Submit An Event
Search for:

Artists - All Mediums
Art Instruction
Camps
Galleries
Music Instruction
Performing Arts Instruction (Theater/Dance/Voice)



Artists

Painter
Artist: Frances B. Ashforth

Weather, Oil on canvas, 40 x 50"
Alaska Series #2, Oil on canvas, 18 x 24 "
Riverbank, Oil on canvas, 30 x 40"

Frances B. Ashforth has always been drawn to line, color, edges and boundaries. For as long as she can remember, the horizon line and its relationship between land, water and sky has fascinated her. Ashforth’s images are simple, quick memories of color and light within landscape; always amazed with the essence of markmaking.  Seeking solace in landscape and open spaces, Ashforth is intrigued by mans’ relationship to the land both historically and at present. Believing that we have not had a good track record with land use , she tries to continue to have faith that we will all become good stewards of the land sooner or later. “Our world moves at an extreme pace and my need is to retreat to a quieter time through memory, sense of place, color, light and composition,” explains Ashforth.  Her work has been shown on both east and west coasts with numerous pieces in both private and corporate collections. Works out of private studio in Ridgefield.
Website: francesbashforth.com
Email: info@francesbashforth.com


Painter
Artist: Noelle Carr

Harmony Gardens Peony, 2008, Oil on canvas, 24 x 20"
Ridgefield Lakes Water Lily, 2007, Oil on canvas, 20 x 24"


Ridgefield artist Noelle Carr finds creative inspiration in the natural world. She loves vibrant colors and bold graphics and her artwork is based on combining these elements of nature and design to create a harmony with organic forms and striking color. She focuses on the physicality of the paint, the evidence of the artist's hand in the brushstroke and the way those marks flow throughout her paintings.Noelle has lived in Ridgefield since 2004 and she is a member of the Ridgefield Guild of Artists and Greenwich Art Society. Her work has been featured in many CT and NY area exhibitions and is represented in several private collections throughout the East Coast.
Website: noellecarr.com
Email: noellecarr@noellecarr.com


Sculptor, Mixed Media Painter. Home studio.
Artist: Milo Dalbey

An eleven year resident of Ridgefield, Milo Dalbey's artwork is indicative of an old soul with modern sensibilities. He is a retired art teacher from Mamaroneck High School in Mamaroneck, N.Y. where he served as Chairman of the department. He has taught as an adjunct professor at the New School in New York City and was an assistant professor at The School of the Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University. He received a master's degree in humanities from the University of Buffalo. Finding imagery through the use of steel, iron, and cast iron have inspired Dalbey to create abstract and figurative pieces of indoor and outdoor sculpture. Often using antique farm instruments to suggest movement, monumentality and humor, the pieces are then welded into forms that are both enduring and timeless. His mixed media pieces include a collection of works using envelopes that embody the lost art of the handwritten letter and a series of abstract paintings using textures to evoke form and emotion. Mr. Dalbey's work is sold by appointment from his home studio.
Email:
mimimilo@comcast.net


Author, Illustrator
Artist: Jamison Odone

Cover, Insert from Honey Badgers children's book, 2007

JAMISON ODONE is the author/illustrator of the children’s book, Honey Badgers. His work has been in solo and group exhibitions including the exhibit, “MyFirst Book”. He also illustrated The Bedtime Train by award winning children’s author Joy Cowley. His illustrations appear weekly in Hersam Acorn newspapers. Jamison has given numerous lectures and classes on the process of writing and illustrating children’s books, and has studied privately with Maurice Sendak. Jamison moved to Ridgefield after graduating from the Art Institute of Boston. He can often be found walking through the woods with a notebook, searching for ideas. Honey Badgers, his first book, was conceived while waiting for a friend at a doctor's office.  Winner of 2008 Fellowship Grant by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism.
Website:
jamisonodone.wordpress.com
Link: amazon.com/Honey-Badgers


Drummer, Bassist, Pianist, Penny Whistler
Artist: Chris Pike

Chris Pike, owner of Ridgefield Music, has performed professionally as a drummer, bassist, pianist and penny whistler for over 30 years. A key player in the local music scene, Mr. Pike performs with the Ridgefield Chorale, the StoneBand and Bone Dry.
Email: rms19gov@aol.com



Choreographer
Artist:
James Robey

James Robey is pursuing his MFA in Perfroming Arts-Dance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, holds a BFA in Dance Performance (ballet emphasis) from the University of Akron, is currently a faculty member at the Hartt School of the University of Hartford, Artistic Director of the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, Founding Artistic Director of Bare Bones Dance Project, on the Advisory Board of the Connecticut Dance Alliance, and on the Danbury Task Force for Dance.

