Hygienic Art XXX this weekend!!!

Hygienic Art
83 Bank St., P.O. Box 417, New London, (860) 443-8001
Hygienic Art XXX
Jan. 30—Feb. 14, 2009
Opening reception for Salon des Independants: Sat., Jan. 31, 8 p.m.

(Hanging for the show starts 8 a.m. Saturday morning. Self-express yourself: One Piece Per Artist, No Judge, No Jury, No Fees, No Censorship! Show up and show!)

Press release

Hygienic Hootenanny: Songs We Couldn't Sing in School
Fri., Jan. 30, 6 p.m.
Muddy Waters
42 Bank St., New London

Hygienic Art XXX kicks off on Friday night at the Hootenanny with an eclectic line-up of folk and old-timey acts performing "Songs We Couldn't Sing in School." You might not want to bring your kids to this Hoot!

6 p.m.—Paul Berkman
6:20—Charlie & Bill Reyburn
6:45—John "Woody" Wood
7:05—Craig Edwards
7:30—Paul Brockett
7:55—28 Strings
8:20—Dan & Liz
8:45—Daphne Glover
9:05—Hugh Birdsall & Jim Fitzgerald
9:30—The Crew (including "The Cranks")

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Hygienic Art XXX: Salon des Independants
Celebrating 30 years: 1979—2009
Jan. 31—Feb. 14, 2009
Opening reception: Sat., Jan. 31, 8 p.m.

Thirty years ago, a group of forward thinking New London artists decided to host an exhibition that would bring the art to the people. Instead of hanging their show in another gallery or museum space, these artists went to the local greasy spoon, the Hygienic Restaurant, at the corner of Bank and Golden Streets in the heart of the city's downtown, where the true denizens of the community—students, beggars, prostitutes, pols, and probably even a Joe the Plumber or two—were sure to see their work. From that auspicious start, an annual tradition was born under the charge of the show's guiding principles: One Piece Per Artist, No Judge, No Jury, No Fees, No Censorship.

The show has moved around over the years taking root at a pizza joint, rock clubs and other historic sites around the city. Wherever the people were the art was hung. And there was a lot of art (last year nearly 500 showed their work) and lots of people to take it in (the show, fondly dubbed New London's only Winter Tourist Attraction, averages more than 3000 visitors on its opening night alone).

Everything changed in 2000 when Hygienic Art, Inc., the non-profit organization formed to oversee the show annually, made a bold move to save the historic Hygienic Restaurant building which was quickly sliding down a path to demolition in the name of redevelopment. The building was purchased, rehabilitated and now houses the Hygienic Galleries as well as a Cooperative of developing artists. Hygienic Art soon took aim at the property next door, a vacant dirt lot, and built the iconic Art Park which now plays host to music, theatre and other community events. The new arts campus has become a rallying cry for development in New London and a model for how the arts can harness the energy and investment of the community for the common good. Recently, the organization launched its first official membership drive to great success and continues its plans for programming events and gallery exhibitions throughout 2009 and beyond.

Before any of that though, New London will be bursting at the seams in celebration of 30 years of arts activism in the heart of the city. In the past decade, the event has turned into a true festival featuring rock concerts, a cabaret, poetry readings, an old-time hootenany, independent films and more. This year will prove to be the biggest and most exciting in the three decade run so far.

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Young Artists XVIII
The Garde Gallery
305 State Street, New London
Opening: Sta., Jan. 31, 11 a.m.
Art drop-off and hanging: Jan. 28—30, 5—7 p.m.

All artists 14 and under are invited to submit one piece of artwork. Work does not need to be framed. No subject, size, or format restrictions, work will not be judged or sold.

The opening reception, a spectacle rivaled only by the adult show later in the evening, will feature live music, a children's fashion show, hands-on art making, and refreshments. Admission is free!

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The Screening Room 16
Carriage House
41 Golden St., New London
Contact info: (860) 889-4428
Sat., Jan. 31, 12—4 p.m.

New London's premier indie film festival features works from both emerging and established filmmakers. Whether a student, at-home video visionary or working professional, this is the venue for any independent filmmaker to have their work seen. Every year brings new creative visions—ranging from regional shorts and animations to feature length films. All are encouraged to submit their work (DVD format preferred) to Hygienic Screening Room c/o Hygienic Filmwerks, POB 417, New London, CT 06320 or drop off at the galleries. For more info, contact Brian Kobylarz at (860) 889-4428.

Additional screenings will be held at the same location on Feb. 7 from noon—4 p.m. and Feb. 14, noon—4 p.m.

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Mystic Paper Beasts
Vanguard Gallery
305 State St., New London
Sat., Jan. 31, Noon—1:30 p.m.

The Mystic Paper Beasts will be roving for the Hygienic Young Artists XVIII Show at the Garde Gallery on 305 State Street in New London on Jan. 31st from noon to 1:30. There will also be the opportunity to wear masks and costumes yourselves, children and adults alike! Come, and enjoy!

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Hygienic Assumes No Responsibility
Golden Street Gallery
Golden St., New London
Polaroid Heroes and Art Debris from the Hygienic Files by Vinnie Scarano
Jan. 31—Feb. 19, 2009
Opening: Sat., Jan. 31, 6 p.m.

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The Rock FiXXX
The Carriage House
41 Golden St., New London
Sat., Jan. 31, 7 p.m.

Cosmodemonic Telegraph, New London's independent rock label, presents some outrageous ruck&rule at the Carriage House (directly adjacent to the rear of Hygienic in the former Contemporary Design building) providing the madcap soundtrack to festivities on the streets of New London. Look for sets from some of the most exciting area acts including The Reducers, Fatal Film, Brazen Hussy, Paul Brockett Roadshow Band, Superbald, Lo-Fi Radiostars, Weird Beards, and Gone for Good. CDT will also celebrate the event with the release of a the second edition of the CosmoSingles series featuring limited edition two track singles from the many of the bands playing the annual's events and others from the scene.

7 p.m.—Weird Beards
7:45—Lo-Fi Radiostars
8:30—Superbald
9:15—Brazen Hussy
10pm—Paul Brockett Roadshow Band
10:45—Fatal Film
11:30—The Reducers
12:30—Gone for Good

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The Cabaret at Hygienic XXX
Oasis
16 Bank St., New London
Sat., Jan. 31, 8 p.m.

You never know what you might see at the Cabaret. Come out early (and often!) to see anything from belly dancers to drag queens, sword swallowers to word conjurers, singer songwriters, playwrights, and rabble rousers mix it up!

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Amy Hannum: The Lobster Bash>
Hygienic Art Park
Bank Street, New London
Sat., Jan. 31, 10 p.m.

It's going to be a Hygienic smash!

I'm building a seven foot lobster piñata to help celebrate the Hygienic's 30th show! Thanks to many local contributors, the lobster is filled with all sorts of adult goodies and toys.

This is an all age event, but you might need to educate your kids about the birds and the bees if they pick up some of the prizes. And even then they'll still look at you funny.

The bash is at 10:00 p.m. on the stage in the art park. Look for signs on the stage for the line-up!