Danbury's Hancock Hall Honored at 10th Annual Arts Breakfast

DANBURY, CT — Several area organizations were honored Thursday morning at the 10th Annual 'Business Supports the Arts' breakfast. The awards breakfast is the nonprofit's premiere fundraising event and celebrates the critical role that the arts play in the community.

Doyle Coffin Architecture received the Business Supports the Arts Award for designing iconic buildings in town such as the Ridgefield Public Library, The Prospector Theater and new businesses such as the new music school, Ridgefield Bach to Rock.

“We are extremely honored to receive this recognition from the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut", said partner Peter T. Coffin, AIA. "Doyle Coffin Architecture is founded on the ethos of creativity, exploration, knowledge and culture. We believe it is critical to show strong community support for art and cultural institutions as they represent the community’s broad commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, a fundamental element to the furthering of human intellectual growth.”

The Bethel Economic Development Office was honored with the Arts in the Community Award, accepted by Executive Director Janice Chrzescijanek. The organization works hand in hand to bring arts to the community through outdoor sculptures, exhibitions at local businesses, gallery showings and much more.

Howard Lasser, Executive Director of the Brookfield Craft Center received the Heart of the Arts Award. He sent attendees a video recording of his acceptance speech and his son accepted on his behalf as he was out of town. “Howard’s commitment to the craft center is indicative of his understanding of how critically necessary the arts are to the health of a community, both its economic vitality and the quality of life offered its residence,” said Mary Daniel, former chairman of the board of Brookfield Craft Center.

A newly established honor this year was the Art Impacts Life Award which Danbury's Hancock Hall received. Hancock Hall is connected with Filosa health care services. Both are privately owned and operated skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers in the heart of Danbury, Connecticut. Under the direction of Jennifer Malone-Seixas, Hancock Hall brings art, culture and social enjoyment to those who live there. Hancock Hall is a partner with the Accessible Art Project presented by the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut. “The impact on the lives of those who live at Hancock Hall and the staff that work there has been tremendous,” says Kathy Hehl Curran, Director of Admissions. “I feel like it’s like a 'Museum' came to Hancock Hall. Many of our residents are quite elderly and less mobile and would never have the opportunity to go to the museum or gallery to view the various artists works.”

Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, Ridgefield First Selectmen Rudy Marconi, Bethel First Selectmen Matthew Knickerbocker and former First Selectmen of Brookfield Bill Davidson were also in attendance to support the cultural extravaganza which features artists, musicians, poets and arts supporters in the community.
A very special honor was given to Lisa Scails, Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, for her 10 years of hard work and dedication to Mayor Mark Boughton read proclamations to the award winners.

Photo of Spark Arts dancers by Wendy Mitchell