<p><strong>Aldrich Projects <em>Julia Bland: Woven in the Reeds </em>on view May 15 – September 14, 2025</strong></p><p>The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is pleased to announce <em>Woven in the Reeds</em>, Julia Bland’s first solo museum presentation. Part of Aldrich Projects, a quarterly series featuring one work or a focused body of work by a single artist, Bland’s installation debuts a monumental tapestry composed of canvas, ropes, linen nets, and fabrics—each dyed, woven, braided, tied, and sewn by hand. The exhibition will be on view from May 15 to September 14, 2025.</p><p>Bland grew up in Palo Alto, California, in the shadow of the counterculture movement of the 1960s and ’70s and during the early days of technological utopianism. Raised by parents from different religious backgrounds—her mother is Jewish, and her father is a Presbyterian minister—her upbringing was shaped by a confluence of spiritual influences. In 2008, she was awarded a fellowship to work in Morocco, where she lived on and off for several years. During this time, she studied Sufism and immersed herself in the country’s rich customs, materials, and craftsmanship.</p><p>Informed by these personal experiences, Bland’s textiles reflect a synthesis of visual cultures across time and place. Her work blends the kaleidoscopic imagery of psychedelia with sacred Islamic geometry and Judeo-Christian symbols. Through meticulous layering, diverse materials, and intricate fiber techniques, her compositions exude rhythmic intensity and devotional energy, evoking the mystical abstractions of transcendentalist painters like Hilma af Klint and Emma Kunz.</p><p>The interplay of openwork netting and solid patches of material creates forms that emerge and dissolve depending on the viewer’s perception. This approach references the Shifting Gestalt Effect, an optical phenomenon that emphasizes the whole of a pattern over its individual elements. Among the images that may appear is the “priestly hands” symbol, a powerful religious motif from ancient Judeo-Christian traditions representing divine protection. The exhibition’s title, <em>Woven in the Reeds</em>, alludes to the significance of reeds in both Judaism—where they are valued for their flexibility and used in writing the Torah—and Sufism, where, as Bland explains, “The song of the reed flute laments its separation from the reed bed and is a frequent metaphor for the longing for God.”</p><p>The exhibition will be accompanied by a zine.</p><p><strong>About the Artist</strong></p><p>Julia Bland (b. 1986, Palo Alto, CA) received her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and her MFA from the Yale School of Art. She has been an artist in residence at The MacDowell Colony, Yaddo, The Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, Lighthouse Works, The Sharpe-Walentas Space Program, and The Shandaken Project: Storm King.</p><p>Her numerous accolades include the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant, the Milton and Sally Avery Fellowship from Yaddo, the Carol Schlosberg Memorial Prize, the NYFA/NYSCA Fellowship in Craft/Sculpture, the Florence Leif Award for Excellence in Painting, and the Natasha and Jacques Gelman Travel Fellowship.</p><p>Recent solo exhibitions include <em>Rivers on the Inside</em> at Derek Eller Gallery, New York; <em>Embers</em> at Maya Frodeman Gallery, Jackson Hole; as well as presentations at Andrew Rafacz Gallery, Chicago; The Lighthouse Works, Fisher’s Island; Helena Anrather, New York; and On Stellar Rays, New York. Her work has also been featured in group exhibitions at The Tang Teaching Museum, Kasmin Gallery, The Everson Museum, The John Michael Kohler Art Center, Chambers Fine Art in Beijing, and Yossi Milo Gallery. She lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.</p><p><em>Aldrich Projects | Julia Bland: Woven in the Reeds</em> is curated by Curatorial and Publications Manager Caitlin Monachino.</p><p><em>Image: Julia Bland, Helper (detail), 2024. Courtesy of the artist and Derek Eller Gallery, New York. Photo: Adam Reich.</em></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>Did you know that beginning May 7th, the Federal Government will require travelers 18 years and older who are flying domestically to have either a REAL ID license, a REAL ID state-issued card, a passport book or card, or a permanent resident card? </p><p>A REAL ID driver's license is identifiable by the gold star in the top right corner, and it is ONLY available via an in-person appointment at the DMV.</p><p>The Ridgefield Library CAN help with obtaining a passport book or card. Call us to make an appointment to renew your passport, get a passport card, or even just to get your questions answered! (203) 438-2282, x103 or x107</p><p>Learn more about Ridgefield Library passport services:</p><p><a href="https://libguides.ridgefieldlibrary.org/services/passports?