Intermediate Tarot Reading Workshop
Vicinanza Studios & Gallery will host an Intermediate Tarot Reading Class led by Christina Arroyo on October 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ms. Arroyo has led multiple introduction to tarot workshops and is now providing this next level of training.
Designed for readers who already understand tarot basics, the class will help students deepen your skills, strengthen your intuition and develop greater confidence in interpreting the cards. Each participant will receive a comprehensive 400+ page student workbook.
Students are encouraged to bring their own tarot deck. Decks will also be available for purchase for $10.
Advance registration is required. $50, register here.
About Vicinanza Studios & Gallery
Vicinanza Studios & Gallery offers a creative setting for classes, exhibitions and community experiences that encourage artistic and personal exploration.
VSG’s Second Sunday Poetry and Music
VSG’s Second Sunday Poetry and Music takes place every 2nd Sunday at the Gallery. Renowned poets and local talents alike will find a platform for their poetry, prose, spoken word, and acoustic performances creating a vibrant atmosphere of creativity and expression. By hosting these events, VSG aims to foster a sense of community and promote the art of poetry in Southbury and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned poet, an aspiring writer, a storyteller, or simply a lover of the spoken word, mark your calendar for our open mic afternoons.
Free and open to the public (Suggested Donation)
Nadia Sims, poet and spoken word artist and poet laureate of Manchester, will be a featured poet along with Southbury poet Edward Dzitko. An open mic will follow.
Sims, who has been writing for most of her life, began performing in 2020 after gaining confidence at open mics. She quickly focused on spreading her message of grace and self-forgiveness in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. The Princeton graduate is the author of A Soft Place to Land and We Know the Dark. She released a spoken word album in February 2023, and in March 2024, was appointed Manchester's poet laureate.
Dzitko is a managing partner of Orenaug Mountain Publishing (OMP) and the contest coordinator for the Connecticut Poetry Society. He has done creative, newspaper, marketing, public relations, and technical writing for more than 40 years. In 2021, he started focusing more on poetry. He is the author of Swinging Away: Baseball in Poetry and Prose, So Strongly Do the Bugles Call, and Time with Thay. He has also edited several OMP anthologies, including Brand New Season, a baseball collection, and Pleasant Pastimes: Poems About the Sports We Love.
Writing Through Grief
2nd & 4th Tuesdays — grief writing program led by author and writing coach Cindy Eastman.
This group is an extension of a workshop held in 2023 when participants expressed a desire to keep going. Research shows that writing can be a healing way to deal with challenging life situations such as loss. Grief is often experienced in community and this writing group will allow participants to explore their own writing as a path through grief. New participants welcome.
$10 per session (12 People Limit)
Song Making Workshop
Song Making with Annie Grilli
Annie Grilli has been a singer/songwriter since childhood and has been fortunate to write and perform for many varied venues throughout her eclectic career. Some of these places include: The Bronx Zoo, Mystic Aquarium, United Nations, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Avery Fisher Hall, Lone Star Cafe, Bitter End, and Folk City. Also, Annie has toured in Switzerland, Norway, Bonaire, and Puerto Rico.
In addition to presenting an overview of basic elements and structures of music and lyrics, with examples of how each can be used to enhance the other, Annie will share tips and techniques she’s used for creating and crafting original songs. Sources of inspiration for subject matter will be explored, as well as approaches and exercises that bring a song to life in a way that best expresses what you are trying to convey.
A thought-provoking questionnaire will be sent out to attendees before the workshop and a handout with additional prompts, resources, and exercises will be provided at the end of the workshop. Music lovers of all levels are a good fit for this program. If you’ve got a heart, you’ll feel the beat.
Register here! $45
Sunday Writes - Morning Freewrite & Critique Group
Inspiration abounds in the artwork on the walls, art books, in shared experiences with other writers, and in our everyday experience of the world around us.
