Websites for Women Artists 101

This professional workshop series is designed for women, non-binary, and women-identifying individuals working within the arts sector, Wednesdays 7/16-7/30, 6-8p (last session Artist Talk date/time TBA). Focusing on informative discussion on enhancing artistic skills and creative opportunities, this will be a 3-Part Series, by the Pattagansett Art Center, in collaboration with Spark Makerspace, and the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. Participants will learn from guest speakers covering essential topics in creative development. This program is generously sponsored by Breezeline.

The program aims to empower creatives by providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in the competitive creative landscape, fostering a supportive community that encourages collaboration and growth. Sessions 1-3 are only open to 8 participants, so please please register early. The 4th session is optional and open to the Public.

Important:

Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly. Ages 16+

The class requires a laptop. If you do not have a laptop, please contact make@sparkmakerspace.org in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate.

Session 1: July 16, 6-8p

About the Creative: Biography and Statements

(Creating an about section through interactive activities)

Every website has an about section. This session will explore and engage participants and the power of short, succinct personal biographies. This is an essential framework for a creative practice and provides insight into intentions, themes, accomplishments, and context for an audience or viewer to experience your work. Through guided individual and group activities, we will engage in the creation of a general creative biography and a more body of work-specific statement. We will learn to better understand our own vision and motivations, along with important recommendations, as our artist journey evolves.

Session 2: July 23, 6-8p

The Impact of Visual Branding for Creatives

(Look, Branding, Documentation, Photo cube, lighting, documentation, pricing of your work)

In a digital world, elevating your creative look or aesthetic is an essential part of visual language. This session will dive into the importance of documenting artwork, developing a story, contemporary pricing, demystifying, and building a professional brand, and a touch on contemporary market analysis. Participants will learn the basic principles of photographing artwork, creating a consistent style, and understanding the process of establishing an online identity.

Session 3: July 30, 6-8p

A Comprehensive Approach to Building Your Artist Website

(Building a website, and Digital Footprint)

Utilizing the skills and techniques from previous sessions, participants will learn how to build an effective artist website. This session will provide step-by-step instructions to navigate the process of website creation, uploading your artwork images, and promoting your practice. Websites can seem intimidating, but we will work to simplify and demystify this topic!

Session 4: TBA

Women in the Arts Open Community Forum

To celebrate this series, we are hosting a networking event and panel discussion at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. This Community Forum will feature participation from Suzie Ferras of the San Francisco Arts Commission and Creative IQ Studio & Gallery, alongside a panel of both established professionals and emerging local artists. Centered on the shared goal of uplifting and connecting creative women, the event aims to foster meaningful dialogue, build professional networks, and strengthen community ties both locally and beyond.

This two-part class is on Thursday, June 24th, 6-7:30pm, and June 31st, 6-8:30pm, at Spark Makerspace, 7 Union St., New London, CT.

Learn how to Screen Print at Spark! We'll take you through the whole process, and you'll take home prints of your own design! This class covers successful design elements, creating the screen using the photographic process, printing on fabric and paper, and how to reuse your silkscreen.

For Members, this class will certify you to be able to use the screen printing equipment independently.

This class is intended for students ages 14+.

Certification for Members: Screen Printing Tools - Members who demonstrate proper use can be certified for independent access to the tool.

Thanks to generous donations from The Frank Loomis Palmer Fund, Bank of America, N.A. Trustee prices of our certification classes are greatly reduced.

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

Join Julie from Hats by Jewels in the taproom to burn your own custom design on a cowboy hat. First Tox drink included in the ticket price.

Sid and Nancy

Our Thursday movie series continues with Sid & Nancy on July 31st 7pm. 

Suggested donation: $5.

The story of Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious opens shortly after he joins the British punk-rock band and meets an American groupie named Nancy Spungen, who he enters into a self-destructive relationship with that culminates with her death in 1978.

Director: Alex Cox

Production year: 1986

Rating: R

Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc.

