Host Lucy Gellman chats with Billy DiCrosta and Neil Fuentes, owners of the New Haven Academy of Performing Arts, about their Broadway on Main initiative and the impact that theater, dance, and arts education has on youngn people's lives. They are joined by Lisa Costello, who plays M'Lynn in a current production of Steel Magnolias running at the theater through March 22. 

Val Ramos Flamenco Ensemble CD Release ConcertMarch 17, 2026 12:30-1:30 p.m. Quinnipiac University’s Mount Carmel Auditorium (CCE/Communications, Computer & Engineering Building), 275 Mount Carmel Avenue, Hamden CT.The Val Ramos Flamenco Ensemble will be perform a concert of Flamenco music, song, and dance in celebration of the release of its new CD “Eres la luna en mi cielo.” Selections from the CD will be featured and CDs will be available for purchase at the concert. Featured artists will include Val Ramos (lead guitarist), special guest Alfonso Cid (singer), Tere Luna (singer), Yohanna Escamilla (dancer), Carlos Hernández Chávez (bassist), Ashley Jones (violinist), Nestor Prieto (percussionist), Shawn Montañéz (guitarist), and Herman Carvache (percussionist). This is a free concert sponsored by The Common Hour at Quinnipiac University. THIS IS A FREE CONCERT & PARKING IS LIMITED

Meet Olivia Lauren, a girl who never thought sports were her thing until she decided to give swimming a try! At first, she was nervous, but something wonderful happened: Olivia discovered a brand-new passion. Dive into this inspiring story about trying new things, building confidence, and finding joy in unexpected places.

https://creativeartsworkshop.org/gallery/current/Made Visible 2026 — “A Lion Speaks”A Celebration of Black ArtistsCurated by Shaunda HollowayPresented by Creative Arts Workshop (CAW)Exhibition Dates: February 1–March 12, 2026Opening Reception: Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 pmLocation: Hilles Gallery, Creative Arts Workshop80 Audubon Street, New Haven, CTAdmission: Free and open to the publicAbout the ExhibitionCreative Arts Workshop presents Made Visible 2026: A Lion Speaks, its annual Black History Month exhibition celebrating the work of Black artists and artists of African descent. Now in its eighth year, Made Visible reflects CAW’s ongoing commitment to equity, representation, and amplifying underrepresented voices through the visual arts.Curated by Hamden-based artist, writer, and educator Shaunda Holloway, A Lion Speaks draws inspiration from the African proverb, “Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter.” The exhibition centers self-authored narratives—honoring lived experience, cultural memory, and creative resistance.As Holloway explains, “Telling our stories for ourselves, sharing our resistance in all its facets, and encouraging others to continue preserving our stories in spite of systemic erasure is what A Lion Speaks is about.”The exhibition features work by 25 local and regional artists spanning painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, mixed media, video, textiles, and fiber arts.Participating ArtistsA Lion Speaks features the work of 25 local and regional artists whose practices reflect deeply personal and politically resonant narratives. Together, these artists reclaim authorship and visibility, giving voice to stories that have too often been marginalized.Creative Arts Workshop is honored to present work by:Faustin Adeniran, Jean Benoit, Marquis Brantley Sr., Leigh Busby, Shari Caldwell-Young, Siobhan Carter-David, Robert Cooper Jr., Chelsea DeBerry, Ricardo de Paula, Demeree Douglas, Lydia Douglas, Kayla Hall, Iman Uqdah Hameen, David Jackson, Fethi Meghelli, Linda Mickens, Dana Monique, Rory D.L. Moorer, Aisha Nailah, Adeyinka Ogunlowo, Thelma Raney, Brandon Ricketts, Portia Scott-Thiam, Arvia Walker, and Reginald Woolery.We are deeply grateful to these artists for sharing their work, their voices, and their visions with our community.Free Public WorkshopAs part of the exhibition’s public programming, Creative Arts Workshop will host a free, hands-on mixed-media workshop led by nationally recognized fiber artist Ed Johnetta Miller.Saturday, March 14, 2026Hilles Gallery, Creative Arts WorkshopFree and open to the public | All skill levels welcomeThis community-based workshop invites participants to explore storytelling and creative expression through an improvisational approach. Working with fabric scraps and mixed materials, participants will create a small wall piece while engaging themes of self-authored narratives and cultural memory. No prior experience is required.