Whether we write poetry or prose, it isn’t always easy to carve out time for ourselves to write. Sunday mornings provide an opportunity for writers of all skill levels and genres to simply write, and have time to share a new work or work in progress for peer review and feedback, as well as find encouragement and support to progress our own craft and our goals as fellow writers.
Come write your poems, your personal stories, your children’s stories, your memoir by joining us on Sunday mornings for guided writing prompts and focused writing time followed by a group critique session for finished work (1 page of poetry or prose, bring copies to share if you want feedback on a piece of writing you are working on). Be prepared to stay up through noon depending on the number of writers bringing finished works to workshop.
Register Here! OR pay when you arrive $15.
Karaoke @ the Gallery
Join us at Vicinanza Studios and Gallery for our exciting Karaoke Night. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just looking to have some fun, our karaoke program is the perfect place to showcase your talent and enjoy a night of music and entertainment.
Event Highlights:
Date & Time: Every third Thursday, 6 PM - 9 PM - sign up starts at 5:30
Location: Vicinanza Studios and Gallery
Open to All: Singers of all skill levels are welcome
Wide Song Selection: From classic hits to the latest chart-toppers
Friendly Atmosphere: Supportive and lively community of music lovers
Grab your friends, pick your favorite songs, and get ready to shine under the spotlight at Vicinanza Studios and Gallery's Karaoke Night! It's the perfect way to unwind, have fun, and meet new people. See you there!
Writing Craft & Critique with Irene Sherlock, MFA (10 - 12)
Writing Craft & Critique with Irene Sherlock, MFA
All proceeds support future programming at Vicinanza Studios and Gallery
Do you enjoy writing but are wondering how to take your work to the next level? Would you benefit from informed feedback in a collegial, supportive workshop? Whether your interest is in memoir, personal essays, or fiction, published author Irene Sherlock has designed a program to help advance your writing. Each participant will leave with new insights into how to better craft and convey the meaning of their message.
At each session, participants will analyze poetry or prose, examining ways in which different writing styles share common traits of storytelling. Bring one page of poetry or prose to workshop. This setting allows for ideas to flourish and for each member to benefit from a professional workshop experience.
The workshop is limited to participants.
Coffee and tea will be provided.
$20 - register here
Here’s what two former group members have to say about these workshops:
“Irene delivered supportive feedback in an honest, upbeat manner that never left me feeling deflated or discouraged –– quite the opposite. Her ability to focus on the minute details, as well as the overall direction of a piece, helped me achieve a greater understanding of the craft. Irene’s thorough feedback, guidance and generosity exceeded anything I could have hoped for.” Colleen W., workshop participant
“Irene Sherlock’s writing class changed my life. Although my job is time-consuming and exhausting, I now find time to write in my journal and prepare for my future as a writer. Irene was so generous with her time and knowledge about what it takes to fine-tune and polish a piece of writing.” Joyce W., workshop participant
Collective Wisdom for Changing Times - Book Launch
Collective Wisdom for Changing Times - a book launch with contributing author DeAnne Gauya (https://www.gauyafit.com/)
DeAnne’s chapter is titled “The Phoenix Rises” - DeAnne will read from the books and generate an open dialogue about resiliance. Books will be for sale - a portion of sales goes to support Safe Haven of Waterbury.
Free and open to the public
Writing Through Grief
2nd & 4th Tuesdays — grief writing program led by author and writing coach Cindy Eastman.
This group is an extension of a workshop held in 2023 when participants expressed a desire to keep going. Research shows that writing can be a healing way to deal with challenging life situations such as loss. Grief is often experienced in community and this writing group will allow participants to explore their own writing as a path through grief. New participants welcome.
$10 per session (12 People Limit)
VSG’s Secon Annual Artisans Holiday Craft Fair
Join us for the Second Annual VSG’s Artisans Holiday Craft Fair! Free Apple Cider and Cookies
Discover a curated selection of unique, handcrafted goods from talented local artisans. This is your chance to find the perfect, one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your holiday list.
