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Mary Beth Lawlor, publisher/editor-in-chief of Litchfield Magazine, and supporter of Plein Air Litchfield, left,and Michele Murelli, Director of Plein Air Litchfield and Art Tripping, right.
Jennifer Almquist
For six days this autumn, Litchfield will welcome 33 acclaimed painters for the second year of Plein Air Litchfield (PAL), an arts festival produced by Art Tripping, a Litchfield nonprofit.
The public is invited to watch the artists at work while enjoying the beauty of early fall. The new Belden House & Mews hotel at 31 North St. in Litchfield will host PAL this year.
From Sept. 30 through Oct. 5, artists chosen from 100 entries around the country — representing diverse origins as far flung as Punjab, Berlin, and Peru — will set up their easels and spend the week recording the landscape, farms, historic buildings, and even restaurant interiors throughout the town. Artists such as Thomas Adkins, Yili Haruni, Katushka Millones, and Zufar Bikbov will participate.
“The French term plein air means ‘out of doors,’ referring to the practice of painting entire finished pictures in the open air. The plein air approach was pioneered by John Constable in Britain in the early 19th century,” according to The Tate Gallery in London.
Thursday, Oct. 2, is “Paint the Historic District Day,” when artists make paintings of early buildings.
Norfolk artist Sam Guindon will give a painting demonstration in the meadow by Tapping Reeve Law School at 82 South St. at 3 p.m. Thursday.
Nicole Carpenter, curator of the Litchfield Historical Society, will present “Landscape Visions: Artistic Depictions of Litchfield,” exploring the role artists play in documenting regional history, at 4 p.m. Thursday at the Oliver Wolcott Library at 160 South St. The talk is free, and all are welcome.
The public is also invited to the historic firehouse at Belden House at 6 p.m. for a free art show of the works created that day.
On Saturday, Oct. 4, Judge of Awards Eric Forstmann, a Litchfield County artist, will announce the winners at the Gala Art Show and Sale in the historic Firehouse property of Belden House & Mews, where all displayed artwork will be available for purchase.
Finally, on Sunday morning, Oct. 5,from 9 a.m. to noon, everyone is invited to a three-hour fun “Quick Paint” event. Open to artists of all levels, with additional prizes, the event will be held in the Tapping Reeve Meadow at 82 South St. Registration is from 8 to 9 a.m.
Art Tripping was founded in 2018 by Michele Murelli, whose mission is to create community art events and show how art enhances quality of life. Murelli and her team of volunteers have organized Plein Air Litchfield, 2025.
Visit the PAL website, www.pleinairlitchfield.com for information and to purchase tickets to the Gala Art Show and Sale.
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Amazing views from Globe Hill in Pine Plains will be the backdrop for this year’s fundraiser for The Stissing Center.
Alicia King
The Stissing Center for Arts & Culture is hosting its Harvest Sunset Celebration at Globe Hill in Pine Plains on Saturday, Sept. 27. Set against panoramic views, the event promises an evening of music, locally sourced food, and community spirit — all in support of year-round arts programming.
The celebration will feature a performance by Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, the renowned folk duo best known for their rendition of Ashokan Farewell, used as the the hauntingly beautiful theme from Ken Burns’ “The Civil War.” Their evocative blend of Appalachian, Cajun, and Celtic music has earned them a lasting place in American acoustic music.
Opening the musical lineup is Long Steel Rail, a dynamic bluegrass trio. The evening will be emceed by Ophira Eisenberg, comedian, author, and host of NPR’s “Ask Me Another.” Eisenberg is known for her sharp wit and engaging presence on both stage and radio.
A seasonal harvest dinner will be prepared by The Farmer’s Wife, a local favorite recognized for celebrating farms — and seasonal ingredients — from the area. The dinner will be accompanied by local beverages and set amid the natural beauty of Globe Hill’s expansive landscape.
The Harvest Sunset Celebration serves as a vital fundraiser for The Stissing Center. Proceeds support accessible ticket pricing, free children’s programming, and diverse arts offerings throughout the year.
“This event is really a celebration of The Stissing Center’s deep connection to our community,” said Gwen Greene, President of the Board. “The spectacular venue, the extraordinary entertainment, and the delicious local food and beverages are all a part of our commitment to this area. By the same token, the breadth and depth of our programming also speaks to our mission to bring to our audiences something that each and every person can enjoy. We are very excited to share this celebration with our friends and neighbors.”
Executive Director Patrick Trettenero added, “As summer turns to fall, this is the perfect moment to gather, give thanks, and support something meaningful. There’s no better way to celebrate the season than with delicious local food, world-class music, and one of the most spectacular views in the Hudson Valley.”
Tickets are available at thestissingcenter.org
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