Calendar of Events

The Wadsworth’s bronze statue of Nathan Hale on the Main Street lawn has been buffed and cleaned and is ready to welcome you! Installed at the museum in 1893, the sculpture recently underwent major conservation. Come enjoy light refreshments, and brief remarks about the statue and the conservation process. Major support for this restoration project was provided by a grant from the Avangrid Foundation with additional support from the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Connecticut. Free.

Due to weather, this evening’s Summer Lawn Party is canceled. 

In collaboration with Breakfast Lunch & Dinner, the Wadsworth’s front lawn is activated by DJs provided by Cafeteria. Hairstylist and salon owner Carmen Veal Conway leads a discussion and demo of textured hair styling at 5:30pm. Tours at 6pm and 7pm offer the opportunity to learn more about Leonardo Drew’s work. A basketball hoop on Atheneum Square North brings the party around the building. Free ice cream provided by the Ice Cream for a Dream truck while supplies last.

Free. Cash bar and food trucks on site for refreshments and snacks. 

In conjunction with Leonardo Drew: Two Projects.

Voices of the vibrant musicians in the regional choral group Voices of Concinnity resonate through the museum as they perform in our open-air courtyard. Free with museum admission.

Grab your camera to learn about camera functions, techniques, and the basics of lighting and telling a story through the lens in this 2-part class geared for photography beginners. Meet in front of the museum shop. Part 2: Online Lightroom & Photoshop Editing Workshop will take place August 1 from 10-11:30. $50; $35 members. 

Curated by artist Leonardo Drew, King Kong kicks off this summer film series. A film crew and cast making a movie on a tropical island discover a gigantic ape who takes a liking to the female star. The ape is captured and brought back to New York City for public exhibition. Free. Cash bar and snacks for purchase. Chairs provided. Events move indoors in the case of inclement weather. Please note that chairs and food brought in from outside are not permitted.  

7–8:15pm: Live music; 8:15pm: Film screening

1933. USA. 100 min. Not Rated. Starring Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong. Directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack.

Recording artist Tang Sauce’s United Outkast presents a Hip Hop experience with live DJ, dancers, and rap performances. New Haven’s experimental soul ensemble Phat A$tronaut takes the stage to perform meticulously crafted arrangements. The Lost Tribe, a drum-centered Afro-funk fusion ensemble, led by multi-percussionist Jocelyn Pleasant closes out the lawn party jam session from 7–8pm.

Free. Cash bar and food trucks on site for refreshments and snacks.

In conjunction with Leonardo Drew: Two Projects.

This summer film series is curated by artist Leonardo Drew. A Raisin in the Sun tells the story of a working-class Black family living in Chicago who learns they will be receiving a substantial insurance check. Each member of the family begins to dream about what to do with the money. Free. Cash bar and snacks for purchase. Chairs provided. Events move indoors in the case of inclement weather. Please note that chairs and food brought in from outside are not permitted.  

5-8pm: Summer Lawn Party: Jam Out; 8:15pm: Film screening

1961. USA. 132 min. Not Rated. Starring Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee. Directed by Daniel Petrie.

This screening is supported by My People Community Services & BSL Educational Foundation Inc.

This film series is curated by artist Leonardo Drew. Gloria tells the story of a young boy who’s family is killed by the Mob. A neighbor becomes his reluctant guardian, and the two go on the run with a notebook that the mobsters are desperate to retrieve. Free. Cash bar and snacks for purchase. Chairs provided. Events move indoors in the case of inclement weather. Please note that chairs and food brought in from outside are not permitted.  

7–8:15pm: Live music; 8:15pm: Film screening

1980. USA. 122 min. Rated PG. Starring Gena Rowlands, John Adames. Directed by John Cassavetes.

This film series is curated by artist Leonardo Drew. The exceptionally lensed fantastical drama Beasts of the Southern Wild tells the story of a six-year-old girl who must learn the ways of courage and love while facing both her father’s fading health and melting ice caps that flood her bayou community. Free. Cash bar and snacks for purchase. Chairs provided. Events move indoors in the case of inclement weather. Please note that chairs and food brought in from outside are not permitted.  

7–8:15pm: Live music; 8:15pm: Film screening

2012. USA. 93 min. Rated PG-13. Starring Quvenzhané Wallis, Dwight Henry. Directed by Benh Zeitlin (Wesleyan University graduate).

Supported by My People Community Services & BSL Educational Foundation Inc.

Celebrate the end of summer with our final lawn party of the season. Cafeteria Radio will activate the front lawn with DJs. Revisionist Films will premiere unseen Leonardo Drew footage that highlights the artist’s work and creative process. A basketball hoop on Atheneum Square North brings the party around the building. 

Cash bar, as well No Pork On Dis Fork LLC, SoulFully Vegan, and Ice Cream for a Dream food trucks on site for refreshments and snacks.

In conjunction with Leonardo Drew: Two Projects.