The NEST Arts Factory is hosting Open Studios from Friday-Sunday, November 11-13, 2016 as part of the city-wide Bridgeport Art Trail. The public is invited to meet the nearly 40 artists of the NEST, tour the studios, view artwork and listen to music, and learn something new!

Art during Open Studios:
NEST artists work in a wide variety of media from painting, drawing, and sculpture to printmaking, fiber, ceramics, and jewelry, and are delighted to share their work and explain their inspiration and processes. Art and music demonstrations take place all day Saturday and Sunday. The 10 x 10 fundraising exhibit opens Friday evening an continues all weekend – build or start your art collection, all work is $100 and proceeds benefit both the NEST and the exhibiting artists. Regional members of the international Surface Design Association exhibit in the NEST community gallery.

Music during Open Studios:
NEST musicians play in an array of genres including classic baroque, acoustic folk, latin, alternative rock, and reggae. Join NEST musicians Owen Burdick and Richard Wyton and guests for a performance of Bridgeport Baroque on Friday evening at 7. Rick Reyes and friends perform a Latin fusion concert Saturday evening at 5. Asher Delerme leads a participatory drumming circle Saturday afternoon 1-2 pm. Students from the KEYS program of Bridgeport Public Schools perform during Sunday morning’s brunch from 11-1 pm.

Performance during Open Studios:
Iyaba Ibo Mandingo’s performance piece, AFRIKA360, begins at 6 on Saturday. Poetry led by Iyaba and Shana Melton, plus an open mic is held Saturday from 3-4 pm.

Food during Open Studios:
The delicious DrewbaQ food truck will be parked outside the NEST Saturday and Sunday afternoon. NEST artists host a French-Indonesian brunch Sunday morning from 11-1 pm.

Open Studio Hours: Friday, November 11: 6-9 pm; Saturday, November 12: 10-5 pm; Sunday, November 13: 11-4 pm.

The NEST Arts Factory is located at 1720 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport. Ample onsite and street parking is available for all events. For more details about the NEST Arts Factory or about this or future events, please visit www.nestartsfactory.com