Free Art Demonstrations (glass painting 11 am, scratch board 1 pm, fluid art/acrylic pour 3 pm)
You'll find a wide variety of items, including:
Artisan altars
Hand-crafted pottery
Beautiful blown glass
Unique ornaments
Artistic notecards
Scarves and other textiles (vest from Ukraine, handmade winter hats)
Original artwork
Handmade body essentials and scented candles
Intricate woodcrafts
And much more!
Come and support our local artisan community while enjoying a festive atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you there!
Print this and bring it with you for a free artist’s note card.
Studio Time @ the Gallery
Studio Time @ the Gallery
Looking for a beautiful, inspiring place to create? Join us for Studio Time @ the Gallery—an open, self-directed creative session where artists, writers, and creatives are welcome to spend the day immersed in art.
Bring your paints, sketchbook, journal, laptop, or manuscript and enjoy a peaceful environment designed to spark creativity. Whether you're working on your next masterpiece, writing your novel, or simply seeking a change of scenery, our gallery offers the perfect space to focus and create.
Enjoy:
A welcoming, art-filled atmosphere
Comfortable workspace
Free Wi-Fi
A quiet, inspiring setting
The freedom to work at your own pace
Come for an hour or stay for the day. Studio Time is your opportunity to create, connect with your creativity, and be inspired by the artwork that surrounds you.
Bring your supplies—we'll provide the inspiration.
If you are seeking guidance with your art or your writing, book time with me (Faith Vicinanza) - fees depend on what you want support with and for how long.
The Vagina Monologues
The Vagina Monologues is an episodic play by V (formerly Eve Ensler) that explores women's sexuality, experiences, and the social stigma surrounding them through a series of monologues based on interviews with hundreds of women. Premiering in 1996, the work is celebrated for its humor, poignancy, and frank discussion of topics like abuse, body image, and pleasure, and it inspired the global activist movement V-Day to end violence against women and girls.
For tickets, go to TICKETS
Sunday Writes - Morning Freewrite & Critique Group
Inspiration abounds in the artwork on the walls, art books, in shared experiences with other writers, and in our everyday experience of the world around us.
Whether we write poetry or prose, it isn’t always easy to carve out time for ourselves to write. Sunday mornings provide an opportunity for writers of all skill levels and genres to simply write, and have time to share a new work or work in progress for peer review and feedback, as well as find encouragement and support to progress our own craft and our goals as fellow writers.
Come write your poems, your personal stories, your children’s stories, your memoir by joining us on Sunday mornings for guided writing prompts and focused writing time followed by a group critique session for finished work (1 page of poetry or prose, bring copies to share if you want feedback on a piece of writing you are working on). Be prepared to stay up through noon depending on the number of writers bringing finished works to workshop.
Register Here! OR pay when you arrive $15.
Studio Time @ the Gallery
Studio Time @ the Gallery
Looking for a beautiful, inspiring place to create? Join us for Studio Time @ the Gallery—an open, self-directed creative session where artists, writers, and creatives are welcome to spend the day immersed in art.
Bring your paints, sketchbook, journal, laptop, or manuscript and enjoy a peaceful environment designed to spark creativity. Whether you're working on your next masterpiece, writing your novel, or simply seeking a change of scenery, our gallery offers the perfect space to focus and create.
Enjoy:
A welcoming, art-filled atmosphere
Comfortable workspace
Free Wi-Fi
A quiet, inspiring setting
The freedom to work at your own pace
Come for an hour or stay for the day. Studio Time is your opportunity to create, connect with your creativity, and be inspired by the artwork that surrounds you.
Bring your supplies—we'll provide the inspiration.
If you are seeking guidance with your art or your writing, book time with me (Faith Vicinanza) - fees depend on what you want support with and for how long.
Karaoke @ the Gallery
DRESS UP - IT’S A HOLLOWEEN KARAOKE and TERRY’S BIRTHDAY!!!! Join us at Vicinanza Studios and Gallery for our exciting Karaoke Night. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just looking to have some fun, our karaoke program is the perfect place to showcase your talent and enjoy a night of music and entertainment.
