Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Local Hub for Performing Arts & Community Events in Middletown, CT
Founded in 1989, The Buttonwood Tree has served as a cornerstone of creative expression and community engagement in Middletown, Connecticut. Our mission focuses on nurturing local artists, students, and cultural enthusiasts through accessible performance spaces, educational programs, and collaborative opportunities. With a rich history of hosting world-class musicians, theater productions, and literary events, we maintain a commitment to artistic excellence while fostering inclusivity and innovation.Our facility offers rehearsal spaces, art exhibitions, and workshops that empower individuals to explore their creative potential. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we prioritize community impact through internships, work-study programs, and partnerships that strengthen Middletown's cultural and economic landscape.
Services
Live Music Performances
Theater Productions
Art Exhibits
Open Mic Nights
Creative Workshops
Event Rentals
Internship Programs
Poetry Readings
Dance Classes
Community Collaborations
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of experience as a trusted arts incubator in Middletown
- Our facility hosts diverse programming from local to international artists
- We provide free community workshops and artist development opportunities
- Our inclusive space serves all ages with accessible cultural experiences
- We maintain a historic legacy of supporting emerging creative talent
Services
Live Music Performances
Our venue hosts diverse musical acts ranging from local emerging artists to internationally recognized performers. With intimate acoustics and historic ambiance, we create memorable experiences for audiences and musicians alike. All events support our mission of cultural enrichment and community engagement.
Art Exhibits
We showcase rotating visual art exhibitions featuring local and regional artists across multiple mediums. The gallery provides exposure for creators while offering free public access to contemporary artistic expressions in our community space.
Creative Workshops
Our facility offers hands-on workshops in music, theater, writing, and visual arts led by professional artists. These accessible programs cater to all skill levels, fostering creative development for Middletown residents of all ages.
Event Rentals
We provide flexible space for rehearsals, private events, and community gatherings in our historic 1989 building. Rental packages include technical support and access to our established arts community network for enhanced event success.
Internship Programs
Our internship initiatives offer students practical experience in arts administration, technical production, and event management. Participants gain professional skills while contributing to our mission of cultural and economic development in Middletown.
People
Caitlin Duffy
Board President
Caitlin Duffy leads our board with a commitment to preserving The Buttonwood Tree's legacy while advancing its role as a community arts hub. With extensive nonprofit experience, she guides strategic initiatives that support local artists and cultural programming.
Terri Lachance
Events Coordinator
Terri Lachance manages event logistics and programming coordination, ensuring seamless execution of performances and rentals. Her expertise in arts administration helps maintain our venue's reputation for high-quality cultural experiences.
Eileen Anderson
Volunteer Coordinator
Eileen Anderson organizes volunteer efforts that sustain our operations, connecting community members with meaningful opportunities to support arts programming. Her work strengthens our capacity to deliver accessible cultural experiences.
Questions
What types of performances are featured at The Buttonwood Tree?
We showcase diverse programming including live music (local and international artists), theater productions, poetry readings, dance performances, and community collaborations.
Are internships available for students?
Yes, we provide real-world work experience through internships in arts administration, event coordination, and creative production for local students.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Kathy Gambacini
Jan 25, 2022
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Small and cozy, with wooden floors. It has paintings and CDs of local musicians on display and for sale. For the blue grass band event that I attended, they sold a mixture of bottled drinks from a basket (with and without alcohol) as well as wine and coffee, plus chips and cookies. You could not eat in the room where the band performed, but you could sit, eat and talk in the room where the snacks were sold. There were also used board games that you could play in this room as well.
Marisa Henderson
Jul 17, 2021
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Honestly this place is the best! Its cozy but also eclectic. We saw our favorite band here and the venue was perfect. They had drinks and snacks during intermission and I also bought a great book after the show from the bookstore. This place has a lot to offer and I look forward to returning!
Charles Bates
Jan 16, 2020
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Great (very) small venue for locally known performers. Also has used books for sale; offers Tai Chi (and similar) programs. Drop in sometime.
Ryan Reed
Oct 09, 2019
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This place has a lot to offer! The staff were very friendly and answered all my questions. There was literature available advertising upcoming events. They display local art for purchase and have an area for small gatherings/events. There was also a refreshment area. They are nonprofit as well. Not in the best location on Main St in Middletown, but worth checking out!
Vickie Vitale
Jul 17, 2019
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It's a good place for your sons to go without getting into trouble and try out their talents. It's safe enough for your daughter's too. But I would hang around and watch.
Adam Knoff
Jul 09, 2019
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A variety of performing arts including open mic. Has a small library. A great place to spend time with friends, family, or solo.
