he official arrival of summer brings with it the unshakeable desire to get out of the house and do something — especially when the kids are out of school. Whether you’re looking for a weekend adventure to explore new destinations or want to take a day off to enjoy some of the summer break with your children, the Connecticut Art Trail has plenty to offer. Visit any of our 24 member museums and you’ll find awe-inspiring exhibitions, family-friendly festivals, artist talks, and much more. Don’t forget: there’s still time to make it the start of a longer adventure when you pick up a Passport-Journal for free admission to each site on the Trail!

In our latest newsletter, we take a look at some of the great exhibitions and events you can visit with your family this summer. We also take a look at what you can discover at two of our member sites: The American Mural Project and Five Points Arts.

School is nearly out, the days are still getting longer, and everyone’s eager to get out of the house and enjoy the season. The Connecticut Art Trail is happy to help you make the most of your summer weekends and vacations. Our 24 member sites offer a full range of activities, ranging from guided tours in air-conditioned galleries to summer concerts and festivals on well-kept grounds. There’s still time to pick up a Passport-Journal to get free admission to all of these sites and qualify for our grand prize giveaway. Enjoy the season; make it a creative one!

In our latest newsletter, we take a look at upcoming events and exhibitions as well as special promotions available this summer. We also look into the fascinating histories of the Yale Center for British Art and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.

The sun is lingering a little longer each day, the days are getting warmer, and the beautiful gardens at the Connecticut Art Trail’s historic sites are coming into bloom. What better time to get out and explore all there is to see at our 24 member museums and cultural sites? Many members of the Connecticut Art Trail are taking advantage of the pleasant late spring conditions with extended hours, exhibition openings, festivals, and other terrific events to make your evenings and weekends better. Check out our full list of upcoming exhibitions and events to see what’s happening near you, including registration information for upcoming summer camps. Don’t forget to pick up your Passport-Journal for free admission to every site!

In the May 2024 newsletter, we take a look at the upcoming exhibitions and events on the Connecticut Art Trail as well as some of the summer art camps available at member museums. We also take an in-depth look at the history and collections of two members: the Lyman Allyn Art Museum and the Weir Farm National Historic Park.

Whether you’re in search of new inspiration or just looking for a way to get out of the April showers, the Connecticut Art Trail has something for you this spring. Check out the full lineup of exhibitions and events at our 24 member museums and cultural sites to discover fascinating opportunities. And for this season’s gift-giving needs, consider the Connecticut Art Trail Passport. This purchase opens the door to adventure for new graduates, teachers, brides and grooms, and everyone else on your list!

The Connecticut Art Trail newsletter for April includes a list of upcoming events and exhibitions at member sites, some exciting news from the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, and profiles of the Mystic Museum of Art and The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art.

The reawakening of the landscape in spring has long been an inspiration for artists. From the emergence of early flowers to the appearance of buds on tree limbs, the season signals a time of renewal and vibrancy.

In our March newsletter, we take a look at how the 24 member museums on the Connecticut Art Trail are embracing the new season. Find information on upcoming exhibitions and events, news from the Trail, and profiles on two members: the Bruce Museum and Slater Memorial Museum.

Interest in Connecticut Art Trail’s Passport-Journal program grew substantially in 2023 as more people embraced the opportunity to explore Connecticut’s world-class art museums, galleries, and cultural attractions.

There were a total of 880 Passport-Journal sales in 2023, a 79 percent increase compared to 2022. Of these transactions, 648 were sold as part of a year-end “buy one, get one” offer encouraging people to buy a Passport-Journal as a holiday gift. BOGO sales nearly doubled from the previous year, increasing 92 percent.

“The response to the Passport-Journal program has been amazing in the past year, and we’re excited that so many more people are signing up to see Connecticut’s incredible artistic attractions,” said Carey Mack Weber, President of the Connecticut Art Trail and the Frank and Clara Meditz Executive Director at Fairfield University Art Museum. “It’s especially heartening to see the growing popularity of the Passport-Journal as a unique holiday gift that opens the door to an entire year of new discoveries.”

Passport-Journal holders receive free admission to all Connecticut Art Trail sites for one year after purchase. Each site also offers additional benefits to holders, such as free gifts and museum store discounts.

The Passport-Journal can be purchased for $35 at any member site, or online at ctarttrail.org/passport.

