RiverFire Glass

Create a vibrant, freestanding glass garden that feels alive with color, texture, and movement. Designed specifically for advanced beginners and intermediate students, this is a focused, skill-building class where we work step by step toward a finished piece together.
In the first session, you’ll design and create your dimensional elements, adding depth and personality to your scene. After the initial firing, we return for session two to thoughtfully compose and assemble your full panel, about 8" x 5", before its final firing.This is an advanced beginner (or higher) class. We will certainly do a refresher for those for whom it's been a minute since your last glass cutting experience but we are not doing a full beginner class. &nbsp;The focus will be on sifting, making wafers, creating cabochons, all the elements that make this piece extra special.&nbsp;This photo shows a half completed piece. there will be more color and components when it is done.

Local Event: Glass Garden Panels, 2 session class

Middlesex County

Essex-Chester-Deep River

Connecticut

Glass Garden Panels, 2 session class

Create a vibrant, freestanding glass garden that feels alive with color, texture, and movement. Designed specifically for...

Join Kim Larkin, commercial chocolatier and tea aficionado, of Klassic Kreations, in sharing a pot of tea to learn about and celebrate the bold women who birthed the suffrage revolution. Registration is required.&nbsp;Link to register:&nbsp;<a href="https://deepriverlibrary.libcal.com/event/16786901" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">deepriverlibrary.libcal.com/event/16786901</a>

Local Event: The Women Who Stirred the Teapot

The Women Who Stirred the Teapot

Join Kim Larkin, commercial chocolatier and tea aficionado, of Klassic Kreations, in sharing a pot of tea to learn about and...

Kaleidoscope

Fused Glass Nature Scene of Choice - May 28th 10am-12pm
Join local glass artist Carrie Yenovich for a fulfilled day focusing on creativity and the art of glass fusing.
Discover the art of fused glass in this engaging hands-on workshop! Learn to create your own vibrant land scape using a glass edge piece and a variety of other colorful glass pieces and expert guidance. Watch how your design comes to life as light dances through the finished piece. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts, all materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary.
 Beginner Class ~ You'll learn How to score and cut glass safely Which glass materials are suitable for glass fusion Tools are necessary for glass art How to plan and layer your glass art design A brief overview of the process of glass kiln firing to fuse those glass layers together
 Skill Level: Beginner Ages: 14 and up. (8-13 with a paid adult) Instructor: Carrie Yenovich **Pick-up in 2 weeks. Each piece has to be fired twice!** ****Long pants, shoes, and rubber/garden gloves required.****

Local Event: Fused Glass Nature Scene of Choice - May 28th 10am-12pm

Fused Glass Nature Scene of Choice - May 28th...

Fused Glass Nature Scene of Choice - May 28th 10am-12pm
Join local glass artist Carrie Yenovich for a fulfilled day focusing on...

Fused Glass Nature Scene of Choice - May 28th 10am-12pm

Valley Shore YMCA

Join us for a fun-filled day of activities including a petting zoo, rock climbing, and a bouncy slide. This free community event features local fire and police departments, eye screenings, snacks, games and much more. Admission is free.&nbsp; Donations to the Shoreline Food Pantry are encouraged!

Local Event: Healthy Kids Day

Westbrook

Healthy Kids Day

Join us for a fun-filled day of activities including a petting zoo, rock climbing, and a bouncy slide. This free community...

shell&bee studio

Cookie Decorating with Sweet Pea &amp; Poppy Cookie Co | $65.00 | May 30th 10:00-11:30Please join Danielle of Sweet Pea &amp; Poppy Cookie Co of Clinton, on Saturday May 30th 10:00-11:30 for a cookie decorating workshop! Tickets are $65.00 per personThe class includes six large pre-baked cookies, all icing and decorating tools, a practice sheet, step-by-step instruction, a bakery box to take your creations home, and a special goodie bag for each participant.This workshop will take place at SoMA 500 Main Street Suite 1-3 Deep River, CTTo register email shellbeestudio@gmail.com or visit link belowmust have a minimum of 6 attendees

Local Event: Cookie Decorating: Lemonade Theme

Cookie Decorating: Lemonade Theme

Cookie Decorating with Sweet Pea & Poppy Cookie Co | $65.00 | May 30th 10:00-11:30Please join Danielle of Sweet Pea & Poppy...

