Arts & Entertainment

Hygienic Salon Returns For 33rd Year

Residents encouraged to submit work for Hygienic Art's annual weekend of arts events

will continue its annual non-juried exhibition of artwork submitted by residents next week, kicking off Hygienic XXXIII.

The central event was inspired by a French impressionist movement from the late 19th century, according to Hygienic Art. Artists who were snubbed by standard establishments instead exhibited their works in cafes and other venues. New London’s show dates back well before the establishment of the Hygienic Art gallery, getting its start in 1979 when local artists launched their own version of the Salon des Independants in what was then the 24-hour Hygienic Restaurant.

Anyone may submit a piece of artwork, with the drop-off period starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. on Jan. 28. The show opens at 8 p.m. on that day and runs through Feb. 12, and artists may pick up their work on that day between noon and 6 p.m. People may submit only one piece, and the artwork will not be ranked by judges or juries.

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A young artists’ version of the Salon will take place at the gallery at the . This show is for people ages 14 and under, and the rules are the same as the Salon at the Hygienic. Work may be dropped off between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Jan. 26 and 27 and picked up between noon and 4 p.m. on Feb. 12.

The Jan. 28 events will be preceded by the Hootenanny, an event taking place from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 27. hosts the show, themed “For Grown-Ups Only,” and performers will include Max Ebb, Nancy Parent, Hugh Birdsall, Rivergods, Paul Brockett, Wilson Kane, Kevin Kane, Maggie's Guitar, and The Crew.

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The events of Jan. 28 will also include a number of music and performing arts attractions. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., will host the Screening Room, an non-juried exhibition of locally produced video submissions. At 7 p.m., hosts the Cabaret Extraordinaire, a show of theatrical events such as dance, comedy acts, and puppet shows. At the same time, the brings in performers including The Reducers, Suicide Dolls, The Can Kickers, Recur Occurrence, The ‘Mericans, Herff Jones, and Daphne Lee Martin & Raise the Rent for “The Rock Fix.”

Other events associated with Hygienic XXXIII will take place at later dates. These include:

  • A showing of the film Children of the Wall and discussion with the filmmakers, 8 p.m. on Feb. 1 at the Crocker House Ballroom
  • Opening reception of “Hygienic Photo-gienic,” a visual scavenger hunt in which photographers and poets will translate words they are given to images and poems, 6 p.m. on Feb. 3 at ; sign up to participate at the Salon from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 28
  • Fashion in the Ballroom, a show featuring the work of local designers as well as musical performances, 8 p.m. on Feb. 3 in the Crocker House Ballroom
  • Mayfly Playhouse 24, the one night only conclusion of a 24-hour effort to create seven one-act plays, 8 p.m. on Feb. 4 at the Crocker House Ballroom
  • Hygienic Poets, an open mic poetry night and competition starting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 11 at Hygienic Art
  • Rock Lobster Band-o-Matic, a new event added this year to showcase the one original and one cover song put together by musicians randomly grouped to create bands in a Jan. 28 selection; 10 p.m. on Feb. 11 at the


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