American Fabrics Arts Building, #1
1069 Connecticut Avenue, Building 4
Bridgeport, CT 06607
203-451-5011
www.amfabarts.com
Artists of the American Fabrics Arts Building
In its 18th year, American Fabrics Arts Building (AFA) Open Studios showcases over 25 artists in their studios where the creative process happens. Held in a renovated factory building where linen and lace were once manufactured, the event has become a destination for collectors, interior designers, and art lovers alike. AFA’s diverse group of artists are engaged in painting, printmaking, sculpture, quilting, jewelry, photography, ceramics, textiles, design, mixed media, and more. Every year we welcome new artist tenants, lending a fresh perspective to the event. Many artists will be offering affordable art for sale and hosting special events (see the AFA artists list at the back of the guide, for more information).
Once again we are supporting the Bridgeport Rescue Mission (BRM). The mission serves those critically in need directly in our community. It feeds the hungry, shelters the homeless, and helps people conquer drug and alcohol addictions. AFA will be serving as a drop-off point for their Thanksgiving Stuff-A-Truck event, giving patrons the opportunity to donate food and coats for local families in need. (See event listing.) Lastly, the artists of AFA have joined together once again to donate an assortment of small works for the AFA Collector’s Raffle. An amazing collection of work will be raffled for $5 a chance, with all proceeds going to BRM! There will be food trucks in the west parking lot to serve our patrons from 10 am to 5 pm each day. Music and participatory performances will offer fun for the whole family! Ample onsite free parking and handicapped access.
Bridgeport Art Trail 2024 Schedule
Saturday, November 9
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Open Studios
Showcase of over 25 artists in their studios where the creative process happens. Held in a renovated factory building where linen and lace were once manufactured, the event has become a destination for collectors, interior designers, and art lovers alike.
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | THEBATHROOMSHOW
Roxy Savage, 2nd floor bathroom
THEBATHROOMSHOW is a site-specific exhibition in the "Ladies-Women's" room, featuring a series of AMFAB bathroom-related digital photographs. The American Fabric Art Building (c. 1907) was a lace manufacturing building with the second-floor bathrooms designated "executive bathrooms." Roxy Savage (studio 201) welcomes all genders to experience THEBATROOMSHOW. The artist will negotiate! Venmo and Zelle accepted.
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | “I Do Not Know What It Is I Am Like” Exhibit
The group show “I Do Not Know What It Is I Am Like” will be the inaugural exhibition at The Stairwell Space, a new contemporary gallery located in the American Fabrics Arts Building. The exhibition title comes from renowned video artist Bill Viola’s work by the same name. In it, Viola films an owl, slowly zooming into its pupil until we see the artist reflected back. Using this as a starting point, the works in “I Do Not Know What It Is I Am Like” will explore the intersection of artistic process and less tangible interior processes such as introspection and intuition. The show features an intergenerational roster of artists working in a wide range of materials and is curated by Terri C. Smith in collaboration with The Stairwell Space founder, artist Linda Colletta.
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Thanksgiving Stuff-A-Truck with Food and Coats!
The Bridgeport Rescue Mission will bless more than 4,000 needy families with turkey and all the fixings, plus a winter coat for every member of the family who needs one! Help us to help them by bringing donations to our Open Studio event. Their warehouse is in our complex and AFA is a drop-off point. They are asking for the following contributions: 12–15 lb. frozen turkeys, canned green beans, corn, peas, and sweet potatoes, canned cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, canned gravy, 1 lb. cans of coffee, and powdered fruit drink mixes. Bins for Donations will be placed at both entrances.
Sunday, November 10
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Open Studios
Showcase of over 25 artists in their studios where the creative process happens. Held in a renovated factory building where linen and lace were once manufactured, the event has become a destination for collectors, interior designers, and art lovers alike.
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | THEBATHROOMSHOW
Roxy Savage, 2nd floor bathroom
THEBATHROOMSHOW is a site-specific exhibition in the "Ladies-Women's" room, featuring a series of AMFAB bathroom-related digital photographs. The American Fabric Art Building (c. 1907) was a lace manufacturing building with the second-floor bathrooms designated "executive bathrooms." Roxy Savage (studio 201) welcomes all genders to experience THEBATROOMSHOW. The artist will negotiate! Venmo and Zelle accepted.
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | “I Do Not Know What It Is I Am Like” Exhibit
The group show “I Do Not Know What It Is I Am Like” will be the inaugural exhibition at The Stairwell Space, a new contemporary gallery located in the American Fabrics Arts Building. The exhibition title comes from renowned video artist Bill Viola’s work by the same name. In it, Viola films an owl, slowly zooming into its pupil until we see the artist reflected back. Using this as a starting point, the works in “I Do Not Know What It Is I Am Like” will explore the intersection of artistic process and less tangible interior processes such as introspection and intuition. The show features an intergenerational roster of artists working in a wide range of materials and is curated by Terri C. Smith in collaboration with The Stairwell Space founder, artist Linda Colletta.
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Thanksgiving Stuff-A-Truck with Food and Coats!
The Bridgeport Rescue Mission will bless more than 4,000 needy families with turkey and all the fixings, plus a winter coat for every member of the family who needs one! Help us to help them by bringing donations to our Open Studio event. Their warehouse is in our complex and AFA is a drop-off point. They are asking for the following contributions: 12–15 lb. frozen turkeys, canned green beans, corn, peas, and sweet potatoes, canned cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, canned gravy, 1 lb. cans of coffee, and powdered fruit drink mixes.Bins for Donations will be placed at both entrances.