Photo: Dennis Bialeck, Mary Bialeck, Amy Wynn, executive director of the council and honoreeJudith McElhone, courtesy of Rural Intelligence.
Photo, Judith Romaniello and Gail Kruppa, Curator, Torrington Historical Society and FPG Board Member, courtesy of Rural Intelligence.
Rural Intelligence, Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Rachel Louchen reports from Norfolk. A concert venue that usually features the roaring sounds of rock legends and soulful crooners instead welcomed artists, writers, photographers, lawyers, bankers and others from varied careers. They were there to honor members of the community (as well as business and organizations) that have made huge strides in raising awareness about the arts and culture in Northwest Connecticut.
The first-ever Northwest Connecticut Arts CouncilCultureMAX! Awards on Tuesday, November 18 was a huge success, with a turnout of more than 160 guests packing Infinity Music Hall & Bistro. The awardees were Sharon Dante, Founder of The Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts;Catherine Fields, Executive Director of the Litchfield Historical Society; Five Points Gallery; The North End Store in Barkhamsted; and Janet Rathbun of Colebrook who all received a one-of-a-kind sculpture award designed by Torrington artist Dennis Bialeck.
The great turnout proves promising for the inaugural event, but it also spoke volumes about the tight-knit community in Northwest Connecticut. “To see how many people showed up just goes to show how people are looking for something like this: they want to honor contributing members of the community,” said the council’s Manager of Membership and Outreach, Debbie Freund.
