The Schelfhaudt Gallery at University of Bridgeport, #5
84 Iranistan Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604
The BIG Beautiful Bridgeport Art Trail Show - Connections
BAT Weekend Gallery Hours:
Saturday, November 8, 12pm - 8:30pm
Sunday, November 9, 12pm - 4pm
Exhibit Reception: Saturday, November 8, 5:30 - 8:00pm
The exhibit runs November 8 - December 13, 2025 with regular gallery hours Fri-Sun 12pm - 4pm. View an eclectic selection of art representing artists from the BAT family. This large group exhibit, with the subtitle “Connections”, demonstrates how the Bridgeport Art Trail extends throughout the city, county, state and beyond. Among the works on view are a selection of larger works, sculpture, drawings, paintings and fiber art and a wall full of small works representing Bridgeport Art Trail artists.
Curator Suzanne Kachmar brings back some BAT favorites and introduces new works. Highlights include fiber art by Carlos Biernnay, sculpture by Carlos Davila and Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, drawings by Rick Shaefer, paintings by Looketha, Ellie Mesa, and Francine Fanali, large scale portraiture by Will Corprew and Francis Pressley, photography by Dustin DeMilio, Darius Kanarek, Thomas Mezzanotte, Yolanda Vasquez Petrocelli, and Tamara Pienko, beadwork and drawings by Scott Schuldt, and the interactive “Bicker Booth” by Robert Gregson.
In the connecting room the Artists Collective of Westport presents a multi-media group show of art by some of their 150 members, many of whom have studios in Bridgeport. The work covers a wide variety of styles and techniques from large acrylic abstracts to small delicate watercolors, digital photography, and beautifully rendered oil paintings.
This exhibit is co-produced by City Lights/Bridgeport Art Trail and the Artists Collective of Westport.
The theme “connections” refers to people and the art from two port cities, historically perceived as having contrasting demographics. However, the artists collaborate throughout Fairfield County and the NY-CT region. The arts bring people from diverse backgrounds together for a cultural exchange.
Another interpretation of the theme is the connection between imagery, media and process. Large scale artworks range from fiber art by Carlos Biernnay, sculptures both freestanding by Iyaba Ibo Mandingo and mounted on the wall by Carlos Davila, drawings by Rick Shaefer, paintings abstract and figurative, including two large portraits on wooden board painted in different styles by artists Will Corprew and Francis Pressley. A wall of photography presents a range of techniques from the oldest methods such as pinhole cameras, tin types and dark room photography by Thomas Mezzanotte, to digitally manipulated work by Yolanda Vasquez-Petrocelli. To contextualize the concept, an antique wooden accordion style camera, installed like a piece of sculpture reminds viewers that there was a time when a camera wasn't also a phone.
“The Bite” by Carlos Biernnay
Pushing the exploration of the concept of process, the Connections exhibit presents photographs produced from rescued negatives ‘destroyed’ during hurricane Sandy. The color negatives documenting the sculptures by Susan Rheinhardt, have become art themselves. The saltwater reacting to the properties of the film have created crystalized overlays on the faded sculptural forms. Susan was a well respected instructor at the University of Bridgeport. The Bicker Box by Bob Gregson is not to be missed, offering visitors to participate in a random conversation experience. These large works are complemented with a variety of small works representing artists from the Bridgeport Art Trail studios, programs and exhibits.
Art by Will Corprew
“Cosmic Message” by Yolanda Vasquez
Petrocelli
Bridgeport Art Trail 2025 Schedule
Thursday, November 6
11:00 AM | A Conversation with Iyaba Ibo Mandingo
Meet Iyaba, multi-talented painter, writer, fashion designer, sculptor, playwright, musician, puppeteer, and all-around inspirational person. Iyaba will read selections from his recently published book, Season Rice, and talk about the value of creativity and self-expression. He will also jam with UB Steel, the University of Bridgeport’s steel drum ensemble, playing the steel pan music of his native Antigua.
Saturday, November 8
12:00 PM - 8:30 PM | On display: The BIG Beautiful Bridgeport Art Trail Show - “Connections”
View an eclectic selection of art representing artists from the BAT family and the Artists Collective of Westport.
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Artists’ Party for The BIG Beautiful Bridgeport Art Trail Show - “Connections”
Join art trail trekkers after the studios close. Meet the artists, enjoy reception fare and view an eclectic selection of art in the spacious Schelfhaudt Gallery.
Sunday, November 9
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM | On display: The BIG Beautiful Bridgeport Art Trail Show - “Connections”
View an eclectic selection of art representing artists from the BAT family and the Artists Collective of Westport
Located on the edge of the beautiful Seaside Park at the University of Bridgeport, the Bernhard Center features theaters, galleries, and performance spaces that showcase the visual and performing arts.