BACA Current Events and Archive

The five sessions will be held on Thursday evenings in Branford on Main Street at BACA gallery with a break in the last half of May..

TIme: 6:45-8:15 pm
Dates: April 27th, May 4th, May11th, June 1st, and June 8th.
Cost: $200 with 25% of the proceeds to benefit the BACA Gallery.

Please call 203-623-5686 to register.

• Class fee includes all materials

BACA Gallery “Spring Show” will open with a reception on Thursday, March 30th from 5 PM to 7 PM.

Kick off spring with Stephanie Smelser in this Amazing Artists workshop. Featured artists include Yayoi Kusama, Georgia O’Keefe, Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollack, Leonard DaVinci, Henri Matisse.

What: Intuitive Collaging with Rev. Kathryn King, LCSW
When: Tuesday, March 28th, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: BACA Gallery
Cost: $35 Materials will be provided

Intuitive Collaging is a fun and creative way to explore your inner world. Using your intuition and imagination, you will create collage cards that represent unique aspects of who you are. Base on “Soul Collaging”, this workshop will hep you explore the creative part of your brain often neglected in our busy lives. Join with others in beginning a journey of self-discovery through collaging.

Stephanie Smelser is leading a 5-session class in basic drawing and color theory on Thursday evenings in Branford Main Street at BACA gallery

TIme: 6:00-8:00 pm
Dates: March 2nd, 9th,16th, 23rd, and 30th
Cost: $200

Please call or text 203-623-5686 to register.

• Class fee includes all materials

On Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 7:00 PM, BACA and the Branford Historical Society will sponsor a screening of The Oystering Life, a feature length video documentary about the history of oystering along the Connecticut shoreline.

Date: Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Stony Creek Congregational Church
192 Thimble Island Road, Branford, CT 06405

Highlighting both historical and musical legacies, this engaging and entertaining program will leave students and the audience with a new appreciation of how far we’ve come as a country and how far we still have to go.” Learn more about the project at thebluesandbeyond.com.

ADMISSION IS FREE!

Date: Thursday, March 2nd
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Walsh Intermediate School Auditorium

Join us at the BACA Gallery on Thursday, February 9th from 5 PM to 7 PM for the opening reception for our Winter 2023 Gallery exhibit. Refreshments will be served.

If you’re looking for a special gift for this Valentine’s Day, be sure to drop by the BACA Valentine Market on Saturday, February 11th between 10 AM and 4 PM. Several vendors will be on site selling jewelry, textiles, artistic note cards and unique gift items.

From 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday 12/10/22, BACA, is hosting its annual Holiday Marketplace at the BACA Gallery on the Green.

With a variety of artisan jewelry, decorative objects in wood and ceramic, sewn/fiber arts, holiday wreaths, holiday ornaments, artist-created cards, and more, you’re sure to find something to brighten your holidays. Come and find that unique gift for someone special while supporting the Gallery.

The BACA Gallery will join our Main Street neighbors in kicking off the holiday season by participating in Branford’s annual Sip, Shop & Stroll event on Thursday, Dec. 1st from 5 – 8 pm.

Stop by and enjoy a festive glass as you browse our array of artwork, crafts, and cards all created by area artists and artisans.

BACA will be co-sponsoring a free performance of “The Nutcracker” at the Francis Walsh Intermediate School on Sunday, November 27th at 4:00 PM. This will be a wonderful way to get into the swing of the holiday season.

To celebrate the release of the Writing the Land publication, BACA and the Branford Land Trust (BLT) will sponsor a reception to display the artwork of the entries at the BACA Gallery on Sunday November 13th from 2 PM to 4 PM.

Poet Laurel Peterson and members of the BLT will be in attendance along with many of the WTL artists. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the art works and to meet the artists as well as be able to purchase a copy of the “Writing the Land” book and have it autographed by the artists.

Click for more information about the “Writing the Land” project

Join us for the official opening of the latest exhibits at the “Holiday Show” reception on Thursday, November 10th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Free and open to all, refreshments will be served.

The Musical Art Society (MAS) is sponsoring a free concert on Sunday, Sept 25 at the Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) gallery on Main Street beginning at 2:00 PM featuring the bluegrass band ShoreGrass!

