Subject: February's Art and Culture Update from the Director's Desk

February 9, 2023

A Celebration of Black History Month!

Black history in the arts is a rich tapestry woven with resilience, creativity, and profound cultural contributions. Through the groundbreaking poetry of Langston Hughes to the soul-stirring music of Nina Simone, black artists have shaped and reshaped the artistic landscape, challenging societal norms and celebrating the beauty of Black identity. Through visual arts, such as the vibrant paintings of Jean-Michel Basquiat, and theatrical masterpieces like August Wilson's "Fences," Black artists have not only illuminated the struggles and triumphs of the Black experience but have also inspired generations with their unapologetic expression of truth and beauty. Black artists continue to push boundaries, redefine artistic genres, and leave an indelible mark on the world stage.


This month, we celebrate Black artists, creatives, and leaders in the arts across coastal Fairfield County!


If you'd like to honor Black History Month, consider:

  • purchasing art by a Black artist, writer, or creative

  • attending an exhibit or event showcasing art by a local Black artist

  • supporting a Black-owned small creative business and restaurants

  • attending local Black History Month events

  • purchasing and reading books written by Black writers

Stay tuned to our social media channels all month to hear from some of the Black artists in our CAFC membership.


Erika K. Wesley,

CAFC Executive Director

Thank you for joining us!

We are sending a special 'thank you' to everyone who came out for this month's Artist WorkLab! Our topic, "How to Write an Artist Statement and Biography" brought out a large crowd of artists and creatives with energy and curiosity. Our panelists were Christine Pakkala, a writer and instructor from the Westport Writers Workshop, and Shanna T. Melton, a poet, educator, and visual artist.


Christine PakkalaChristine PakkalaTo register for next month's Artist Worklab, click here.

Don't Forget!


In honor of Black History Month, we will discuss Black literary arts and how we can preserve Black history, local and national, through literature with the owners of Kindred Thoughts Bookstore. Tune in live on WPKN 89.5 FM this Monday, February 12th at 12pm!

Fundraising Secrets to Success

February 15th | 9:00am - 10:30am


If you’ve ever wondered how some projects win big dollars, this is the workshop for you! In this workshop, we’ll share industry insights and expertise on what makes fundraising efforts stand out above the competition. Learn what funders and investors look for in successful fundraising proposals, events, and campaigns. Individual time for questions and answers with Nicole for the last 30 mins as needed. To register, click below.

Events to Check out

Tomorrow, February 10th
2:00-5:00 pm at Sorelle Gallery

Join the opening of A Good Day, an exhibition featuring art by Russell Miyaki to benefit local dog rescue organizations Dog Star Rescue and WASA (Westport Animal Shelter Advocates). Co-hosted by Samantha Yanks, Founder of The Connecticut Edit and Editor-in-Chief of Westport, Weston & Wilton Magazine, and Sadie Yanks (Staples ’25), Co-Founder of The Connecticut Edit. Artist Talk with Russell Miyaki at 2:30 pm. 10% of paintings and commissions proceeds donated!

ARTISTS RECEPTION FOR FACES EXHIBIT


Portraiture by Black CT artists, featuring mosaics by guest artist Pierre Sylvain and recent work by Bridgeport artists, Elisha Brockenberry, Will Corprew, John Lawson, Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, Shanna Melton at City Lights Gallery 265 Golden Hill St Bridgeport CT. Opening night and artists' reception will take place February 10th, 6:00-9:00 pm.

The individual face is an artifact honed by one’s personal life journey. Local Black artists exhibit their unique portraiture through choice of materials, style, and subject matter; encouraging viewers to study FACES; going beyond initial appearance to find their humanity, including universal and existential commonalities, individual stories, and heritage.

clgallerybpr@gmail.com 203.334.7748 Gallery Hrs W-F 12-5, Sat 12-4 

Americans for the Arts invites you to the 35th Annual 


Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts & Public Policy delivered by Award Winning Actor and Advocate JEFFREY WRIGHT


Tuesday, March 12, 2024
​​​7:00 p.m. ET

Dive into a vibrant conversation on all things advocacy with staff from the New England Museum Association, the Connecticut League of Museums, and CT Humanities. How can our organizations amplify your work? What key insights do you hope funders at both the federal and state levels understand? CTH will lay out the current state advocacy landscape and CLM will update us on plans to support you. We'll also share key messages for the 2024 Museums Advocacy Day in DC and tips on how you can advocate from home or your museum workplace! To register, click here.

Upcoming Grants Deadlines

All projects should be discussed with Grants staff before applying. Follow the links above to learn more about each grant line. Submit applications through our online grants portal by 11:59 p.m. on the due date.

Share your news!

 Submit your opportunities by logging into your account on our website

and share your member news via email at info@culturalalliancefc.org

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