The Libertine Collective:

The Libertine Collective is a Connecticut-based creative group of like-minded artists of every medium who express themselves and motivate others. The Collective explores and shares ideas through actions, connections, intellect, communication and intent; allowing for enriched life experiences. In doing so, we inspire one another with endless possibilities and gain insight by learning from one another.

Our overall goal is to bring art and people who appreciate it together in an environment that appeals to even the casual dabbler. By mixing live original music with poetry, visual art and performance art, we hope to generate a sort of spectacle that might offer greater incentive to the community as naturally and organically possible.

contact: Heather at libertinecollective@yahoo.com



Tuesday, November 23, 2010

SCARLET - Art for the Heart - Reception Dec. 11th

The Libertine Collective invites you to join us for SCARLET - Art for the Heart at Hartford ArtSpace:


An art exhibit & benefit celebrating the 10 year "LIFE-iversary" and victory over heart disease survivor Dawn Manogue while raising awareness for heart disease and Womenheart.org All proceeds to benefit WomenHeart. Their mission is to improve the health and quality of life of women living with or at risk of heart disease, and to advocate for their benefit.

$10 donation at the door ($5 for children) gets you:

ENTERTAINMENT WITH:

O.P.M.

The Kelvins and Friends

Atticus Kelly & Adrian Mojica - The Boy Wonder Jazz Duo

and belly dancer Sugati and Chris Phillips on percussion

and more!!

***

OVER 40 CONNECTICUT ARTISTS contributing a unique piece of sculpture utilizing a mannequin of a female torso. Artists involved are as follows:


FOOD and LIBATIONS graciously sponsored by Harpoon Brewery, Chef extraordinaire Carl Lantz, REMAX Premiere Realtors of West Hartford, Shayna B and the Pickle, Angelo's on Main, Nature's Grocer , Aruna chocolates and the Flat Bread Company.

GALLERY HOURS: Dec 11-23rd -Weekdays 3:30pm - 6:00pm Weekends 12-3 pm
Not Open Christmas Eve through the weekend


For more information contact H.L. GROEN at hlgroen@yahoo.com

Daniel Bohman Solo Exhibit - Dec 3rd

The Libertine Collective and MAC650 Gallery present:


The Libertine Collective and MAC650 Gallery present:

THE MODERN FIGURE - A Solo Exhibit with emerging artist Daniel Bohman

Reception Dec 3rd from 7:00 pm to 10 pm. The exhibit runs through Dec 26th at the MAC650 Gallery at 650 Main St. in Middletown, Ct. Gallery hours 12 - 3 on Sat & Sunday or by appointment.

For more information contact dbohman41@gmail.com, 860 965 4056

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

The Art of Peter O'Brien - Reception - Dec 3rd

The Libertine Collective and Ethel Walker school welcome you to partake in the experience of Peter O'Brien's haunting and ethereal paintings. Take away with you lifetimes of journeys.

Where and when you ask?

Artist Reception:

The Constance Lavino Library at Ethel Walker School.
230 Bushy Hill Road
Simsbury, Ct, 06070
Dec. 3rd, 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Ongoing til December 17th 2010

For more information on this show please contact Peter via facebook or Debbie Altschuwager @ 860-416-9026  *   altschwager@ethelwalker.org



* Proceeds from this event will support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Art Bares All at 650 MAC in Middletown

Images from Show: click here

The North End Artist Co-op, along with The Libertine Collective, will be displaying an exhibit, titled 'Art Bares All', at the MAC 650 Gallery (650 Main St. Middletown, CT) throughout the month of November.  The purpose of the exhibit is to explore nudity through art and encourage everyone to be comfortable with their own natural bodies...we are all beautiful!

The opening reception  Friday, November 5th from 7-10pm, where visitors can meet the artists and explore the gallery.  Complimentary food at the event contributed by Iguanas Ranas Taqueria, The Firehouse Steakhouse, and Tschudin Chocolates. All proceeds benefit the North End Artist Co-op for our efforts to offer free programs in art & music to the residents in the North End community. 

