Garde Arts Center Celebrates Hallmark Movie Magic

Connecticut venue hosts events honoring the iconic Hallmark brand

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Garde Arts Center in New London, Connecticut is hosting two special events celebrating the Hallmark movie experience. On Friday, the venue is holding "Love, Lights & Galentine's Night" featuring a live talk by Hallmark movie talents. Then on Valentine's Day, the Garde will present "My (unauthorized) Hallmark Movie Musical", a performance about a woman who tries to write her own Hallmark-style production.

Why it matters

The Garde Arts Center has a history of hosting Hallmark movie productions, making it a fitting venue to honor the beloved Hallmark brand and its impact on the local community. These events provide an opportunity for fans to celebrate the feel-good Hallmark ethos and connect with the actors and creators behind the movies.

The details

The Friday "Love, Lights & Galentine's Night" event will feature appearances by Hallmark movie actors Patti Murin and Wes Brown, as well as producer Andrew Gernhard and director Colin Tehys. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Garde's PACE: Partners: Arts. Community Education program. The Valentine's Day "My (unauthorized) Hallmark Movie Musical" is a performance about a middle-aged woman who tries to write her own Hallmark-style production, only to have the characters come to life.

  • The "Love, Lights & Galentine's Night" event is scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026 at 7pm.
  • The "My (unauthorized) Hallmark Movie Musical" performances will take place on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2026 at 3pm and 8pm.

The players

Garde Arts Center

A performing arts venue in New London, Connecticut that has hosted Hallmark movie productions in the past, including "Sugar Plum Twist" and "A Very Nutty Christmas".

Patti Murin

An actress whose credits include the Hallmark movie "Mystic Christmas".

Wes Brown

An actor who appeared in the Hallmark movie "A Newport Christmas".

Andrew Gernhard

A producer who has worked on Hallmark and other films.

Colin Tehys

A director who has worked on Hallmark and other films.

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What’s next

The Garde Arts Center will decide in the coming weeks whether to hold additional Hallmark-themed events in the future based on the success of these initial offerings.

The takeaway

The Garde Arts Center's Hallmark-inspired events demonstrate the enduring popularity of the feel-good Hallmark brand and its ability to bring a community together through shared love of heartwarming storytelling and the magic of the movies.