SoMA

SoMA Marks Five Years with Community Art Celebration — Saturday, May 30 The three businesses of SoMA are celebrating five creative years with an afternoon of art, music, and community on Saturday, May 30, from 2:00–5:00 pm. Visitors can enjoy pop-up flash tattoos with Sean Ford of Gasoline Alley Tattoo, kids’ temporary tattoos, live music by Frank Natter Jr. of Face Art Music, and a face painter; while RiverFire Glass and Shell &amp; Bee open their studios to the public. River Valley Dance Project will present a special video performance inside the dance studio. Gallery walls throughout SoMA will feature a wide range of artwork by students from Shell &amp; Bee Studio’s 2025–2026 classes, alongside glass fusion by Jeni GrayRoberts, mixed media pieces by Chelbi Wade, and dance photography and a slide show by Linalynn Schmelzer. “This space was built to bring people together through creativity, and over the past five years it has grown into something even more meaningful than we imagined. This celebration is a chance for the community to experience that energy, meet the artists, and be part of what we are continuing to build here,” said Chelbi Wade, founder of SoMA. The event is free and family-friendly, welcoming the community to experience the creative spirit that defines SoMA. Location: SoMA (South of Main Art Collective), 500 Main Street, Deep River, CT Date/Time: Saturday, May 30, 2:00 to 5:00 pm

Local Event: Anniversary Party and Annual Art Show

Anniversary Party and Annual Art Show

SoMA Marks Five Years with Community Art Celebration — Saturday, May 30 The three businesses of SoMA are celebrating five...

Bloom Pour Painting Class – Create Your Own 4 pc Coaster Set

Bloom Pour Painting Class – Create Your Own 4 pc Coaster Set
Join us for a fun and creative one-day class at Kaleidoscope, 56 Middlesex Turnpike, Chester! On Saturday May 30Th from 2–4 PM, you’ll learn the beautiful Bloom Pour Painting technique while making a set of four coasters.
Choose your own colors and embellishments to make each piece uniquely yours. You’ll be able to pick-up one week later - once they’re fully dried, simply seal them with your choice of varnish spray for a lasting finish.
Cost: $50 per person Skill: Beginner Class Instructor: Kim Barboza

Local Event: Create Your Own Coaster Set - Bloom Technique

Create Your Own Coaster Set - Bloom Technique

Bloom Pour Painting Class – Create Your Own 4 pc Coaster Set
Join us for a fun and creative one-day class at Kaleidoscope, 56...

Bloom Pour Painting Class – Create Your Own 4 pc Coaster Set

Join us for a fun and creative one-day class at Kaleidoscope, 56 Middlesex Turnpike, Chester! On Saturday 30th from 11:30-1:30 PM, you’ll learn the beautiful Bloom Pour Painting technique while making a set of four coasters.

Choose your own colors and embellishments to make each piece uniquely yours. You’ll be able to pick-up one week later - once they’re fully dried, simply seal them with your choice of varnish spray for a lasting finish.

<ul><li>Cost: $50 per person</li><li>Skill: Beginner Class</li><li>Instructor: Kim Barboza</li></ul>



A perfect way to spend an afternoon exploring color, creativity, and flow!

Local Event: Create Your Own! Coaster Set - Bloom Technique -

Create Your Own! Coaster Set - Bloom Technique -

Bloom Pour Painting Class – Create Your Own 4 pc Coaster Set

Join us for a fun and creative one-day class at Kaleidoscope, 56...

Osage Trails, Foxboro Road, Essex

<blockquote>Help us in our continuing efforts to remove invasive plants in our preserves and help to reestablish native habitat. We will be working at Osage Trails removing burning bush and other invasives. Bring gloves, loppers, pruners, mattocks and such.This event is weather dependent and the rain date is June 3. Please check our Facebook page for updates. Dogs are not permitted at this event.</blockquote>

Local Event: Invasives Removal at Osage Trails with Essex Land Trust

Invasives Removal at Osage Trails with Essex...

Help us in our continuing efforts to remove invasive plants in our preserves and help to reestablish native habitat.  We will...

Invasives Removal at Osage Trails with Essex Land Trust

Essex Library Association

Program for kids ages birth-3.
A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers!
This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration required. 
Due to space, please choose 1 session per day to attend.

Local Event: Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

Program for kids ages birth-3.
A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers!
This story time...

