Guilford Art Center Announces 2nd Annual Art Achievement Awards

The Guilford Art Center announces the recipients of its Second Annual Art Achievement Awards. The awards recognize individuals for their contributions to the community through art.

The recipients this year (in alphabetical order) are: Joan Baer of Madison, Janice Baker of Durham, David Brown of Old Saybrook, Dolores Marchese of Guilford, and Sheila Kaczmarek, also of Guilford.

"We are fortunate to live in a community with so many wonderful artists who, in addition to creating their own work, find ways to encourage community members in the wider world to explore and benefit from the power of the arts," says Jean Perkins, Executive Director of the Guilford Art Center. "We have made a very deliberate decision to honor five individuals this year rather than one. In part we were inspired by the work of our recipients whose contributions are born of their generosity. They have been "living large" in their willingness to contribute to the community through art. Taking that to heart we are saying 'YES' five times this year because we'd like as many people as possible to know of their talent and dedication. It is true each of the recipients has made a different type of contribution however there is a common thread. That thread is their ability to inspire others. Come join us. Celebrate with us. Be inspired.

The Achievement Award recipients will be honored at a cocktail reception in the Mill Gallery at the Guilford Art Center on Friday, June 8, from 6-8pm. The gathering is free of charge, and the public is invited to attend the celebration.

Joan Baer of Madison, recognized for her achievements in Public Art, has been one of the driving forces in establishing and promoting the Madison Sculpture Mile, which was established by the Hollycroft Foundation in 2001. Joan's unwavering sense of purpose in showcasing sculpture for the public has resulted in thousands of residents and visitors of all ages gaining an appreciation for art in civic spaces.

Janice Baker of Durham, recognized for her work in Health Care, uses art to enhance the quality of life of children receiving care or treatment at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital. In her role as coordinator of the Child Life Arts and Enrichment Program, Janice helps create a caring, healing environment for pediatric patients, promoting art as a therapeutic tool for coping, learning and healing. Patients are encouraged to express their emotions and experience the joy of creativity.

David Brown of Old Saybrook is honored for his dedication to the Environment. He is a painter and teacher known, for landscapes and portraits, as well as an organic farmer. He lives simply in a unique abode, the "Hay House," a one room plaster house insulated with hay. David's art and life are intertwined, as he farms his acreage, and paints his house and grounds as his ever-compelling subject. His message in this lifestyle is 'this is more than enough; my artwork is about appreciating what we have."

Dolores Marchese of Guilford is recognized for her work as in Art Therapy. She is a longtime art instructor in the shoreline area, "Dodie" uses art as therapy to encourage self-expression and stimulate creativity in her clients and students. Dodie is an art facilitator for SARAH, Inc., Connecticut Hospice, and offers classes to residents of area health care facilities who suffer from memory impairment.

Sheila Kaczmarek of Guilford has been an art instructor for shoreline students for nearly 20 years, and is honored as an Educator. She teaches painting and clay, and her style of instruction encourages experimentation from her students. She is also active in The Guilford Art League and the New Haven Paint & Clay Club.

"Through their work, the artists receiving this award are able to improve, enlighten and uplift people's quality of life," adds Perkins. "By extending themselves, they connect with others, and become naturally more engaged with their communities. This is the stuff of inspiration."

For more information about the Guilford Art Center Art Achievement Award and reception, please call Kathleen Dess, Interim Director of Development, at 453-5947.