Litchfield Hills Creative Festival 2021

Maddie Stenson • August 27, 2021

Downtown Torrington, CT was full of vibrant energy on Saturday, August 14 for the first annual Litchfield Hills Creative Festival!

The Warner Theatre Stage Co. performing "The Stinky Cheese Man."

The First Annual Litchfield Hills Creative Festival was a huge success, thanks to all of the participating artists, venues, organizations, and sponsors! Even though the day started with rain, the skies cleared up just in time for the start of the Creative Festival on Saturday, 8/14. Downtown Torrington was filled with positive energy from visitors and participants all day long.

From left: Ryan DuBois at his booth; Rock Yer Block & Oddball Newt Productions; Mark Rich in his studio.

Rock Yer Block kicked off the busking aspect of the event with a bagpipe performance and march down Main Street, while artist vendors opened their booths for the Franklin Plaza Art Fair. Various artists in the downtown area also opened their studios for visitors to explore.

Franklin Plaza Art Fair

There were over 110+ artists involved in the production and coordination of the Creative Festival including all of the vendors, open studio artists, performers, musicians, and cultural leaders. 

From left: Five Points Gallery activity participants; Five Points Gallery activity closeup; Author Aerin Bergheart at Torrington Library; Authors Patty Martin and Jack Sheedy at Torrington Library.

Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory

During the day, Five Points Gallery provided a mini printmaking activity on the sidewalk for passersby. Across the street, families and children made discoveries at KidsPlay Children's Museum. The Torrington Library hosted a book sale, local author talks/book signings, and free craft giveaways in the early afternoon. The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory was open for tours, rehearsal observations, and offered free ballet and movement appreciation classes for both children and adults.

Corey Glover of Living Colour & Friends performing at Coe Memorial Park.

Meanwhile at Coe Memorial Park, Matica Circus and Thrive Movement Studio students performed on stilts and an aerial rig. The Main Stage included live performances by Donovan Darnell, Mike Cobb, Brian Mattiello, The Right Offs, The Red Hots, Joey Wit and the Definition, and headliner Corey Glover of Living Colour & Friends.

From left: Thrive Movement Studio aerial performance; Audience at Coe Park; Corey Glover

The celebration ended with an astonishing performance by Corey Glover and his immensely talented band mates. They performed many dance-able groove-rock originals and a cover of The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun" just as the sun set behind the stage. Then of course, the set ended with the classic "Cult of Personality" by Living Colour. Nearly everyone was on their feet, singing along with a smile.


____


Visit us on Facebook to see more pictures from the Litchfield Hills Creative Festival.


More articles about the Litchfield Hills Creative Festival:

Winsted Phoenix - Residents all dare to be different at first ever arts festival (PHOTOS AND VIDEOS)

Register Citizen - In photos: Litchfield Hills Creative Festival: Register Citizen

Mental Health CT - Mending Art Joined Litchfield Hills Creative Festival


____


Special thanks to the following organizations for sponsoring the first annual Litchfield Hills Creative Festival:

Torrington Savings Bank

The Matthews Group

Torrington Downtown Partners


Media Sponsors:

Republican-American
WSHU Radio Station


Main Stage Sponsors:

Warner Theatre

Red Room Sound Studio

Flying Key Entertainment LLC

Cook Funeral Homes

AKC Fund

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Building Healthier Communities Fund


Sound provided by Orangetruck Audio and sponsored by:

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital

Eyes on Litchfield -Tommasina Pasqua Sideris

Litchfield Dental Associates - Dr. Steven Sideris

McCall Center for Behavioral Health

Flying Key Entertainment, LLC

Red Room Sound Studio


By Steph Burr February 28, 2025
We are excited to present our 2024 annual report. This report showcases our commitment to promoting and supporting the arts in Litchfield County, and highlights the impact of our advocacy and initiatives.
By DaSilva Wata February 28, 2025
Spring is right around the corner, bringing beautiful weather back to the Litchfield Hills. No need to search the end of a rainbow, check out this month’s print calendar for all the golden events to usher in the new season this March:
By DaSilva Wata January 31, 2025
The winter chill has settled in in the Litchfield Hills, but creativity continues to flourish in the dead of winter. Find the right events to help your creativity blossom into something beautiful this February:
By DaSilva Wata December 31, 2024
2024 has come to an end, creating everlasting memories of all the exciting experiences we've had this year. Start 2025 off by making even more memories by checking out what's happening in Litchfield County in our January calendar:
By DaSilva Wata December 16, 2024
Celebrating the Season with the Generous Creative Community at Arts Night Out! with the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Organization at Hurley Business Park.
By DaSilva Wata November 27, 2024
The season is bright with the joy of getting together with family and friends for the holidays. Find the perfect events to light up your December in this month's calendar:
By DaSilva Wata October 30, 2024
November has summoned the bitter cold of autumn in Northwest Connecticut. Discover the warmth of our community at one of the many events available in this month's print calendar:
By DaSilva Wata September 30, 2024
The chill October air has set in and the Litchfield Hills have begun to come alive with color. Check out this month's calendar to find the perfect events to welcome the fall season:
By Christopher Kendrick-Castanho September 26, 2024
The Warner Theatre’s Annual International Playwrights Festival is Set to Captivate Audiences Once Again!
By NWCT Arts Council September 23, 2024
Torrington Hosts Walking Tour with DECD and Neighbor Cultural District Representatives
More Posts
Share by: