Arts Paper
As the editorially independent arm of The Arts Council of Greater New Haven, the Arts Paper seeks to celebrate, explore, and investigate the fine, visual, performing and culinary arts in and around New Haven.
Kyle Jr (left, 8), John (middle, 4), and Leah (right, 6) creating the Kyle Kyle Crocodile. Jayniel Bermudez Photo.
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Installation view of Silent Springs, Windswept Seas: Rachel Carson's Environmental Vision at Beinecke Library, Yale University. Photo by Samantha Annette Photography. Courtesy of Yale University. The image below is Rachel Carson holding binoculars, 1951. Photo by Norman Driscoll. Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Image: Norman J. Driscoll, with permission of the Rachel Carson Council, Inc. Courtesy of Yale University.
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Cover art by author Rohanna Ssanyu and graphic designer Jessy Montoya.
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Maëlle Davenport and Malia Long usher in the rain. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Nikki D and Babs Bunny. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Justin Farmer on West Rock Avenue last week. Lucy Gellman Photo.
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Buzz the cat was lost for the umpteenth time. Jimmy, carrying a cat carrier, carefully called his name. It was Christmas, and both of them were in an unfamiliar house. Little did Jimmy know, Buzz was off scratching one of the hosts. When he stumbled into the kitchen, he ran into the other, their conversation cut short when Jimmy’s brother let him know they were leaving.
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The Readmobile, in all her glory. Samir Iydroose Photos.
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LaMarr Taylor makes it almost impossible not to get up and dance. Naiyanna White Photos.
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Moore in "Be Your Own Hero" when it premiered. Chris Randall File Photo.
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Chasen with Keyla Gordillo, Maya Martinez and Legend Dyer. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Danielle Sekas, teen librarian at the Hamden Public Library, at her desk. Samir Iydroose Photos.
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Top: Patricia Gardner, who turned 14 the day after performing at the New Haven Caribbean Heritage Festival. Bottom: Members of the Colihaut Boys International take the stage. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Top: Zahara Gazzola and Karina Gonzalez. Bottom: Naiyanna White. Lucy Gellman Photos. Welcome to the Youth Arts Journalism Initiative Class of 2026! We are so excited to have 10 of America’s future journalists learning with us this summer. This summer also marks the largest expansion of YAJI staff, with four YAJI mentors over the two months that we are together. This year's YAJI staff include first-time mentors Ruby Szekeres (YAJI class of 2024), and Grayce Howe, (the Arts Paper's 2024 New Haven Academy intern), as well as returning mentors Jayla Anderson (YAJI class of 2020) and Abiba Biao (YAJI class of 2022). During our intensive week, we were also thrilled to spend time with Shamain McAllister, director of Cultural Affairs for the City of New Haven, New Haven Independent Founder Paul Bass and Education Reporter Maya McFadden, and Former YAJI Program Director Markeshia Ricks, who worked as a reporter for over two decades. The mission of the YAJI is to introduce high schoolers to grassroots journalism through The Arts Paper, the daily publication of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven. Students independently research, report, draft, and publish articles covering arts, culture, and community in New Haven and the greater New Haven region. The two month program consists of a week-long intensive followed by seven weeks of pitch meetings, group writing/reporting time at the New Haven Free Public Library and 1:1 professional mentorship. For a first writing exercise during our weeklong intensive, all 10 students split into groups to learn to write short bios of each other. Read on to meet these young people, and please greet them with open arms if you run into them on assignment! Naiyanna White (she/her), 19, is a high school student at New Haven’s Adult & Continuing Education Center. An avid reader, Naiyanna is currently working her way through William Strunk and E.B. White, Jr.’s The Elements of Style and Rohanna Ssanyu’s The Marabou Who Crossed The Sea. Beyond that, she reads a lot of literary fiction, recently having finished Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. Her hobbies include watching older movies, her favorite being Bringing Up Baby, and listening to music. Currently, an album she has on repeat is U from Underscores, a hyperpop singer who Naiyanna recently discovered through Coachella. A New Haven resident for three years, Naiyanna said that her motivation for participating in YAJI was to break through a recent bout of writer’s block and become more involved within New Haven. Alongside exploring journalism as a career path, Naiyanna has been engaged in summer activities to discover other vocational pursuits, such as volunteering at the International Festival of Arts and Ideas and taking a website development course. After graduating from New Haven Adult Education Center, she hopes to gain an associate degree in general studies at Gateway Community College, with the eventual goal of earning an English degree. Written by Samir Iydroose Amber Boutellier Photo. Karina Iris Gonzalez (she/her) is a 15-year-old sophomore at Acellus Academy, a virtual homeschooling program that she began attending after several years at Engineering and Science University Magnet School (ESUMS). The oldest of five siblings, Karina is also a