Antiques Shows      _________________________

Feb 20-21: Orange Historical Society Antiques Show, High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Rd, Orange, 10 am-4 pm, adm $4.50;

203-795-6465.

Feb 20-21: 41st Guilford Antiques Show, Elisabeth Adams School, 233 Church St, Guilford, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-4 pm, adm $8, approx 50 dealers, proceeds to benefit Guilford’s Hyland House; 914-474-8552.

March 6-7: 35th Annual Cheshire Academy Antiques Show, 10 Main St, Cheshire, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-4 pm, adm $4, appraisals (Sun 3 pm, free, limit 2 items); 203-393-0211.

Art Exhibits   _____________________________

Blue Z Coffee House, 127 Main St South/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-364-1003, 203-364-0631.

Through Feb 28: mixed media works by Doug Calderone, many of which depict rock & roll musicians.

Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-4533.

On main floor: Through Feb 28: welded “origami” sculpture by Brian Walters II.

In Olga Knoepke Meeting Room (lower meeting room) — Through Feb 27: images by members of Candlewood Camera Club.

Brookfield Museum & Historical Society, 165 Whisconier Rd (Rtes 133 & 25), Brookfield Center; 740-8140.

Through March 31: “Toys,” Civil War & Victorian era dolls, collections of lead soldiers, vintage Disney toys, pre war games, 19th C child’s sewing machine, early Gilbert erector sets, vintage cowboy caps & pistols & much more for children of all ages.

Connecticut Historical Society, One Elizabeth St, Hartford; 860-236-5621.

Through March 25: “Amistad – A True Story of Freedom,” award-winning, multi-media exhibit throughout five galleries explores the Africans’ struggle for freedom and the Connecticut people who helped them achieve it in New London, New Haven, Hartford & Farmington, following the 1839 revolt on the ship Amistad.

Good News Café & Gallery, 684 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury; 203-266-4663.

Through March 8: “Into the Light,” paintings embedded w/ history by Katie Danahy Samuelson, who paints abstractly w/ oil in a style reminiscent to 1950s abstraction.

Through March 8: “Lost and Found,” paintings enhanced w/ collage by Joy Floyd.

Koenig Frameworks and Art Gallery, 97 South Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-270-1887.

Through Feb 27: “The Art of Assembly,” unique, humorous works by local artist Steph Slater, who reinvents objects by assembling them in new environments, altering their pre-existing context.

Marty’s Café, 4 Green Hills Rd/Rte 47, Washington Depot; 860-868-1700.

Through Feb 28: oil paintings & fine art photography by award-winning artist David Clark.

Mattatuck Museum Art & History Center, 144 West Main St, Waterbury; 203-753-0381.

Through March 14: “Banding Together: The Story of the Naugatuck Valley Project,” exploration of the churches, trade unions & business & community groups who banded together to create jobs, affordable housing, and critical public & private services for one of the oldest and poorest industrial areas in the nation.

Minor Memorial Library, 23 South St, Roxbury; 860-350-2181.

*(new show) Feb 20-March 22: “Roxbury and Beyond,” oil paintings by Carol Brightman Johnson of Roxbury & the American West; Feb 20, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

Mocha Coffee House, 3 Glen Rd, Sandy Hook; 203-364-9200.

Through Feb 28: “All in the Family,” art by Catherine Hair & daughters Taelyr & Alexis, who have blended a multi-generational, mixed media collection of photos, paintings & drawings to create “an eclectic blend of landscape, portrait & still life.”

Ridgefield Guild of Artists, 34 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield; 203-438-8863

Through Feb 20: “Fresh Pics,” work by approx 50 contemporary artists from CT & surrounding states (incl DeAnn Prosia of Newtown) in painting, works on paper, photography & sculpture.

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 800 Main St, Hartford;

860-838-4055.

Through Feb 28: “The Allure of Lace,” individual lace pieces, plus lace incorporated into clothing, handkerchiefs & fans from Europe and the Middle East, as well as 20th Century dresses, samples, lace making tools & portrait miniatures, all from the museum’s costume & textile collections.

Walsh Art Gallery, at Fairfield University, North Benson Rd, Fairfield; 203-254-4000, x 2969, 203-254-4242.

Through Feb 28: “The Art of John ‘Crash’ Matos,” art by artist who weaves his roots of graffiti & tagging growing up in South Bronx w/ immediacy of Abstract Expressionism & bold colors of Pop Art.

Yale Center For British Art, 1080 Chapel St (at High St), New Haven;

203-432-2800.

Through March 7: “Promiscuous Assemblage, Friendship, & The Order of Things,” works by London-based Jane Wildgoose, commemorating friendship between Mary Delany & the Duchess of Portland, incl natural history specimens, china & rare books.

Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St at York, New Haven;

p203-432-0600.