Passport-Journal holders receive a sticker when they visit any Connecticut Art Trail site, and anyone who visits all 24 locations by Dec. 31st will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize giveaway. Delamar Hotels continues to partner with the Connecticut Art Trail to provide the grand prize of an overnight stay and a couples massage at the Delamar Hotel of the winner’s choice.

Does the winter season have you feeling blue? Our latest newsletter shows how you can escape the dreary weather to discover inspiring works by world-renowned artists as well as local and regional talent.

The newsletter features current and upcoming exhibitions and events from the 24 Connecticut Art Trail museums, as well as profiles of two member sites: Hill-Stead Museum and the Greenwich Historical Society / Bush-Holley House.

The year is still young, so pick up a Passport-Journal to enjoy free admission to all Connecticut Art Trail museums and be eligible for a grand prize giveaway!

The Connecticut Art Trail is pleased to announce its expansion to 24 member museums and cultural sites in 2024 with the addition of Eastern Connecticut State University’s Art Gallery (Eastern Art Gallery). Additionally, The Carousel Museum and Five Points Arts join as affiliate members. The expansion brings new opportunities for residents and visitors to participate in the Trail’s unique Passport program — providing access to rich cultural and arts experiences throughout the state.

The Eastern Art Gallery has been the university’s on-campus cultural incubator for four decades. The museum features exhibitions of contemporary art intended to inspire students, faculty, and the community and has dedicated itself to advancing the school’s public liberal arts mission. Eastern Art Gallery provides exhibition programming with depth and relevance to multiple disciplines and a diverse campus and community audience.

“We are thrilled to announce Eastern Art Gallery as the 24th member of the Connecticut Art Trail and sixth location in eastern Connecticut,” said Carey Mack Weber, President of the Connecticut Art Trail and the Frank and Clara Meditz Executive Director at the Fairfield University Art Museum. “Eastern Art Gallery and the university are tremendous partners in championing our state’s incredible creative and cultural spaces. Also, the addition of The Carousel Museum and Five Points Arts as affiliate members further diversify the cultural landscape available to all Connecticut Art Trail Passport holders.”

The Art Trail’s expansion signifies an unwavering commitment to making art accessible to everyone. For $35 art enthusiasts can purchase a Passport at ctarttrail.org or a member museum. Good for the year, the Passport provides one-time admission to each of 24 locations – 24 museums and the two affiliate members. This affordability aligns perfectly with the rising trend of “third spaces” – welcoming environments outside of home and work where individuals can connect, relax, and engage in enriching low-cost or no-cost activities. With more than two dozen unique destinations to explore, the Connecticut Art Trail offers a tremendous opportunity for residents and visitors to tap into accessible cultural experiences in every corner of Connecticut.

Trail explorers can gain more than an enriching experience by visiting Connecticut Art Trail museums and cultural sites. With every sticker collected at a participating museum, Trail explorers are one step closer to being entered in a grand prize drawing. Collect all 24 unique stickers and drop the completed Passport off at your final museum destination to be eligible for an overnight stay for two at the Delamar West Hartford — complete with a couples massage.

In our latest newsletter, we invite you to make a resolution to explore the 24 members of the Connecticut Art Trail in 2024! From contemporary art havens to historic houses, craft centers to maritime museums, every stop on the Connecticut Art Trail promises a fresh spark of inspiration this year. This year-long adventure grants you ultimate flexibility. Plan a museum marathon or savor each experience slowly; there’s no wrong way to explore the Trail. 

Ready to begin your artistic odyssey? Purchase your Connecticut Art Trail Passport-Journal online or at any participating museum!

The January 2024 newsletter also features information on upcoming exhibitions and events, news from the Connecticut Art Trail, and features on two members museums: the Center for Contemporary Printmaking and Hartford Art School Galleries, University of Hartford.

In our latest newsletter, we’re encouraging you to include the member museums of the Connecticut Art Trail in your holiday shopping. You can gift a one-of-a-kind experience to a loved one with our buy one, get one deal on the Connecticut Art Trail’s Passport-Journal. This $35 purchase gets you free admission and other perks to all member museums, and the BOGO offer is sure to unlock a season of exploration and enrichment! 

The December 2023 newsletter also features information on upcoming exhibitions and events, news from the Connecticut Art Trail, and features on two members museums: the Silvermine Arts Center and Yale University Art Gallery.