Event Highlights:
Date & Time: Every third Thursday, 6 PM - 9 PM - sign up starts at 5:30
Location: Vicinanza Studios and Gallery
Open to All: Singers of all skill levels are welcome
Wide Song Selection: From classic hits to the latest chart-toppers
Friendly Atmosphere: Supportive and lively community of music lovers
Grab your friends, pick your favorite songs, and get ready to shine under the spotlight at Vicinanza Studios and Gallery's Karaoke Night! It's the perfect way to unwind, have fun, and meet new people. See you there!
Writing Through Grief
2nd & 4th Tuesdays — grief writing program led by author and writing coach Cindy Eastman.
This group is an extension of a workshop held in 2023 when participants expressed a desire to keep going. Research shows that writing can be a healing way to deal with challenging life situations such as loss. Grief is often experienced in community and this writing group will allow participants to explore their own writing as a path through grief. New participants welcome.
$10 per session (12 People Limit)
So You Want to Write a Children’s Book
So you want to writes a children’s book - Co-hosted by authors Annie Grilli and Faith Vicinanza
Limited to 10 participants, currently full.
If you want to follow along with the meeting topics for each meeting, they will be posted here. In August, we each discussed the children’s books we loved, why, what is our own vision for a children’s book.
The meetings will take place regularly on the 4th Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. - next meeting is Sept 27.
Homework for the September meeting - jot down what stage are you at in the process - ideation, draft story, finised story, need an illustrator, looking for an agent, looking for a published, contract negotiations. What do you think is needed to take you to the next stage in your project.
Different people are at different stages, some just starting out, some writing the story, some in need of an illustrator, some on the verge of publishing, but whatever the stage you are at, the meetings will be progressive focusing on foundational topics.
Brooks Williams Concert
Brooks Williams Concert https://brookswilliams.com
60 people limit $20 Heritage Villlage Residents // $25 Non-residents.
Gauya Fit Client Appreciation. Party - Private Event
SPECIAL EVENT
Gauya Fit Client Appreciation Party
Private Event.
Writing Craft & Critique with Irene Sherlock, MFA (10 - 12)
Writing Craft & Critique with Irene Sherlock, MFA
All proceeds will support future programming at Vicinanza Studios and Gallery
Do you enjoy writing but are wondering how to take your work to the next level? Would you benefit from informed feedback in a collegial, supportive workshop? Whether your interest is in memoir, personal essays, or fiction, published author Irene Sherlock has designed a program to help advance your writing. Each participant will leave with new insights into how to better craft and convey the meaning of their message.
At each session, participants will analyze poetry or prose, examining ways in which different writing styles share common traits of storytelling. Bring one page of poetry or prose to workshop. This setting allows for ideas to flourish and for each member to benefit from a professional workshop experience.
The workshop is limited to participants.
Coffee and tea will be provided.
$20 - register
Here’s what two former group members have to say about these workshops:
“Irene delivered supportive feedback in an honest, upbeat manner that never left me feeling deflated or discouraged –– quite the opposite. Her ability to focus on the minute details, as well as the overall direction of a piece, helped me achieve a greater understanding of the craft. Irene’s thorough feedback, guidance and generosity exceeded anything I could have hoped for.” Colleen W., workshop participant
“Irene Sherlock’s writing class changed my life. Although my job is time-consuming and exhausting, I now find time to write in my journal and prepare for my future as a writer. Irene was so generous with her time and knowledge about what it takes to fine-tune and polish a piece of writing.” Joyce W., workshop participant
Watercolor class with Sandra (FREE)
Sandra Cointreau is a Connecticut-based watercolor artist and retired environmental civil engineer. After working globally on waste management for 50 years, she transitioned to full-time painting. She focuses on transparent watercolor techniques, featuring local landscapes, animals, and prehistoric rock art themes.
Bring Your Own Drinks! Non-alcoholic beverages available. The gallery CANNOT serve alcoholic drinks at the moment but you may bring in your own and drink inside of the gallery during the event if you wish.