*(new show) Feb 19-May 2: “Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future,” first major exhibition to examine the architect’s wide -ranging career from 1930s-early 1960s, traveling exhibition features drawings, models, furniture, photographs, films & ephemera by one of the most prolific, unorthodox & controversial masters of 20th Century architecture.

Auditions, Juried Events _________________

North Congregational Church, 11 Main St North, Woodbury; 203-263-4585.

April 17: Vendor openings for 12th Annual Indoor Flea Market, Bake Sale & Raffle, will run 9 am-2 pm, spaces $35 or $60, vendors can bring table or rent (8 ft long) for $6, call above phone # for info, reservations.

Town Players of New Canaan, Powerhouse Performing Arts Center, Waveny Park, New Canaan.

March 1-2: Open auditions for Michael Frayn’s Copenhagen, 7:30 pm (callbacks March 3, if needed, same time), director Lynne Bolton has openings for 3 actors, perusal scripts available at New Canaan Library, performance dates April 30-May 15, visit www.tpnc.org/auditions.asp or email info@tpnc.org for addt’l info.

Concerts, Musical Events    ______________

Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies & Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield; 203-438-5795.

Performances 8 pm unless noted: Feb 20, Hot 8 Brass Band, $45-$50 (7:30, special pre show discussion w/ band members about life for musicians post Katrina, moderated by Ira Joe Fisher & Morton Dean).

For Kids & Families ______________________

Feb 27: Family Bingo Night, St Rose Parish Hall, 46 Church Hill Rd, Newtown, doors open 6 pm, games bring promptly at 7, $5 for 12 games, or $10 for 12 games plus special & bonus games, refreshments available;

203-426-1014.

New Pond Farm, 101 Marchant Road, West Redding; 203-938-2117.

For Ages 4-5 & Adult (programs 1:15-2 pm, $8/child): Feb 26, Tracks and Signs, outdoor walk to detect signs of woodland residents & their activities, wear boots & dress for outdoors.

For Ages 6-12 (programs 4-5 pm, $10): Feb 26, Winter Tracking, explore trails w/ your personally made tracking guide, in search of traces & tracks that reveal the local wildlife sharing our woodlands.

Family Programs: Feb 20, The Return of Mars, 7-8:30 pm, $6 ($24 max/family), winter astronomy program will look at 4th planet of our solar system near the constellation Gemini, also learn about the wonders of Orion and the first quarter Moon, dress warmly & bring flashlight.

Miscellaneous    ____________________________

Through Feb 28: Escape The Winter Craft Show & Sale, Lexington Gardens, 32 Church Hill Rd, Sat-Sun 10 am-4 pm, two-day events will run each weekend in Feb, featuring diff artisans each weekend; 203-270-9461.

Feb 19: “The Life of Amelia Earhart,” Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown, 7:30 pm, $20, one-woman performance by Karen Tracey will follow the life of the aviator from age six to her final flight, light refreshments, door prize; 203-426-9024, 203-740-2733.

Feb 20: Helping Haiti Bake Sale, starts at noon, Edmond Town Hall lobby, 45 Main Street, baked goods will be sold by Sage De-Simone and friends to raise funds for Save The Children Haiti earthquake relief; 203-364-7956.

Feb 20: Wine & Scotch Malt Tasting Fundraiser, Edmond Town Hall Alexandria Room , 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 6-8:30 pm,  $35, refreshments, auction, fundraiser by The Mary Hawley Society to support historic building & its upkeep; 203-426-3651.

Feb 20: Italian Comedy Night, Seven Angels Theatre, Plank Rd, Waterbury, 8 pm, $29, Joe Moffa headlining, performances also by Eric Tartaglione, Bob Luparello & Joe Praino; 203-757-4676.

Feb 21: Polly Brody at Borders Books, Southbury Plaza, 100 Main St North, Southbury, 2 pm, reading by author Polly Brody will continue celebration of her newest release, Stirring Shadows; 203-262-9419.

Feb 21: “Experience Good News for Women,” The Good News Café, 684 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury, $55, makeover event will offer presentations by makeup artists from Viso Bello Day Spa & Massage Therapy Center, stylist & author Andrea Ward, also “Preventive Medicine & Anti-Aging & Traditional Chinese Medicine,” plus wine & specialty hors d’oeuvres prepared by Good News Café Chef Carole Peck, fundraiser for Literacy Center of Greater Waterbury, reservations required; 203-754-1164.

Feb 21: “What Happens When I Ask ‘Who Am I?’… The Yoga of Self-Inquiry,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 7 pm, free program by Vin D’Alessio to be followed by group meditation (free instruction available) & tea reception; 203-263-2254.

Feb 23: “Vegetable Gardening in the New Economy,” C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 1 pm, free program by landscape designer Joseph Keller, hosted by The Garden Club of Newtown; 203-270-1108.