He has choreographed and/or performed in concert with Locust Contemporary Dance Works, Naugatuck Valley Community College, Zig Zag Ballet's tour of “A Celebration of Men in Dance”, Full Force Dance Theatre, Artists for Peace, 5x5 Dance Festival, Rebound Dance Festival, and CT Meets NY Dance Fest. James is a two-time finalist in the Leo's Choreography Competitive Event at the Jazz Dance World Congress.
Websites: web.mac.com/jamesrobeydance and web.mac.com/barebonesdance



Photographer / Painter
Artist: Kevin Robinson

Mr. Robinson is an award-winning, internationally published commercial photographer based in Ridgefield, Connecticut. He is member of The Loft Artist's Association, past member of ASMP and recipient of last year's prestigious Faber-Birren Color Award.
Website: kevinrobinsonphotography.com



Composer
Artist:
Margaret Collins Stoop
Margaret Stoop
Meg is a composer whose award winning works have been performed throughout the United States and Europe. Her most recent honors include first prize in the Berkshire Children's Chorus Composition Competition, and the premiere performance of her work "Gnosis" for chorus, vibraphone and marimba at the Society of Composers, Inc. Regional New Music Festival at the Aaron Copland School of Music in Queens, NY. While the bulk of her work has been written for chorus, her list of works includes pieces for chamber ensembles, solo instruments and brass band.
Websites: societyofcomposers.org/user/margaretcollinsstoop.html
Email: megcollins@stoop.org



Potter: 15 years experience, private instruction. Home studio.
Artist: Peggy Thomas
1. Wheel-thrown stoneware, carved to imitate nature's textures, glazed interior,
stained exterior. height-5.5", diameter-4.5
2. Decorative vase: wheel-thrown stoneware, glazed interior, exterior;
enhanced with natural objects (driftwood, feather, blue agate.) height-7", diameter-3".
3. Old Dog, sculpture: Slab construction stoneware, sculpted, oxide stains.
length-12", width, approx 6"
.

Work juried into: Ridgefield Guild of Artists, Brookfield Craft Center,
White Silo Farm, Westport Arts Council; many private collections
Past President, current Secretary of Connecticut Clay Artists
(professional association of Fairfield County Potters.)
Rates: All prices available upon request
Email:
pthomas@ridgefieldartscouncil.org



Art Instructors
Building Blocks Art
Building Blocks Art Supplies & Gallery
A Ridgefield art supply store that caters to the needs of artists of all ages and levels of ability. In addition to selling art supplies, Building Blocks is also an establishment which supports local artists. Whether it be selling cards they have designed and/or displaying and selling their works in the gallery. To further foster the arts it also offers classes and workshops in all mediums for all ages and abilities.

Location: 49 Ethan Allen Highway, Ridgefield, CT (intersection of Rt. 7 and Rt. 102)
Open 7 days a week; 9:30am to 6:00pm Monday through Friday, 9:30am to 5:00pm Saturday’s and 12:00pm to 5:00pm Sunday’s.
Please contact us for more details on upcoming classes, workshops and gallery openings:
Contact: 203.544.8166
Website:
buildingblocksartsupplies.com



The Quilter's Alley
The Quilter's Alley offers ongoing classes and expert advice for quilters of all levels including a summer camp for middle school age youth and up. The store features a bright contemporary collection of high quality fabrics such as Kaffe Fasset, Alexander Henry, Amy Butler, Denyse Schmidt, Daiwabo Taupe and Lecien along with Australian & African fabrics. In addition to Ethnic, Asian, Vintage and Hand Wovens, they carry materials & embellishments for the Fiber Artist. It was recently accepted into the Urban Inspiration Quilt show in New York and The Quilter's Heritage Celebration in Lancaster, PA. & The Lowell Quilt Festival in Lowell, MA.
Location: 422 Main Street, Lower Level, Ridgefield, CT.
Contact: 203.431.0023
Website:
thequiltersalley.com
Email: mail@thequiltersalley.com




