Old Growth Forest: Nature’s Biotic Water Pump at Real Art Ways

February 23, 2026 - February 23, 2026

 UPDATE as of Monday, 2/23: We will reschedule this event due to the unsafe weather conditions of the storm. Please stay tuned for the new date that will be announced soon. Thank you for understanding, and stay safe!—A New England Forests film, directed by naturalist, local nature documentary filmmaker, and friend of Real Art Ways, Ray Asselin. Old Growth Forest: Nature’s Biotic Water Pump is the next film in Asselin’s New England Forests series for America 250.The free screening will take place… Find out more

February 20, 2026 - February 26, 2026

For the 21st consecutive year, ShortsTV presents the Oscar-Nominated Short Films! This year, we will be showing the full program at Cinestudio in Hartford.With all three categories – Animated, Live Action and Documentary – this is your chance to predict the winners and have the edge in your Oscar pool)! An annual hit with audiences around the world, don’t miss this year’s selection of shorts. The Academy Awards take place on Sunday, March 15, 7-10 pm. Mark your calendar to… Find out more

February 15, 2026 - February 15, 2026

Experience music imagined and created in real-time. This series runs from September 2025 to May 2026. Check out the full schedule here!Performances from February through May 2026 will take place inside Hartford Ballroom, 56 Arbor Street, #411, Hartford CT. To get inside 56 Arbor Street, please use the building door accessible from our parking lot that is closest to Orange Street. Enter this door next to Jumping Frog Bookstore (one of our colleagues will be onsite to let you into the building):Follow the… Find out more

February 7, 2026 - February 7, 2026

 You’re invited to the 2nd annual Hartford Film Showcase! Presented by The Hartford Film Foundation, hosted at Cinestudio, in partnership with Real Art Ways, the showcase is an all-day event featuring some of Hartford’s filmmaking talent!Hartford Film Company presents short and feature films spanning various styles and genres, made in Hartford or by filmmakers in the Hartford area. Stay for a filmmaker panel and talkback to learn how these films were made and get to know some of the creative talent… Find out more

January 18, 2026 - January 18, 2026

Experience music imagined and created in real-time. This series runs from September 2025 to May 2026. Check out the full schedule here!January 18 Performance: UPDATE as of 1/16/2026: Hery Paz has come down with the flu and will not be with us on Sunday. Sam Newsome will be joining us for this performance.   Hidemi Akaiwa-piano Sam Newsome-saxophone r Joe Morris-bass Instantiations is made possible by the generous support of the Greater Hartford Arts Council, an organization that creates opportunities for artists and arts organizations, evolving the region into… Find out more

January 14, 2026 - January 14, 2026

 The series takes place in person on the second Wednesday of the month from September 2025 through May 2026. Each night begins with an open mic featuring readers with one poem (one page) and continues with a poetry reading featuring regionally or nationally known poets.Riverwood Poetry Series @ Real Art Ways will host Charles Rafferty, Srini Mandavilli, Sherri Bedingfield, and Steven Ostrowski on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, at 7 pm at Real Art Ways, 56 Arbor Street, Hartford, Connecticut. There… Find out more

January 4, 2026 - January 4, 2026

“Articulate & intelligent… Beautifully crisp and detailed closeups of the work, well-informed and articulate talking-heads, and a nicely judged overall approach that is intelligent but not indigestible.” – The Guardian “The documentary succeeds on all fronts: creativity blended with insight that progresses our understanding of the artist. Exhibition on Screen has another hit on its hands.” – The Reviews Hub “Probably the greatest film I’ve ever seen on Caravaggio. There’s no better way to learn about this artist and his work –… Find out more

January 4, 2026 - January 4, 2026

 This is the last movie we will show at Real Art Ways before we begin construction in 2026.You’re invited to enjoy this classic Italian film with our staff and community of movie lovers in our cinema. A “farewell” affogato will be available for purchase. —“Still rapturous after all these years, Cinema Paradiso stands as one of the great films about movie love.” – Washington Post“A cinema-lover’s delight.” – Metro (UK)“Where the original release was an essay in childish delight and adolescent longing,… Find out more

January 4, 2026 - January 4, 2026

 Tickets for this animated film screening include a cereal buffet. Come get your fix of nostalgic favorites…cut fruit and milk will be available. Coffee and tea (for exhausted parents) will be sold separately.This is a family-friendly event – feel free to come in your pajamas. All ages are welcome!—“The lessons of The Wild Robot are simple, but the artistry it uses to get there is anything but. It’s the kind of kids movie that feels all too rare with its… Find out more

January 4, 2026 - January 4, 2026

“Strangers” offers an inspiring look at creative people from very different walks of life who nonetheless communicate beautifully with one another. They don’t need to speak a common language: Their dazzling music says it all.” – Washington Post“What drives the narrative is the musicians’ mutual desire to forge meaningful connections across cultures, an affirmative answer to Leonard Bernstein’s question of whether music can truly serve as a “universal language.” – Chicago Reader“An irresistible kaleidoscope of music and good fellowship…” –… Find out more