New London Hygienic Arts Festival opening this weekend

Hygienic Art Gallery
83 Bank St., P.O. Box 417, New London, (860) 443-8001
Hygienic Art Exhibition and Festival XXVIII
Jan. 26—Feb. 10, 2008

Press release

The Hygienic Art XXVIII Exhibition, New London's notorious free-for-all arts festival, will kick-off Sat., Jan. 27 and run thru Feb. 10, 2007. This year the annual will celebrate the 28th year of arts and celebrations. Touted as New London's Only Winter Tourist Attraction, the main art event, the Salon des Independants, will be opening Sat. night, 8 p.m., at the Hygienic Galleries, 79 Bank Street, New London, CT.

All artists are welcome though there is a limit of one piece per artist. Sign-in and hanging begins on Sat., Jan. 27 at 9 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m. The exhibition opens to the public at 8 p.m. that night.

The exhibition is well known for its diverse original art, ranging from the sublime to the outrageous. Over its 28-year history, the annual art extravaganza has grown from an anti-establishment visual art show to an anti-establishment multi-media art event including film-making, playwriting and performance art as well as a young artists show and musical events. Call Vinnie Scarrano at (860) 444-6855 for more info.

The Hootenanny
WHERE: Muddy Waters Cafe (42 Bank Street)
WHEN: Friday, Jan. 26 from 6 p.m.—10 p.m.
Awesome local folk acoustic concert featuring The Crew, Paul Brockett, Dogbite, the Can Kickers, Liz Larson & Friends with more to be announced. Interested folk musicians and groups can contact Sherry Stidfole at: sstidfole AT earthlink.net for information and sign up. This concert will be free and donations will be accepted to benefit the Hygienic Art Park.

The Pre-Fix
WHERE: Oasis (16 Bank Street)
WHEN: Fri., Jan. 26, 10 p.m.—2 a.m.
New London Music Fest proudly brings psych-folk legend Gary Higgins of Red Hash fame to the hood to close out festival-eve festivities. Opening will be new supergroup Roadside Attractions and superduo Dan & Liz.

The Rock Fix
WHERE: El n Gee Club, (Golden Street)
WHEN: Sat., Jan. 27 from 7 p.m.—2 a.m.
Outrageous ruck&rule at the venerable roadhouse that is the Gee provides the madcap soundtrack to the festivities on the streets of New London. Look for sets from some of the best local and regional acts including The Paul Brockett Roadshow Band, The Liz Larsons, Low-Beam, Can Kickers and Fatal Film.

The Cabaret
WHERE: Oasis (16 Bank Street)
WHEN: Sat., Jan. 27 from 8 p.m.—2 a.m.
The inimitable Joey Royale hosts this year's madcap variety revue. Look for hijinx of the musical, magical and theatrical variety all the night long at one of New London's hottest stages. If you are interested in joining in the mayhem, contact Sir Royale at jmacrino AT hotmail.com.

Screening Room 14
WHERE: El n Gee Club Golden Street
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 28, 1 p.m.—6 p.m.
The Screening Room XIV features work from national and local emerging filmmakers. All filmmakers are encouraged to submit their work. No Judge, no jury, no fees & no censorship. Past events have featured international documentaries as well as regional shorts and features. This is New London's indie film event of the year. Admission is free. Send your on VHS or DVD format to: Screening Room XIV c/o Bret Farrar, POB 711 New London, CT 06320; or contact Bret Farrar at: bretfarrar.productio AT snet.net or at 860-444-1340.

Other Gallery Openings
NEW LONDON - Two of downtown New London's many galleries will be hosting special openings on the day of the big event. Make sure you make time to check out their offerings.
GOLDEN STREET GALLERY (94 Golden Street): The Hygienic Resident Artists Exhibition. New works by Co-op residents Gregg Bowerman, Jenn Collins, Kat Murphy, Liz Larson and Susan Madasci. Opening reception Saturday, Jan. 27 from 6—11 p.m. Show runs through Feb. 10.
KENTE CULTURAL CENTER (219 Bank Street): Winter Art Show. Featuring works of art by New London High School students for show and sale. Opening from 12 noon—4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

A new generation of Hygienic Artists get their craft on at Young Artists XV.
WHERE: Garde Art Center Gallery (305 State Street)
WHEN: Sat., January 27, 12 noon—4p.m.
Art Drop Off & Hanging: Thu.—Fri., Jan. 25-26, 4—7 p.m.
Art Pick-up: Sun., Jan. 28, 1—4 p.m.
Young Artists, age 14 and under, are invited to submit artwork on Thursday and Friday, Jan. 26—27., at 305 State St. on the corner State Street & Meridian. The opening reception will be on Sat., Jan. 27 from 12 noon —4 p.m. and include hands on art making with Hygienic resident artists, entertainment and refreshments. There will be a special exhibition of works created by young artists from the New London Schools. For more info, contact Kat Murphy at: katmurphy AT mac.com or 860-961-6565. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.

Hygienic Poets:
Voices in the Night
WHERE: Hygienic Gallery (79 Bank Street)
WHEN: Sat., Feb. 3 7-—1 p.m.
A night of poetry on the edge hosted by Rhonda Ward. The improvisational open mic invites you to provide the everchanging words. Poets interested in performing are asked to contact Ms. Ward prior to the event at rmward1 AT yahoo.com.

Night Kitchens
While enjoying the buffet of art and music that is Hygienic XXVIII, don't forget to hit New London's many restaurants, cafes and coffee houses. Dinner, dessert and drinks are available at eateries featuring a wide variety of cuisines including Indian, Mexican, American, Japanese and Thai. New London Main Street is organizing the 6th annual Night Kitchens asking restaurants to remain open late for the Hygienic crowd.