Gallery seating is limited so it’s a good idea to call (203) 433-4071 for a reservation.

Musical Art Society concerts have FREE admission, but donations will be accepted to benefit the BACA Gallery and the MAS music scholarship.

Painted Doors of Branford 2022
Saturday, September 17th from 10 AM to 5 PM

The highly successful event has been expanded and returns to Branford Center for one day only.

• Stroll along Main Street to admire and, if you’d like, to purchase a decorated door for your home or office.
• Walk across Main Street to our tent on the Green to browse and shop among over 20 different artisan vendors.
• Pick up some fresh produce or a home baked pie at the Community Garden open air market.
• Afterwards, be sure to drop by the BACA Gallery to view the works of some of our newest artists.

All proceeds to benefit the operations of the BACA Gallery on Main Street.

Unique Opportunity to Explore Art Deco

Stephanie Smelser is offering a unique combination of art instruction and immersion in the Art Deco genre by partnering with the 1928 Cocktail Club and the BACA Gallery.

When: Six consecutive Thursday Evenings 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM starting 9/29
Where: The BACA Gallery, 1004 Main St.

Options:

• $200 for 6 classes
• $250 with Gatsby-Inspired libations and snacks at the 1928 Cocktail Club
• $459 for classes, libations, and Great Gatsby Package (Starts September 8th)

Reserve your spot by 9/1- class size is limited

Art supplies are included and Payments are non-refundable

To register or for more information:
Text/Call Stephanie Smelser at 203-623-5686

Pay online by Venmo @Stephanie-Smelser OR with cash/check in-person at class.

Branford Merchants Association Sidewalk Sale
Friday August 19th and Saturday August 20th

The BACA Gallery is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming Branford Merchant Association’s Main Street Sidewalk Sale on Friday and Saturday, August 19th and 20th, when our entire stretch of sidewalk in front of the BACA Gallery on Main Street will become an eclectic pop-up shop featuring all kinds of original artworks and crafts

Summer Art Workshops at the Gallery – July 11-15

Stephanie Smelser is offering art workshops for all ages and levels of ability.
Class times are flexible to meet your schedule:

“Art in Motion” – Mornings 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM
Discover a mindful experience through movement and innovative art.

“Intro to Art” – Evenings 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Covers the elements and principles of art, still life, and landscape techniques as well as stress reduction techniques.
No art skills are required to participate in this workshop.

Cost for either class is $200 for the week.
Save $100! Take both workshops (all 10 classes) for $300.

Art supplies are included!

To register or for more information:
Text/Call Stephanie Smelser at 203-623-5686

Pay online by Venmo @Stephanie-Smelser OR with cash/check in-person at class.

The Artisan Marketplace at the Branford Festival – June 18th

BACA has partnered with the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce to sponsor “The Artisan Marketplace” on the Branford Green as part of the 38th Annual Branford Festival weekend on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 8 AM to 3:30 PM.

Art, crafts, jewelry, decor, artisan made items, gifts and more from dozens of exhibitors will be available. Among the exhibitors will be several local businesses and non-profit organizations

“Walkingwood Mandolin Quartet Concert”, Sunday, June 12th

The Musical Art Society of Branford (MAS) and BACA are happy to present a special musical event featuring the Walkingwood Mandolin Quartet.

TIME: 2:00 PM
LOCATION: BACA Gallery 1004 Main Street, Branford, CT

Seating is limited so to reserve your spot RSVP to baca06405@gmail.com

For information, please contact: B. Shaw 203-481-2819, C. Cohen 203-809-3165, R. Rosen 203-859-2919, or BACA Gallery 203-433-4071

“Art Meets Mindful Presence”Sessions

BACA is again hosting an 8-week series on mindful art practice at the the BACA Gallery on Thursday evenings in May/June starting on 5/5/22.

Learn how to tap into your creative energy and powers of self-expression with the devine artist Stephanie Smelser.