Runtime: 111 minutes

Cast: Gary Oldman, Chloe Webb, David Hayman, Debbie Bishop, Tony London

Sponsored by the Frank Loomis Palmer Fund and Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut

This class will introduce students to the basics of Easel CAM software, and the X-Carve CNC router. The class project will be small, but the techniques can be applied to projects of any size.Due to the nature of the tool, this class will require significant work on the computer. Students in this class are required to be computer literate, and need bring their own laptop to class. Students who are unable to supply their own laptop should talk to Spark before signing up for the class.

All materials and safety equipment will be supplied as part of the class.

CNC certification is available for members.

Participants agree to read the CNC guide available on the Spark wiki and make an Easel account before class. (Instructor will send directions prior.)

All materials and safety equipment will be supplied as part of the class.

18+

Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly. Please note that this class may not run if it does not meet the minimum enrollment. If this happens, you will be contacted a week ahead of time.

Certifications-

After successful completion, members will be able to use the workshop independently. Thanks to a generous donation and grant support from the Frank Loomis Palmer Foundation, these classes are reduced in price for members.

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames River and discover the Park's 20+ heritage sites in both New London and Groton.

The Harbor Cruise starts at Fort Trumbull State Park, skips over to City Pier in Downtown New London, cruises across the river to Thames Landing in Groton and back around to Fort Trumbull.

Personalize your trip around visiting heritage sites, state parks, restaurants, or shopping! Well-behaved dogs and bicycles are welcomed on board.

Departure Sites:

- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour

- City Pier, New London 20 minutes after the hour

- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour

Harbor Cruise Info:

- Your ticket is an All-Day Pass! Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site, as many times as you would like

- OR Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop

- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long

- Book online or in-person | Children 3 and under ride FREE

- Saturday & Sunday through September 7th | 11:00AM – 6:00PM

Stop in and sip on frozen beverages while you peruse the current exhibit-The Unusual Suspects: Art from Unexpected Materials.

The Unusual Suspects brings together a group of contemporary artists whose practices challenge traditional notions of artmaking by embracing unexpected, repurposed, or unconventional materials. From salvaged plastics and industrial debris to domestic ephemera and organic detritus, these artists transform the overlooked, the discarded, and the unremarkable into compelling, thought-provoking works of art.

Free yoga on Sundays at 9am with Kim. Sponsored by Yale New Haven Health.

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames River and discover the Park's 20+ heritage sites in both New London and Groton.

The Harbor Cruise starts at Fort Trumbull State Park, skips over to City Pier in Downtown New London, cruises across the river to Thames Landing in Groton and back around to Fort Trumbull.

Personalize your trip around visiting heritage sites, state parks, restaurants, or shopping! Well-behaved dogs and bicycles are welcomed on board.

Departure Sites:

- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour

- City Pier, New London 20 minutes after the hour

- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour

Harbor Cruise Info:

- Your ticket is an All-Day Pass! Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site, as many times as you would like

- OR Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop

- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long

- Book online or in-person | Children 3 and under ride FREE

- Saturday & Sunday through September 7th | 11:00AM – 6:00PM

This is a week-long summer workshop (Mon 8/4- Fri 8/8, 1-4pm) at Spark Makerspace in collaboration with New London Community Boatworks for young woodworkers age 13-16. Guided by experienced instructor and boat builder Ben Ellcome, students will build a functional wooden toolbox using hand tools.

From reading plans and making precise cuts to assembling and customizing their own design, each participant will gain hands-on experience in the woodshop while developing practical skills that last a lifetime.

No prior experience is required – just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Over the course of five days, students will master basic woodworking techniques, including sawing, fastening, and joint-making, culminating in a finished toolbox they can proudly take home.

All tools and materials are provided, and the final session will include a showcase and celebration of each student's completed project.

Parents will be contacted via email after ticket purchase and will be sent follow-up paperwork.

Please note that the class fee is non-refundable unless it does not meet minimum enrollment. If this occurs, you will be contacted a week in advance, the class will be canceled, and fees will be refunded.

This is a week-long summer workshop (Mon 8/4- Fri 8/8, 1-4pm) at Spark Makerspace in collaboration with New London Community Boatworks for young woodworkers age 13-16. Guided by experienced instructor and boat builder Ben Ellcome, students will build a functional wooden toolbox using hand tools.

