American Fabric Arts Building Open Studios

American
Fabrics Arts Building

1069
Connecticut Avenue, Building 4

203-451-5011

www.amfabarts.com

EVENT: 8th Annual Open Studios

Sat., Nov. 9, 10:am – 5:00pm

Sun., Nov. 10, 10:00am – 5:00pm

Now
in its 8th year, AFA Open
Studios showcases 28 artists in their studios where the creative process
happens, and has become a destination for collectors and art lovers alike.
AFA's diverse group of artists are engaged in painting, printmaking, sculpture,
quilting, jewelry, photography, ceramics, textiles, design, mixed media and
more. This year we have welcomed 10 new artist tenants, lending a fresh
perspective to the event.  Many artists
will be offering affordable art for sale (see the AFA artist listing). Denyse
Schmidt Quilts, Jocelyn Braxton Armstrong Ceramics and Brechin Morgan (nautical
paintings) will be holding their annual studio sales.

In
an effort to give back to the community we love, this year we are supporting
the Bridgeport Rescue Mission. The
mission, serves those in need, feeds the hungry, shelters the homeless, and
helps people conquer drug and alcohol addictions. AFA will be serving as a drop off point
for their Thanksgiving Stuff-A-Truck event with food and coats! (see Event Listing.)
On the 4th floor BRM Women’s Jewelry Project will be offering their
handmade baubles for a modest donation. Lastly, Denyse Schmidt has generously
offered a cheerful quilt made from squares her students donate from her
Improvisational Workshops. It will be raffled for $5 a chance, with all
proceeds going to BRM!

BBQ
will be served on Saturday, compliments of The Grumpy Hogg, a new tenant in the
complex. Music and dance performances will be happening too! Fun for the whole
family! Ample on site free parking and handicap access. See AFA Artists List,
at the back of the guide for more information.

Event: Denyse Schmidt Quilts Annual SAMPLE
SALE -

Sat.,
Nov. 9, 10:00am – 5:00pm

Sun.,
Nov. 10, 10:00am – 5:00pm

Samples and
overstock from the DS Couture collection, Works collection, and one-of-a-kind
studio quilts are priced at 50% off retail list price. Fabrics, including
Denyse’s best selling (and fanatically collected) designs for JoAnn Stores and
Free Spirit Fabrics, will be available in both yardage and scraps for the DIY
crafter. Denyse’s own timeless quilt pattern collection will also be available.
Project development samples, stationery and more will be offered at
take-it-away prices. Prices range from $1 - $5,000. Serious buyers should
arrive early—Denyse’s sales are well attended! MasterCard, Visa, and cash
accepted.

Event: Quilting Demonstration & Bee by
the Norwalk Community Quilt Project at Denyse Schmidt Quilts

Sat.
Nov. 9, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Members
of Peace by Piece: the Norwalk Community Quilt Project. The Norwalk Community
Quilt Project seeks to enhance the lives of young people and elders in the city
of Norwalk by bringing them together in a common endeavor. Over 700 volunteers
came together to create the “Growing Together” quilt to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the
Stepping Stones Museum for Children and the “Norwalk Has Heart” quilt for the
Norwalk Public Library. Local author and illustrator Lizzy Rockwell serves as
the group’s artistic Director and says it best, “The quilt is a metaphor for
the community that created it, showing that good things happen when many come
together as one.” Join us and learn to stitch and quilt!

Event: Jocelyn Braxton Armstrong
Ceramics Annual Studio Sale

Sat.,
Nov. 9, 10:00am – 5:00pm

Sun.,
Nov. 10, 10:00am – 5:00pm

JBA Signature
Collection of artful objects for the home offered at a 30% discount. This year,
she will be holding a silent auction of her ceramic sculptures. This is a
chance for collectors to bid and purchase her award winning sculpture at a
price which the market will bear. Phone bids accepted. An auction listing will
be available in early November at www.jocelynbraxtonarmstrong.com

Event: Ulla
Surland Annual Studio Sale

Sat.,
Nov. 9, 10:00am – 5:00pm

Sun.,
Nov. 10, 10:00am – 5:00pm

Informal fashion show, handmade holiday ornaments and gift items. Featuring
quality vintage items from Janis Melone, hand knitted scarves by Leslie
Giuliani and sterling silver jewelry by Jackie
Podlaski. Also on view is Ulla’s interior
design portfolio.

Demonstrations
throughout the weekend:

Textile
artist, Christina Blais of One Bobbin, will be offering a free motion quilting
demonstration using a domestic sewing machine. Visitors will be able to give it
a try and discover the endless possibilities and fun of free motion quilting. Studio #201

Artist
and Graphic Designer, Emily
Larned, will be hosting a demonstration of letterpress
printing from handset type. Studio
#310

Once again, Jocelyn
Braxton Armstrong will demonstrate
throwing clay on the potter’s wheel in her ceramic studio, an annual
favorite for all! Studio #410

EVENT: Thanksgiving Stuff-A-Truck with
Food and Coats Event!

Sat.,
Nov. 9, 10:00am – 5:00pm

Sun.,
Nov. 10, 10:00am – 5:00pm

The Bridgeport
Rescue Mission will bless more than 4,000 needy families with a turkey and all
the fixings plus a winter coat for every member of the family who needs one!
Help us, help them by bringing donations to our Open Studio event. Their
warehouse is in our complex and AFA is a drop off point. They need:

• 12-15 lb. frozen turkeys


• Canned green beans, corn, peas
  and sweet potatoes


• Canned cranberry sauce


• Stuffing mix


• Canned gravy


• 1 lb. cans of coffee


• Powdered fruit drink mixes

DIRECTIONS:

By Train/Ferry: Metro North or Amtrak to Bridgeport Station. Port
Jefferson Ferry to Water Street Dock (next to train Station). AmFab is
approximately two and a half miles from the station. Cabs are available from
the train station’s cabstand.

Traveling I-95 South: Take exit 30/Surf Avenue. Turn right at bottom of
ramp onto Surf Avenue. Turn left at the next light onto Connecticut Avenue.
Turn right into parking for 1069 Connecticut Avenue.

Traveling I-95 North:
Take exit 30/Lordship Avenue. Turn left at bottom of ramp onto Lordship.
Lordship becomes Hollister. Go straight through stop sign, and right at next
light onto Stratford Avenue. Take 4th left onto Freeman Street and across
Connecticut Avenue into parking for 1069 Connecticut Avenue.