The Pottery Cave
The Pottery Cave located in downtown Ridgefield offers classes, rents wheel times, welcomes walk-ins and hosts parties for beginning and experienced potters of all ages. You may choose to work with paint-it-yourself pottery or make your own piece on the pottery wheel.
Click here for a detailed brochure.
Location: 424R Main Street, Ridgefield, CT
(down the alley on the right)
Contact: 203.438.6310
Email: thepotterycave@sbcglobal.net



Camps

The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art
Every summer, The Aldrich Museum offers six exciting weeks of workshops with contemporary artists and educators, for children ages three to twelve. Participants will learn how artists come up with ideas for their artwork, experiment with all sorts of materials, and enjoy time with friends while creating works only they could imagine!
For information: aldrichart.org/education/children.php
Contact: 203.438.4519.



Camp Keeler - The Keeler Tavern Museum

Camp Keeler at the Historic Keeler Tavern Museum is held each summer for boys and girls entering Grades 2 – 5. Campers enjoy games, food and chores from centuries past in an historic setting; the perfect opportunity for a child to discover what life was like for boys and girls in Colonial Ridgefield. New crafts each year including; candle dipping, butter churning and toy making.
For information or to register for Camp Keeler:
Website: keelertavernmuseum.org
Contact: 203.438.5485
Email: keelertavernmuseum@earthlink.net



The Quilter's Alley
Summer Camp for middle-school age youth and up.
For info see The Quilter's Alley under "Art Instruction"



The Theater Barn Kids
These workshops showcase student actors ages 8-18 and teach them to shine! Classes meet two days a week for instruction in musical-theater performance with the Barn's dedicated and talented staff of theatrical and educational professionals. The Workshop culminates in student performances that are open to the public. Up to 8 students ages 15-18  may also join the theater crew and attend tuition free workshop classes, participate in performances, and are assigned a behind-the-scenes role for a studen production.
More information available online:
Website: ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org



The Ridgefield Playhouse

Have your child learn about theater the best way they can; by actually performing in one! Children learn techniques in Acting, Singing and Theater Production in the exciting summer workshop! Utilizing a professional stage and backstage area, the camp for ages 6-16 runs daily from 9am-3pm. Ridgefield Playhouse in conjunction with The Youth Arts Center offer two, 4-week sessions - each session ends with a full stage production performed on the stage of the Ridgefield Playhouse. In each session students learn about voice, movement, line reading, staging and direction. For more information: ridgefieldplayhouse.org
Contact: 203-431-4161.




Weir Farm Art Center
Weir Farm, located on the borders of Ridgefield and Wilton has served more than 500 children in the Art Explorer summer classes since 1999 and the program has gained a strong reputation locally. The majority of students live in the towns of Wilton and Ridgefield, though many come from other surrounding towns of Fairfield County. Weeklong art and nature classes are offered during July and August that appeal to the creative imaginations of the young while educating them about the flora and fauna indigenous to Weir Farm and instructing them on the basic techniques of drawing, painting, photography and sculpture. This program is unique because both the landscape and the site are fundamentally connected to the artistic legacy established by Weir 125 years ago; and remarkably, both have remained virtually unchanged. Responding to the same vistas that inspired Weir, such as the pond that Weir built, or his “secret garden”, or the wooded trails surrounding the farm, Art Explorer children find their own inspiration and their own way of expression.
More information available online:
Website: weirfarmartcenter.org



Galleries
The Staircase Art Gallery
The Staircase Art Gallery features local and international artists' work. Working with other galleries in sharing exhibition worthy art such as it's Iraqi Art Exhibition, owner, Joe Salzman is always looking for new ideas and creative opportunities. The gallery also features ceramic items, sculpture and jewelry.