From reading plans and making precise cuts to assembling and customizing their own design, each participant will gain hands-on experience in the woodshop while developing practical skills that last a lifetime.

No prior experience is required – just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Over the course of five days, students will master basic woodworking techniques, including sawing, fastening, and joint-making, culminating in a finished toolbox they can proudly take home.

All tools and materials are provided, and the final session will include a showcase and celebration of each student's completed project.

Parents will be contacted via email after ticket purchase and will be sent follow-up paperwork.

Please note that the class fee is non-refundable unless it does not meet minimum enrollment. If this occurs, you will be contacted a week in advance, the class will be canceled, and fees will be refunded.

Grab a brew and join Catherine from Zen Healing in a workshop all about pendulums!

Why Use a Pendulum? Many believe a pendulum is a practical tool for investigating and dealing with health-related concerns, matters of the heart, and other personal issues.

This workshop includes all materials for your own personal pendulum starting with the choice of stone, chain and embellishment as well as a travel pouch. In addition to your pendulum you will receive basic directions for usage of your pendulum and guided direction for utilizing this tool to read your own chakras. We will focus on the 7 primary Chakras (energy centers of the body).

About Zen Healing: Zen Healing is a team of holistic therapists from Mystic who love to share their knowledge of energy work and to teach the creation of customized holistic tools and jewelry that can help each of us on our healing journey.

Purchase your tickets to this unique workshop here !

First drink included in ticket price.

Bring the whole family down to Parade Plaza in New London for an unforgettable evening! Set up your chairs and enjoy live music by Andre, Eddie & Friends while the kids explore Touch-a-Truck, meet adorable animals at Carly’s Critters Petting Zoo, and get creative with face painting. Mingle with the New London Fire Department and meet the New London Police K9 officer.

Don’t miss the delicious food trucks and local vendors, all leading up to a spectacular fireworks show at 9 PM sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Open Mic Night

Sign Up available onsite at 5:30 PM

Poetry, comedy, spoken word, Bring what you got! All talents welcome!

5 Minute Time Slot for Comedians and Poets!

2 Song Time Slot for Musicians!

No Cover Charge - Donations Always Welcome

August 7th – Let Loose Thursday Touch -a- Truck, Petting Zoo, Live Music and Fireworks !

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 Touch-a-Truck, explore food vendors, experience face painting, and engage in various other family-friendly activities.

Carly's Critters - Petting Zoo

New London Police Department - Meet New London K9 officer.

New London Fire Department

Live music

 Fireworks - Sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino

 Food Trucks

Vendors

New London Youth Affairs- Free children's activities

New London Recreation- Free activities for families

Don't miss Frida, Thursday August 7th 7pm! 

Suggested donation: $5

Best Actress nominee Salma Hayek stars as Mexican surrealist Frida Kahlo in this biopic, which chronicles her turbulent marriage to Diego Rivera, her political activism and the severe pain she experienced following a bus accident.

Director: Julie Taymor

Production year: 2002

Rating: R

Studio: Miramax Films

Runtime: 118 minutes

Cast: Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush, Mia Maestro, Ashley Judd

Sponsored by the Frank Loomis Palmer Fund and Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut

“BREAD VIRTUALLY INVENTED soft rock in the early Seventies, and the group’s biggest hits — ‘Make It With You,’ ‘If,’ ‘Baby I’m-a Want You’ and ‘Everything I Own’ — remain staples on lite-rock radio.”– Rolling Stone

Over their career, Bread scored 13 hits on Billboard’s Top 100!! The two surviving members of Bread (David Gates & Robb Royer) are happily retired and enjoying their time with family and the fruits of their musical careers. Enter TOAST – The Ultimate Bread Experience who does everything possible to keep the legacy of Bread alive.

With a surprising fidelity rarely heard from a live tribute band, their sound is often described as “spot on” to the original recordings. Audiences everywhere rave about closely their live performances sound like the cherished records they listened to back in the day.

