Events at The NEST ARTS FACTORY
Saturday, November 11, 2023
11:00pm to 5:00pm | Open Studios + Exhibitions
Sunday, November 12, 2023
11:00am to 1:00pm | Artists’ Welcome Brunch
1:00pm to 5:00pm | Open Studios + Exhibitions
During the annual Bridgeport Art Trail, the artists and musicians of the NEST will be hosting Open Studios and a Gallery Show. Visitors are invited to stop by, ask questions and see/hear how the art is created. In addition, there will be live music, art demonstrations and much more. Free onsite and street parking is available.
“Chaos” fiber art installation by Carlos Biernnay
Come to the NEST Arts Factory to be immersed in the CHAOS of Carlos Biernnay! He has installed an entire gallery room full of art on the walls and the ceiling. His work will also be on view at Read's ArtSpace, City Lights Gallery and 211 State St.
Bridgeport Portrait Project
Meet photographers Jay Misencik and Geralene Valentine who have documented the history, people, and places of Bridgeport for decades. View samples of their masterful body of work.
“Consapevolezza” group exhibit
The vision of Filipino-American, Sylvester Salcedo, retired lawyer and US Naval officer, is realized through 4’ x 6’ nude portraits, where he has offered himself as the model and inspiration for the content, chronicling his life and exposing an Asian option to the canon of nude figurative art. Throughout history, few monumental works of Asian nudes have been done. He is dedicated to raising the awareness of the people and history of the Philippines and the representation of Asian figures by commissioning 10 artists to interpret a pose based on the figure sculpture by Philippine National Artist Guillermo Tolentino, who studied at the Florence Academy.
Nephophilia
The photography and motion images of South African-born Isa Aldyn. Experience the sights and sounds of clouds and sky in a fully interactive setting. Nephophilia is the love of clouds. Curated by Will Corprew of 80 By Design at Nest Art Factory
SATURDAY, NOV. 11 | SPECIAL EVENTS
12:00 PM - 3:30 PM / Sock Puppet Workshop
In this family friendly drop-in workshop participants learn the basics of making a simple puppet, creating their own character, and practicing performing and telling their story. Facilitated by Ibaya Ibo Mandingo and Carlos Biernnay.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM / Brett Masterson Guitar
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM / A.I. Experience “Drawing Under Drones”
Exhilarating AI/Drawing experience with Conor Flynn "Drawing Under Drones" is an immersive and groundbreaking Meta Quest game that combines the thrill of creative expression with the excitement of high-speed action. In this unique virtual world, you can unleash your artistic imagination by drawing in 3D space and on towering walls of city buildings, all while dealing with the relentless presence of aerial drones.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM / Hands-on Mural Painting
Come help us paint a mural to hang at our NEST! This mural is for all ages and abilities, bringing the community together. Hosted by Lori Bloom and RiseUP for Arts, Studio 33 and the Bridgeport Art Trail.
2:30 - 4:00 PM / Pangea World Music
Pangea is an up and coming, high energy, genre-bending ensemble based out of the NEST Arts Factory in Bridgeport, CT. Founded by Kris Studebaker and Nicholas Yost, Pangea seeks to resonate with the ineffable psychedelic rhythms of the universe.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM / Artists’ Party for Black Rock Art Guild and the NEST
Join the party, meet the artists, enjoy reception lite bites and drink, music by Steve Weaver on guitar in the hall gallery.
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM / Bassick High School Jazz Band
Bassick High School Jazz band, comprised of high school students and their music instructors, bring a dynamic showcase of jazz and pop. The student music program is sponsored by KEYS #37.
7:00 PM / Live Acoustic Music with Brian Dolzani
Singer/songwriter Brian Dolzani, described as “passionate about every gig”, plays originals and Neil Young favorites.
SUNDAY, 11/12 | SPECIAL EVENTS
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM / Artists’ Brunch
Get caffeinated or enjoy a Prosecco mimosa in the community room, with live ukulele tunes by Abe Deshotel. Abe creates giant washes of color and emotion with his uke. His songs will surround you in a warm embrace.
11:00 AM. - 5:00 PM / Open Exhibits
“Chaos” fiber art installation by Carlos Biernnay, Bridgeport Portrait Project, “Consapevolezza” group exhibit, NEST Pop Up Shop - Nephophilia
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM / Sock Puppet Workshop
In this family friendly drop-in workshop participants learn the basics of making a simple puppet, creating their own character, and practicing performing and telling their story. Facilitated by Ibaya Ibo Mandingo and Carlos Biernnay.
1:00 PM / Poetry in the Community Room
Featuring Gene Joseph, Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, Diane Tate and others.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM / Open Studios
On the last day of BAT, tour the halls and NEST artists’ working spaces.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM / Hands-on Mural Painting
Come help us paint a mural to hang at our NEST! This mural is for all ages and abilities, bringing the community together. Hosted by Lori Bloom and RiseUP for Arts, Studio 33 and the Bridgeport Art Trail.
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM / Puppet Roots by Iyaba Ibo Mandingo
The artist/storyteller/poet/puppet-maker presents his puppet characters, discussing their inspiration and origins and the history of storytelling.