MAC 650 Gallery, 650 Main St., Middletown, throughout November, Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., (860) 347-0834, mac650.blogspot.com.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

The L.C. Presents: Divnation, A Solo Exhibit of H.L. GROEN

Divination: The Intuitive Art of H.L. GROEN

The Libertine Collective presents:

* Personal drawings and sculpture spanning the past year and a half of spiritual exploration and impulsive nature.

* Reception on Sep. 25th, 2010 - Hartford ArtSpace, 555 Asylum Ave. Hors d'oeuvre's and Libations provided. Food sponsored by Simsbury Little City Pizza - http://www.littlecitypizzaco.com/

Exhibit runs from September 12th - September 26th (limited hours, please contact H.L. Groen for appointments). "light" opening fri. the 17th 6:15 – 9:00

Also featuring drawings from visual art students of the Hartford Magnet Middle School and original music by high school students Atticus Kelly and Adrian Mojica of the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts .

* This exhibit is CHILD friendly

Sponsored by the Libertine Collective, Hartford ArtSpace and Simsbury Little City Pizza

For more information contact hlgroen@yahoo.com
http://www.hlgroen.com/

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Inspired Initiation. New talent!


Emerging artists ~ INSPIRED INITIATION - New talent showing their photographs for the first time! Join us for an opening reception on Friday July 9th from 7-9pm at Gallery 46, 46 Union Street, Rockville - www.gallery46.org

Photographers: 
Jamie Turner * Richard Alan * Shane Jones * Craig Stalk
Peter McClure * Karen Michaud *
Brianna Houghton


Monday, June 7, 2010

Welcome to Bohemia! Re*Art Style - June 18th


Welcome to Bohemia is an ongoing series of multi-media shows featuring live original music, art, poetry and performance art. This month, we're utilizing the phenomenal Re*Art exhibit as the stage for the event.

* This event is dedicated to the memory of artist and fellow Libertine, Matthew Gabrielson, aka RibOne. Rib was beloved by many, and his beautiful energy will be missed.

This show will feature:
* live musical performances by The Kelvins and Bret the One Man Band
* Spoken word poetry by John L. Stanizzi, Summer Tate and more.
* Live painting
* A tribute to artist Matthew Gabrielson, aka RibOne
* The brilliant art of Re*Art

Art for Aids -June 19th



On Saturday, June 19, 2010, we invite you to be part of the Connecticut AIDS Resource Coalition's Art for AIDS fundraiser to benefit the Richard B. Fried Fund, CARC's Endowment Fund. Our goal is to raise funds to help support people living with HIV/AIDS in Connecticut as we enjoy an evening of art, music, food, wine and dancing at ArtSpace in Hartford.

Special features of the event include, open wine bar, delectable appetizers & pasta stations by Salute restaurant, music by Jason Villani a.k.a. DJ Lord Lewis, Art Show/Sale and an exciting Art Grab featuring canvases donated by Jerry's Artarama and designed by 100 local area artists.

For ticket information go to: http://www.ctaidscoalition.org/

Thursday, May 13, 2010

SKIN FEST at Sully's - May 15th!


Cancer Awareness Month, we're throwing a benefit bash at Sully's Pub!

This will be EPIC!!! $10. in advance/$12. at the door gets you:
LIVE performances by:
* Bipolar Jukebox
* Hannah's Field
* The Kelvins (with the debut of drummer Travis LaMothe!)
* Matt Zeiner (special duo performance with Dennis Fancher)
* Bret the One Man Band!

PLUS:
Live body painting by artists H.L. Groen, Christian Ayala, Jes Zurell and Jeremy Jordan.
AND:
a communal live canvas that they'll be painting and auctioning.
ALSO:
Raffles and surprises galore!!!

