Community Calendar

The Remnant and The Echo, Ligia Bouton

This exhibition will explore movement as an integral throughline in Kwame Brathwaite’s work—one that spans his deep engagement with social and political movements and his keen attention to the body in motion. Brathwaite’s images intimate the powerful and transformative ways that action can convey joy, beauty, strength, and hope, even in charged moments.

Brathwaite (1938-2023) is perhaps most recognized for photographs celebrating Black beauty and excellence in fashion, music, and athletics. His studio portraits and concert photography like his documentation of historic marches, the everyday life of residents in Harlem and The Bronx, and of athletes such as Muhammad Ali convey the power of the body as a symbol of cultural strength, resilience, and pan-African solidarity. Through a selection of original and new prints from archival negatives, the exhibition will offer an opportunity to experience the breadth of his work and its resonance today.

Curated in close partnership with Brathwaite’s son and daughter-in-law, Kwame and Robynn Brathwaite (Amherst College Class of 1996 and 1998, respectively), Revolutionary Movements will expand stories about the artist's work and its international circulation.

Kwame Brathwaite: Revolutionary Movements is made possible by Teiger Foundation.

JooYoung Choi is an astro-futurist artist whose expansive practice blends autobiography and invention. For over a decade, Choi's work has centered on developing narratives within a highly structured imaginary realm known as the Cosmic Womb.

Adventures of the Quantum Soup Surfer brings together early and recent paintings, a sculptural installation, and video works that chronicle one character's journey of self-discovery. Long known as Nina Blue, the Quantum Soup Surfer first appeared in the Cosmic Womb as a professional imaginary friend, contributing to the journeys of several legendary heroes of the Cosmic Womb.

The exhibition follows Nina Blue's passage from supporting character to protagonist. She emerges as the Quantum Soup Surfer--a celestial superhero and thoughtful navigator who channels the spiritual energy of water to brave uncharted territories and share her story of resilience.

Inspired by the Cosmic Womb's motto--"Have Faith for You have Always Been Loved"--this exhibition foregrounds imagination, curiosity, and art as tools for resilience that have been significant for Nina Blue's transformation into the Quantum Soup Surfer and the hero of this story.

Adventures of the Quantum Soup Surfer is made possible by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.

Join High Five Books and local author Vicki Johnson for a celebratory launch of her affirming new picture book, MAC WEARS A HAT, illustrated by Gillian Reid, on Saturday, May 2, from 10-10:30am. Storytime is free and no registration is required to attend.

ABOUT 'MAC WEARS A HAT'

Mac loves to wear hats. She has one for every occasion, and they help her feel joyful, confident, and adventurous. Not everyone understands her style, but kind words from strangers encourage Mac to be herself.

This inclusive book celebrates kindness and positivity, and that what makes you different, makes you special!

The Friends of the Westfield Athenaeum is seeking donations of gently used adult and children’s books, DVDs, and jigsaw puzzles for their upcoming book sale. Donations will only be accepted by curbside drop-off at the back door of the First United Methodist Church, 16 Court St., Westfield, during the weeks of April 6-11 and April 13-18 as follows: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10-1; Tuesday and Thursday from 4-7, and Saturday from 9-12.
Please note that we cannot accept musty or damaged books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, textbooks, Reader’s Digest books, or outdated manuals, travel books, or self-help books.
The book sale will be held at the Church on Thursday, April 23, 10-7; Friday, April 24, 10-5; and Saturday, April 25, 10-2. On Thursday only, we are offering a $5.00 discount for educators (bring your ID!) and new Friends members joining at the door.
The Friends of the Westfield Athenaeum is an all-volunteer 501(C)3 not-for-profit organization that supports the programs and services of the Westfield Athenaeum.

Celebrate the arrival of Spring with good company, food and music on the UUSE grounds Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10 AM to 2 PM rain or shine (Rain will move all activities indoors and cancel the Bike Rodeo.)
Free!
Beltane Ritual at 11 AM— Beltane honors spring's peak, fertility, and the return of light through fire, flowers, and nature-focused rituals. It is a time for planting, celebrating love, and honoring the earth.
Reggaeton Music at 1 PM—This interactive demo will introduce you to Reggaeton, a high-energy dance music genre that originated in Panama and Puerto Rico, merging Caribbean reggae with American hip-hop. It is defined by the "dembow" riddim — a steady, syncopated 4-on-the-floor beat. Be ready to make music and dance.
Bike Rodeo— Bring your bike and helmet
Children’s Activities— Crafts and active fun
Tag Sale—Congregation-wide tag sale
Bake Sale— Loads of homemade goodies
Plant Sale— Plants for your garden just in time for planting and houseplants
Food Truck— For a snack or full meal
Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 Vernon St. West, Manchester, CT
www.uuse.org

In celebration of America250, the Sudbury Historical Society (SHS) will proudly present the Sudbury Witness House Tour on Saturday, May 2nd!

Experience some of the oldest homes in Sudbury that witnessed 1776: the momentous year of the ratification of the United States Declaration of Independence and one that recalls the town spirit in Sudbury through its famous 01776 zip code.

The Sudbury Witness House Tour will begin at the first stop: the Loring Parsonage. The home was built for Reverend Israel Loring (1682-1772), stood through the American Revolution, and is now the home of the Sudbury History Center and Museum. There, attendees will receive their tour booklet and begin their journey to a group of impressive Witness Houses—homes that have been in Sudbury since 1776 or earlier—that are now private residences for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Call for artwork
Science, technology, engineering, art, math, an exhibit inspired by and incorporating the sciences.
Exhibit runs April 3 - May 17, 2026
With special events, demos, and fun activities during the course of the exhibit.
Contact margedvaa@gmail.com by March 20 with your interest.

Next Stage Arts and Twilight Music present an evening of contemporary folk “in the round” with singer-songwriters Alice Howe, Freebo, Sam Robbins, and Halley Neal. In this intimate, collaborative format, each artist performs solo and joins the others onstage, creating a dynamic, one-of-a-kind shared concert experience.

Freebo, a folk, rock, and blues icon best known for his decade as bassist with Bonnie Raitt, is joined by award-winning vocalist Alice Howe, modern troubadour Sam Robbins, and Boston-based songwriter Halley Neal. Together, they bring rich harmonies, compelling songwriting, and a spirit of musical collaboration to the stage.