Community Calendar

Romney: Brilliant Contrasts in Georgian England, co-organized by the Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art to celebrate the YCBA’s reopening, features the work of the British portrait painter George Romney (1734–1802). Remembered today for his fashionable likenesses of wealthy patrons, Romney was rivaled in late 18th-century London only by the now better-known artists Thomas Gainsborough and Sir Joshua Reynolds. His aspirations to be a history painter were never realized, but his many drawings serve as a testament to those greater ambitions. These swiftly executed sketches reveal a mastery of form, line, and light, while his proficiency as a musician and early experience building musical instruments distinguish him among his polymath contemporaries. To fully explore the era’s subjects and sensibilities, paintings and drawings by Romney from both museums are shown alongside selections from the Morris Steinert Collection of Musical Instruments. Unveiling the contrasts in his artistic practice, the exhibition presents a forceful vision—one that has resonated with admirers through the centuries, from William Blake in Romney’s own time to the portraitist Kehinde Wiley today.

Katharine Hepburn was married once, to Ludlow Ogden Smith, in 1928. She kept her Babani gown, which was sold after she passed away and stored for twenty years. The Katharine Hepburn Museum has brought this dress back home to Connecticut and it will be exhibited alongside two others - one from the play "The Lake" (1933) and one from the film "The Sea of Grass" (1947) to create a stunning trio. This beautiful exhibit brings together Kate’s stage, screen, and personal lives in a never-before-seen way.

Museum Hours:
Tuesday through Friday 10 AM to 4 PM and one hour prior to performances. Closed major holidays.

Additional Summer Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 12 to 4 PM in July & August only

About the Exhibition: This exhibition presents highlights from the collection of Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum, which explores the impact of the Irish Famine of 1845-1852 through artwork produced by eminent Irish and Irish-American artists of the past 170 years. The works on view in the exhibition will include paintings by late 19th- and early 20th‐century artists like James Brenan, Daniel Macdonald, James Arthur O'Connor and Jack B. Yeats, as well as sculptures, paintings, and works on paper by contemporary artists including John Behan, Rowan Gillespie, Brian Maguire, and Hughie O'Donoghue. The exhibition is presented by Quinnipiac University and the Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield Exhibition.

Image: James Arthur O’Connor, Scene in Connemara, 1828, oil on canvas. Courtesy of Quinnipiac University and the Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield Exhibition.

Join us for the 11th Annual Step Up for the Brave, presented by Homes for the Brave.

On Saturday, August 16th at 9:30 a.m., head to Sacred Heart University - Martire Hockey Arena for the 11th Annual Step Up for the Brave. Challenge yourself with the 90-minute Stair Climb, where you'll ascend and descend 500 stairs per round. If you prefer a different pace, join the 90-minute Walking Challenge on a specially designed indoor course. Every step you take supports Veterans experiencing homelessness. No matter your age or fitness level, you can make a difference. All participants will receive a dri-fit event shirt with registration. Lace-up your sneakers and get moving for a great cause! Register now to show your support. Visit homesforthebrave.org/stepup

If you can’t join us in person, participate in the Virtual Walking Challenge from anywhere in the world. Register individually or as a team, track your daily steps, and log them on our website from August 11th to 15th. The top individuals and teams will win fantastic prizes.

Show your support for Veterans in need. Register now and get ready to step up for a great cause!

Romney: Brilliant Contrasts in Georgian England, co-organized by the Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art to celebrate the YCBA’s reopening, features the work of the British portrait painter George Romney (1734–1802). Remembered today for his fashionable likenesses of wealthy patrons, Romney was rivaled in late 18th-century London only by the now better-known artists Thomas Gainsborough and Sir Joshua Reynolds. His aspirations to be a history painter were never realized, but his many drawings serve as a testament to those greater ambitions. These swiftly executed sketches reveal a mastery of form, line, and light, while his proficiency as a musician and early experience building musical instruments distinguish him among his polymath contemporaries. To fully explore the era’s subjects and sensibilities, paintings and drawings by Romney from both museums are shown alongside selections from the Morris Steinert Collection of Musical Instruments. Unveiling the contrasts in his artistic practice, the exhibition presents a forceful vision—one that has resonated with admirers through the centuries, from William Blake in Romney’s own time to the portraitist Kehinde Wiley today.