Friday, April 23, 2010

2nd Annual Re-Art exhibit at I.O.N, May 8th - June 18th


The Libertine Collective presents: Re-Art II at ION in Middletown

Participating Artists: Joseph Dinunzio, Ted Esselstyn, Sonia Gill, Ashley Kaye, H.L. Groen, Bill Panke, Chris London, Stefanie Marko Lantz, Dayna Mankowski, Corey Pane,  Renana Magee, Roberta Mockus, Daylynn Richards, Carrie Swider, Karl Stephan, Karen Wassmer, Rob White

Opening Reception May 8th 6-9 PM with the music of Mike Cleary

Closing Party / Welcome to Bohemia June 18th 6-9 pm with Bret the One Man Band and the Kelvins

It's Only Natural -386 Main Street, Middletown, Ct
For more information regarded the exhibit please contact H.L. Groen at hlgroen@yahoo.com or Greg Garcia at garciagrc@gmail.com  RSVP on our Re-Art facebook link!

Monday, April 12, 2010

The L.C. presents SPONTANEOUS POETRY and MUSIC: Inspiring the words to flow

The Libertine Collective presents: Spontaneous Poetry and Music: Inspiring the words to flow.


Date:
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Time:
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location:
The Black Box at Bacon Academy in Colchester CT

THE POETS -- Summer Tate, Jonathan Stanizzi, Jahsh Curzan, John Stanizzi

THE MUSICIANS -- Jason Stanizzi (percussion), Abu Alvin Carter (percussion), and Jim Mercik (guitar).

The audience- YOU, seated on the stage with the performers

The Artists – Corey Pane, Jeff Mansolf

The Black Box at Bacon Academy in Colchester
611 Norwich Avenue
Colchester, CT 06415

$5 cover- proceeds to benefit the students of the Bacon Academy Theater for future events.

EVENT: Strenght in art

Strength in art - an L.C. sponsored event:
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Time:
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:
Rockville Elks Lodge
Street:
9 North Park Street
City/Town:
Rockville, CT
Strenghth in art features the talent of 14 local artists, including: Ashleigh Kay, Karl Stephan, Tao LaBossiere, Amy Mielke, Roberta Mockus, Kristen Shaw, Jessica Thurber, Andria Alex, Michelle Podgorski, Karen J. Wassmer, Ethan Boisvert, JoAnne Bauer, H.L. Groen & Ron Thompson. Also, the musical talent of Zeno's Eros will be gracing the reception night!
$5 Donation Admission at the door for adults (kids are free), 100% of which will be donated to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Please consider making a separate donation to the LAF to help this great cause. Link below for donations and printable mail-in forms.

Artwork will be on display from April 12-24, with viewing hours TBA.

Come join us for an amazing night of art and music at The Rockville Elks Lodge!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Colin McEnroe promotes the L.C.

For those of you who don't know our friend Colin McEnroe (really?), he hosts a radio show on WNPR (90.5 in these parts) aptly called The Colin McEnroe show. Today's topic was the Beatnik Movement, from its roots to its current incarnation. Colin had three Libertines in the studio for the broadcast: Summer Tate, the brilliant poet who read at the most recent Bohemia show, and the musical duo of Chris Phillips (of The Kelvins) and Gary Jacobs on bodhran and flute, respectively. Colin made numerous references to the Libertine Collective as a modern embodiment of the beatnik ideal, and to founders Heather Groenstein and Greg Garcia. He also fielded a call from Greg (aka me), whom he called "the King of the Hartford Beatniks." Ok, the title was way overstated (I'm certainly not the king of the Hartford beatniks, but I love being one of the more vocal of them!), but much appreciated in the sense that it spoke volumes about the Libertine Collective and what we represent. For that, I thank Colin, who just might be the king of the Hartford beatniks! To hear a stream of the show (with several poems by Summer Tate with musical accompaniment by Chris and Gary, as well as commentary by Alan Bisbort), click on: http://www.cpbn.org/program/colin-mcenroe-show. Pics coming!!!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The Latest Bohemia Show Considered


Images from event:

Last night's Welcome to Bohemia show was a light year leap from the debut show in January. Perhaps it was the location, though Billings Forge isn't really very "Bohemian" in appearance or vibe.It seemed to be just the right setting for the evening.