Dates: Thursdays: May 5, 12, 19, & 26 and June 2, 9, 16, & 23.
Time: From 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Location: BACA Gallery, 1004 Main Street, Branford
Cost: $200 for all 8 sessions
$125 for 4 sessions and $35 for a drop-in session.

To register for this or future sessions, please call 203-623-5686. Ask about outside summer sessions.

Online classes are also available in desired. Organize your own class with 3 or more students and you (the organizer) attend free!

Accepted Payments: Personal check payable to “Stephanie Smeltzer”, Venmo, Zelle, or cash.

New Exhibits premier at The BACA GALLERY on Wednesday, April 13, 2022.

“Art Meets Mindful Presence” Sessions

BACA is again hosting a 4-week series on mindful art practice at the BACA Gallery, 1004 Main Street on Thursday evenings in March starting on 3/3/22.

Learn how to tap into your creative energy and powers of self-expression with the devine artist Stephanie Smelser.

Cost is $100 for all 4 sessions. To register for this or future sessions, please call 203-623-5686.

Chinese New Year Celebration

A one-day only event:
When: Sunday, February 20th from 1 PM to 3 PM
Where: The BACA Gallery (1005 Main Street on the Branford Green)
Cost: $10 per person

Featured art and entertainment will include:

• Chinese music and dance
• Tea ceremony
• A unique display of Chinese artifacts

Sweet treats will be available for you to take home!!!

To purchase tickets for this event, contact

baca06405@gmail.com

or stop by the BACA Gallery prior to the event.

BACA is excited to offer this 4-week introductory series to mindful art practice on Thursday evenings in February starting on 2/3.

Learn how to tap into your creative energy and powers of self-expression with the devine artist Stephanie Smelser.

The series includes an intro to creative expressive processes:

• Mono prints
• Collage
• Text Art
• Zen Tangles

Dates: Thursdays 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, and 2/24
Time: From 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Location: BACA Gallery, 1022 Main Street, Branford
Cost: $100 for all 4 sessions

To register, call 203-623-5686.

“Summer in Winter” exhibit launched in early January at the BACA Gallery and will continue through February.

BACA Holiday Crafts Market
Saturday, December 11th from 10 AM to 4 PM
The Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance, BACA, is hosting its annual Holiday Crafts Market at the BACA Gallery on the Green.

With a variety of artisan jewelry, decorative objects in wood and ceramic, sewn/fiber arts, holiday wreaths, holiday ornaments, artist-created cards, and more, you’re sure to find something to brighten your holidays.

“Sip, Shop & Stroll”
Wednesday, December 8th 5 pm to 8 pm
Be sure to drop by the BACA Gallery between 5 pm to 8 pm as we will be among the many downtown businesses participating in the annual “Sip, Shop & Stroll” event.

Artists Sunday at the BACA Gallery
Sunday, November 28th 12 Noon to 5 PM
Following in the footsteps of Small Business Saturday, BACA, is proud to be joining over 400 other artists, communities and supporting business locations to support “Artists Sunday”

Fall/Winter Gallery Exhibits Grand Opening
Wednesday, November 10th, 5 pm to 7 pm.

Express Yourself!
Art & Writing Workshop with Amy Barry
Tuesday, October 26th, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Cost: $65
Location: BACA Gallery, 1004 Main St., Branford

“Scarecrows on the Green” is being sponsored by the
Branford Garden Club.
Scarecrows, of all persuasions, are set up on the Branford Green by businesses, organizations and individuals and will be on display from Friday, October 15th through Tuesday, November 2nd.

Quilting Workshop with Susan Torre
Thursday, September 30th, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
At the BACA Gallery 1004 Main Street Branford
$40 per person

Arts & Crafts Market on the Branford Green
Saturday, September 25th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

BACA is hosting our Fall Arts Market under and open air tent of the busy Branford Town green featuring art from up to 50 Artisans! Original pieces of art will be for sale at this interactive event.

Please Note: Our “Under the Big Top” Event – a celebration of the performing arts — originally scheduled for 9/24/21 has been postponed. Watch this space for updates.

