“SHADOWS” EXHIBIT AT STRATFORD LIBRARY

Redding’s Beth Bailey Paintings on Display March-April

     An exhibit of original acrylic, oil and watercolor paintings by Redding, Connecticut artist Beth Bailey is the current art exhibit at the Stratford Library.  The exhibit, entitled “Shadows and Reflections”, will be featured at the Library through April 2023.  It is free and open to the public. 

     Beth Bailey has been an art teacher at Joel Barlow High School since 1998.  She holds a Master's Degree in Art Education and recently completed a Master's Degree in Integrative Health and Healing. She is interested in using art making as a healing modality for stress relief and emotional wellness and was granted a teaching fellowship at Skidmore College in 2000 for printmaking. Bailey was also awarded the Fund For Teachers Fellowship to study in Italy in July of 2018. 

     Bailey's artwork includes paintings, printmaking, photography and ceramics. Her art is influenced by nature, the changing light and expressionism. Being outdoors is where she feels the most grounded and content, capturing scenes in nature at its most mystical and shimmering times of day, usually early morning or late afternoon. Bailey is attracted to trees and their relationships to one another above and below ground. The experience of color brings her great joy, using color expressively to convey a magical mood with the playfulness of light and color.  In addition to teaching at JBHS, Bailey offers group art lessons for children of all ages and facilitates adult art-making gatherings for a variety of occasions. 

    Viewing hours for “Shadows and Reflections” are: Monday-Thursday: 10-8, Friday-Saturday: 10-5 and Sunday: 1-5 pm.  The display is located in the Main Lobby of the Stratford Library, 2203 Main Street in Stratford and will continue through April 2023.

“PLAY IT AGAIN, SQUARE ONE” AT STRATFORD LIBRARY

Series Revisits Theatre’s “Agnes of God” on March 28

    The Friends of Square One Theatre, in conjunction with the Stratford Library, will continue the 17th season of its popular series, “Play It Again, Square One”, on Tuesday, March 28 beginning at noon.  The drama discussion series looks at recent productions by Stratford’s Square One Theatre Company and offers patrons the opportunity to explore and discuss aspects of the play they saw.               

According to Friends President Carole Fanslow, the program continues to fill a void for theatergoers:  “This series has proved to be a great success.  We are grateful to Tom Holehan, the actors and the Stratford Library for helping us to bring this unique program to our members and the theatergoing public.”

    For the March 28 session, Square One Artistic Director Tom Holehan, General Manager Richard Pheneger and cast members Priscilla Squiers, Lucy Babbitt and Céline Montaudy will lead a discussion of the theatre’s recent, critically acclaimed play, “Agnes of God”. John Pielmeier’s classic drama is based on an actual incident where a nun was accused of killing her newborn child.  The play concluded Square One’s 30^th anniversary season.

    “Play It Again, Square One” will begin at noon on March 28 in the Library’s Lovell Room.  It is free and open to the public.  Coffee and tea will be served.