Summer Art Workshops, Hoot For Hunger, Michael Shuman

Art is again a dominating factor as New London Main Street organizes its calendar of things to do around town.

Spirit Gallery recently opened an exhibit by Matthew Cassar, with his art telling the story of “two fictional societies as they struggle to dominate their world.” Argentinean mural artist Anali Chanquia visits Expressiones at 5:30 p.m. on Friday for a discussion of her work as well as a walking tour of some downtown murals. Saturday is a big night, starting when Studio 33 brings in Robert Hauschild's "Whistle Stop - The Art of Trains," starting with an opening reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Kitchen Gallery has an opening of "Tiny Art," with all pieces measuring no more than six inches in any one direction, at 6:30 p.m. Hygienic Art will debut “It’s a Banner Day,” featuring work by Patti Murphy and Kat Murphy as well as an artist collective of banners from around the world, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

LQM Gallery has a plethora of art classes available. Summer art programs for youth ages seven to 18 begin on Monday, and all materials are provided. The full three-month course is $270, but rates are available for shorter periods. The gallery also has a series of workshops on Saturdays, including Chinese ink at 10 a.m., portraiture workshops at 2 p.m., and live models at 7 p.m. For more information on any of these events, contact the gallery at 860-501-9024 or e-mail info@lqmgallery.com.

It’s a quieter week for music, but one night will be bring a large concentration of local artists downtown for a good cause. Another Hoot For Hunger starts at 7 p.m. on Friday at Dickson’s Tavern, with 10 musicians or bands playing 10 minute sets; donations collected during the event go toward the New London Community Meal Center. The Coast Guard Dixieland Jazz Band plays a free concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday at City Pier. If you’re itching to get to some local music right away, head to the Bulkeley House Saloon at 7 p.m. for their “Common Ground” open mic night.

New London Local First holds two events this week. On Thursday, they partner with Thames Valley Sustainable Connections for their annual dinner. Michael Shuman, an entrepreneur involved in community investment, will speak at the event at 5:30 p.m. at the Stone Fleet Tavern; the cost is $35 for members and $45 for non-members. Shuman also visits an all-day local investment workshop starting at 8:30 a.m. on Friday at New London Harbour Towers; tickets are $50 for members and $60 for non-members.

Finally, if you want a bit of spooky history, stop at the Cedar Grove Cemetery at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Municipal historian Sally Ryan and Mystic Seaport curator emeritus William Peterson will lead a tour visiting some of the burial ground’s more prominent graves. Admission is $5 and free for Connecticut Landmarks members.

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