Great Things Happening at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center

Stamford, Conn. — Stamford Museum & Nature Center is pleased to present an all-new line-up of special events and intergenerational programs as the organization welcomes the summer season.

Discovering Color: Two Decades of Abstraction Exhibition: On view in the SM&NC’s Bendel Galleries from June 30 – September 11, Discovering Color: Two Decades of Abstraction highlights paintings, works on paper, and prints from three pivotal art movements in America during the sixties and seventies: Abstract Expressionism, Color Field Painting, and Minimalism.  Drawing from the museum’s permanent collection, this group show will explore the ways each artist used color through texture, saturation and tone, and will feature important works by Edward Avedisian, Walter Darby Bannard, Dan Christensen, John Grillo, Lee Krasner, and more. Learn more about this feature exhibition at www.stamfordmuseum.org.

Nights Out: Meaningful Adult programming that’s all about enjoying social connection, cultural exploration, continued learning, flavor and fun. Awaken your senses and expand your horizons through unique experiences that complement our exhibitions, celebrate the seasons, and promote connections to our local natural and cultural heritage. This summer’s programs are largely curatorial-focused, including “Causes and Remedies: The Art of Fine Art Restoration with Troy Amuso” on July 14, “Paint Like the Abstract Expressionists” on August 11, and an exciting Day Trip to the Storm King Art Center on September 14. Online pre-registration is required at www.stamfordmuseum.org/nights-out.

SM&NC Flashback Series: Drive-In Movie Nights: Revel in the Nostalgia of Decades Past! Presented by Riley Volvo Cars Stamford, the SM&NC Flashback Drive-In Series spans the 60s to the 90s, including retro movies and live music performances on select Fridays this Summer! The family-friendly movie component of the series includes “The Parent Trap” on July 8 with a live animal meet & greet before showtime, “The Goonies” on July 29th with a Heckscher Farm Scavenger Hunt until showtime, and “Back to the Future” on August 12, featuring retro giveaways and an ice cream social. For tickets, visit www.stamfordmuseum.org/drivein.

SM&NC Flashback Series: Live Outdoor Music:  Live Music Out in the Open and Under the Stars, presented by Riley Volvo Cars Stamford! On July 22, the SM&NC welcomes back Stella Blue’s Band, the area’s premier Grateful Dead tribute band, for a live Drive-In Concert. Then later this summer, September 23 will be the ultimate 80’s night, featuring “Pour Some 80s on Me.” Each car receives two parking spaces – one for your car and the other for your chairs. For more information and tickets, visit www.stamfordmuseum.org/music.

July Mini Golf on the Meadow: Come play nine holes of Mini Golf on the Meadow throughout the entire month of July, from 10 am – 4 pm daily, here at the SM&NC! Tickets are $5/person, and are sold on-site only. First come, first served! www.stamfordmuseum.org/golf

3rd Annual Farmhouse Lobster & Clam Bake: Celebrate the flavors of summer at our third annual Knobloch Family Farmhouse Lobster & Clam Bake! Enjoy a delightful feast with friends and family on the Farmhouse Plaza. This casual outdoor New England supper overlooking Heckscher Farm supports the bedrock educational programming and operations of the SM&NC. www.stamfordmuseum.org.

Sunday Farm Market: The SM&NC Sunday Farm Market is back, and admission to the market is free for all, as always! Visit the SM&NC each Sunday between 10 am – 2 pm to support local agriculture and pick up a variety of products and produce. Come welcome back our favorite vendors along with some new friends. The SM&NC Heckscher Farm tent will offer our very own maple syrup, SM&NC’s Heckscher Farm blend coffee, Arethusa products, and more. For more information and a list of vendors, visit www.stamfordmuseum.org/sunday-farm-market.

Locally Grown Break-Out Day: This all-new Break-Out Day on September 11 will celebrate our local vegetables, fruit and produce, as well as the farmers who grow them. Join us for a variety of themed workshops, presentations, crafts, food, and fun! This special day’s hours of 11 am – 2pm coincide with the SM&NC Sunday Farm Market, during which time SM&NC Members will receive 20% off all purchases at the Heckscher Farm tent. www.stamfordmuseum.org/sunday-farm-market.

Getting there

The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is located at 39 Scofieldtown Road in Stamford, CT (3/4 mile North of Merritt Parkway Exit 35.) The SM&NC’s North Entrance is located at 151 Scofieldtown Road (1/4 mile up Scofieldtown Road past main entrance, on the right.) For more information call 203.977.6521 or visit www.stamfordmuseum.org.

Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity and interaction, seeking to inspire creativity, foster self-discovery, and nurture an appreciation for lifelong learning through exhibitions, educational programs, and special events that enhance the visitor’s experience of our unique site.