Month: June 2011

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Portrait of an Artist

Artist Christo is all smiles tonight at a reception at the Westport Arts Center. The Center is hosting an exhibit featuring two works in progress by Christo and his late wife Jeanne-Claude: “Over the River, Project for the Arkansas River, State of Colorado,” and “The Mastaba, Project for the United Arab Emirates.” The exhibit includes original artworks — collages, drawings and films — created in preparation for the two projects that Christo plans to complete in the coming decade. The exhibit runs until Sept. 4. Doreen Birdsell for WestportNow.com

Welcoming Christo to the Westport Arts Center

The Westport Arts Center tonight held an opening reception for internationally known environmental artist Christo (c),who with his late wife Jeanne-Claude, is the subject of its current exhibit. Welcoming him is Helen Klisser During (r), the center’s director of visual arts, and Westport artist Ann Chernow, who is an old friend of Christo’s. Her late husband Burt Chernow authored the 2002 work “Christo and Jeanne-Claude: A Biography.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Work in Progress Since 1977

A visitor to tonight’s Westport Arts Center reception in honor of environmental artist Christo looks at his work in progress since 1977, titled “The Mastaba: Project for the United Arab Emirates,” a work of art/architecture made of approximately 410,000 horizontally stacked oil barrels. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Autograph Time

Artist Christo signs a photo of his 2005 “The Gates” exhibit in New York’s Central Park during a reception tonight at the Westport Arts Center. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Parks & Rec: Only 30 Fireworks Tickets Left

Ten minutes before the Westport Parks & Recreation Department closed today there were only 30 tickets left for Friday’s fireworks at Compo Beach, said Rick Guinta, the department’s administrative manager.
A sign at the entrance to Compo Beach reminds visitors of the fireworks. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

“We’re going to take the remainder to the Police Department tonight, and if they don’t sell outright, I’ll take back half tomorrow, and well split the difference selling the rest,” Giunta said about the tickets costing $30 each.

A dispatcher at the the Police Department said they had some tickets left, too, but would not give a number. All of the money raised will go to the Police Athletic League, which is sponsoring the event.

“I have a feeling they may not make the night at the Police Department, and they will be sold out,” Giunta added.

Old Mill Beauty

A home on Westport’s Old Mill Beach takes on a patriotic look. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Gary S. Ozar, 64

Gary Steven Ozar, husband of Chery Ozar, died June 29 at his home in Westport. He was 64.

Born May 26, 1947 in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of Chester and Sophie Ozarowski. He had a great love for his immediate and extended family. Gary was known for his crazy one of a kind sense of humor, his family said.

Survivors in addition to his wife include three sons, Jesse, Evan and Daniel two nieces, Brett and Sofia, two nephews Corey and Keith and one brother, Bruce Ozar and his wife Randy.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at his home, 229 Bayberry Lane, on Saturday, July 2 from 1 to 6 p.m. The Harding Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

WestportNow Teardown of the Day: 42 High Point Road

An application for a permit to demolish the house at Westport’s 42 High Point Road, off Long Lots Road, is in process. Built in 1957, the two-story colonial has 3,586 square feet and is situated on a 1.32-acre property. Because the house was built more than 50 years ago, the application will be reviewed by the Westport Historic District Commission. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Car Fire on Bridge: The View From Below

A car fire today shortly before 10 a.m. on the I-95 bridge over the Saugatuck River sent black smoke at first and then white smoke into the sky as Westport firefighters got it under control. The smoke was visible from Westport’s downtown area. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Car Fire on I-95 Saugatuck Bridge Shuts Down Traffic

A car fire on the I-95 bridge over the Saugatuck River in Westport today sent thick black smoke over the area and forced the shutdown of southbound traffic. Westport firefighters brought the blaze under control shortly before 10 a.m. View is from a traffic camera. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) DOT photo