fraternal twin, and prides herself on being the eldest. She is fluent in both English and Spanish, and is learning Russian and German, which she said is fun, but very difficult. Along with language learning, she enjoys playing the electric guitar, sewing, writing, and playing tennis, which she has done since first grade. Karina discovered YAJI through one of her counselors, who recommended the program after hearing about her love of writing. After finishing her sophomore year at Acellus Academy, she plans to return to in-person learning and complete her secondary studies at Madison High School, with the ultimate goal of becoming a child psychologist. Written by Zahara Gazzola Jay doing an interview at IRIS' celebration of America 250 last week. Karina Gonzalez and Amber Boutellier Photo. Jayniel “Jay” Bermudez (he/him), is a 14-year-old sophomore at Eli Whitney Technical High School in Hamden. He is also a counselor in training at New HYTES, a non-profit that focuses on youth enrichment through tennis instruction and academic mentorship. His interests include writing, fitness, cooking, video games, and playing tennis, which has done since he was 7 years old. Jay has had many notable life experiences, including watching the coin flip in the U.S. Open 2024, as well as presenting at the Yale School of Business as part of New HYTES’ entrepreneurial studies program where students develop, design, and pitch business ideas to address real-world problems. His future aspirations include graduating high school and becoming an engineer and a full-time counselor. With help from YAJI, he hopes to write a book in the near future. Written by Kiara Guevara-Cragwell Zazie Gazzola as YAJI learns to use cameras. Abiba Biao Photos. Zahara “Zazie” Gazzola (she/they), is a 15-year-old sophomore at Wilbur Cross High School and ACES Educational Center for the Arts (ECA). Born in New York and raised in Hamden, Zazie comes from a diverse background, proudly embracing her Indian and Italian heritage. Because she is both an avid reader and talented singer, music plays an important part in Zazie’s life. Her favorite artist is David Bowie. Along with English, Zazie also speaks Italian, allowing her to stay connected to her cultural roots. Outside of school, she enjoys kickboxing and weightlifting. She has a soft spot for animals, and enjoys spending time learning to care for them. With eight chickens and three cats (Nyx, Cleo and Pompom), there’s never a dull moment in the Gazzola household. Zazie comes from a family of academics, with both parents working as professors at Yale University. Although she hopes to leave Connecticut one day to explore new places, Zazie envisions returning to settle down. Written by Karina Iris Gonzalez Grayce Howe and Kiara Guevara-Cragwell. Abiba Biao Photos. Grayce Howe (she/her) a rising sophomore at Wheaton College Massachusetts, where she is doubling majoring in International Relations and Film & New Media Studies with a minor in Journalism. Grayce first joined the Arts Paper in 2024 as a New Haven Academy intern; she graduated from the school in 2025. Since then, she has stayed on as a freelance writer and assumed her newest position of becoming YAJI mentor. A budding journalist, her writing has made waves in Elm City and beyond. She currently serves as secretary at her school’s newspaper, The Wheaton Wire. • Written by Abiba Biao Kiara Guevara-Cragwell (she/her) is an aspiring 17-year-old journalist. A Branford resident, Kiara is the youngest of three siblings and recent graduate of Branford High School. Now, she has her eyes set on the University of Connecticut, where she will matriculate in the fall to major in journalism. Kiara said that one of her goals while attending YAJI was to sharpen her skills in preparation for university. When she isn’t chasing her dreams, Kiara enjoys hanging out with her friends and family, working at Longley’s, a Branford-based casual restaurant, reading books, and writing short stories. She also likes to listen to indie and pop music, but admitted to having some controversial music picks. “I’m not the biggest fan of country music, but if it is playing in the background for a while, it’ll get stuck in my head,” she said. Written by Jayniel “Jay” Bermudez Amber Boutellier and Olivia Dirschel. Lucy Gellman Photos. Amber Bouteiller (she/her) is a 16 -year-old rising junior at West Haven High School, where she has been a member on the school’s dance team for three years. Amber pastimes include reading romance novels and listening to pop music. Her favorite artist is Billie Eilish and she claims to love all of her songs. Despite her various talents, Amber said that she is unsure of a career pathway she wants to pursue in the future. She added that her motivation for joining YAJI was to improve her writing skills. Written by Olivia Dirschel Elodie Lafortune (she/her), 18, is a freshly-minted graduate from Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School (Co-Op) where she studied creative writing. In the fall, Elodie will begin her post-secondary studies at Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts, with a major in English and history. A prolific reader and writer, she aims to become a book editor in a big publishing house and a New York Times best selling author. She grew up in Haiti with her two younger siblings, and immigrated by age three to Naugatuck, where she has remained. Written by Daniel “Cupido” Garcia Daniel "Cupido" Garcia and Samir Iydroose. Abiba Biao Photos. Samir Iydroose (he/him) is a 16-year-old rising junior at Hamden High School. In addition to participating in YAJI, Samir is involved in other writing endeavors. Most notably, he serves as the editor-in-chief at his school newspaper The Dial. He is also a two-time winner of the Hamden Thornton Wilder Writing Competition, earning third place in 2025 for his short story, The Unseen Mask.