Local Event: Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3) 

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3) 

Program for kids ages birth-5.
Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime encourages exploration, creativity, and early learning through touch, sound, and movement. Kids are invited to move from station to station, at their own pace, to scoop, squish, pour, and play with a variety of textures and materials in a safe, supportive space alongside their caregivers. This program supports sensory development, fine motor skills, and social interaction—come play, learn, and make a (little) mess with us!
Program funded in part by the <a href="https://middlesexcountycf.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Community Foundation of Middlesex County</a>, and made possible by the GSB Grant Making Fund, and the Whelen Family Fund.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration required. Drop in!

Local Event: Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth - 5)

Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth - 5)

Program for kids ages birth-5.
Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime...

Join&nbsp;us for a fascinating discussion with Smithsonian Curator Mary Savig on&nbsp;the history and significance of craft at state fairs—from blue-ribbon&nbsp;quilts to sculpted butter cows, and so much more! <a href="https://libraryc.org/essexlib/161196/register" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">REGISTER HERE</a>! This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required for all virtual author talks.About the Author: Mary&nbsp;Savig is The Fleur and Charles Bresler Curator-in-Charge of the&nbsp;Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery. She holds a PhD in&nbsp;American Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Local Event: The Best State Fair Crafts with Smithsonian Curator Mary Savig (Virtual Author)

The Best State Fair Crafts with Smithsonian...

Join us for a fascinating discussion with Smithsonian Curator Mary Savig on the history and significance of craft at state...

The Best State Fair Crafts with Smithsonian Curator Mary Savig (Virtual Author)

Pride Piano Thank Glass Thursdays June 4th 10am-12pm
Welcome to Thank Glass Thursday -The Pride addition
Discover the art of using up your scrap glass by fusing them into engaging master pieces! Learn to create your own vibrant Piano Peace using 7 vibrant colors of glass pieces and expert guidance. Watch how your design comes to life as light dances through the finished piece. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts, all materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary.

Beginner Class ~ You'll learn How to score and cut glass safely Which glass materials are suitable for glass fusion Tools are necessary for glass art How to plan and layer your glass art design A brief overview of the process of glass kiln firing to fuse those glass layers together
***Long pants, shoes, and rubber/garden gloves required.***

Local Event: Pride Piano Thank Glass Thursdays June 4th 10am-12pm - Fused Glass

Pride Piano Thank Glass Thursdays June 4th...

Pride Piano Thank Glass Thursdays June 4th 10am-12pm
Welcome to Thank Glass Thursday -The Pride addition
Discover the art of...

Pride Piano Thank Glass Thursdays June 4th 10am-12pm - Fused Glass

It’s an Adult Craft&nbsp;Night!&nbsp;Register for either a 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. time slot to make&nbsp;pressed flower lanterns from up-cycled glass yogurt jars with Adult&nbsp;Services Librarian Elizabeth Reinhart. We’ll provide the materials&nbsp;(while supplies last) and instruction for this easy-to-learn, no stress,&nbsp;casual craft program for adults (aged 18 and up). Participants are also&nbsp;invited to bring their own crafts to work on during the 45-minute time&nbsp;slot. Register online at youressexlibrary.org or by calling the Library at 860-767-1560.

Local Event: Essex Library Adult Craft Night: Pressed Flower Lantern (Session 1)

Essex Library Adult Craft Night: Pressed Flower...

It’s an Adult Craft Night! Register for either a 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. time slot to make pressed flower lanterns from...

Essex Library Adult Craft Night: Pressed Flower Lantern (Session 1)

It’s an Adult Craft
 Night!&nbsp;Register for either a 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. time slot to make 
pressed flower lanterns from up-cycled glass yogurt jars with Adult 
Services Librarian Elizabeth Reinhart. We’ll provide the materials 
(while supplies last) and instruction for this easy-to-learn, no stress,
 casual craft program for adults (aged 18 and up). Participants are also
 invited to bring their own crafts to work on during the 45-minute time 
slot. 
This program is free and open to the public at 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Register online at youressexlibrary.org or by calling the Library at 860-767-1560.

Local Event: Essex Library Adult Craft Night: Pressed Flower Lantern Jar (Session 2)

It’s an Adult Craft
 Night! Register for either a 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. time slot to make 
pressed flower lanterns from...