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0VDi4WaUESZtM_0h7Ce_Q9rdnDFWVnJU3T6HG0Snz-SS4HYl0pKp2ckW8_aem_gbDcEuTdrRXRWs07ctmLBg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--blue-link); background-color: transparent;">https://libguides.ridgefieldlibrary.org/services/passports</a></p><p>Learn more about REAL ID and acceptable alternatives at the <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FCT.gov%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3-R5uks94v2UyyYLpRpRQ9LVIl2h42iO1jYF1iO9Nxvcy7aqCkqfSskHk_aem_zfzJSG3O3t-3Ya4U6aNexg&amp;h=AT1SoYyh9SRnpl7mkb_2e3cbVR1oUqzGqpiq3tPOb1TONRhjM6PMEAIcSPNSZGZdTbDgSBlrq1yMX3Kdxkz1TWzf9Ali452j7v2jIh_iPSfIxA0TcRro-FJnqK36NgTVI3y4MbByFIo&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT27RIpbFVECqAWWOBUwLEIlw7nfe56vrJTDWHWWJtY233UfNsINypyittkkuKedxj-jQOzdL6sIF11lQuYTEJbrNEG-pjOW0dXqilGQMb22taeTHu8murVCkD9uFO3JT6eNZoBHGTq2MeBcfot2QpoU5guP0-1K7fj5EjHig6gM4T8Dzw97eg5O-gqxybzVlni0ulfmWn1cPHlXFGJTtA8wzzbz68Vi57P0tihUrMuG5x8_U_T5POdn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--blue-link); background-color: transparent;">CT.gov</a> website:</p><p><a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fportal.ct.gov%2Fdmv%2Flicenses-permits-ids%2Fget-real-id%3Flanguage%3Den_US%26fbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0GMLWLkB8-VtQiJfmhkBPbK0YJj6UQ8XcyzcLi8d22UKbj8OfEKiAE5n0_aem_MtMTWJP1ZfSKexzenFXrRA&amp;h=AT3-ErYVdj5Cy6at6D1smjDVOJr-dH99oiRSNvVwSVtDebIsCADjDCy-r0nmP5jNq_816z7gp54itztJe82HvwMACUS8EmnmcxqP5XL2wQmBeZ2AHSgC5AS-Xd2eFDLXDp8p4v8wkR4&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT27RIpbFVECqAWWOBUwLEIlw7nfe56vrJTDWHWWJtY233UfNsINypyittkkuKedxj-jQOzdL6sIF11lQuYTEJbrNEG-pjOW0dXqilGQMb22taeTHu8murVCkD9uFO3JT6eNZoBHGTq2MeBcfot2QpoU5guP0-1K7fj5EjHig6gM4T8Dzw97eg5O-gqxybzVlni0ulfmWn1cPHlXFGJTtA8wzzbz68Vi57P0tihUrMuG5x8_U_T5POdn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--blue-link); background-color: transparent;">https://portal.ct.gov/.../licenses-permits.../get-real-id...</a></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(115, 115, 115);">Ann’s Place is excited to launch our Model Spotlights for the upcoming&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.annsplace.org/all-events/2025/fashion-show" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">fashion show</a><span style="color: rgb(115, 115, 115);">&nbsp;on Wednesday, April 30, at 7 p.m. at The Ridgefield Playhouse. Get ready to celebrate inspiring community members who are taking the stage to make a difference!</span></p><p>Tim Salem, in his 15th year as Principal of Scotts Ridge Middle School, is grateful for the SRMS community and honored to support Ann’s Place in their mission to provide "help &amp; hope" to those facing cancer. Having witnessed his own family's battle, Tim dedicates his "runway" participation to his late cousins, Stacey Byiteck Assunto and Marci Ann Byiteck, lost too soon to aggressive cancers.</p><p>Join Tim in the fight—donate here: <a href="https://donorbox.org/on-the-runway-familiar-faces/fundraiser/tim-salem-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://donorbox.org/on-the-runway-familiar-faces/fundraiser/tim-salem-1</a>.</p><p><strong><em>Your support makes a real impact—every donation helps those in need navigate their cancer journey with care and hope.</em></strong></p><p>This exciting event will showcase spring and summer fashion curated by&nbsp;<strong>Elegant Ridgefield</strong>, modeled by familiar faces from the local community. Attendees can also look forward to an entertaining show hosted by&nbsp;<strong>comedian Christine O’Leary</strong>, live and silent auctions, and a raffle featuring fantastic prizes.</p><p>Tickets available for purchase through the Ridgefield Playhouse Box Office: .<a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/event/on-the-runway-familiar-faces-benefitting-anns-place-ridgefield-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">On the Runway - Familiar Faces Benefitting Ann's Place | Ridgefield, CT | Ridgefield Playhouse</a></p><p>To learn more about Ann's Place please click on link&nbsp;<em>-&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.annsplace.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ann's Place</a></p>

