First

Friday:

Swing into

the '60s

PUTNAM — The first half of the 2015 First Fridays season has taken patrons on an artistic journey through the early twentieth century, celebrating three distinct periods: Art Nouveau, The Jazz Age, and WWII & The Arts. With August marking the middle of the 2015 season, the next stop on the journey through this century of art is Pop Art of the 1960s. From 6 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 7, the public is invited to celebrate the art and music of this revolutionary decade. 

August’s event will see over two-dozen art vendors on both Main Street and in Union Square in downtown Putnam. Combined with art vendors, gallery openings, boutique shopping, and al fresco dining, visitors will also enjoy live music provided by two local bands. Channeling the folk artists of the 1960s, Red No. 5 is a female quartet that blends self-arranged interpretations of folk and indie music; look for their harmonious sounds on Main Street throughout the evening. Headlining the August event, The Great Garage Band  Reunion will be rocking Union Square, echoing such ‘60s rock icons as Janis Joplin and Blood, Sweat & Tears. Don’t miss this ensemble of vocals, brass, drums and guitars – a local favorite in northeastern Connecticut.

For the last two years, the First Fridays committee has held a poster contest for local artists to submit artwork with the chance of becoming the cover art for the season’s program. For the 2015 festival, mixed media artist Clara Costabile Inman, submitted the winning artwork. Her work, along with all of the submissions for the 2015 season will be part of a silent auction, with proceeds going back to the First Fridays committee to assist with planning for upcoming events. Patrons are invited to view the creations of local artists, on display inside the Empty Spaces Project Gallery, 114 Main St.

Popular culture defined the art created during the 1960s – from Andy Warhol’s obsession with iconic American images, Roy Lichtenstein’s comic book inspired paintings, and even the colorful tie-dyed patterns of psychedelic art during the Summer of Love. In keeping with the pop art of the period, the Community Arts projects for the August event will allow participants of all ages to create such groovy items as tie-dyed bandanas, peace signs, and pet rocks. More family fun can be found with The Amazing Taylors –a family of performers who specialize in theater and puppetry. The Amazing Taylors will feature costume interaction and crafts at their booth. Like all First Fridays event this season, visitors are encouraged to come dressed up in styles matching the decade of the month. From go-go boots to tie dye, August’s event should be a groovy night of style, art, and music.

 From Warhol to Woodstock, Aug. 7 will be a journey back to the swinging sixties. All are welcome to this free, award-winning outdoor art festival! For more information on August’s event, as well as the months ahead, visit: www.discoverputnam.com.