Feb 25: “An Evening of Wine & Beer Tasting,” at Empire Szechuan, within Big Y Plaza, 89 Stony Hill Rd/Rte 6, Bethel, 6-8 pm, $40 incl variety of wines & beers to sample, also selection of hors d’oeuvres, proceeds to benefit The Volunteer Center serving Western CT; 203-797-1154.

Feb 27: Family Bingo Night, St Rose Parish Hall, 46 Church Hill Rd, Newtown, doors open 6 pm, games bring promptly at 7, $5 for 12 games, or $10 for 12 games plus special & bonus games, refreshments available;

203-426-1014.

Feb 27: Book Signing at Borders, Southbury Plaza, 100 Main St North, Southbury, 1:30-3 pm, local illustrator & children’s book author Rose Petruzzi will be signing copies of her newest book, Did I Tell You I Love You Today?; 203-262-9419.

Feb 27: Monthly ballroom dance, Holy Trinity Greek Church community center, 4070 Park Ave, Bridgeport, 7 pm-midnight, adm $17 (incl free lesson at 8), performance by Ukraine stars Andrey & Yulia Klinchek, complementary snacks, singles & couples welcome; 203-374-7308.

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-4533.

Feb 20, East Coast premiere screenings of Fifth Forum, 3 & 7 pm, dark comedy about a war of pranks at elite boys’ school around time of Gulf War was co-authored by Adam Orman & Newtown native Bill Stern; Feb 24, Independent Film Series, 1 pm, For My Father (Hebrew & Arabic w/ English subtitles, 95 min); Feb 24, Memoir Discussion Series, 7:30 pm, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris.

Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-2475.

(FILM) Feb 19-25: Twilight: New Moon (PG-13), Fri-Sat 7 & 9:20 pm, Sun-Thurs 7 pm, mat Fri-Sun 1 & 4 pm, Tues 1 pm.

Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd, Washington;

860-868-0518.

2010 Winter Film Series, screenings 2 pm: Feb 20-21, Black Indians: An American Story.

Feb 21, Herbs for the Nervous System, 1-3 pm, $20 ($15 members), herbalist & flower essence practitioner Lupo Passero will explain stress & its role within health, also how to understand & use herbal remedies, essential oils & flower essences, note this is new date from originally announced Feb 27.

Newtown Hikers. Call 203-788-1398 (Ester Nichols), 203-270-4340 (Newtown Parks & Rec).

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 10 am (winter start time), free, all welcome (children must be accompanied), bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders (in parentheses) as follows: Feb 20, Macedonia State Park, Kent (leader Rita Qubick, 203-268-4119); Feb 27, Seaside Park, Bridgeport (leader Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025).

Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall (lower level, use rear parking lot), 45 Main Street, Newtown; 203-270-4377.

Shop is open every Wed 12-3 pm & Sat 9 am-noon, access is from town hall’s back parking lot, shop carries discounted items from local businesses & private donors incl clothing, sm home accessories & more.

Society of Creative Arts of Newtown, Inc. (SCAN), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-6654 or 203-798-0560.

Programs 4th Wed/month, 1:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: Feb 24, demo of painting a still life in acrylics by Charles Ray.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-6224 (ask for Betty) or 203-264-3728 (ask for Krista).

Non-profit weight loss support group meets every Mon 6:30-7:30 pm (weigh-ins 5:45-6:15, meetings 6:30-7:30), meetings $2/week, membership $24/year.

Treehouse Comedy Productions. Call 203-702-7577.

Shows at The Holiday Inn, 80 Newtown Rd, Danbury: Feb 20, Otto & George headlining, Johnny & Doughie Phillips opening, note: show is for adults only & not for the easily offended; Feb 27, JJ Ramirez headlining, Teddy Smith opening.

Wednesday Night Poetry Series, at The Blue Z Coffee House, 127 South Main St, Newtown. Call 203-426-6242, 203-364-0631.

Open mic 7:30, featured poet follows: Feb 24, Laurel Peterson; March 3, Brad Davis; March 10, Dick Allen.

Theatre ____________­­­­______________________

Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven; 203-787-4282.

Sylvia, through March 14, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, Sun, Tues-Wed 7 pm, mat Wed & Sun 2 pm, Sat 3 pm, tickets $30-$65.

TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford; 860-350-6863.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Feb 26-March 27, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm, tickets $28.

Special Events: Sunset Boulevard play reading, March 18, 8 pm, free.

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Events that appear by date have Newtown items listed first, with additional events listed by their start time. At the time of printing, the information here is accurate as presented; a call ahead is always a good idea to be safe.

DEADLINE INFORMATION

Press releases for the Enjoy calendar of events or the Enjoy section must be received by MONDAY NOON for publication in that week’s edition of The Newtown Bee. Send to Shannon Hicks, Associate Editor, Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470, or shannon@thebee.com. Photos are welcome and can be black & white or color, but must be in sharp focus; call 203-426-3141 for specs if you plan to email digital photo files.