<p><strong>Are You Ready For Wooster School In The Spring? We Are!</strong></p><p>Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the perfect time to visit Wooster School! We are excited to show you a vibrant learning environment filled with engaging opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom. We're looking forward to a fantastic spring trimester filled with learning, growth, and community spirit!</p><p><a href="https://www.woosterschool.org/admission/upcoming-events" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Come learn more about Wooster School this Spring</a>.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Middle and Upper School Virtual Panel - The Student Experience</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Thursday, April 10 at 6:00 pm</span></p><p><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/C8JsIj_eQfWFJn8vgSHDhA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Register Today</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Coffee With Wooster at Starbucks (75 Church Hill Road, Newtown, CT) on Friday, April 25 from 9:30 - 11:00 am</span></p><p><a href="https://www.woosterschool.org/fs/pages/698" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Register Today</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Coffee With Wooster at Tusk &amp; Cup (142 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton, CT) on Friday, April 25 from 9:30 - 11:00 am</span></p><p><a href="https://www.woosterschool.org/fs/pages/695" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Register Today</a></p><p><strong><em>Find Where You Belong and Achieve Excellence at Wooster!</em></strong></p><p>To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.woosterschool.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.woosterschool.org/</a>&nbsp;or contact Wooster School Admissions at (203) 830-3916.</p>

<p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">nancy O, Popular Ridgefield Boutique, Celebrates 20 Years</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Nancy O’Connell is busy counting the days until Saturday, April 12. That’s the kick-off date for the 20th anniversary celebration of nancy O, her fashion, gift, and knitting boutique. To understand what a big deal that is, the life expectancy of a small business in Connecticut is 5.73 years, according to a recent University of Connecticut study.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The April 12 celebration will include entertainment, refreshments, and, at 1 p.m., a Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce ceremonial ribbon cutting and proclamation by special guest First Selectman Rudy Marconi.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">In the spring of 2005, nancy O first opened on Big Shop Lane. After outgrowing that location, it moved to Catoonah Street in 2012 and in 2019 grew again with a move to the Marketplace at Copps Hill, its current location.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Ms. O’Connell credits nancy O’s success to the enduring relationships it has with customers and the community. “The staff gets to know our customers, and we enjoy helping them choose clothing, fashion accessories, jewelry, and baby gifts,” she said. “As a full-service knitting shop with a wide selection of yarns from around the world, our knowledgeable staff assists customers in choosing knitting projects, the right yarn, and provides other help as needed. We also offer a full schedule of knitting classes.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Ms. O’Connell is known for her keen eye for fashion as well as for being influential in Ridgefield’s retail community. She is a former president of the Chamber of Commerce, one of several leadership roles she has played.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Even before April 12, there is an air of excitement at nancy O. “Colorful new spring sweaters, tops, accessories, and gifts are arriving, and we are moving our fall and winter inventory for final clearance sales,” said Ms. O’Connell. “So, come to the store to take advantage of the sales, see the new inventory, and be sure to stop by on April 12.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The staff at nancy O, front row (l. to r.): Missy Holmes, Nancy O’Connell, and Cathy Charles; back row (l. to r.): Siw Potter, Anita Huseback, and Ellen De Gennaro.</span></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra returns to the Playhouse for their eighth career performance on Saturday, August 16 at 7:30 pm!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The group is known as the most popular and sought after big band in the world today, for both concert and swing dance engagements. With its unique jazz sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is one of the greatest bands of all time. Come hear Glenn Miller classics like “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” and more!&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Member tickets are available </span><a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/event/glenn-miller-orchestra-3/?utm_source=constantcontact&amp;utm_medium=tuesdayblast&amp;utm_campaign=masterblast04012025&amp;utm_id=masterblast04012025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. Tickets are available to the general public on Friday, April 1 at 10:00 am</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>