The Arts bring us together.
As the leading arts and culture network for coastal Fairfield County, we value our ever-expanding circle of creatives and organizations who come together and access our resources, initiatives, and programs.
Connectivity and creative expression underline CAFC's core values. We believe that they are at the foundation of thriving communities, and we celebrate our members when we see them enriching their communities through Arts and Culture.
Today, we lift up and shine a light on The Bridgeport Art Trail (BAT) - an annual citywide open studio four-day event featuring over 200 artists, exhibits, music and more.
It's collaboration at its best! | | | The Bridgeport Art Trail community. | “The Bridgeport Art Trail, coalesced the arts community, activated the arts, culture and creative entrepreneurial community. It promotes Bridgeport’s creative potential and the great working spaces it has to offer.”
While CAFC is not directly responsible for creating The Bridgeport Art Trail, we are pleased that our support and far-reaching marketing resources are valued by Suzanne. And it's no surprise that many CAFC members are at the heart of this annual event which drives 4,000 tourists to Bridgeport every year, making the city a cultural hub and destination.
Suzanne Kachmar, Executive Director of City Lights Gallery Inc. and The Bridgeport Art Trail, is a longtime member of CAFC. She explains that she would "be lost without CAFC." She views CAFC as a "great platform to share information, network, and convene... a bridge to the wider world." | | | New installation at Read's Art Space by artist, curator, and co-founder of URSA Gallery, Cris Dam. | Together, we are stronger.
Two Bridgeport Art Trail participants, who are also CAFC members, further illustrate how the arts are essential -- for tourism, economic prosperity, civic engagement, and innovation.
Cris Dam, artist and owner of URSA Gallery, has infused beauty and collaborative energy into Bridgeport. He helped propel Williamsburg, NY into an international art mecca and believes that Bridgeport has the potential to create a similar lively art scene. His entrepreneurial spirit and talent brings the arts community together, opening galleries and creating new public art installations around the city. We were happy to listen to and affirm Cris' vision, and guide him through the CT Cultural Fund application which helped fund his efforts.
Metro Art Studios is a three-story historic corset factory that was meticulously renovated by CAFC member Jane Davila and two New York City entrepreneurs. The space, which opened in 2021, is home to fine artists in 38 studios. The studios have revived a once-desolate area in Bridgeport, created a vibrant arts community, and attracted talent and visitors to Bridgeport. A recommendation by CAFC resulted in Metro Art Studios receiving a 2022 CT Preservation Award. | | | Metro Art Studios welcomes Bridgeport Art Trail visitors. | We Create Connection. We Inspire Collaboration. Collaboration Leads To Growth.
Your support helps us continue to encourage connections and provide resources that strengthen and unify our Arts and Cultural landscape.
The Bridgeport Art Trail is just one example of how CAFC works 'behind-the-scenes' to support our members and give them the boost they need to continue their amazing work, helping our communities thrive. It's what we do for ALL our members across our 15-town region in Fairfield County.
Help keep the Arts in our Communities.
Your tax-deductible donation will help us reach our $20,000 goal by December 31st. Please contribute to our Annual Appeal. | | | | | Cheryl R. Williams, President, Board of Directors David Green, Executive Director | |
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