Fridays, Starting August 6th
Summertime Paint ’n Sip Sessions
At the “BACA Summer Gallery”, 1004 Main Street
Start time is 5:30 PM unless otherwise noted.
2-hour session led by led by Artist/Instructor: Haley Brown
$35 per person
Includes all watercolor materials
BYOB
To register, send direct message to:
@haley_b_painting
or register using the following link:

July / August 2021
The “BACA Summer Gallery” (at 1004 Main Street) officially opened on July 1, 2021’ The gallery is open from 11 AM to 5 PM Wednesday through Saturday. The opening exhibit features the works of 35 artists. Other events are being planned for the gallery this summer so be sure to check back here for event announcements.

Fridays, Starting August 6th at 5:30 PM
Summertime Paint ’n Sip Sessions
At the “BACA Summer Gallery”, 1004 Main Street
Led by Artist/Instructor: Haley Brown
$35 per person
Includes all watercolor materials
BYOB
To register, send direct message to:
@haley_b_painting
www.paintbyhaley.com

Friday, July 30th at 5:30 PM
Summertime Paint ’n Sip
At the “BACA Summer Gallery”, 1004 Main Street
$35 per person
Includes all watercolor materials
BYOB

February – June 2021
Art Window Walk Gallery
BACA “Stroll, Stop and Shop” supports local artists and creativity at the 1004 Main Street windows (the former Denali retail store)

December 2020 -January 2021
Holiday Window Wonderlands

2020

November 7 & 8 10 am-4 pm
The Painted Doors of Branford
Open Air Art Walk on Main Street

BACA BHS Scholarship Fundraiser

The shoreline art lovers viewed, voted People’s Choice, bid & bought over 70 pieces of art created on life-size doors by professional, amatuer, youth and organizations while showing loyalty to local businesses. This successful fundraiser supports 2020-21 Arts Education as aspiring high school dancers, musicians, actors, artists and writers in Branford plan their futures.

Public Art: Branford Town Center

*Public Art: Town Center Sculptures: Ongoing collaboration BACA & Town of Branford. Grant funding. Public Art: Community House Garden Sculpture is in fabrication, to be installed. Commission on the Arts Grant. Public Art in the Intermediate School installation consideration in process. Art to Enhance Economic Development: partnering with area organizations for gallery space in restaurants, businesses and facilities. SPRING: BACA Virtual Art Gallery launch on-line. Artists work can be viewed as well as purchased. On-going

2020 Sculpture Project:

July: Two pieces installed on south Branford Green. The nationally known sculptor, Susan Farricelli, Branford, is a BACA Volunteer Ambassador.

2019

January “Summer in Winter” Art Show January 25, 26, 27 The Academy on The Green Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance Branford, CT July *375th Branford Anniversary Celebration at The Armory HISTORICAL EVENT Celebrating ARTS & CULTURE Montowese Street & Damascus Road July 29, 2019 Co-sponsors: BACA & Governor’s 2nd Footgaurd Including: Branford Historical Society, Branford Land Trust, New Haven Ballet 1200+ attendees

2018

• branfordarts.org WEBSITE LAUNCH
  BACA/Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance
  website

*Jan-Dec BCTV/Branford Arts
Monthly Spotlight on Arts
BACA President, Frank Carrano, Host

Jan-Dec on-going projects
Public Art Project
Branford Arts Alliance

Jan-Dec 2017, 2018
Branford Arts “Building” Project
Branford Arts Board of Directors

Jan-Dec 2015-2018
Community House Renovation
Public Garden Sculpture
Branford Arts/Branford Garden Club
Grant

NOV 28

Creating Stations of the Cross: artist: Holly Whiting Wed 7 PM Co- Sponsors: Branford Arts Alliance & St. John Boscoe Church, Branford, CT

OCT 18

‘BACA at the Brewery – Music on the River’ Branford Arts Alliance Fundraiser Stony Creek Brewery 5 Indian Neck Avenue Branford, CT

JUL 20- Jul 22

Annual Member Art Show & Sale at the Orchard House, Shore Drive Branford Arts Alliance/Orchard House Branford, CT

MAR 10

Vintage Clock Show The Academy on the Green Branford Arts Alliance

JAN. 26-28

“SUMMER IN WINTER” Art Show & Sale The Academy on The Green Branford Arts Alliance

