Featured Events in Fairfield in November, 2023 (June Updated)

The Art in Focus series presents a unique opportunity for visitors to engage in informal discussions centered around a single art object. Led by Curator of Education and Academic Engagement, Michelle DiMarzo, these discussions provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the featured artwork. On November 9th, Fairfield University Art Museum will host an in-person session focusing on the earthenware statue, "Sichuan Qin Player," created by an unknown Chinese artist during the 3rd century BCE. Participants are encouraged to bring their questions and observations to enrich the conversation. Please note that this event is exclusively in-person. For those unable to attend, a Virtual Art in Focus session will be held at 12 p.m. Be captivated by the image of the statue as you delve into its historical significance and artistic qualities. The statue, donated by Leo Swergold in honor of Jane Swergold, Adjunct Professor, Department of Interior Design (University College) in 2011, will be displayed at the Bellarmine Hall Galleries. Admission to this event is free. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to explore the "Sichuan Qin Player" and gain a deeper appreciation for Chinese art.

Join Fairfield University Art Museum for a special tour of the exhibition "In Real Times. Arthur Szyk: Artist and Soldier for Human Rights." Led by Michelle DiMarzo, PhD, Curator of Education, this exclusive event will take place at the Bellarmine Hall Galleries. Please note that space is limited for this in-person-only experience. The exhibition, on view from September 29 to December 16, 2023, showcases over 50 works by Arthur Szyk, a renowned Polish Jewish miniaturist and political cartoonist. Through his powerful political cartoons, Szyk shed light on the plight of European Jews during World War II and played a significant role in rallying the American public for support. His art stood as a potent weapon "against Hitlerism," as described by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Szyk's work advocated for religious tolerance, racial equality, and human dignity, making him one of America's most celebrated political artists. In the current climate of social upheaval and rising antisemitic rhetoric, this exhibition amplifies conversations on human rights and social justice. Don't miss Szyk: The Interactive Experience at the Walsh Gallery in the Quick Center for the Arts. For more information, visit Fairfield University Art Museum's website.

Fairfield Center Stage, a local community theater group in Fairfield, CT, is excited to present ELF THE MUSICAL, a musical comedy based on the popular movie starring Will Ferrell. The show will take place at Wakeman Hall inside First Church Congregational of Fairfield, located at 148 Beach Road. Running for two weekends from November 10 to November 19, 2023, this production promises to be a holiday treat for the whole family. The performance schedule is as follows: Friday, November 10 at 7:30pm, Saturday, November 11 at 7pm, Sunday, November 12 at 4pm, Friday, November 17 at 7:30pm, Saturday, November 18 at 2pm and 7pm, and Sunday, November 19 at 4pm. Seating begins approximately 30 minutes before showtime, and the show has an approximate running time of 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission. ELF THE MUSICAL, with songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, tells the heartwarming story of Buddy, an orphaned baby who mistakenly ends up at the North Pole and is raised as an elf. Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to bring Christmas cheer to everyone. The production is led by Artistic Director Christy McIntosh-Newsom and Executive Producer Eli Newsom. The all-local cast features talented performers, including Nick Kuell as Buddy and Alexis Willoughby as Jovie. The show is directed by Marcelle Morrisey, with music direction by Clay Zambo and choreography by Emily Frangipane and Kelsey Kaminski. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased for $25 for regular reserved seating or $45 for VIP table seating. VIP table seating allows for a bring-your-own-food option for 4-top and 6-top tables. Concessions will also be available before and throughout the performance. Parking is free in the on-site lot, and indoor public restrooms are available. Don't miss the opportunity to experience ELF THE MUSICAL at Fairfield Center Stage. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Fairfield Center Stage website.

Join us for an enlightening docent-led tour of the Exhibition Tour: Arthur Szyk: Artist and Soldier for Human Rights, taking place at the Fairfield University Art Museum, Bellarmine Hall Galleries in Fairfield. This remarkable exhibition showcases over 50 works by the esteemed Polish Jewish miniaturist and political cartoonist, Arthur Szyk. The collection features his evocative political cartoons and imagery that pays tribute to the strength and significance of democratic ideals. Having witnessed the rise of totalitarianism in Europe, Szyk immigrated to America from London during the onset of World War II. He settled in Connecticut, residing in New Canaan until his passing in 1951. Szyk's impactful political cartoons graced the covers of renowned magazines like Time and Collier's, raising awareness about the plight of European Jews and fostering public support for American involvement in World War II. Described as a "soldier in art," Szyk's work was praised by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt as a potent weapon against Hitlerism. He tirelessly promoted religious tolerance, racial equality, and human dignity. In the tumultuous years leading up to World War II and during the Holocaust, Szyk emerged as one of America's most celebrated political artists, thanks to his powerful artistic contributions against Nazism and fascism. Today, as our society grapples with structural racism and social upheaval— including a troubling surge in antisemitic rhetoric and violence across the United States— this exhibition serves as a vital platform for engaging discussions on urgent issues concerning human rights and social justice. For more information about this thought-provoking exhibition, visit the official website. This event will take place on November 28, 2023, and admission is free. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the compelling world of Arthur Szyk and his remarkable legacy as an artist and advocate for human rights.