Location: 5 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, CT
Hours: 9 to 5 Monday thru Saturday
Contact: 203.438.9338
Email: jasalzmann11@comcast.net




Music Instruction

Piano Instruction
Teacher: Jason Cutmore
Jason Cutmore
Described as a "Young pianist, who is obviously a thinking, serious-minded professional" by G. George of The Statesman in New Delhi, India, pianist Jason Cutmore has performed solo recitals and collaborative concerts throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Mr. Cutmore enjoys giving master classes as well as lectures, which gives him the opportunity to share his love of Spanish music with audiences across the world. Mr. Cutmore received his Bachelor of Music Degree from Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he was a student of Robert Shannon. Currently offering piano classes for children and adults at the EG Conservancy in Riddgefield.
Website:
enchantedgardenarts.com
Contact: 203.894.1987


Vocal Instruction
Teacher: Melissa Gerth

A native of Ontario, Canada, Melissa trained at the New School for Drama graduate program in NYC and currently performs with Axial Theatre Company in Pleasantville, NY. She has a BA in Music from the University of Akron and her yoga teacher certification from the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, MA. Melissa trained in Early Childhood Music and Movement Education under Karen Davidson and taught music and dance for the Neighborhood Music School and the Bethwood Suzuki School in New Haven, CT. In addition, Melissa maintains a private Vocal Studio in Ridgefield, CT. Her performance credits include “Two Hearts” written by Linda Guliano, “Maiden Voyage” written and directed by Tony Howarth, lead vocalist for the Wingnuts, The Metropolitan Chorale at Weill Recital Hall, Haydn’s “The Creation” at Carnegie Hall, Spirit Cruise Lines, Downtown Cabaret Theatre Children’s Company in Bridgeport, the Bare Bones Dance Project, and musical guest artist for “The Girl Show” at Caroline’s Comedy Club. Melissa became Assistant Director for the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance in 2002, where she teaches yoga, modern, jazz, and pre-ballet.
Contact: 203.417.5248
Website:
web.mac.com/melissagerth


Guitar Instruction, Art & Science Instruction
Teacher: Noah Hirt-Manheimer
Noah Hirt-Manheimer
B.A. in Arts & Aesthetics, Simon's Rock College of Bard. M.A. in Music Composition, Goddard College. Composes & produces original music for the Enchanted Garden Dance, Drama, & Voice Programs. Operates The Enchanted Garden Recording Studio. Currently offering individual and group music instruction at the EG Conservancy.
Contact: 203.894.1987
Website: enchantedgardenarts.com


Ridgefield Music

Ridgefield Music, owned by Chris Pike, aims to make the musical experience fun and educational by combining fundamentals with the student's musical preferences. Achieving the best results requires personal attention, weekly attendance and a commitment to daily practice. Year round lessons are available for all levels on flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, violin, viola, cello, guitar, piano, bass, and drums. Additionally, Ridgefield music is a full service music store offering an extensive array of musical instruments, equipment for purchase or rental, musician supplies, instrument repairs, and sound reinforcement services.
Location: 19 Governor Street in Ridgefield
Contact: 203.438.7446 or fax: 203.438.7553
Email: RMS19GOV@AOL.COM

Website: hometown.aol.com/rms19gov


Beginner Piano Instruction, Flute, Music Theory Lessons for All Levels
Teacher: Margaret Collins Stoop
Margaret Stoop
Offering beginning piano lessons, and flute and music theory lessons at all levels in her Ridgefield home. Many years of experience, and many references.
For available times, email: megcollins@stoop.org



Performing Arts Schools

E.G.Conservatory

The Enchanted Garden - School of Arts
E.G.Conservatory

The Enchanted Garden, established in 1989 offers music, dance and theater programs and classes for all ages at two locations in Ridgefield. Early childhood classes include mommy and me music for babies, toddlers and twos, twos drop off, preschool & pre-K. Dance instruction includes ballet, jazz, tap, modern/contemporary, breakdance and hip-hop. Theater classes include acting, musical theater, improv, audition preparation and Shakespeare. Music lessons are offered for all instruments and voice. Ensembles instruction include classical, jazz, and rock . All levels of Yoga are offered mornings and evenings plus weekends.

The Enchanted Garden also offers summer programs in music, dance, theater (including our Shakespeare Summer Institute), award-winning birthday parties, computer arts, and a cutting-edge audio recording studio.
Contact: School of the Arts 203.431.3350, Conservatory of the Arts 203.894.1987
Website:
enchantedgardenarts.com



Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance
The Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, under the direction of James Robey, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) dance school dedicated to educating and encouraging students to become knowledgeable, passionate, thinking artists. It offers a broad-based, challenging, and age-appropriate curriculum enhanced by a wide variety of performance opportunities. The curriculum is grounded in fundamentals, but also fosters versatility that prepares students for the world of dance beyond the Conservatory. Most importantly, the talented teachers are positive, caring professionals that touch the hearts and minds of their students, inspiring respect for the art, a love of the process, and a joy of discovery that endures.

Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance students learn current dance techniques, styles, artistry, and versatility; develop the skills of self-discipline, teamwork, confidence, and communication; and aspire to performance opportunities in productions of the Nutcracker, Ridgefield Civic Ballet, Contemporary Dance Ensemble, college dance programs, and professional dance careers.
Location of Main Street Studio and Office: 444 Main Street (Route 35), Ridgefield, CT (Beside the Gap)
Contact: 203.438.5597

Website: ridgefielddance.org



Ridgefield School of Dance

The Ridgefield School of Dance is one of the premier dance schools in the state noted for its professional environment and insistence on small class size.
We offer Ballet, Modern and Jazz classes. The school is supported by a faculty of former professional dancers who have dedicated themselves to sharing the discipline and joy of their art with their students. Director Nancy Baldwin has built a program that serves both the pre-professional student and the recreational dancer. Ballet classes are offered for ages 3 and up and Jazz and Modern classes are offered for ages 5 and up. All students have the opportunity to dance in two annual performances; The Nutcracker in December and the Spring perfomance featuring a full length classical ballet in addition to Jazz and Modern presentations.

We offer an exciting three week Summer Dance program in July. Students are able to take part in their choice of one, two or three week sessions. Summer Sprites and Sr. Sprites is a program for 3 and 4 year olds respectively that meets three days each week for 1 1/2 hours a day for the youngest dancers and 3 hours per day for Sr. Sprites. Our Young Dancers' Workshop is a 5 day a week program for dancers 5 and up with classes divided by age and ability. It features classes in Ballet, Jazz and Modern plus a daily performance workshop focusing on a specially choreographed dance presented at the end of the third week.
Website:
theridgefieldschoolofdance.com
Contact: 203.431.6134


Ridgefield Studio of Performing Arts

The Ridgefield Studio of Performing Arts, under the direction of Jessica Mancini, is located in the center of Ridgefield, CT and features three state-of-the-art studios. The studio is dedicated to educating students in all aspects of the performing arts, while maintaining a nurturing, caring environment. The RSPA is a leading performing arts school in Ridgefield and a noted premiere dance school in Fairfield County. RSPA offers multiple dance disciplines, vocal lessons and musical theatre to ages 2 ½ to 18 years, while offering pilates, yoga and dance to adults. Home to Grace Reddy’s Classical Chinese dance training and Sandra Hernandes’ Flamenco and Salsa classes. The school has four dance companies that have performed nationwide, including Disney World, Madison Square Garden, Rich Forum and the Palace Theatre, while also encouraging local performing opportunities such as the recent “Pink Tea” at Founders Hall benefiting breast cancer and a yearly appearance at the Ridgefield Relay for Life. &The Ridgefield Studio of Performing Arts offers classes throughout the Ridgefield school year and offers classes, camps and workshops throughout the summer. Looking for a birthday party, it offers birthday parties for children 3-16 years. RSPA encourages the public to stop by the studio for a visit and meet the RSPA Family.

Jessica JL Mancini owner/director
Location: 15 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, CT
Contact: 203.431.8728 Fax: 203.894.1693
Website: rspaonline.com

Email: rspajessica@yahoo.com


Ridgefield Theater Barn

The Ridgefield Theater Barn offers acting workshops for both adults and children throughout the year. Beginners and experienced performers are welcome.
Please contact us for a schedule of current offerings.
Contact: 203.431.9850
Website: www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org



Performing Arts Instruction

Teacher: Tonja Walker
Margaret Stoop
Tonja Walker is an Emmy nominated Actress and Tony nominated Producer. Her diversified professional resume includes credits in film, television, cabaret, theatre and production. Her production company produced The Derby Stallion starring Zac Efron (High School Musical, Hairspray) and veteran actor Bill Cobbs. Tonja will share everything she knows about show business with her students to help them be successful in the performing arts. At the Performing Studio Tonja helps her students experience their full potential in the performing arts.
The Studio helps children and teens celebrate and fully express their individual creative spirit. Classes are held on an on going basis for children ages 7-17.

Contact: 203.438.0628
Website: www.tonjawalker.net



CT Commission

Cultural Alliance

CT Commission