Cray on the Garde Arts Center’s main stage), his dynamic presence and heartfelt delivery leave a lasting impression. His authenticity and dedication to his craft have earned him a loyal following and accolades within the music community. 

Currently, John is in the studio working on a new album that will feature a fusion of his blues and soul influences, as well as collaborations with fellow musicians who share his passion for creating music that speaks to the heart. John’s commitment to his craft continues to drive him as he navigates the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry.

Ben Parent

Ben Parent is a founding member of the Rivergods, an original, award-winning act based in southeastern CT that has played its harmony-rich folk/roots/Americana-influenced music in venues large and small around southern New England since 1997. The Rivergods are fronted by Parent and his wife, Nancy, both singer/songwriters, who blend their voices with the sort of instinctual harmonies that are perhaps only achieved through blood, time or marriage. Parent also plays in the on-again, off-again surf/punk trio, Superbald, a guitar-driven combo which amps up the sound, but doesn’t skimp on the songwriting.

Parent casts a wide net with songwriting, from rock to roots, lately choosing to focus on topical storytelling and issue-themed songs that cut quick and deep. Parent enjoys almost all forms of music and songwriting; there is not a genre he will not borrow from if he feels it will serve a song. Parent is an ardent student of “the greats” but is just as influenced by anything he hears that’s interesting and packs an emotional punch.

The Rivergods have seven albums of original material out, primarily written by Ben, but are currently in the midst of mixing their latest album, recorded at Coffeehouse Studios in Middletown, CT, which will feature mostly songs written or sung by Nancy. Ever prolific as songwriters, Ben and Nancy started a Soundcloud page during COVID-19 for sharing demos and unreleased songs. Ben always has several “solo albums” in the works.

Parent prides himself on continuing to foster community in the regional music scene, particularly with and for artists that write and perform their own material. The Sinners’ Circle and his record label, Good Sponge Records, were born of that desire – to see area musicians/songwriters supporting each other and collaborating, rather than always competing for gigs and attention.

For more about Sinner’s Circle

Two-Day Beginner Workshop!

This is a perfect project for those with little or no experience working with stained glass. You will construct a colorful art glass strip panel up to 12 inches long, suitable for hanging in a window. You will be taught the techniques of the copper foil method of construction and learn to score, grind, foil, solder, frame and finish the entire piece in this 2-day workshop.

All materials included.

Please Note: Sufficient hand strength and dexterity are needed for scoring glass. Must be able to stand for extended periods while working with tools.

Closed-toed shoes must be worn.

Ages 16+

This is a two-session class taking place at 7 Union St., New London, CT 06320

Two-Day Beginner Workshop!

This is a perfect project for those with little or no experience working with stained glass. You will construct a colorful art glass strip panel up to 12 inches long, suitable for hanging in a window. You will be taught the techniques of the copper foil method of construction and learn to score, grind, foil, solder, frame and finish the entire piece in this 2-day workshop.

All materials included.

Please Note: Sufficient hand strength and dexterity are needed for scoring glass. Must be able to stand for extended periods while working with tools.

Closed-toed shoes must be worn.

Ages 16+

This is a two-session class taking place at 7 Union St., New London, CT 06320