Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio & Gallery One Spring Street (860) 526-2077 www.nilssonstudio.com May 2nd, 2025 from 5 - 8 pm. Enjoy some of the oldest and newest paintings of my home and travels in the gallery for a happy hour or two with Live Traditional and Original music by Arrowhead. Photos by Matthew Male ___________________________________________ How Chester Became a Destination for Artists: A Conversation with Five Artists  Today Chester is recognized regionally, throughout the state, and even nationally as a prominent arts community, It was not always so. The Chester Historical Society will present a panel discussion by five figures who played (and still play) a central role in that rise to prominence in the arts world. Nationally acclaimed basket maker, Sosse Baker, innovative artists, Janet Cummings Good, Richard Ziemann, and Leif Nilsson, along with creative and unique jewelry designer, Dina Varano, head up a panel discussing their careers and roles in helping Chester to become the arts community that it is known as today. Following this the artists will respond to questions and observations from the audience. Along with their presentations, some examples of each of the artists' work will be on display. The panel discussion will take place at 5:00 p.m. on April 13 at the Chester Meeting House at 4 Liberty Street. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. ___________________________________________ Last months postings:  Chester Center with Rhododendron oil 12 x 9 inches Leif Nilsson spring 2014 © Acoustic Music 4 Maple Street, (203) 458-8353, http://www.AcousticMusic.Org  Remember the last First Friday? Our guitar collection has grown quite a bit since then. So has the lawn! Stop in and see what's new! Happy Spring! Dina Varano Gallery The shop is full of new inspiration and accessories for the Spring! Join us on Friday, April 4th from 5-8pm. We will kick off the season with refreshments and good vibes.  Dina Varano Gallery 27 Main Street Chester, CT 06412 860-526-8866 http://www.dinavarano.com/ https://m.facebook.com/dinavaranogallery/ https://www.instagram.com/dinavaranogallery/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/dinavaranojewelry/ Chester Gallery, 76 Main St. 860-449-3617 www.chestergalleryct.com Join us for the opening of 'EMBODIED'...Faces, Figures, and Facets of Everyday Life. Friday, April 4th from 5 - 8 with music by saxophonist Jay McKay. Exhibition runs through June 1st, 2025.  Featuring: Rick Lacey, Michael Theise, Donna Colburn, Deborah Quinn-Munson, John Aquilino Jerry N. Weiss, Robert Cohen, Laurel Friedmann, Michael Viera, Bryan Gorneau Montgomery & Taggert Bookshop 26 Water Street, montgomeryandtaggert.com Sip, shop, and support a great cause at Montgomery & Taggert Bookshop on 4/4! Stop by between 5pm-8pm to enjoy complimentary wine while you browse books and gifts. 10% of sales will be donated to the Women & Family Life Center, a nonprofit that supports and empowers women and families. Representatives from the center will also be on-site to provide information and resources. Thank you to Chester Package Store and proprietor Eric Nelson for generously sponsoring this event! Guests are also invited to join us at the Chester Meeting House on Sat. 4/5 at 1pm for a free Author Talk & Signing with Rebecca Podos in celebration of her new novel, "Homegrown Magic," presented in collaboration with Chester Public Library. Save the date for the 12th Annual Independent Bookstore Day and our Western-Themed Tattoo Flash Popup with Amygdala Ink on Sat. 4/26! https://www.montgomeryandtaggert.com/events   |