Bethel Economic Development Office to be Honored by Cultural Alliance of Western CT

BETHEL, CT — “In my own philanthropy and business endeavors, I have seen the critical role that the arts play in stimulating creativity and in developing vital communities….the arts have a crucial impact on our economy and are an important catalyst for learning, discovery, and achievement in our country.” – Paul G. Allen, Co-Founder, Microsoft

The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut's "Business Supports the Arts" awards breakfast, its premiere fundraising event, will celebrate the Cultural Alliance's 10th anniversary year by emphasizing the "critical role that the arts play in stimulating creativity and in developing vital communities" while recognizing outstanding support of the arts by business leaders and extraordinary volunteers. The awards breakfast takes place on Thursday, October 20th, 7:30am to 9:00am, at Matrix Corporate Center, 39 Old Ridgebury Road in Danbury.

Highly anticipated each year, "Business Supports the Arts" serves to increase visibility for arts and culture in Western Connecticut while gathering together many prominent leaders in our regional arts and business communities. This year's honorees, nominated by their peers, are Ridgefield's Doyle Coffin Architecture (BSA Award), Bethel Economic Development Office (Arts in the Community Award), Howard Lasser of Brookfield (Heart of the Arts Award), and receiving a newly established honor this year, the Art Impacts Life Award, Hancock Hall, located in Danbury.

The fundraiser brings in substantial support of the Cultural Alliance's mission: To market the region; to develop livable communities; and to provide opportunities and resources to the creative community it serves. As a Designated Regional Service Organization, the Cultural Alliance assists the Connecticut Office of the Arts to develop and sustain industry and cross sector relationships and provides support for specific Connecticut Office of the Arts programs and services.

Tickets to "Business Supports the Arts" may be purchased by going to http://bit.ly/2016BSAAwards. Major sponsorship of the breakfast has been provided by Townsquare Media and People's United Bank. Sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Lisa Scails, Executive Director of Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, at lscails@cawct.org.

DOYLE COFFIN ARCHITECTURE

The recipient of the top honor of the day, The BSA Award, Doyle Coffin Architecture is a second generation architectural firm located in Ridgefield, CT. The firm maintains a commitment to excellence with regard to architectural planning, sustainable design, use of technology, and their local community, thus far providing more than $250,000 in support and services to helping non-profit, cultural organizations such as the Lounsbury House & Community Center; The Ridgefield Theatre Barn; The Ridgefield Guild of Artists; The Ridgefield Library, a cultural hub for the town; and the celebrated Prospector Theatre. For more than ten years, DCA has been involved in building projects, either providing pro-bono work or as members of a building committee providing expertise, with attention to historic aesthetic and context. While their generosity is focused on creative resources locally, the impact extends beyond town limits to the entire region.

“We are extremely honored to receive this recognition from the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut", says 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.”

BETHEL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

The Arts in the Community awardee, led by Director Janice Chrzescijanek, views art as a commonsense tool to make the town better. Art, Chrzescijanek believes, can be a draw for business and lead to an enriched lifestyle for residents. Under her direction, Bethel Economic Development Office has spent several years creating the momentum for a walking art tour in downtown Bethel that was put in place this summer and will run for the next year, drawing visitors and creating a new and artistic brand for Bethel.

HOWARD LASSER

A longtime Brookfield resident, former finance executive and political candidate, Howard Lasser, Heart of the Arts honoree, dedicated nearly two years to help the Brookfield Craft Center after they reopened in 2014. Mr. Lasser serves as BCC’s Executive Director, volunteering well over 40 hours per week to run the day-to-day operations with this historic cultural institution. “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,” commented Mary Daniel, former chairman of the board of Brookfield Craft Center.

HANCOCK HALL

Recipient of the first Arts Impact Life Award, 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.”

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The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, with offices at 287 Main Street, Danbury, CT, is a leader in supporting a vibrant arts and culture community in Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties. The Cultural Alliance promotes and advocates for arts, history, and culture as a primary driver of the economy and as an enriching influence for communities and people. The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, a 501c-3, is the largest and only regional service organization working to ensure better access to arts and culture for all residents and visitors in Greater Danbury. It is supported by public and private funding, corporate sponsors, and by its 290 members including more than 55 arts, history, and cultural organizations. phone: (203) 798 0760www.artswesternct.org.

Written by Ted Killmer

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