Open studios in renovated loft building in Bridgeport Saturday

AmFab Art + Design Center
1069 Connecticut Ave., Bridgeport
AmFab Art + Design Center Presents Open Studios
Open Studios: Sat., Nov. 14, 10 a.m.—5 p.m.

Press release

There has been a lot of activity surrounding an old industrial site in East Bridgeport. One building has been torn down, pavement has been torn up; but one building remains. Who works there? Artists and "artrepreneurs" from the surrounding communities all work under one roof in the newly renovated industrial complex, which once housed the American Fabrics Company. Painters, photographers, sculptors, ceramicists, print makers, quilters, textile and jewelry designers, handbag manufacturers, clothing designers, an interior designer and even a yoga studio are busy creating and contributing to the latest cooperative association to hit the Bridgeport art scene. We invite you to come see what's happening!

The new AmFab Art + Design Center artists are opening their studios to the public on Saturday, November 14., from 10 a.m.—5 p.m. Admission and ample on site parking are free. For directions and more information please visit AmFab Art + Design Fan Page on Facebook.com, or call (203) 451-5011.

Allowing a unique opportunity for art lovers, the curious, and the young and old alike, to meet the artists in their studios, each studio reflects the artist's personal style and is where the creative process happens. The event has been held at 1069 Connecticut Ave. in the old American Fabrics Co. factory building for the last three years, but this year promises to be the most well attended, fun filled event! Now, with more than 20 artist tenants, the occupancy has quadrupled since Westrock Development LLC began renovating the complex earlier this year.

The American Fabrics factory was built sometime in the 1920's, and was once a hub of the textile industry, specializing in the manufacture of linen, lace and knits. Factories back then were built with large windows to provide light and fresh air during the summer months, which is a perfect architectural feature for an artist loft building. Activity at the factory began to decrease in the 1960's and by the 1970's the entire industrial complex was abandoned.

Also happening will be a number of studio sales by tenant artists. Denyse Schmidt Quilts is holding its annual Sample Sale; Jocelyn Braxton Armstrong Ceramics; The Cotton Press, organic children's clothing; Artbags; Laura Appleman Jewelry; and Ulla Surland Essential Design is having its annual Small Works Show, offering art work for $111, a show she began when she had her store in Fairfield. Many other artists will also be offering their work for sale.

Participating artists by town:

Bridgeport: Denyse Schmidt, Gus Moran, Richard Killeaney, Emily Larned, Steven Steele Cawman

Easton: Paul Kaiser, Laura Appleman

Fairfield: Billie Jean Sullivan, Janine Brown, Ulla Surland, Thomas Mezzanotte (in photograph), Dylan and Laura Cotton, Elizabeth Bullis-Weise

Milford: Brechin Morgan, Kvon Photography

Ridgefield: Debora Crichton

Stratford: Bruce Shekinah, Caroline Valites

Trumbull: Judy Corrigan

Westport: Jocelyn Braxton Armstrong, Jessie Levin