Maybe it was the music. HannaH's Field brought a happy, organic, vibe to the evening that had everyone smiling. Really, they got everyone high! Kate Callahan gave everyone chills with her intimate performance, and her percussionist, Allie, had a great feel for the material. Dawn Manogue showed me the goosebumps on her arm, and I'm sure she wasn't alone. DJ Krypt, a late addition to the event, spun some wild-yet-low-key mixes on his tables. My Kelvins had a short set to end rthe night, but we really used all of the energy that had built up to our advantage. We even pulled out a first: I am the Walrus, in its entirety! FUN.

Was it Sugati and her hypnotic belly dancing? Absolutely! She and Chris Phillips (known collectively as Marishka Dance) electrified the room.

It could have been the spoken word artists and their bold forays into linguistic acrobatics and lyrical allure. Summer Tate laid down a gauntlet that was taken up with panache by Nancy Otter. John L. Stanizzi hammered it home with some amazing poems.

It was definitely the art, at least in part. Paintings by Gary Jacobs, Corey Pane, Roberta Mockus and, H.L. Groen (aka Heather Groenstein) surrounded the event and created a lush, vibrant atmosphere.

All of those elements combined to form the perfect tapestry of art, but the audience of over 100 Libertines gave that tapestry meaning. Thank you all for coming out, be you artist or enthusiast. You are all the reason that we exist! We thank all of you for making the night phenomenal.

Galleries of images by Shane Dixon (whose image tops this blog), Jamie Turner, Tony Stanley and others, are coming soon (or go to their FB pages)! 

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

The First Libertine Report 3/2/10

The First Libertine Report will be hosted by WESU and J Cherry presents: Art on Air

When do you ask? - March 2nd at 6:30-7:30. 88.1 - Cofounders Greg Garcia and H.L. Groen will be giving a report about what it is to be a Libertine and some of the Happenings in the area along with upcoming LC events!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

WELCOME TO BOHEMIA! March 20th 2010

WELCOME TO BOHEMIA!
At Billings Forge in Hartford, March 2oth
563 Broad St, Hartford
6pm * Children Friendly * $5 Cover

Original Music with the Kelvins, Hannah's Field, Kate Callahan and special guests.
*
Original art by Gary Jacobs, Corey Pane, Stanwyck Cromwell and live painting by H.L. Groen
*
Spoken word with Nancy Otter, John Stanizzi and Summer Tate
*
Belly dancing with Sugati

For more information contact libertinecollective@yahoo.com

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Micro Arts with the L.C. (Pictures & Streaming)

Micro Arts Pics and for your listening pleasure...streaming: Micro Arts with the Libertine Collective & Colin McEnroe

Photos of: Heather Groenstein (aka H.L. Groen), Greg Garcia, Dan Blow, Laura Sheehan and Colin McEnroe
All photos taken by Chion Wolf          

 
                                

Next Event in March

The next Welcome to Bohemia! show is booked! We'll be at Billings Forge in Hartford on March 20th. Details TBA.

 http://www.billingsforgeworks.org/

Friday, February 5, 2010

Art Community Opportunities 2-5-10

TODAY!

•    Reminder * Stay tuned today for micro arts with the L.C’s Greg Garcia & H.L. Groen on the Colin McEnroe Show at 1:00pm.  It will also be streamed for your viewing pleasure. For more info go to: Microarts on the Colin McEnroe Show

•    JOB OPPORTUNITIES:
ConnectiKids Inc, a non profit C.B.O. that works with two of Hartford’s Elementary schools, is currently looking to begin Enrichment programming. As part of this process we are looking for instructors ...to teach courses. Participants would be grouped in classes of no more than 15 elementary school students, grades 2-6. Our currents days are Monday, Tuesday and Friday during the hours of 3:30 - 5 p.m. Our rate of pay is $25/hr and courses usually run 5-6 weeks unless it is an extended/specialized project.