Katharine Hepburn was married once, to Ludlow Ogden Smith, in 1928. She kept her Babani gown, which was sold after she passed away and stored for twenty years. The Katharine Hepburn Museum has brought this dress back home to Connecticut and it will be exhibited alongside two others - one from the play "The Lake" (1933) and one from the film "The Sea of Grass" (1947) to create a stunning trio. This beautiful exhibit brings together Kate’s stage, screen, and personal lives in a never-before-seen way.

Museum Hours:
Tuesday through Friday 10 AM to 4 PM and one hour prior to performances. Closed major holidays.

Additional Summer Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 12 to 4 PM in July & August only

About the Exhibition: This exhibition presents highlights from the collection of Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum, which explores the impact of the Irish Famine of 1845-1852 through artwork produced by eminent Irish and Irish-American artists of the past 170 years. The works on view in the exhibition will include paintings by late 19th- and early 20th‐century artists like James Brenan, Daniel Macdonald, James Arthur O'Connor and Jack B. Yeats, as well as sculptures, paintings, and works on paper by contemporary artists including John Behan, Rowan Gillespie, Brian Maguire, and Hughie O'Donoghue. The exhibition is presented by Quinnipiac University and the Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield Exhibition.

Image: James Arthur O’Connor, Scene in Connemara, 1828, oil on canvas. Courtesy of Quinnipiac University and the Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield Exhibition.

Join Stonington Pride at the The Ditty Bag Market and Cafe for an afternoon of self-care and community care and support. These events are usually freeform, so bring whatever craft you're working on, your fav fidget toy, a puzzle, or whatever brings your joy and peace. Sometimes we have more structured events, like making cards for Trans folks, which you're welcome to join in on, or just puzzle and chat if that's not your vibe. Find out what's up on our Facebook or Instagram at StoningtonPride.

This event is open to all lgbtq+ folk and those who love them (that is to say, all are welcome!)
We will be snagging coffee or tea from our gracious host, and spending time together building community and enjoying good vibes.

The Ditty Bag is wheelchair accessible, LGBTQ+ friendly, and has various seating options available. If you have any further questions, please let us at Stonington Pride or Jason at the Ditty Bag know.

Romney: Brilliant Contrasts in Georgian England, co-organized by the Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art to celebrate the YCBA’s reopening, features the work of the British portrait painter George Romney (1734–1802). Remembered today for his fashionable likenesses of wealthy patrons, Romney was rivaled in late 18th-century London only by the now better-known artists Thomas Gainsborough and Sir Joshua Reynolds. His aspirations to be a history painter were never realized, but his many drawings serve as a testament to those greater ambitions. These swiftly executed sketches reveal a mastery of form, line, and light, while his proficiency as a musician and early experience building musical instruments distinguish him among his polymath contemporaries. To fully explore the era’s subjects and sensibilities, paintings and drawings by Romney from both museums are shown alongside selections from the Morris Steinert Collection of Musical Instruments. Unveiling the contrasts in his artistic practice, the exhibition presents a forceful vision—one that has resonated with admirers through the centuries, from William Blake in Romney’s own time to the portraitist Kehinde Wiley today.

Katharine Hepburn was married once, to Ludlow Ogden Smith, in 1928. She kept her Babani gown, which was sold after she passed away and stored for twenty years. The Katharine Hepburn Museum has brought this dress back home to Connecticut and it will be exhibited alongside two others - one from the play "The Lake" (1933) and one from the film "The Sea of Grass" (1947) to create a stunning trio. This beautiful exhibit brings together Kate’s stage, screen, and personal lives in a never-before-seen way.

Museum Hours:
Tuesday through Friday 10 AM to 4 PM and one hour prior to performances. Closed major holidays.

Additional Summer Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 12 to 4 PM in July & August only