2017

DEC 9 & 10

Holiday Market & Open House Branford Arts Alliance Sat & Sun 1 PM – 5PM 265 Pine Orchard Rd. Branford, CT

DEC 9

CHRISTMAS WITH TIFFANY’S- 2 PM Co-Sponsor: Trinity Episcopal Church Branford Arts Alliance Branford, CT

OCT 28

Architectural Tour: Churches on the Green Sat 11 AM The Academy on the Green Branford Arts Alliance Branford, CT

JUL 8

ARTISTS PAINTING OUTDOORS /Plein Air at Stony Creek Brewery, Sat 9 AM Branford Arts Alliance Stony Creek Beer, 5 Indian Neck Avenue Branford, CT

JUN 3

3rd ANNUAL PLEIN AIR PAINTING Sat 8:30 AM Branford Arts Alliance Branford Center & Branford Town Green Main St. Branford CT

JUN 2

3rd ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT Jun 2, 2017 – Jun 4, 2017 The Academy on the Green Branford Arts Alliance Branford, CT

FEB 16

MOVIE GROUP “Lady in the Lake” James Blackstone Memorial Library Branford Arts Alliance Branford, CT

2016

DEC 15

MOVIE GROUP, Thu 7 PM Branford Police Department Community Room

DEC 7

Public Art – Jonathan Waters Sculpture James Blackstone Memorial Library Branford Arts Alliance Branford, CT

NOV 13
Literary Reading Creative Writers Group
Branford Arts Alliance
The Academy on the Green Branford, CT

NOV 5
Classic Music, Champagne & Dessert Gala!
Branford Arts Alliance at
265 Pine Orchard Rd
Branford, CT

NOVEMBER
2nd Annual Member Art Show
James Blackstone Memorial Library
Branford Arts Alliance
Branford, CT

OCT 15
Branford Arts Alliance Tent
Annual Library Book Sale
Sat 10 AM
Branford Green
Branford, CT

October
Scarecrows on the Green
Branford Arts Alliance
sponsored by Branford Garden Club
Branford, CT

Summer 2016
Branford Trash Barrel Up-cycle Project
Branford Arts Alliance Project with
1st Selectmen’s Office, Bfd Facilities
Department, Bfd Park & Recreation, local
businesses, adults, students and
volunteers-“bringing the community
together”.

June
1st Public Art Installation/Dylan Ward
Branford Arts Alliance at
James Blackstone Memorial Library
Branford, CT

June
Annual Plein Air Painting
Branford Center & Branford Green
Branford Arts Alliance
Branford, CT

June
“Art in the Garden”
Branford Garden Club &
Branford Arts Alliance
Branford, CT

Month of April Invitational Art Show Branford Arts Alliance at Office of Environment and Energy CT State Legislative Office Building Hartford, CT Short Beach Neighborhood Art Show Branford Arts Alliance with Orchard House Shore Drive, Branford, CT

2015

November 1st Annual Member Art Show James Blackstone Memorial Art Show Branford Arts Alliance Branford, CT

August
Pine Orchard Chapel
Neighborhood Art Show & Sale
Branford Arts Alliance
Branford, CT

August
Photography Show
Mike Marsland,
Yale University Photographer
Branford Arts Alliance
The Academy on the Green

July
Branford Arts Member Photography Show
Branford Arts Alliance
The Academy on the Green
Branford, CT

June
Photography Show
Bill O’Brian-
Free Lance & Volunteer Town
Photographer
Branford Arts Alliance
The Academy on the Green

June
1st Annual Plein Air Painting
Main Street & Branford Green
Branford Downtown Merchant Displays in
Shops and BAC Gallery
Branford Arts Alliance

May
BHS “Music Makers” Concert Fundraiser
Trinity Episcopal Church, Branford Green
Branford Arts Alliance
Branford, CT

May
Commission on the Arts Grant Awarded
with Branford Garden Club for design &
fabrication of Sculpture for
Community House

Monthly Planning Meetings Branford Arts Alliance

June 2014
1st Art Show
Branford Garden Club Show
Branford Community House