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Allyse Corbin and Nate Britton Photos, courtesy of Yale Summer Cabaret.
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After a fortnight’s-long closure for construction, the Institute Library opened its doors to the public again last week for a series of events, including a jazz night, a poetry reading, and Saturday’s “Collage & Closing” farewell to Panreality, an exhibition curated by Maxim Schmidt (pictured at left, with Chelsea Rowe’s “The bathtub on 18th avenue") which had been running in the library’s Gallery Upstairs since April 8.
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The company with Director Sarah Bowles (in the sparkly shoes at the front). Claire Armstrong Photo.
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Maria Giarrizzo-Bartz Photo.
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Sirat Gonzales. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. at last year's Free Market. Contributed Photos.
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Students from the Hamden Academy of Dance & Music at the Historic Elm City Freddy Fixer Parade last year. Lucy Gellman File Photo.
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Gabrielle Hilton at the podium. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Speakers Tawanna Brown and Christopher Scott. Josiah Brown Photo.
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Tarishi Shuler, Michael Peterson, Phil C. Alexander & Yexandra Diaz. Photo Courtesy Verbal Slap. Albuquerque
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Teachers David Herndon and Kirk Vamvakides. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Lauren F. Walker and Tiffany McLarty in a scene from FURLOUGH’S PARADISE by a.k. payne, directed by abigail jean-baptiste. Yale Repertory Theatre, April 24-May 16, 2026. Photo © Joan Marcus.
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Members of Singing Resistance New Haven. Claire Armstrong Photos.
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Miranda Rector speaks at Care Out Loud. Solé Scott Photo.
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Abenda Sohn, In Ke In Baa Kee (Myself and My Father). Courtesy of Moshopefoluwa Olagunju.
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Some of Jerry Montoya's post-it notes, on display at Color Local in Erector Square through April 24. Solé Scott Photos.
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Betsy Rubiner with reporter Nelani Mejias, who is an alum of the Arts Paper's Youth Arts Journalism Initiative. Contributed Photo.
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Maxim Schmidt, an artist and curator, with the beginnings of his sign. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Shawn Murray, who leads "Read The Room." Solé Scott Photos.
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Hans Hofmann, The Pond, 1958. Oil on canvas. Yale University Art Gallery, Gift of Richard Brown Baker, b.A. 1935. Photo: With permission of the Renate, Hans & Maria Hofmann Trust/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
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The Pride Center last month, after announcing what it hoped would be a temporary closure. Lucy Gellman File Photo.
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Magaly Cajigas Photo.
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We'll be back Monday with a full article about the role of artmaking (which there was so much of!) at Saturday's No Kings New Haven rally on the New Haven Green. For now, here are a few snapshots of what it was like to be there Saturday afternoon. A special shout out to poets Japhet Gonzalez and Diana Robles, the Blue Steel Drumline, East Rock Brass Band, Singing Resistance New Haven and artists Janet Brodie (the paper cranes), Martha Willette Lewis (many of the signs), and Muffy Pendergast (queen of Westville's giant puppets) for bringing so much art into the mix.
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Zakai Henderson. Lucy Gellman Photo.
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Jamire Casteel has loved singing for as long as he can remember. Now, the senior at Hill Regional Career High School is hoping that his voice can be a creative launchpad to the City of Light.
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The man of the hour (and maybe the year?). Stephanie Anestis Photography Photos. Jesse “Cheese” Hameen closed his eyes, and turned the clock backwards with the single, balletic wave of his hand. The year was 1950, and Hameen was just a little boy at the Winchester School, hammering a beat out on the side of pots and pans. His hands, which moments before had been suspended in midair, came down on the taut, pearlescent surface of a tom drum.
