Kick off your Sunday mornings the right way all summer with Yoga Under the Trees, a refreshing all levels outdoor session led by local instructor Sarah Wadsworth at Farmington Land Trust’s beautiful Mountain Spring Nature Preserve. Starting this Sunday, June 7th at 9:00 AM, you can swap the stuffy studio for fresh air, birdsong, and the shade of a majestic canopy. It is only $10 a class, which is an absolute steal for an hour of pure weekend zen. Space is limited on the trail, so grab your mat, head out a little early to claim your spot, and let's actually stick to those wellness goals this summer.

When I moved from Boston to the Farmington Valley, I assumed I was downgrading my art scene but upgrading in other ways: goodbye Isabella Stewart Gardner and skyscrapers, hello Heublein Tower and vast views without smog. I thought I’d have to schedule my “art fix” trips back into the city.

Turns out, I was spectacularly wrong.

Over the past few years, I’ve realized the Valley has its own quiet, persistent creative streak with art that sneaks up on you, tucked into town corners, historic mills, galleries you didn’t know existed, and even street corners you pass on your morning commute.

You just have to know where to look, and this week I’m letting you in on the secrets.

West Hartford Center & Blue Back Square
In West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square, art often appears without fanfare. Sculptures, murals, and installations are built right into the streetscape, so it can be easy to miss if you’re moving quickly, and rewarding if you’re not.

You might notice a piece for the first time while heading to dinner, or finally stop to look at something you’ve passed countless times. Public art has a way of quietly reshaping familiar places.

Joseloff Gallery (University of Hartford campus)
Located on the University of Hartford campus, the Joseloff Gallery is one of the Valley’s most understated art spaces. Rotating exhibitions feature local and regional artists in a setting that feels thoughtful, welcoming, and refreshingly unpretentious.

It’s the kind of place you might plan a visit around or stumble into and stay longer than expected.

Art Gallery at Mill, Unionville
The Art Gallery at Mill lives inside a historic Unionville mill, where original brick walls frame contemporary exhibitions. Featuring rotating shows by local and regional artists, the space blends creativity with the Valley’s industrial past.

It’s a reminder that art here doesn’t replace history, it builds on it.

Hill-Stead Museum, Farmington
Hill-Stead is often thought of as a traditional museum, but the experience extends far beyond the galleries. The architecture, the surrounding landscape, and the way the art lives within that setting all shape how the space feels. And it’s not just limited to masterpieces like Monet’s Haystacks, but even live art performances such as this week’s opera and acoustic sets (see events below).

Even a casual visit or a quiet walk around the grounds can feel immersive, especially in early summer when everything encourages you to linger.

Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon
Located right in Avon, the Farmington Valley Arts Center is a hub where creativity is part of everyday life. Along with rotating exhibitions, FVAC offers classes for adults and youth in drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, and more.

Studios stay active, skills develop over time, and visitors are reminded that art isn’t just something to admire, it’s something people here actively do.

It’s not a destination for a single moment, it’s a place where creativity lives year round.

Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!

Look for icons to find your crowd: 🎈 kid-friendly • 👤 adult • 🌞 all ages

Library Events

Discover what’s happening at your local library. Registration may be required—check with each library for full details and other events.