John L. Prescod, ConnectiKids Inc. 814 Asylum Avenue Hartford, CT 06105, 860-522-8710 ext. 12, Email: johnpre@ct-kids.org, http://www.ct-kids.org


•    FOOD FOR THOUGHT (Will be on L.C discussion board under Artist Community Awareness) From Luis Cotto…

Just thinking out loud and would love some feedback. A proven developer is considering doing some stuff with the Swift factory building (> 30,000 sq. ft) in the northend over by where Garden Street/Westland Street/Love Lane meet.

My questions to the Hartford area peeps are the following:

Does Hartford have the artist community clamoring for artist studio/work/residential space? Are the days of the old Colt Building beyond us or is there a need out there?
Are there any artisanal, light manufacturing type of craft businesses who would benefit from a low market rate, high quality type of space? If you had a wish list surrounding such a big space...what would it include? Do people in the technology sector think that this space (tons of parking) can become a technological space? What kind of light manufacturing type of businesses could people throw out that would include possible employment opportunities for local residents. Just trying to gauge some stuff. I think next steps include another possible forum conversation at Real Art Ways...but until then, It would be good to start a conversation.

peace and thank you!! Luis

And from H.L. Groen…

•    There is also a large warehouse that might be available for studio space in Newington right of the Berlin Turnpike. The idea is to have an “Open Space” for artists and instead of paying a lease per month it would be a fee per month, as in a membership fee based on how many artists would be involved. The more members – the less the fee. This is an idea that is not new and has been done in New York City. Are there artists out there that are interested and is the Berlin Turnpike an ideal location?  The idea is to surround yourself with creativity from others. To inspire one another and help one another produce, communicate and create.
here's a link to what i'm talking about (to give you an idea):  http://www.brooklynartistsgym.com/membership.html

•    TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES…Due to new Facebook we are having difficulties posting other links from facebook. Please be with us!

If you have a link that you are able to share PLEASE post to our wall…such as Bi Polar JukeBox, Matt Zeiner Band events both this weekend.

Also check out the infamous poet John Stanizzi at the Windsor Freight House this Sunday!  Here’s the link for that: http://www.windsorartcenter.org/upcoming_program.html

The L.C.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Micro Arts with Colin McEnroe, H.L. Groen & Greg Garcia on WNPR

MICRO ARTS on the Colin McEnroe Show (FM 90.5)

photo by Chion Wolf

Greg Garcia and Heather Groenstein (aka H.L. Groen) will be LIVE on the Colin McEnroe Show to discuss the Libertine Collective and “microarts" - low-overhead performing arts endeavors that may be more doable in the midst of a funding crisis:

"The national arts ecology is more fragile than since the Great Depression and the Fed's WPA. For dance, it's especially acute. The City of Hartford is attempting to secure Federal Stimulus Act monies for a round two of "arts and heritage" job grants, How about, instead, small strides locally?

Greg Garcia co-founded the Libertine Collective with artist Heather Groenstein (aka H.L. Groen). They've brought several art shows to Artspace Hartford, the 650MAC gallery in Middletown, and Alchemy Café. Of these, all have integrated live music and two have included spoken word poetry. Their newest endeavor: Welcome to Bohemia! is an attempt to fuse all of these mediums (along with belly dancing and other performance art) as naturally as possible in a recurring series. All shows have been run on the cheap, with DIY advertising and a lot of Facebooking. You can join the conversation. How is the Connecticut art scene reinventing itself in order to survive in a changing economy? "

Airs at 1:00 pm on WNPR and can be heard through steaming afterwards.
Call us. 860-275-7266 or e-mail colin@wnpr.org.

To listen to the LIVE show - microarts

http://www.cpbn.org/program/colin-mcenroe-show

http://www.libertinecollective.com


Wednesday, February 3, 2010

New blog logo by the gifted Greg Garica

Bohemis Pic #2

 
Art by Iya Tucker at Welcome to Bohemia!

Bohemia Pic #1

Chris Phillips of the Kelvins on his Kushtar 

Welcome to Bohemia!

