VersoFest 2026 explores art and accountability with Claire Dederer in conversation in Westport
As audiences continue to grapple with how to reconcile beloved works of art with troubling revelations about their creators, author Claire Dederer is bringing that debate to Connecticut.
Dederer will appear Saturday, March 28, at The Westport Library (20 Jesup Rd, Westport, CT 06880) as part of VersoFest 2026, discussing her book Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma with journalist and art critic Hilarie M. Sheets. The free event begins at 1 p.m. in the Trefz Forum.
Published to widespread acclaim, Monsters asks a question that has grown increasingly urgent in the cultural conversation: What should audiences do with great art made by people who have done bad things? The book grew out of Dederer’s 2017 essay for The Paris Review, which struck a chord globally and sparked debate across artistic communities.
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Part cultural criticism, part personal reckoning, the book earned recognition as a New York Times Notable Book and landed on year-end best lists from outlets including The Washington Post, The New Yorker, and Oprah Daily.
Dederer, a longtime contributor to The New York Times, is known for blending memoir with sharp cultural analysis. Her previous works include Love and Trouble: A Midlife Reckoning and Poser: My Life in Twenty-three Yoga Poses.
Sheets, who regularly reports on the art world for The New York Times, brings a focus on public art and underrepresented artists to the conversation.
The event is part of VersoFest, the library’s annual celebration of music, media, and ideas. This year’s festival also features appearances and performances by Susanna Hoffs, Ani DiFranco, Wyclef Jean, Gina Gershon, and David J.
Registration is required. Copies of Monsters will be available for purchase on-site.
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February events at Fairfield Theatre Company
2/24 – Oscar Shorts – Live Action
2/26 – Matilda The Musical
2/26 – Oscar Shorts – Animation
2/27 – Matailda The Musical
2/27 – Zebra
2/28 – Matailda The Musical
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Learn to cook this winter with AMG Catering
AMG Catering & Events in Wilton, Connecticut, is kicking off 2026 with a brand-new culinary class series packed with bold flavors, global inspiration, and seasonal comfort. Each session offers hands-on instruction, perfectly paired beverages, and a full menu of dishes to make together — all designed for home cooks of every skill level who love great food and a fun night out. Classes start January 14, 2026.
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February events at PeoplesBank Arena
2/25 – St. John’s vs UConn Men’s Basketball, click here to purchase tickets
2/26 – Georgetown vs UConn Women’s Basketball, click here to purchase tickets
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