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Clockwise, from top: Noreishka Rivera, Naiden Alfredo Cervantes, Kenzie Harsono and Gregorio Ordaz. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Reg Rogers, Jeremy A. Fuentes, and Phillip Taratula in a scene from Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco, translated by Derek Prouse, adapted by Frank Galati, choreographed by Emily Coates, and directed by Liz Diamond. Yale Repertory Theatre, March 6–28, 2026. Photo © Carol Rosegg.
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The artist at Naumann Gallery. Eamon Linehan (Free Artist Production) Photos.
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Lisa Costello as M'Lynn, Cindy Harris as Truvy, Juliana Vaiuso as Annelle and Kaite Corda as Shelby. Michelle Rocheford Johnston and Dian Erikian are in the background. Photos courtesy Billy DiCrosta.
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Top row: Vanesa Suarez lights a candle in memory of Roya Mohammadi; NHIC members Kiana Cintron and Ambar Santiago-Rojas; Sun Queen leads an open mic at Strange Ways in Downtown New Haven. Middle row: Students at the Board of Alders advocate for their teachers after the 129 proposed student-facing staff budget cuts; St. Luke's Steel Band conductor Kenneth Joseph; and Kica Matos at a fundraiser in the Hill to support a family affected by ICE. Bottom Row: Ward Nine Alder Caroline Tanbee Smith speaks at the New Haven Pride Center, second grader Olivia David at Hill Central Music Academy; Ruby Melton and Gail McAvay. Lucy Gellman File Photos.
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Top: Artist Mahsa Attaran. “My family, they are okay now. But I have 90 million family members and I am worried about every single one of them,” she said at an opening reception last month. “I have cried for each of them.” Lucy Gellman Photo. Bottom: Attaran’s 2024 Under The Shows We Exist installed at Ball & Socket. Yakov Binyamin Photo.
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Had you stepped out your door on a recent Saturday night, you might have changed your mind and stepped right back inside. But if you pressed on, past the wind and the frigid temperatures, you would have discovered the rewards of love down at Firehouse 12.
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Stefania Munzi Watercolor.
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Mohamed Elsankary and his mom, Hanan Elkamah. Abiba Biao Photos.
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Contributed Photo.
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Aaron Combs, a sophomore at Yale who is part of the university's World Tea Enthusiasts Association, or T.E.A. Ruby Szekeres Photos.
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The Fair Haven Branch of the New Haven Free Public Library on a recent Thursday. Solé Scott Photos.
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Bob Parker and his husband, David Carter. Contributed Photo.
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Clockwise, from top: Reinaldo Sánchez in his Whitney Avenue storefront last summer; Bill Frisch at East Rock Breads in March 2024; Lauren Anderson with writer Quartez Harris, the poet Kortney Morrow, and ConnCAT President and CEO Erik Clemons at Kulturally LIT Fest last year; and Meg Fama in summer 2025. Lucy Gellman and Kapp Singer File Photos.
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"He Was Only Five," which is oil on canvas and stands at 24 x 24. Lee Massaro Photo.
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Anderson with NHPS students waiting for their school bus, which never showed up, on Tuesday. Possible Futures Photo.
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Ava Orphanoudakis with her own work. Solé Scott Photo.
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King Kenney. Abiba Biao Photos.
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Dancers from New Haven Academy make the mineral galleries their own. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Chris DePino, Dan Klug, Chris Morrison, and Morris Trent. Raheem Nelson Photos.
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Filmmaker and photographer Lydia Douglas tears up the dance floor during the Cupid Shuffle at NHFPL Mardi Gras in 2023. Lucy Gellman File Photo.
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Keely Baisden Knudsen and Eric Santagata outside the theater. Legacy Theatre Photo.
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Top row: Vanesa Suarez lights a candle in memory of Roya Mohammadi; NHIC members Kiana Cintron and Ambar Santiago-Rojas; Sun Queen leads an open mic at Strange Ways in Downtown New Haven. Middle row: Students at the Board of Alders advocate for their teachers after the 129 proposed student-facing staff budget cuts; St. Luke's Steel Band conductor Kenneth Joseph; and Kica Matos at a fundraiser in the Hill to support a family affected by ICE. Bottom Row: Ward Nine Alder Caroline Tanbee Smith speaks at the New Haven Pride Center, second grader Olivia David at Hill Central Music Academy; Ruby Melton and Gail McAvay. Lucy Gellman File Photos.
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Librarian Seth Godfrey as Santa at the New Haven Free Public Library in 2019.
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Ani Greenidge and Ameira Hernandez with Art Sensations. Abiba Biao Photos.
