Subject: Organization Newsletter May 2022

May 2022

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Greiser’s Coffee & Market is the rustic and charming community hub of Easton, CT. Created in 2018, this market offers high quality coffee, food, and goods; a place to connect with the community; and magical, memorable experiences. They have become known for supporting local artists and artisans with art exhibits and receptions, live music events, and popup craft fairs. Welcome Greiser's!

OUR NEWS

The 2022 Arts & Culture Empowerment (ACE) awardees have been announced! Congratulations to the winners:


Alicia Cobb, ACE Artist Award

William Felton, ACE Citizen Award

Fairfield County Bank, ACE Corporate Award

Pam Lewis, ACE Education Award

City Lights & Company, ACE Non-Profit Award

Alexandra Davern Korry, ACE President's Award


The winners will be celebrated at the ACE Awards Celebration Breakfast on June 15th at Shore & Country Club in Norwalk. Join us!

Tune in Monday, May 9th for our live interview show on WPKN 89.5FM, or wpkn.org, with Richard Klein, Exhibitions Director at The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum. Richard, an artist himself, is retiring from his post this summer. Hear how he and The Aldrich have evolved over the 30 years of his tenure, since the day he was first involved when Larry Aldrich created his museum of contemporary art. Hear about some of the most outstanding and controversial of the 100 exhibits Richard has curated and co-curated at the Aldrich, and what exciting projects he has up his sleeve for his next phase.

YOUR NEWS

The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art announces the conclusion of the tenure of Richard Klein, Exhibitions Director of nearly 30 years. Klein will conclude his administrative duties in June 2022, having held his role since 2004. Klein states, “Looking back, other than art, what’s kept me engaged with the Museum has been the incredibly talented and passionate people I’ve had a chance to work with... the staff, volunteers, members and trustees have inspired me over the years and helped me realize my vision of what a contemporary art museum should be.” LEARN MORE

The Barnum Museum received a prestigious Award of Merit from the Connecticut League of History Organizations (CLHO) for the Educational Curator's Blog that they began during the pandemic. The CLHO recognizes excellence in Connecticut history institutions who demonstrate the highest professional standards, and who contribute exceptional work to advance both state and local history. The Barnum Museum's Blog has also been nominated to receive an American Association of State and Local History Award of Excellence which will be announced later this year.  READ MORE

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo announces the celebration of its 100th Birthday, looking to the past while creating the future. The Zoo will celebrate on June 25th with a party for Zoo guests visiting that day, including a birthday cake bake-off, a Sneak Peek at the summer’s Centennial Celebration Animal Show, proclamations from the city of Bridgeport and the state, visits from local dignitaries, entertainment on the Peacock Pavilion stage, and a time capsule and tree planting. On October 29, the Zoo will celebrate with a Centennial Gala held at the Inn at Longshore in Westport. With more than 350 animals, attracting nearly 300,000 guests from the state and the region, the Zoo has risen to meet the challenge of preserving wild animals and wild places for future generations. LEARN MORE

The Bruce Museum will hold its 35th Annual Gala, “Framing the Future” on Saturday, May 14th at 6 pm at Greenwich Country Club. William L. Richter, whose visionary leadership gift has paved the way for the Museum’s transformation into the New Bruce will be honored as well as Trustee Maryann Keller Chai and her husband Jay W. Chai, and Trustee and Docent Rebecca A. Gillan. The most important fundraiser of the year for the Museum, this signature benefit evening raises critical funds that support the Bruce’s ongoing art and science exhibitions and educational programs. LEARN MORE

The Bruce Museum will receive a promised gift of a major collection of European and American Art. The seventy works include French and American Impressionist paintings, sculpture, and works on paper by Mary Cassatt, Alberto Giacometti, Childe Hassam, Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, Henry Moore, Camille Pissarro, and Andrew Wyeth which will come as a bequest from an anonymous Greenwich couple. This transformative gift is accompanied by a Leadership Grant for the New Bruce Expansion Project. LEARN MORE

Greater Bridgeport Symphony announces the retirement of beloved Music Director/Conductor Eric Jacobsen in April 2023. Three potential successors have been selected by Jacobsen and each will have a turn at the helm: Benjamin Hochman in November 2022, Chelsea Gallo in December 2022, and Chelsea Tipton II in March 2023. The GBS Orchestra and audience will contribute to the decision-making process after each show. Jacobsen is in his ninth season with symphony and he will help usher in a new chapter in GBS’ history when he kicks off season 77 on September 10, 2022 with Jacobsen’s Ninth at The Klein in Bridgeport, CT. LEARN MORE

Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras (GCTYO) is honored that their teaching artists, Alexander Davis and Polina Nazaykinskaya, were recognized for making an impact on the NYC music scene in April. Mr. Davis made history with Gateways Music Festival Orchestra, the first all-Black classical symphony orchestra ever to perform at Carnegie Hall. “Representation matters,” he said. “It’s important for us to see that black and brown bodies belong in every single space.” He is conductor of GCTYO Woodwinds Orchestra. Ms. Nazaykinskaya is a prolific composer whose works have been performed by the San Francisco Ballet and Minnesota Orchestra, among many others. Her symphonic poem, “Fenix,” will be performed next season by GCTYO’s Principal Orchestra. Her newest ballet, “Encounters,” was performed in April by MorDance at Symphony Space in NYC. She is conductor of GCTYO Philharmonic Orchestra. LEARN MORE

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk joins forces with 23 other leading U.S. aquariums to tackle climate change by reducing CO2 emissions. As members of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP), these aquariums have announced the first steps in achieving their long-term goal of carbon neutrality. On Earth Day (April 22), the aquariums pledged to evaluate and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, a major cause of a warming planet and global climate change. By April 2024, the aquariums will develop individual emissions-reduction plans. Dr. Sarah Crosby, a marine ecologist trained in conservation science with extensive experience in coastal and marine ecosystems and a seasoned manager who has led Harbor Watch for seven years, will join The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk as Director of Conservation and Policy, a new position that will significantly expand the Aquarium’s leadership role in local and national conservation issues.  LEARN MORE

New Paradigm Theatre is honoring Jason Patlis, President and CEO of The Maritime Aquarium of Norwalk at its gala, "Fins Food Fashion and Fun." NPT and the Maritime Aquarium are partners in a production of Disney's The Little Mermaid this summer. NPT's young performers will create the Recycled, Repurposed and Reused sets, props and costumes partially out of marine debris and this will be a part of the messaging about its effect on the environment. Patlis states, "This partnership allows us not just to entertain young audiences with 'The Little Mermaid,' but to also educate those audiences – and their parents – about the fragility of the ocean, the impacts our actions have the ocean, and the need to better care for it.”

LEARN MORE

Sacred Heart University Community Theatre welcomes an Apollo Theater icon to its staff. Joe Gray has worked with legendary artists during a star-studded, 30-year career at the NYC landmark. As production manager, Gray will bring a wealth of technical knowledge, musical artistry and colorful stories to his new position. Oestreicher, who met Gray when they worked together at the Apollo Theater, said he’s thrilled to welcome his friend to the downtown Fairfield stage. LEARN MORE

Stamford Arts & Culture has a new initiative called 'Summer Stage in Scalzi Park.' An old showmobile will be renovated to be used for free performances in the park. Performance opportunities have been provided for up to 10 groups over five Sundays, June through August 2022. For information, contact John Varamo at jvaramo@stamfordct.gov

LEARN MORE

Stamford Museum & Nature Center will offer a free program series for Neurodiverse students and families. “Animals for All,” is designed exclusively for neurodiverse children and their families with two different program formats: 'Heckscher Farm Open Evenings,' which allow families to visit Heckscher Farm after-hours at their own pace and order, and 'Caring for Critters,' which provides kids a chance to work with farm animals up close in a small group environment. Spring 2022 sessions span April to June. Due to grant partner funding from the Dorr Foundation and Generation Impact, these programs are offered at no cost to families. Pre-registration is required. LEARN MORE

Westport Country Playhouse produced a new podcast series called, “Stories from the Playhouse.” A monthly audio series features theatrical guests for those on the go. Launched on Spotify and Libsyn classic feed, and on the Playhouse’s website, this podcast is hosted by Liam Lonegan, Playhouse Assistant Artistic Director. The podcast was created to inspire artists, audiences, and community members. The monthly series will feature guests from all corners of the theater world sharing their stories. The podcast’s first episode is “Redefining Normal,” with guest Marcos Santana, director and choreographer of the award-winning musical, “Next to Normal.” LEARN MORE

Westport Country Playhouse has received a pledge from two anonymous donors to match every dollar raised up to $150,000 between now and June 30. This gift, if matched, will raise the bar and make audiences even more comfortable about attending live performances, sustaining the life of this institution for another season. LEARN MORE

