Open Studios at American Fabric Arts Building in Bridgeport this weekend

American Fabric Arts Building
The Bridgeport Commerce Park, 1069 Connecticut Ave., Bldg. 4, Bridgeport 06607, (203) 894-1018
Open Studios
Nov. 12—13, 2011, 10 a.m.—5 p.m.

Press release

The American Fabrics Arts Building in Bridgeport will open its doors to the public for an OPEN STUDIOS event on Saturday and Sunday, November 12—13, from 10 a.m.—5 p.m.

The event, now in its fifth year, will showcase more than 27 artists in their studios. Last year the event attracted more than 500 art lovers, 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. AFA has a diverse group of artists. Many practice what you would expect: painting, illustration, photography, sculpture, jewelry, quilting and ceramics. But you can also learn how Neil Pabian, a woodturner, crafts his custom writing instruments, how Trunket manufactures specialty iPhone skins, how Emily Larned uses her vintage letterpress for printing and her husband, Chris Ruggerio makes handmade audio equipment, or how Debra Crichton adheres artwork to her retro style handbags. All will share their techniques and process, while offering work for sale

In a few studios, demonstrations will be happening throughout the weekend. Kevin Ford will be making his signature drawings with a BB-gun. The Cotton Press will be demonstrating t-shirt/textile screen-printing as well as machine knitting, and Jocelyn Braxton Armstrong will be throwing pots in her ceramic studio.

This year, sure to draw a crowd is the AFA FREE ART RAFFLE. In exchange for sharing your email you could win: Stationary and notepad from Denyse Schmidt Quilts, hand printed fabric from The Cotton Press, ceramic vase by Jocelyn Braxton Armstrong, or specialty wood skin for iphone from Trunket.

If you are a patron of any of the AFA artists, and purchase artwork, you will have a chance to win: a handmade exotic wood pen by Neil Pabian , a novelty handbag from Artbags by Debra Crichton, an unframed artist proof linoleum cut, "Standing Horses," by Janine Brown, or faceted citrine and carved bone pendant necklace by Tamara Wood.

The AFA FREE ART RAFFLE prizewinners will be drawn on Sun., Nov. 13, at 5 p.m., on the 4th floor. You do not have to be there to win.

A dedicated crowd is expected for Denyse Schmidt Quilts well-attended Annual Sample Sale held on the 4th floor during the weekend.

The Bridgeport restaurants, Two Boots and Epernay, will be serving delectable treats on the 3rd and 4th floors during the event.

Admission and ample on site parking are free. For more information please call 203-894-1018.

American Fabrics Arts Building Open Studios is part of the 2nd Annual Bridgeport Art Trail running Wednesday, November 9 through Sunday, November 13. Visitors can follow the Art Trail map to view 10 visual arts venues throughout the city, meet the artists, tour open studios, buy original art, follow a historic walking tour of downtown art and architecture. Participating venues include: The newly formed Bridgeport Arts and Culture Council, The Reads Building ArtSpace, City Lights Gallery, The Center for Public Art, The Gallery at Black Rock, Crescent St. Gallery, FrameMakers, and others to be announced.

For calendar of activities, artist profiles, directions and info on the Bridgeport Art Trail, become a fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Fabrics-Building/161218001954?ref=ts