TOAST takes the audience on a journey back in time, engaging a spectrum of emotions; from the tender moments that tug on the heartstrings to the upbeat classics that compel them to jump out of their seats and dance. And when combined with truly timeless music, this concert has “risen” to the top as one of the absolute favorites of audiences everywhere!

Make It With You – Sweet Surrender – Baby I’m-a Want You – It Don’t Matter to Me – Everything I Own – Diary – Guitar Man – Lost Without Your Love – Hooked On You – Aubrey – If – Mother Freedom

…and so many more!

Izzy Malek is an American artist known for blending tropical rock and reggae sounds with laid-back vibes along with a hint of contemporary country music. Since his debut, Izzy has consistently captivated audiences with his relatable storytelling, delivering both feel-good anthems and introspective tracks. His latest release “Give Me a Beach” showcases his passion for escapism and finding comfort in the warmth of the sun.

Born and raised on the New England shoreline, Izzy’s music is a direct reflection of life on the coast, the taste of salt in the air and his pursuit to explore the beautiful secrets this world has to offer. As an independent artist, Izzy continues to carve his path with authenticity, evolving from a beachside vibe-maker to a cultural staple in the modern music scene. His journey is a testament to staying inspired and evolving without compromise. His music resonates deeply with fans, creating lasting connections and a loyal community that grows with each new chapter.

Experience the Thames River like never before!

Join us for a magical cruise down the river to Ledge Light as the Full Moon rises over the Sound. Two evenings occur each month to catch the moon rising from the park's boats.

Guests of all ages are welcome on this excursion. Pack a cooler with your favorite beverages and snacks, grab your people and cruise!

Questions: 860-407-5655

Evening cruises sell out fast! Save $5 when you purchase your tour tickets in advance.

This tour departs out of City Pier located in downtown New London, CT.

Dates:

August 8th

August 9th

September 9th

September 10th

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames River and discover the Park's 20+ heritage sites in both New London and Groton.

The Harbor Cruise starts at Fort Trumbull State Park, skips over to City Pier in Downtown New London, cruises across the river to Thames Landing in Groton and back around to Fort Trumbull.

Personalize your trip around visiting heritage sites, state parks, restaurants, or shopping! Well-behaved dogs and bicycles are welcomed on board.

Departure Sites:

- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour

- City Pier, New London 20 minutes after the hour

- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour

Harbor Cruise Info:

- Your ticket is an All-Day Pass! Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site, as many times as you would like

- OR Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop

- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long

- Book online or in-person | Children 3 and under ride FREE

- Saturday & Sunday through September 7th | 11:00AM – 6:00PM

Toxstock is our annual community gathering event and summertime celebration! Join us in the taproom or on the patio for great beer, delicious pizza, live music, vendors, and more!

Ticket is not required for entry, but pre-purchasing a ticket is the best deal for the whole event experience ($60 value).

Your $50 Ticket Includes:

• Print your own Toxstock 2025 t-shirt on site with MyPrintShopLive*
• Limited Edition Toxstock 2025 Commemorative Silipint
• Tox-branded plastic tasting cup and Toxstock sampler (our version of a flight- FOUR 4 oz pours of Toxstock exclusive beers)
• 1 slice of pizza

Purchase your ticket here.

*If you are unable to print your shirt prior to 5 p.m., a shirt will be printed for you to pick up at a later time. Please indicate your shirt size when purchasing.

A musical and video tribute to Tim's life with friends, former bandmates and family.

Music by Blonde Furniture, The Whales, XY- ELI, the ToneShifters and Special Guests.

A silent auction from the collection of Tim's many guitars and musical gear will benefit aspiring local High School musicians and musical projects.

Please join us in sharing our memories of Tim and the awesome human being and musician that he was.

Please R.S.V.P. Hope to have you all join us!

Anchor of Hope

Compassionate care when you need it the most

Anchor of Hope is a life-affirming pregnancy center dedicated to serving women, men, and families facing unplanned pregnancies. We provide free and confidential services including pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, options counseling, parenting support, and material resources. With compassion at the core of everything we do, Anchor of Hope walks alongside clients with grace, truth, and hope—empowering them to make informed decisions and build strong futures.

