The finishing touches were done today on the next exhibit at the Westport Arts Center, “Edward Burtynsky: Nature Speaks.” The exhibit of large-format color photographs by the world-renowned Canadian photographer opens with a 6 p.m. reception on Friday, Sept. 19 and runs through Nov. 1. Curator is Helen Klisser During (2nd r), WAC director of visual arts. “Profound photographs by Burtynsky reveal the stark reality of human industry on the land,” she said. “The monumental photographs of dramatic, seductive landscapes are a sobering testament to the complex relationship between industry and nature, which speaks loud and clear.” The exhibition is on loan courtesy of the Hall Collection, and has traveled from the Hall Art Foundation in Reading, Vt. where it was on view from November 2012 to December 2013.
(CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

First Selectman Jim Marpe presents a commendation to retiring Westport Arts Advisory Committee (WAAC) Co-Chair Leslie Greene. Marpe announced that Richard Epstein will replace Greene alongside current Co-Chair Nancy Diamond. Appointed by the First Selectman, the WAAC’s goals are to perpetuate Westport as a thriving center for artistic activity and to preserve its artistic heritage.​ At Town Hall on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m., WAAC will present its first free-to-the-public TEA Talk: Thinkers, Educators, Artists speak on the role of technology in the arts. For information, check westportarts.org. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Joseph Valero, producer of ESPN-TV “Sports Reporters” for the past 25 years   and a Westporter until a recent move to Norwalk, hosted a book signing launch party tonight at the Saugatuck Rowing Club. It was celebrating publication of his book, “Second to None” about the four Super Bowl appearances of the Buffalo Bills. The attendees included sports journalists Mike Lupica, Bob Ryan, former Boston Globe sports columnist, Sal Marchiano, radio and TV broadcaster. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Paige Rawl of Indianapolis, Ind. contracted the HIV virus from her mother and tested positive at age 12. Now 20, she spoke at the Westport Public Library tonight about her new book, “Positive.” In it, she tells the story of how she was mercilessly bullied in middle school and how she overcame the ordeal to change her world for the better. “If my book saves one life, it was worth it,” she said. “I am a regular girl, I have friends, I date, I have a normal life.  However, if I ever get a cold or something, I immediately go for an antibiotic—and I don’t allow myself to get overtired.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Guests dance to the music of Strawberry Fields, a look-alike, sound-alike Beatles tribute band, at the Westport Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts tonight. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport Pizzeria was the sponsor tonight of the Beatles tribute band Strawberry Fields, which closed out the shortened season at the new Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts. Pictured are Westport Pizzeria owner Mel Mioli and wife Carrie. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Scenes from tonight’s Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts season closer Strawberry Fields, a Beatles tribute band. There will be one more performance at the Levitt on Wednesday—the popular almost all-doctor DNR band. WestportNow.com photo

Renowned pianists Misha and Cipa Dichter performed in a Westport Arts Center chamber music concert today at the Pequot Library in Southport. A full house watched them perform the Mozart Sonata in D Major, along with select pieces by Mendelssohn, Dvorak, and Rachmaninoff (Suite No. 2). (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com