Rachel Louchen reports from Torrington. Torrington's illustrious Warner Theatre welcomed artists, writers, photographers, non-profits, philanthropists and devoted cultural volunteers, all of whom make the Connecticut art scene so rich and vibrant. On Tuesday, Nov. 15 the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council honored members of their community (as well as businesses organizations) that have made huge strides in raising awareness about the arts and culture in the region. The third annual event (there was no regional recognition for those involved in the cultural community in northwest Connecticut prior to 2014) awarded artist Danielle Mailer, historian Ed Kirby, accomplished volunteer Diane Dubreuil, the arts-education organization ASAP, and Litchfield Distillery/Crystal Rock Water, a business that supports numerous cultural organizations. New this year was the surprise lifetime achievement award, which went to Connecticut state representative Roberta Willis [here with NWCT Arts Council executive director Amy Wynn] who also served as the master of ceremonies.
Council board member Jennifer Terzian and Litchfield Jazz Fest executive/artistic director Vita Muir; Connecticut Community Foundation's John Long and Martha Bernstein with Eileen Marriott, museum director of Kid's Play.
Maureen Dore and Ali Psomas of After School Arts Program (ASAP) which was one of the night's honorees; chairman of The Institute For American Indian StudiesEdward White, Torrington Historical Society executive director Mark McEachern and curator Gail Kruppa.
Ann Merriam Feinberg, Mattatuck Museum director Robert Burns and Five Points Gallery executive director Judith McElhone, who was honored by the council last year.
SingOut! CT artistic director Alecia Evans and Miles Finch Innovation founder and CEO Anthony Vengrove; Brandon Brownlee and artist Krista Narciso.
Karen Olsen, Barbara Russ and Pam Vogel, assistant superintendent for Region One Schools; artist Michael Quadland, longtime Arts Council board member Pam Baker and Nancy Newton.
Steffen Coleman, director of culture for the state of Connecticut Kristina Newman-Scott and Lynn Gelormino, executive director of the Warner Theatre.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
