There is no doubt that New Haven is the creative capital of Connecticut. The designation is due, in no small part, to the incredible work of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven. In fostering a regional arts community, in collaboration with Market New Haven, the Town Green Special Services District, the Office of Cultural Affairs of the City, the Chamber of Commerce, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Yale’s Office of New Haven and State Affairs, it has become integral to the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. In its 46th year, the organization boasts of the inroads that have been made in stabilizing and ensuring the viability of our major arts organizations and institutions while continuing to increase services to area artists and focusing on audience development and appreciation.
The indomitable spirit of the board and staff was evident at the annual meeting held at the Little Theatre (formerly the Lincoln Theatre) . The gathering was welcomed by St. Luke’s Steel Band, followed by a performance by Carl Shudy (bassoon) and the multi-talented Harold Shapiro (flute), both members of the Village Trio. During the program, the assemblage was treated to a scene by Elm City Shakespeare Company/High School in the Community director Eric Goode (as Iago) with student Jason Parker (as Othello). They were all fabuolous!
Pat Sweet, board president, and John Kessler, treasurer dealt, with the business of the meeting, highlighted by Barbara Lamb’s (chair, nominating committee) presentation of the 2006 – 2007 slate. Sweet and Kessler will maintain their offices, with Bob Dannies, Paul Mc Craven and Jack Meyers as vice-presidents and Cheever Tyler, serving as secretary. New to the board were Melanie Barocas-Mayer, an artist, Andrea Pizziconi, real estate developer and opera singer, and Hon. Stephen Robinson.
Remaining to serve with their colleagues were artist Gar Waterman, architect Peter Newman, Ed Dowling, ‚Charles Kingsley, Peter Sachner, Josh Teplitzky, Linda Masci, Curlena McDonald, Dick Grossi, Lindy Lee Gold, Mike Morand, Peyton Patterson and Rob Serow. Of course, Bitsie Clark is a lifetime honorary board member and the organization’s previous exec.
It is easy to see how this group gets it done under the guidance of the dynamic Executive Director Betty Monz. Gratitude for their service and dedication was expressed to Danny Diaz, Mary Lou Cummings and Bill Aniskovich as their terms came to maturation.
Special recognition was also awarded to Colin Caplan for his work with the Alliance for Architecture, with his proud parents Bob and Francine Caplan applauding their prodigal offspring. (He will be at the North Haven Barnes and Noble for a book signing for his New Haven Then and Now, in June.)
Cheever Tyler’s Artists Next Door has enjoyed brisk sales while enhancing Barbara Feldman’s development activities for the Arts Council. To describe or define any one of the members of the board or staff with one vocational adjective would be impossible. They are all “Renaissance” people! The group and the inspired staff continue to work as new galleries emerge, theater and performing arts flourish and ArtSpot has become the most popular “Happy Hour” of the month as it introduces hip new audiences to new worlds of enrichment.
“New Haven It All Happens Here” —¬¶ALL FOR THE GREATER GOOD!!