Attention art lovers and creatures of culture. Now that the indoor season is here, get out on the town to enjoy the excellent entertainment offered by the many creative types in our communities.
The Big Show
November 9 – December 15
Carriage Barn Arts Center
On November 9, this intimate and excellent venue in New Canaan presents a new exhibition, The Big Show, which showcases the works of artists and spouses Drew and Audrey Klotz. It’s the first time in recent history that the Carriage Barn has devoted a show exclusively to two artists. “Drew’s kinetic sculptures will activate the interior space of the gallery in harmony with Audrey’s oversized abstract paintings,” says Arianne Kolb, codirector of the Carriage Barn Arts Center. Drew and Audrey are natives of Fairfield County and their work is in international collections. Drew’s sculptures can also be seen at local institutions, such as the New Canaan and Wilton libraries and the Silvermine Arts Center. For this exhibition, the front courtyard also will be animated by three of his colorful, kinetic pieces.
681 South Ave., New Canaan; carriagebarn.org
Ethel
December 14
Silvermine Arts Center
Ethel, a post-classical string quartet, returns to the Silvermine Arts Center by popular demand. Critics have praised these New York-based performers for their improvisatory spirit, which brings exuberance to contemporary concert music. Ethel performs original work as well as music by contemporary composers such as Julia Wolfe and John Zorn. The centerpiece of this program is Grace, Ethel’s adaptation of Ennio Morricone’s score to the 1986 film The Mission.
1037 Silvermine Rd., New Canaan; silvermineart.org
Family Holiday Panto
December 6 – 15
The Powerhouse Theater
The Town Players of The Powerhouse Theater present the annual family holiday pantomime. This year’s production is Trouble in Pantoland by Sharon Hulm. As with previous shows, this one promises to offer lively entertainment, particularly for children, as the story is based on a fairy tale and incorporates music and slapstick comedy.
677 South Ave., New Canaan; tpnc.org
The Nutcracker
December 14 – 15
Darien Arts Center
Can anyone ever get enough of The Nutcracker? Like all fine classics, this one is inexhaustible. For 2013, consider taking in the performance at the Darien Arts Center, where a one-hour show has been developed specifically for young audiences. Show dates are December 14 and 15, at 12 noon and 3 p.m.
2 Renshaw Rd., Darien; arts.darien.org
Holiday Gift Show
November 23 – December 24
Rowayton Arts Center
On November 23, it will begin to look a lot like Christmas at RAC as the Holiday Gift Show gets underway. It’s not a formal exhibit, but the pieces you’ll find here are collector-worthy as some of Fairfield County’s finest craftspeople contribute to the show. Look for wreaths strewn with shells, nautical ornaments, paintings and more. The show is a wonderful occasion to admire seasonal art and select one-of-a-kind gifts.
145 Rowayton Ave., Rowayton, rowaytonartscenter.org