OTHER NEWS

CAFC MEMBERS EARN HISTORY MERIT AWARDS FROM CLHO FOR ADVANCING UNDERSTANDING OF HISTORY


Congratulations to the CLHO Awards of Merit Winners! The Connecticut League of History Organizations is recognizing excellence in presenting Connecticut history, honoring the work of 10 history organizations with Awards of Merit. The awards recognize institutions that enhance and advance the understanding of history in Connecticut, and demonstrate the highest professional standards. CAFC Member Organizations award recipients: Barnum Museum, Barnum's Letters from Abroad: A Blog Series; City of Norwalk Historical Commission, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Mathews Park interpretive panels; Norwalk Historical Society, Norwalk's Changing Communities.

CT OFFICE OF TOURISM WELCOME CENTERS ARE RE-OPENING


The Connecticut Office of Tourism (COT) is re-opening area Welcome Centers for Memorial Day Weekend and they need your promotional literature. Connecticut’s six Welcome Centers are the first stop for thousands of local and out-of-town visitors looking for things to see and do. Be sure to provide brochures and/or rack cards to promote your attraction or event.

Drop off 200-500 pieces to each center or send them via FedEx.

18TH ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE DAY


Have you registered for Open House Day yet? For a chance to be included in pre-event press and marketing, you must register by May 10. The last day to register for the Open House as a participant is May 27. Open House Day inspires Connecticut residents to become more aware of the amazing experiences in their own backyard.

2022 CONNECTICUT PRESERVATION AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED


Individual projects, long-term contributions, and professional achievements that demonstrate the many ways historic places contribute to the life and vitality of Connecticut communities were honored in a ceremony on May 4th at the New Haven Country Club in Hamden. This year 8 Awards of merit for buildings were given across the state, 3 of them in Fairfield County - and two of them members of the Cultural Alliance: Bridgeport's Metro Art Studios, The Norwalk Art Space and the C. J. Starr barn, on Strawberry Hill Road in Stamford. The awards ceremony will be held Wed. May 4, 5:30pm at the New Haven Country Club in Hamden.

CONNECTICUT HUMANITIES AWARDS EIGHT SPONSORSHIPS INCLUDING WPKN FM


CT Humanities recently awarded eight sponsorships totaling $16,000. These sponsorships are intended for events, conferences, scholarships, awards, and more, with a maximum award of $2,000. Among the sponsorship winners is CAFC Member and media partner WPKN FM, The Greatest Radio Station in the World.

CONGRESSWOMAN LEE INTRODUCES ADVANCING EQUITY THROUGH THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES ACT


Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced the Advancing Equity Through the Arts and Humanities Act to acknowledge the role that arts and humanities play in dismantling systemic racism in the United States. Specifically, this legislation would create a program under the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities to provide grants to increase engagement with public and nonprofit entities, including faith-based and community-based organizations, that serve and are led by people of color, and support projects that combat racism.

FUNDING


Funding Roadmap Project Consultant

Arts, Culture, Tourism of CT


Summer Volunteers

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk


Head of Individual Giving and Events

Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art | Ridgefield


Summer Intern – June 27 to August 12

Ridgefield Guild of Artists | Ridgefield


Education Coordinator

Ridgefield Guild of Artists | Ridgefield


Social Media Specialist (SMS)

Westport Country Playhouse | Westport


Patron Services Representative

ACT | Ridgefield


Music Teachers

KEYS | Bridgeport CT


Marketing Assistant

Westport Country Playhouse | Westport


Event Rentals Manager

Bruce Museum | Greenwich


Museum Commons Summer Site Supervisor

Fairfield Museum | Fairfield


Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Westport Country Playhouse | Westport


Volunteer Docent

The Fairfield Museum


CT League of History Organization Jobs List


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

SPREAD THE WORD!

Did you know that, in addition to this monthly Organization Newsletter, we have a monthly Artist Newsletter and a weekly E-Buzz event listing? Feel free to subscribe to any or all of our publications and share a sample with a friend or peer. Please help us expand our reach by sharing and subscribing here:

BECOME A MEMBER

The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is a nonprofit membership service organization that supports its members through marketing, capacity building, professional development, networking, and advocacy services. This newsletter is sent to all who request it, but we ask that, if you are not a member, you explore membership benefits and consider joining.

THANK YOU

SPONSORS & MEDIA PARTNERS

The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is a 501(c)(3) cultural nonprofit membership organization. We are grateful to our members and our donors whose support enables us to do our work. In particular, we are grateful for support from:

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