Compass A&E

Susan Rand has taken to the water. In a new show, “Sink or Swim,” at Standard Space in Sharon, Conn., that will open to the public on April 1, Rand explores a radical departure from her previous country scenics.

To make his work — canvases of bright, glossy color, rippling with complex folds — Joseph Clarke channels one primary energy: destruction. Not of the smashing vases, tearing apart drywall variety, but something a bit more peaceful; letting go.

Literary and drama critic Richard Gilman, who taught at Yale’s School of Drama, was a provocative voice among the glory days of New York City’s intellectuals.

The Kent Art Association on South Main Street in Kent is currently exhibiting its March Women’s Invitational Show featuring large portfolios of work from six female area artists — Theresa Bates, Deborah Chabrian, Erin Cordle, Charlotte Holden, Anda Styler, and Mary Terrizzi.

Now an anticipated tradition, the Northlight Art Center’s 12th annual adult student exhibition opened at the Sharon Historical Society’s gallery space in Sharon, Conn., on Saturday, March 11, drawing a significant turnout to see and purchase the works.

As the world continues its emergence from the mental and physical confines of the pandemic, the arts have proven to be a powerful tool for processing collective loss.

In  his new novel “Jamie MacGillivray: The Renegade’s Journey,” Academy Award-nominated screenwriter John Sayles (“Passion Fish,” “Lone Star”) takes fans of historical fiction on a bloody, decade-spanning romantic odyssey from the blockbuster-style Jacobite battle scenes of the Scottish Highlands to the 18th century colonies of The New World.

A relatively new organization, the Garden Club in Cornwall, Conn., held its first meeting of the year at the historic home of Melissa Gamwell and Kevin Greenberg, attracting gardening enthusiasts to hear about indoor plants and what’s best to do for them to keep them green. The event was held on Sunday, Feb. 26.