Mike Donehey:

Mike Donehey has seen his fair share of the unexpected. Following a potentially fatal car crash as a teen, Mike learned to play the guitar while still in bed recovering from his injuries. Learning the guitar quickly gave birth to songwriting, and that songwriting soon led to the formation of a band.

That band, Tenth Avenue North, became one of the most loved and successful artists in Christian music. At the beginning of 2020, despite widespread notoriety and a devout following, Tenth Avenue North’s members began to sense they each had their own unexpected and unique roads to follow. Mike seized this opportunity, reveling in the excitement to expand as a storyteller, communicator, and thought instigator wherever his voice could be heard.

Mike’s acclaimed book, Finding God’s Life for My Will, was an immediate best-seller. Mike’s newest book, Grace In The Gray, reveals a four-stage process to help people in relationships, professional settings, and social situations discover how to focus on the person before them more than the argument set against them.

Perhaps most exciting has been Mike’s writing and producing new music. His acclaimed solo album Flourish is just the beginning of the flow of new music coming our way.

The unexpected has a way of disrupting our lives in ways we might not have ever chosen. For Mike, learning to embrace the unexpected has been the very thing that continues to bring encouraging and soul-healing art. Looking forward, Mike is trusting to be led in any way that will allow him to continue to serve and inspire.

Matt Hammitt:

Matt Hammitt is a singer, songwriter, author, and speaker. Matt was the lead singer for the band Sanctus Real from 1996-2016. He has been the recipient of three Dove Awards and has been nominated for two Grammy Awards for his work with Sanctus Real. Matt has written over fifteen chart topping songs, performed by Sanctus Real and other musical artists.

An Ohio native, Matt now lives in Nashville with his wife, Sarah, and their four children. Passion for family is what led him to step away from Sanctus Real in 2016, to spend more time at home. Matt details this difficult transition in his book Lead Me: Finding Courage to Fight for Your Marriage, Children, and Faith. Matt holds nothing back in this unfiltered story of his life, so far.

In 2022, the Hammitts released a documentary called Bowen’s Heart. This feature length documentary film follows (then) eight-year-old Bowen Hammitt through his third major open heart surgery, his family caught in the tension between hoping the surgery will make his life better and knowing it could make things much worse

Experience the Thames River like never before!

Join us for a magical cruise down the river to Ledge Light as the Full Moon rises over the Sound. Two evenings occur each month to catch the moon rising from the park's boats.

Guests of all ages are welcome on this excursion. Pack a cooler with your favorite beverages and snacks, grab your people and cruise!

Questions: 860-407-5655

Evening cruises sell out fast! Save $5 when you purchase your tour tickets in advance.

This tour departs out of City Pier located in downtown New London, CT.

Dates:

August 8th

August 9th

September 9th

September 10th

Free yoga on Sundays at 9am with Kim. Sponsored by Yale New Haven Health.

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames River and discover the Park's 20+ heritage sites in both New London and Groton.

The Harbor Cruise starts at Fort Trumbull State Park, skips over to City Pier in Downtown New London, cruises across the river to Thames Landing in Groton and back around to Fort Trumbull.

Personalize your trip around visiting heritage sites, state parks, restaurants, or shopping! Well-behaved dogs and bicycles are welcomed on board.

Departure Sites:

- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour

- City Pier, New London 20 minutes after the hour

- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour

Harbor Cruise Info:

- Your ticket is an All-Day Pass! Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site, as many times as you would like

- OR Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop

- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long

- Book online or in-person | Children 3 and under ride FREE

- Saturday & Sunday through September 7th | 11:00AM – 6:00PM

Join us in the taproom for a fun and floral-filled evening with Botanical Beauty Designs LLC!

Registration includes:

A glass beer can to design and plant your own succulent arrangement.

All materials included (plants, premium soil, decal and decorative rocks)

Your first drink

Whether you're a plant lover, craft beer enthusiast, or just looking for a unique night out, this hands-on class is the perfect way to relax, sip, and get creative.

Spots are limited – grab your ticket now and let’s grow something beautiful together!