Essex Library Adult Craft Night: Pressed Flower Lantern Jar (Session 2)

Program for kids ages 2-5, siblings always welcome!
Join special guest, children’s musician Holly DeMorro, for a special Little Learners story time all about music! We’ll sing favorite songs, dance around, and read some stories!
Join us for themed stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! We’ll learn early literacy concepts like colors, shapes, opposites, the ABCs and much more, to prepare our pre-school age children for kindergarten.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is requested to ensure enough crafts are prepared.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=All%20Locations&amp;EventID=589229&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Little Learners Story Time: Let’s Make Music! (Ages 2-5)

Little Learners Story Time: Let’s Make Music!...

Program for kids ages 2-5, siblings always welcome!
Join special guest, children’s musician Holly DeMorro, for a special Little...

Little Learners Story Time: Let’s Make Music! (Ages 2-5)

Learn how to fold fabric into a Patriotic Star with Dawn, The Stitching Coach&nbsp;in this 1-hour class. Simple enough for beginners yet fun for any crafting level. All materials will&nbsp; be supplied. Free, but registration is REQUIRED as seating is limited. Open to adults and teens.&nbsp;Link to register:&nbsp; <a href="https://deepriverlibrary.libcal.com/event/16787644" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">deepriverlibrary.libcal.com/event/16787644</a>

Local Event: Patriotic Star Craft

Patriotic Star Craft

Learn how to fold fabric into a Patriotic Star with Dawn, The Stitching Coach in this 1-hour class. Simple enough for beginners...

Program designed for kids ages 5-12.
Join educator Stacey Giaquinto of Litter Awareness, LLC for a fun and engaging program that teaches kids about littering, single-use plastics, and how small choices can create big change. This hands-on program includes activities, surprising facts, and a unique interactive clothing display made from plastics. Participants will leave inspired and take home an eco-friendly craft to help start new habits.
Stacey Giaquinto is an elementary school teacher with 28 years of experience and a passion for inspiring students to make a difference in their communities. She is the author of a children’s book based on her real-life experiences, telling the story of kids who rally their neighbors to help clean up a local brook. Using the book as a springboard for action, Stacey created Litter Awareness, an engaging educational program that teaches children about the consequences of littering and the impact of single-use plastics.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required as space is limited.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=589233&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Trash Bash: Let’s Clean Up Our Planet! (Ages 5-12)

Trash Bash: Let’s Clean Up Our Planet! (Ages 5-12)

Program designed for kids ages 5-12.
Join educator Stacey Giaquinto of Litter Awareness, LLC for a fun and engaging program...

Explore the vibrant world of watercolor painting in this introductory class on June 6th, from 12 PM to 2 PM.
Perfect for beginners, this session will guide you through the basics of watercolor techniques, including blending, layering, and brush control. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, you’ll create your own unique artwork while learning foundational skills to build your confidence. All supplies are included, so you can simply focus on enjoying the creative process.
Unleash your inner artist in a supportive and inspiring environment!
Skill Level: Beginners and intermediate Instructor: Kathy King

Local Event: Explore the vibrant world of watercolor painting in this introductory class on June 6th, from 12 PM 

Explore the vibrant world of watercolor...

Explore the vibrant world of watercolor painting in this introductory class on June 6th, from 12 PM to 2 PM.
Perfect for...

Explore the vibrant world of watercolor painting in this introductory class on June 6th, from 12 PM 

Hartford Metropolitan Area

Clinton

The Haddams-Killingworth

New Haven County

Alfred Branch

Madison

New London County

The Lymes

Richard Kaufman

Guilford

Durham-Middlefield

North Branford

East Hampton-Portland

Chris Dehnel

Middletown

Ellyn Santiago

Branford

Connecticut’s only nonprofit, fully integrated senior care

Masonicare

Headquartered in Connecticut and founded in 1898, Masonicare is the state’s only not-for-profit, fully integrated senior care continuum, guided by a longstanding, mission-driven commitment to enhancing quality of life for older adults. Masonicare offers vibrant residential communities and a comprehensive range of health and wellness services designed to promote independence, longevity, and purposeful living. Its statewide continuum includes independent living, assisted living services, skilled nursing, medical and non-medical home health, hospice, adaptive memory care, acute inpatient and outpatient senior behavioral health, outpatient rehabilitation, and audiology services, redefining how aging is experienced by advancing proactive wellness, integrated care, and meaningful connection at every stage of life.

Vincent Salzo

Wallingford

Headquartered in Connecticut and founded in 1898, Masonicare is the state’s only not-for-profit, fully integrated senior care continuum, guided by...

