Stafford Arts Collective

Without spoiling the fun–the details are exquisite, fresh, and surprising. While McCarthy’s paintings are the highlight of “Her Good Heart”, McCarthy has invited other artists to contribute their works as part of the multi-faceted creative expression. The result will be something that, as far as I know, hasn’t been done before - an experience for the senses. It’s only taking place for one night. To see more of the paintings and read more, here’s a detailed ARTICLE about Shannon’s Show by Arts Collective member Angelina Hart.

If one is interested in the experience of art, make a point to come - RSVP. It’s a departure from the common art shows where you pick at the munchies, and then pick at art - where everyone’s uncomfortable in a room trying to say something perceptive and intelligent. “Her Good Heart” is a guided experiential Art Show.

It will be on Saturday, November 22 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at ClearPoint Center, 259 East Street in Stafford. As this is a shared group-event, participants are kindly asked to arrive promptly for a 7:00 p.m. start.

You can check out artist Shannon McCarthy’s blog for the Art Show here: http://onenightshow.blogspot.com/
Her Official website here: http://www.shannonmccarthy.com/

For more information or to RSVP, please call (860) 684-3994.

It’s still happening - a haunted house that is different from the others, spawned from the fun-loving minds of Stafford artists. For event information, click here. It’s been a great success so far, and already, there are so many great stories to tell…

2 days before the opening, the Haunted House was going to be closed down due to safety concerns. Collective volunteers were upset. With this massive setback, the doors of the Arts Collective headquarters would remain closed - but in the final hours, the giving spirit of local firefighters saved the day! Here’s the story written by arts collective member, Angelina Hart, entitled “Stafford Fire Dept. No. 1 — Possessed by Giving Spirit.“ CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY.

Also, we’d like to give you a sneak peak in this rollicking BEHIND THE SCENES FEATURETTE of the Haunted House Construction. This footage was shot several days before the opening. Youthful volunteers are getting to learn and take part in this creative project, working around the clock with their friends to make this whole dream (and nightmare!) a reality.

Renowned across the land as “The Last Great Haunted House Experience…of your Life!”

This October, the Stafford Arts Collective is proud to bring you: “NIGHTMARE ON MAIN ST.” - The Haunted House & Metal Show 2008. The Haunted House is the brainchild of artist/painter Olof Aspelin, who oversaw the construction of last year’s success, the “Mental Institution”.

There’s something for everyone, young and old. Face painting and crafts for kids - And hey, day-time hours in the haunted house are a little more tame. As you approach midnight, brain-buckling scares will keep you coming back for more!

WHERE EXACTLY?

The Stafford Arts Collective Studios
41 Main Street - (up the stairs, above No Name Cafe)
Stafford Springs, CT 06076

Click here for a Mapquest Link.

WHEN?

This year, we’re bringing you three weeks, three days each week - ending on Halloween night!

Week 1: Thurs. 16th - Sat. 18th
Week 2: Thurs. 23rd - Sat. 25th
Week 3: Wed. 29th - Fri. 31st (Halloween!)

HOURS:
Weekdays 7pm-11pm
Saturdays 2pm-12pm (Kids Activities 2-5pm

ADMISSION:

$10 Adults
$7 Children & Seniors

Any further questions? Contact the beautiful & bewitching Marilyn Shores at 860-992-2769.

If you haven’t seen the Haunted House Promo video then check this out!

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So this is it. The Last Two “From Here to Awesome” Film Screenings - this upcoming Saturday is Johnny AppleWeed (Johnny Appleseed planted apples; he’s planting a level one narcotic!). The next Saturday, Oct. 4, is the much-anticipated Moonshine screening. The lead actress and the director will both be at the screening to sign T-shirts, DVD’s, and answer questions after the film. Yes, that’s right - the first limited edition of DVD’s will be available at the screening exclusively.

We look forward to seeing you all at these last two film screenings and… coming up, for 9 days scattered throughout the month of October, we’ll be putting on our infamously scary Haunted House. The theme this year? …. Nightmare on Main Street!

You’re invited.

Yours Truly,
~ The Stafford Arts Collective

8 INDEPENDENT FILMS, 8 WEEKS, EVERY SATURDAY at 7:30 PM. Starts on August 16th!
Showcasing here in Stafford Springs at the Stafford Town Hall, ENTRY IS FREE

COME TO STAFFORD AND TAKE THE JOURNEY WITH US…FROM HERE TO AWESOME!

The Stafford Arts Collective is proud to present Stafford’s first Free Independent Film Showcase called “From Here to Awesome.”(FHTA) This is a big deal. Yes, Stafford, Connecticut has been officially chosen as a screening location for an international film festival going by the same: “From Here to Awesome.” Variety recently called it an “experiment to directly connect filmmakers and audiences.” One of the festival’s films is Stafford’s own “Moonshine,” a Sundance-renowned vampire film by Stafford-resident and director, Roger Ingraham.

FROM HERE TO AWESOME: who, what, when, where?

This is a big opportunity for film lovers, movie-goers, and creative minds to catch a free night of unbridled entertainment, with films across the board. We’ve got a couple documentaries - one exploring a punk-rock buddhist - another about an infamous media prankster - one cult-hit vampire film, two sharp dramas, and three amusing comedies (one quirky gem called Johnny Appleweed about a young man who embarks on a journey to plan marijuana across the nation). All in all, “From Here to Awesome” offers some great independent cinema from filmmakers both distant and local.

Every Saturday night at 7:30 PM, starting August 16th and continuing for 8 weeks, the Arts Collective & “From Here to Awesome” will be offering audiences one short film paired with one full-length film, followed by a short discussion. Refreshments, baked goods, Arts Collective T-shirts, and of course popcorn will also be available, with suggested donations going to the collective. Once again, entry to the Showcase Screenings will be absolutely free at the Stafford Town Hall. See you there!

***** Click here for THE SHOWCASE SCHEDULE *****

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THE COLLECTIVE BRINGS YOU TWO CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS OF ENTERTAINMENT

The Stafford Arts Collective is your best friend. We continue as a beneficial presence, using art to raise the quality of life for the town and surrounding areas. Now, with the advent of the film showcase, the collective will be offering two consecutive nights of free events in downtown Stafford. Every Friday, we put on “Friday Nights in the Lights” with live bands, art, and conversation in the small park on Main Street. And now, Saturday nights will be the Free Independent Film Showcase: “From Here to Awesome.”
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This is Roger Ingraham, the director of Moonshine, posting a comment on some of the latest news:

In 2006, Moonshine was in official selection at the Sundance Film Festival. Now, Moonshine has been selected by audience vote to be one of the top films in the distribution festival “From Here to Awesome.” This is a beautiful way for an independent charmer like Moonshine to reach its audience.

The creators of the festival are themselves true “indie” filmmakers - Arin Crumley (Four Eyed Monsters), Lance Weiler (Head Trama), and M. Dot Strange (We Are The Strange). I came to them and brought up the idea of showcasing a Festival screening in Stafford Springs.

One thing led to another - and here we are…talking to you about the upcoming screening!

Sarah Ingraham, the lead actress, and I are both Stafford residents (as well as being brother/sister). And every time we screen the film here, it’s not something to miss. We’ll both be here for the screening on October 4, and we look forward to seeing you there. Aside from being the screening date, October 4 is…Sarah’s Birthday. If you feel inspired, bring her a present. We’ll be signing T-shirts and posters. Who knows, maybe some real-life vampires will show up…They sometimes do.

See you all in October!

R