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David Chevan, surrounded by musicians. Members who performed Thursday included Chevan on bass; Hedda Rubenstein on flute and vocals; Dalton King on alto sax; Mark Kaplan on tenor sax; Noah Schwartz on clarinet; Isaiah Cooper on trombone; Anna Reisman and Cary Jacobs on flute; Eli Jackson, Steve Jacobs, and Tova Dreyfus on violin, and Eric Wolfe on trumpet. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Choir Director Danielle Storey, a 25-year veteran of the New Haven Public Schools who has been at Cross for two decades, with the choir. Lucy Gellman Photo.
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The artist Jihyun Lee, whose show Interstice is one of several running at the Ely Center of Contemporary Art (ECoCA) through December 18. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Dreamscape Studio Photography.
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Antares. Nelani Mejias Photo.
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Top: Michael Mills (in yellow) with Derrick Skye, with Brian Jawara Gray and Perry So in the background. Bottom: The NHSO in action. Lucy Gellman.
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From stage right: Christian Phanhthourath (Social Media Manager), Laec Lorentzen (Co-music Director), Yuki Heeger, Mateo Vidali, Justin Kim, Norah Fong (President), Nicholas Boettcher, Sarah Lee, Madeline Buchowski, Josef Bell, Edward Kong, Vien Le (Co-music Director), Lishore Kumar (Tour Manager). Ruby Szekeres Photo.
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A snapshot from the Pride Center's annual Pride Month Block Party earlier this year. Lucy Gellman File Photo.
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Annie Sailer in her Erector Square studio during City-Wide Open Studios in October 2021. Charlotte Hughes File Photo.
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Abiba Biao Photos.
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Eric Clinton as Malcolm King, Terrence Riggins as Patriarch William King, and Tenisi Davis as Ennis King. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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NHSO Composer-In-Residence Courtney Bryan with Jameela and Aqueelah Irshad. Shaunda Holloway Photo.
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Edward Summers and his spouse, Joel Olguin. Contributed Photo.
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Second grader Olivia David, who said she was excited to see more live theater in the year ahead. Lucy Gellman Photo.
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Jamaican American Society Members Azaria Tyler and Karaine Smith-Holness. "I don't even know how we're feeling. It's just overwhelming," Smith-Holness said. Photos Courtesy of Azaria Tyler.
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Sha McAllister. “New Haven is good soil,” she said. “It shows the richness of its talent, creativity, and art in its people.” Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Artist Daniel “Silencio” Ramirez, who runs El Rincon de Papel. Nelani Mejias Photos.
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Jada Ammons, Kamani Abu, and Adanna Smalls in Renée I. McDonald's "Likes vs. Life." Nir Arieli Photo.
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Frances "Bitsie" Clark. Matthew Garrett Photo.
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Jennifer Simpson and Trina Mace Learned. Simpson plans to serve as Interim Executive Director. Lucy Gellman Photo.
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Kun-Yong Kim and her daughter, teen card contest winner Jessica Park. Kim, who immigrated from Korea, now works in a genetics lab at Yale. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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“When you pick up something, think about what else it could be,” artist Rebekah Fraser advised an audience of eager workshop attendees ready to transform textile scraps and trash into fashion. At a table in front of her, Hamden resident Lola Fain sat with her late mother’s embroidered tablecloth, ready to breathe new life into a beloved family heirloom.
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Top: Bitsie Clark in October 2023, at her 92nd birthday celebration at Bregamos Community Theatre. Bottom: Playwright Steve Driffin and Clark in 2022, when Death By 1,000 Cuts went to the Whitney Center. Lucy Gellman File Photos.
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Japhet Gonzalez cuts the ribbon Friday morning. The center image features an eagle, a nod to the school's mascot. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Director, writer and producer Jacqueline Brown and Trey Moore (a.k.a. Orion Solo) at the Flint Street Theater last Sunday. Abiba Biao Photo.
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Dario Mohr, Aimée Burg, Lauren Flaaen, and Diana Abouchacra. Jarelis Calderon Photos.
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Jacob G. Padrón in his office at Long Wharf Theatre when the building was still at 222 Sargent Drive. The photo, which he keeps with his, depicts Rev. Jesse Jackson (right) kissing labor leader César Chávez on Aug. 1, 1988, as Chávez withstood his final and longest fast for the United Farm Workers (UFW) in Delano, Calif. Jackson later joined the fast, stepping in for Chávez after he was unable to continue after 36 days with only water. Lucy Gellman File Photo.