Welcome to Bohemia!
Images of Bohemia event

This is the first in a series of special shows we're calling Welcome to Bohemia! and for good reason. In addition to your Kelvins and our music, you'll be entertained by original musical creations by band members Michael Clancy and Chris Phillips, original art by H.L. Groen, Joseph Dinunzio, Sugati Phillips, Carrie Swider and Iya Tucker. Belly Dancing by Sugati and Joy Herbst, and special guests of all stripes.

In collaboration with The Libertine Collective, the show will seek to juxtapose as many contemporary art forms as possible under one roof, and we're going for it!

Los Muertos Pic #3

Los Muertos Pic #2

Los Muertos Pic #1

The artists of Dia De Los Muertos

Dia De Los Muertos

Dia De Los Muertos

Honoring the traditional Mexican “Day of the Dead”, a select and diverse group of ten linertine collective visual artists created art to interpret and honor the joyous tradition of the Mexican day of remembrance.

The interactive Libertine Wall at Bestia Phasmatis

Bestia Phasmatis Pic #1

Bestia Phasmatis

Bestia Phasmatis: Animal Spirits both Benign and Malevolent:
A musical and visual art extravaganza to benefit and support H.O.P.E. Spay/Neuter Clinic, Inc: Halting Overpopulation Preventing Euthanasia. www.hopect.org

TLC RE-ART

The TLC REART Exhibit
In a world in which things are just thrown away & tossed aside a group of artists from the Libertine Collective reinvent art and celebrate the unwanted, discarded and misunderstood and take the idea of “one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure to another level. In essence it is to honor the misunderstood in each and every artist that is out there. Instead of discarding the individual, we choose to honor what is different and unique.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

The Libertine Mission

The Libertine Collective is dedicated to celebrating the passionate creative spirit and collective endeavors. We seek those who understand the values of living life to the fullest through actions, connections, intellect, intent and damn good conversation. The L.C. website serves as a gathering place for Connecticut like-minded artists to express themselves and thereby motivate others. In a "real world" sense, we hope to explore and gather at new venues along with the habitual hot spots we’ve come to love. On-line, we can to share ideas and thoughts through blogs, pictures and comments to keep each other up to date with our whereabouts, happenings, life accomplishments and other salient information. We will post any information of upcoming events, links, art and music if you send it along. In turn we hope to build upon our little community.

Our Manifesto:
Welcome Everyone to the Libertine Collective. This is your collective; a local community and resource site hoping to inspire one another to reach our creative potential. The idea sprang from good friends discussing the shortage of resources and means for networking with other creative people in the area. We wanted to fill this gap without limiting the community to one creative medium or another. Literature can inspire the visual arts. Beautiful music can move the poets. A painter can inspire the tattoo artist to transform the human body into a canvas. We are all connected to each other, and can inspire each other to change, grow, and reach our full potential as artists, writers, musicians, photographers, etc.

Our Mission:
• To continually seek out resources for all to use, including creative people, sites, links, events and networking opportunities. In a functional context, the Libertine website is specifically geared toward local Connecticut creative minds, but welcomes those from other areas to contribute, participate and advance our desire to bring the creative community together.

• Keep the collective up to date on potential happenings around the state. *We need you to help with this. We’re libertines, not gods and don’t know all. Let us know about your shows and special events so that we can update our page.

• To organize forums, gatherings, exhibits, concerts, etc. contributing to the collective. *Although we are a Hartford based group we will also be venturing outside of Hartford.

Your Libertine Mission:
• Use this site and the facebook site to post any other pertinent info you have pertaining to you or of others: artwork, upcoming exhibits, music concerts, CD releases, writing, etc. etc. *within reason*

• Use the discussion box link on facebook as a forum and scroll the comments and links to see what others have posted.

• Help us come up with new ideas by sending your suggestions our way via messages, posts and discussion forum. Let us know about other resources, links, open calls for exhibits, open mike nights, festivals, etc.

• check in for new information and upcoming Events.

• USE US. We want you to. This collective is for you and about you.

• Spread the News of the Libertine Collective