Stirring the Muses: Book Launch
Stirring the Muse: Nutmeg Poets Laureate offer Recipes and Verse, Edited by Susan Marie Powers, Orenaug Mountain Publishing (2026)
Potluck and poetry. Poets published in the Stirring the Muse anthology will serve up their recipes (free food :-) ) and their poems for all to enjoy. BYOB.
Free and open to the public.
Drop-In Sunday Morning Freewrite & Critique Group
Inspiration abounds in the artwork on the walls, art books, in shared experiences with other writers, and in our everyday experience of the world around us.
Whether we write poetry or prose, it isn’t always easy to carve out time for ourselves to write. Sunday mornings provide an opportunity for writers of all skill levels and genres to simply write, and have time to share a new work or work in progress for peer review and feedback, as well as find encouragement and support to progress our own craft and our goals as fellow writers.
Come write your poems, your personal stories, your children’s stories, your memoir by joining us on Sunday mornings for guided writing prompts and focused writing time followed by a group critique session for finished work (1 page of poetry or prose, bring copies to share if you want feedback on a piece of writing you are working on). Be prepared to stay up through noon depending on the number of writers bringing finished works to workshop.
Register Here! OR pay when you arrive $15.
Tinting Workshop with Bob Ferrucci (Day 2) (1-4)
Vicinanza Studios & Gallery is thrilled to welcome back celebrated artist Bob Ferrucci for a unique, dual-track 🎨 Tinting Workshop. This immersive experience is designed for artists of all levels who want to master the delicate art of color layering while choosing the style that speaks to them most. ✨
Tinting Workshop with Bob Ferrucci (Day 1) (1-4)
Vicinanza Studios & Gallery is thrilled to welcome back celebrated artist Bob Ferrucci for a unique, dual-track 🎨 Tinting Workshop. This immersive experience is designed for artists of all levels who want to master the delicate art of color layering while choosing the style that speaks to them most. ✨
In this session, Bob offers a personalized "choose your path" approach. Whether you are drawn to the charm of traditional storytelling or the emotive power of modern forms, you will learn how to breathe life into your canvas using Bob’s signature tinting methods.
🖌️ Choose Your Artistic Path
Upon arrival, you will have the choice to create one of two distinct styles:
American Folk Art (AFA): Capture the warmth, tradition, and storied patterns of classic Americana through soft, luminous tints.
Abstract Composition: Explore the subtle magic of color fields, layering, and the powerful relationship between shape and mood.
✨ What You Will Explore
Known for his exceptional technique and thoughtful instruction 🎭, Bob provides a rare opportunity to learn how to balance softness and strength. During this engaging workshop, you will:
✅ Learn Foundational and Advanced Tinting Techniques to create soft, glowing color fields regardless of your chosen style.
✅ Master Color Relationships to build depth, atmosphere, and an integrated mood 🎨.
✅ Understand Compositional Balance whether working with the structured charm of Folk Art or the fluid nature of Abstraction ☁️.
✅ Receive Personalized, One-on-One Feedback in an intimate studio setting 🖌️.
💡 Event Details
Whether you're an experienced painter or just starting your artistic journey 🧑🎨, this workshop invites you to elevate your craft and gain new confidence in your use of color.
Intimate Learning: Space is strictly limited to 6 students to ensure everyone receives Bob's direct guidance.
Environment: Join us in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Vicinanza Studios & Gallery for a day of inspiration and community.
Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn from a master. Reserve your spot today and decide: will you go Folk or Abstract?
Writing Through Grief
2nd & 4th Tuesdays — grief writing program led by author and writing coach Cindy Eastman.
This group is an extension of a workshop held in 2023 when participants expressed a desire to keep going. Research shows that writing can be a healing way to deal with challenging life situations such as loss. Grief is often experienced in community and this writing group will allow participants to explore their own writing as a path through grief. New participants welcome.
$10 per session (12 People Limit)