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"Rachel On The Rooftops" cover by Karl Christian Krumpholz.
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Trey Moore (a.k.a. Orion Solo) and Travis Carbonella. Abbia Biao Photos.
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Jacqueline Buster, who most people know simply as Jackie. "Wherever he is it’s going to be ok," she said. Abiba Biao Photos.
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Kelly Denice Taylor as Jane Seymour in The North American Tour Boleyn Company of SIX. Photo by Joan Marcus, Courtesy of the Shubert Theatre. The third photo, which shows Tasia Jungbauer as Catherine Parr, is also by Joan Marcus.
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James "Dinky" Johnson literally receives his flowers at a ceremony at Neighborhood Music School in November 2023. The sculptor Susan Clinard is pictured in the background. Coral Ortiz File Photo.
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Christian Sands receives the Duke Ellington medal from Yale's Henry and Lucy Moses Dean of Music, José García-León. Yale School of Music/Harold Shapiro Photos.
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Jayla Bosley and Avin Davis, both seniors studying theater at Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School, or Co-Op. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Boyd surrounded by members of her family in May 2025, while receiving recognition as one of The Hill's community heroes from the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. Abiba Biao File Photo.
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Harris Falk, who Saturday was a first-time attendee at Madison's Pride Fest. Ruby Szekeres Photos.
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Anne Tyler Calabresi and Roslyn Milstein Meyer, the ladies of the evening. Judy Sirota Rosenthal Photos.
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Nelani Mejias at the New Haven People's Center. Abiba Biao Photos.
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Robert Esposito, who students lovingly refer to as "Espo," on the first day of school last week. Lucy Gellman Photo.
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Sumiah Gay and Robert "Espo" Esposito on Thursday morning. The two started their day teaching acting to a group of seniors together. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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In the midst of barren landscape, a stretch of long, winding road disappears into the horizon and sunset, engulfed in a bursting sun. Where it leads, no one knows: it is surrounded by red, muddy earth, the ground cracked and uneven. As color stretches across the canvas, a viewer’s eye gravitates towards the middle, where a roaring, red ball of fire seems to stare right back.
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Alisa Bowens-Mercado teaches in Westville. Jarelis Calderon Photos.
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A copper “specimen box” encases an old whiffle ball bat. The plastic of the tip of the bat is torn, revealing a hollow interior. At the lip of the gash, dirt, like dried blood, coats the yellow plastic skin.
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Karla Burgos and Jenilyz Marie. Jarelis Calderon Photos.
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Julia Belyung and friends at Elm City Games. Keira Anderson Photos.
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McKenna Doebrick as Amy March, Denise Wray as Meg March, Heather Bazinet as Marmee March, Allison Bradshaw as Jo March and Lexi Kinniburgh as Beth March in Allan Knee's musical adaptation of Little Women. A production of the WISP Performing Arts Initiative (Wagner Iovanna Studio Performances), it runs Aug. 8-10 at the Old Stone Church in East Haven. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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The cast of Legally Blonde The Musical at Audubon Arts. Virus Visuals.
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Vocalist Aster Rhys, Maria Clara Laet, Christie Echols, Alexis Robbins, Megan Gessner. Jayla Anderson Photos.
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Emiliano Cáceres Manzano Photos. The photo below, of Suzan Shutan in her studio, is contributed by the artist.
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Rethabile Headbush as Noluthando Princess Vavi / #587, Thando Mangcu as Dimakatso Leraba / #723. Richard Lee Photo.
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Azula, who captivated in her performance at Pride Prom.
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Sun Queen and her goddaughter, Ka'meya Ingram, at a Black History Month open mic at the Hill Museum of Arts in February 2023. Ingram's sweatshirt is part of Sun Queen's "Black Girls Are Sunshine" brand. Lucy Gellman File Photo.
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Exoskin by Kim Hahn and Ja-Young Hwang. Ruby Szekeres Photos.
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Ruby Gonzalez Hernandez. Mason Angkapatyakit Photos.
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Ida Cuttler and Georgia Petersen in Save The Cave! Richard Lee Photos.
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Tracey Massey and Michael Goubourn. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Pat Smith and Harriett Alfred. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Andrew Rincón, Emily Breeze and Matthew Chong. Lucy Gellman Photo.
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Alex S. Fuentes, A Colossal Span and Transcendent Incandescent. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Top: Antwain “AJ” Johnson with Barnard's Chaz “Mr. C” Carmon and Music Director Sloan Williams. Lucy Gellman Photos. Bottom: Maya Louise Shed introduces the D/EP 2025 plays. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Robin Weiss, Cora Lloyd, Cole Nelson, Atticus Persinger, Molly Davis. Olivia Tapia Ko Photos.
