Torrington art and literary event ‘Making Our Mark’ set for May 7 debut

Lori’s original photography is integrated with wood, metal, and fabric with inks and paint.

A group of nine artists and authors will gather at the Five Points Annex this May for “Making Our Mark With Words and Art,” a multi-day exhibition featuring readings, workshops, and book signings.

The event, held at 15 Water St., opens Thursday, May 7, and runs through Sunday, May 17. An opening reception is scheduled for Friday, May 8, from 5 to 8 p.m., where photographer and author Cheryl Martinelli will be available to discuss her work focused on wellness and nature.

See the Message Center below for Connecticut’s top events in May – Celebrate Connecticut with our latest local merch, perfect for showing your state pride!

The exhibition includes several interactive sessions and author appearances:

May 9: Joan Kantor will host “Fantastic Ekphrastics” at 2 p.m., a workshop exploring the connection between visual art and poetry. Kantor will also perform readings from her poetry books on May 17 at 1 p.m.
May 10 & 16: Lori Barker will lead “Partnership Painting” workshops from 12 to 1:30 p.m. The collaborative sessions cost $50 per pair or $40 for individuals, with all materials provided.
May 10 & 13: Author Stewart Wilson will share cartoons from his humor books and host signings from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 12 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
May 14: Kimberly Haidinger will sign copies of A Kid’s Guide to Climate Activism, a book co-created with her daughter, Luna Hansen, to equip middle graders with advocacy skills.
May 15: Elaine Fay and illustrator Temperance Croce will host a signing for the children’s book Ollie’s Pet Rescue.
May 16: Abstract artist Suzanne Kirschner will be on hand to discuss her non-objective works in acrylic, oil, ink, and photography.

The exhibit is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. Organizers noted the event offers unique gift opportunities ahead of Mother’s Day. Registration for Barker’s painting workshops can be completed by emailing spiritcollage1@gmail.com.

Don’t miss

• Olivia Rodrigo to open ‘The Unraveled Tour’ with two-night stand in Hartford
• New Britain Museum of American Art awarded $200,000 Henry Luce Foundation grant
• Norwalk Symphony and Fairfield County Chorale to perform Mendelssohn’s ‘Elijah’

••••••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••

May events at Fairfield Theatre Company

5/5 – Bre Kennedy
5/6 – Howie Day
5/8 – A Night of Jazz
5/9 – Gary Louris
5/10 – Grahame Lesh & Friends
5/12 – The Lone Bellow
5/14 – Andrew Duhon
5/16 – Graham Parker
5/16 – Buckethead
5/17 – FTC Short Film Festival
5/18 – Second Wind
5/20 – Joanna Chang
5/21 – Arrival from Sweden
5/22 – Als Fest
5/22 – Drayton Farley
5/23 – Pangea Worldbeat
5/27 – Suzy Bugguss
5/28 – Steve Forbert
5/29 – Adrenalize: Def Leppard Tribute
5/30 – Goodnight Moonshine

Click here for more information & order tickets.

May events at PeoplesBank Arena

5/24 – Journey, click here to purchase tickets
5/29 -Don Toliver, click here to purchase tickets
5/30 – LA Sparks vs Connecticut Sun, click here to purchase tickets

Connecticut Merch

Finding Connecticut’s patriotic merch celebrates state pride and American spirit, just in time for the lead-up to America 250. Featuring classic red, white, and blue style, the collection is a nod to where we’ve been and where we’re headed. As the nation prepares to mark 250 years in 2026, these pieces are an easy way to show pride in both Connecticut and the broader American story—past, present, and future.

Click here to shop

Your ad here

The Message Center on Finding Connecticut appears on every post across the site, giving your message maximum exposure to a statewide audience. Whether you’re promoting an event, business, product, or service, your message will be seen by thousands of engaged readers exploring Connecticut content every day. Placement runs monthly, making it an ideal option for consistent visibility without the need for daily management. With prominent positioning and a streamlined setup process, the Message Center offers an affordable, effective way to get your message in front of locals—right where they’re already paying attention. Reserve your spot today to get noticed. Click here for more information on Message Center ads. Click here for more advertising opportunities.

Gourmet Cookies

Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!

Connecticut with us!

Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.

Stay connected with us on social media

Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Don’t miss our reviews

Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews

Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events

Foxwoods celebrates April with live music legends, comedy, pop nostalgia, and Easter weekend festivities

ICYMI: Our top 5 articles of the week

Torrington art and literary event ‘Making Our Mark’ set for May 7 debut