Custom Storage Solutions for the Whole Home

California Closets

From walk-in closets and Murphy beds to kitchen pantries, entertainment centers, and home offices, our professional closet designers are experts in the art of home organization. California Closets is distinguished by a legacy of innovation, organizational expertise, quality craftsmanship, and design authority. Our teams of professional design consultants and installers are dedicated to providing an exceptional experience throughout the entire process of creating and installing organizational systems for the whole home. Serving Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties. We are excited to share that our Greenwich showroom is now open. This vibrant space merges creativity and innovation, showcasing a carefully curated environment that emphasizes our latest products and offers an immersive experience for our customers.

Fairfield County

Hayleigh Evans

Monroe

From walk-in closets and Murphy beds to kitchen pantries, entertainment centers, and home offices, our professional closet designers are experts in...

Kaleidoscope Strategic Arts Collective in Downtown Chester

Kaleidoscope LLC

Kaleidoscope stands as Connecticut's premier art gallery and curated gift shop, dedicated to showcasing the extraordinary talents of regional artists and artisans. Strategically located in the historic downtown Chester, Connecticut, our gallery serves as a cultural cornerstone for art enthusiasts, collectors, and visitors seeking authentic, handcrafted treasures. Unparalleled Artisan Collection Our carefully curated collection features works from over 60 distinguished Connecticut artists and authors, representing the finest in regional creativity and craftsmanship. Kaleidoscope offers an ever-evolving selection of quality paintings, hand-thrown ceramics, artisan glasswork, textile arts, fine woodworking, designer jewelry, and locally-authored literature. Each piece tells a story, reflecting the rich artistic heritage and innovative spirit that defines Connecticut's creative community. Dynamic Cultural Programming Beyond our gallery walls, Kaleidoscope functions as a vibrant community hub, hosting signature events including exclusive book signings with local authors, live artist demonstrations, hands-on creative workshops, and engaging community gatherings. Our programming calendar ensures continuous opportunities for artistic discovery, skill development, and cultural enrichment. Integrated Culinary Experience Complementing your artistic journey, KaraBella's Kitchen—our in-house restaurant—provides a sophisticated dining experience, allowing guests to savor exceptional cuisine while surrounded by inspiring artwork. This unique integration of culinary and visual arts creates an immersive destination experience unmatched in the region. Visit &amp; Engage We invite art collectors, gift seekers, and culture enthusiasts to experience Kaleidoscope firsthand. Visit our downtown Chester location to explore our rotating exhibitions and discover one-of-a-kind pieces. For information about upcoming workshops, classes, and events visit our website or stop by our gallery.

Kaleidoscope stands as Connecticut's premier art gallery and curated gift shop, dedicated to showcasing the extraordinary talents of regional...

Experience The Monaco Difference. Extra Value. No Extra Cost

Monaco Ford of Niantic

Monaco Ford is a family-owned and operated Ford dealership proudly serving the Greater Connecticut and Western Massachusetts region since 1922. With over a century of automotive experience, Monaco Ford is committed to providing exceptional customer service, a transparent sales process, and a wide selection of new, used, and certified pre-owned Ford vehicles. Our dealership offers the full lineup of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles, including popular models like the F-150, Explorer, Bronco, and Super Duty series. In addition to vehicle sales, Monaco Ford provides expert automotive service and maintenance, genuine Ford parts and accessories, and a variety of financing and lease options tailored to meet each customer’s needs. Built on a legacy of integrity, community involvement, and customer satisfaction, Monaco Ford continues to uphold its mission: to deliver a better dealership experience where customers become lifelong friends.

Monaco Ford is a family-owned and operated Ford dealership proudly serving the Greater Connecticut and Western Massachusetts region since 1922....

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Events and Things to Do in Essex-Chester-Deep River, CT

Saturday, May 30

Healthy Kids Day

MAY

30

11:00 AM

Valley Shore YMCA, 201 Spencer Plains Rd, Westbrook, CT

Also around town...

Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Tuesday, May 26

Wednesday, May 27

Thursday, May 28

Saturday, May 30

Tuesday, June 2

Wednesday, June 3

Thursday, June 4

Friday, June 5

Saturday, June 6

Healthy Kids Day

Masonicare

California Closets

Kaleidoscope LLC

Monaco Ford of Niantic