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Preservation; Safekeeping. Emiliano Cáceres Manzano Photo.
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Kate Estevez / Yale Schwarzman Center Photos.
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Allan Greenier's "Untitled" (portrait of Severija Janusauskaite). Ruby Szekeres Photos.
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Susan Kulp, Shane Quinn and company in Family Business: (A)Pizza Play. Performances run at CitySeed’s 162 James St. headquarters Fridays through Sundays through June 28. Chris Randall Photos.
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Photo courtesy of the Yale Schwarzman Center.
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The following citizen contribution was submitted by Josiah Brown, executive director of Connecticut CASA.
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Amy Migliore with Ajibola Tajudeen, now a student at the Berkeley College of Music, at Co-Op graduation in June 2022. Lucy Gellman File Photo.
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Prey Drive, from SomethingProjects and artist Ashton S. Phillips, runs through June 22 at the Ely Center of Contemporary Art. Peter R Brown Photos.
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Students in "Purpose," which Nikki Claxton also called a "Ode To BRAMS." Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Matthew Fried Photos Courtesy of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra.
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June, Amelia, Inessa, and Liza Alford. Abiba Biao Photos.
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Peg Oliveira, who didn't think of herself as a trailblazer when she and Jen Vickery got married outside of New Haven City Hall on Nov. 12, 2008. She joked about the number of people who had been saying that they "found" her this year—because she never left New Haven, and has no intention to. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Jordan Cunningham and Alder Honda Smith, who he will forever call "Ms. Honda," a term of respect, no matter how old he gets. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Lynda Stannard’s painting “Lids Closed." Lucy Gellman Photos; all work by ArtShip artists.
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Amelia Matthews and Adrianiz Lopez Martinez, both seventh graders at Mauro-Sheridan Interdistrict Magnet School. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Hill champion Ann Boyd with members of her family. Abiba Biao Photos.
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Curtis Brown Photography.
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Prince Davenport Photo.
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City Librarian Maria Bernhey in July 2023, on day one of her tenure as city librarian. Lucy Gellman File Photo.
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In front of Elm City Sounds, ethnomusicologist Patrick Rivers was doing his best to make and spread a beat. The sweet aroma of kettle corn, the excited “hellos” of unexpected familiar faces, and the groovy blues of Joe Cocker all filled the air around him.
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Top: The vendor market. Bottom: Rachel Alderman and her 12-year-old son Jonah, who won the duck race last year. This year, he entered four ducks but suffered the crushing agony of defeat.
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Top: Anne Cubberly's Giant Puppets at the 2024 International Festival of Arts & Ideas, which lost $65,000 of NEA grant funding. Bottom: Young cellist Amiel "AJ" Johnson, a sixth grader at Nathan Hale School and a student at Music Haven. Lucy Gellman File Photos.
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Frances "Bitsie" Clark, who turned 93 on Oct. 30 of last year. Lucy Gellman File Photo.
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Patricia Bellamy-Mathis. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Anthony Akambe, a student soloist with the New Haven Chamber Orchestra. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Student speakers ranged from Rosa, who read poetry, to immigrant rights advocate Ambar Santiago-Rojas. Grayce Howe Photos.
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The following photoessay comes from Hannah Ericksen, a junior at Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School studying photography with Chris Randall. It takes a look inside Melodies & Mimosas, a celebration of musical community from the New Haven Symphony Orchestra that took place last Sunday at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven. The event honored Arts Maven Anne Tyler Calabresi, educational non-profit Music Haven, the Horizons at Foote summer program, the Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ, and ClimateHaven.
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Melissa Andersen as Georgie and George Kulp as Alex in New Haven Theater Company's production of Simon Stephens' Heisenberg. Performances run Thursdays through Saturdays, May 1-10, at EBM Vintage in downtown New Haven. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Anneliese the Sheep at the 116th annual Connecticut Sheep, Wool & Fiber Festival. Ruby Szekeres Photos.
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Shayla Streater pictured with friends Hafeeza Turé and Arden Santana in 2022. Lucy Gellman File Photo.
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Yaira Matyakubova, artistic director of the Haven String Quartet. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Juniors Jonaily Colón and Japhet Gonzalez. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Dr. Yusuf Ransome and Josh Bibbey.
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From left to right: Jason Santacroce and Packy Lillis; Mike DePacale, Sarah Finnegan, Paul Pender, and Seamus Lonergan; Sarah Finnegan, Paul Pender, and Katie Santacroce in Brian Friel’s Translations, directed by Karl Ryan and produced by the Connecticut Irish Theater Troupe. Photos © Karl Ryan.
