Artwell has an open call to call artists, any medium for their next exhibition "Block Party." Artists are invited to participate in Artwell's exhibition by making art made from/on/about wooden blocks.

If you wish to participate please send $15 to Artwell Gallery, 19 Water St. Torrington, CT

Artists will receive blocks via mail and may use them in a work of art as they see fit.

The mission of the "Block Party" is to help demonstrate and honor the physical, social and creative impact of the most basic of toys. And also to illustrate the foundations of art using form as a basic for content.

Drop off is August 21 and 22 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The opening for the "Block Party" exhibition will be Saturday August 28 6 to 8 p.m. and is free and open for the public. The show will run until Sept. 19.

For more information visit www.artwellgallery.org or call 860-482-5122.

Interval House is partnering this weekend with an Avon family to help victims of domestic violence.

On Saturday July 11 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. John and Chrissie d'Esopo will open their 289 West Avon Road home for eager garden-goers to enjoy what many consider one of the most breathtaking displays of flowers and shrubbery anywhere in the United States.

Last year, during the four hour tour, the couple had more than 2,000 people visit their lush gardens. This year, Chrissie D'Esopo said they planted nearly 20,000 annual flowers.

"Every year it gets bigger and better," Chrissie D'Esopo said. "We've had people from Hawii visit and last year we had someone from Turkey so we can get people from all over."

The garden tour is open to the public with a $5 fee. Light refreshments will be served. All proceeds will be split between Interval House, CT's largest domestic violence agency, and My Sisters Place, a Hartford-based program for homeless women and their children.