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Nelson at the Ives Main Branch of the New Haven Free Public Library. This week, he'll be presenting some of his work at the Trinity International Hip Hop Festival in Hartford. Lucy Gellman Photo.
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Heidi Brooks, Professor and Artsy Fund Committee Member at Yale SOM, artist Mario Moore, and Anita Sharif-Hyder, Dean of Students, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs and Student Life, and Artsy Fund Committee Member at Yale SOM. Mara Lavitt Photos.
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Candles and photos at a vigil for Gayle in 2021, following her death. Contributed Photo.
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Top: Ruba Al Behery (sketch by Amal Abu Hussain), "Palestinian henna party حفلة الحنة الفلسطينية". Bottom: A traditional Palestinian embroidery sampler woven by Nawal Ibrahim Al-Ahmad (on blue background) and a "Hellenistic Rooster" inspired by the Marisa Tomb Paintings and embroidered by Alia Abu-Rabia. Lucy Gellman Photos; all art by refugee artists in the Palestinian History Tapestry Project.
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Crystal Emery can't remember exactly when she began to find the laugh lines in her life. Maybe it was during a hospital stay, when a particularly chatty nurse led to a long and unexpected ordeal with Hamden law enforcement. Or a personal interest in film that led her to too many bad depictions of disabled people. Or a belief that she could change someone’s outlook, one giggle at a time.
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Eight-year-old Amiina Brown, who belongs to a New Britain based Girl Scouts of the USA Troop, works on her puppet, Monster Monster, before the show. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Josefina Banks at a recent rehearsal for Call Forth A Woman. The play, a collection of monologues and vignettes amplifying women from the Bible, returns to the Shubert Theatre on April 26. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Sherill Baldwin Photos.
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Carlos Cruz, who is a member of the bomba collective Proyecto Cimarrón. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Chinna Palmer, Brandon E. Burton, and Elizabeth Stahlmann in a scene from Nikolai Gogol's The Inspector, newly adapted and directed by Yura Kordonsky. Yale Repertory Theatre, March 7-29, 2025. Photo © Joan Marcus.
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Tyler Goldchain: "So much of this was staking ourselves in improvisation." Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Myles Tripp performing and connecting with his audience. Mike Chaiken Photo, courtesy of Myles Tripp.
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Laurel Coleman, who wants to create a Wikipedia entry for her mom, Dorothy Coleman. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Amy Migliore with Ajibola Tajudeen, now a student at the Berkeley College of Music, at Co-Op graduation in June 2022. On Monday, NHPS Spokesperson Justin Harmon said the transfer would be temporary. Lucy Gellman File Photo.
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Photos courtesy of the Kallos Chamber Music Series.
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The moment guests stepped through the doorway, the library transformed. Instead of snugly packed shelves, bright lights danced across the walls in green and purple hues. Party masks and gem-colored beads lingered on the tables. Music sailed through the room, with silky-smooth vocals that got the house on its feet. As they mingled, guests found themselves sharing stories of their New Haven Free Public Library, their voices rising and falling in the normally-hushed space.
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Soto at the Pride Center's former home in the basement of 84 Orange Street. Lucy Gellman File Photo.
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Zara Baden-Eversman as Alice. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Skylar Dunn and Lucy Gardner in "The Feminist Theatre Project." Lucy Gellman Photos.
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From left: Jeremiah Craggett as Jeremiah Black, Jonah Craggett as Johan Black, Brandon Hutchinson as Alfira, and Gail Staggers as the narrator performing the first episode of the audiodrama “Haus of Black” at NXTHVN. Aster Rhys Photos.
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Marty Tucker as Pastor Paul in The Christians. New Haven Theater Company presents Lucas Hnath’s The Christians at EBM Vintage, 839 Chapel St. in downtown New Haven, from Thursday, Feb. 27 through Saturday March 8. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Raizine (Rai) Bruton and Jules Larson in 2022, at the first screening of BVFCC's “Portrait of a Cinema on Fire: Feminist Filmmakers" series. Lucy Gellman File Photo.
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Cameron Hoefflinger Photo, courtesy of Aster Rhys.
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Yaira Matyakubova introduces storyteller and artist Toto Kisaku. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Curtis Brown Photography, courtesy of Long Wharf Theatre.
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Isabel Dyson, and Matt Simmons in My Children! My Africa! KVON Photo Courtesy of the MAC.
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