Hello to our GAC supporters! I hope you’re enjoying this early spring. You all know how many great programs and events happen here at GAC. I wanted to take a moment to give you an update on ways we have also been making an impact in our community in recent months, thanks to the generous contributions of our donors and supporters.
Increased Outreach Programming
One of the most important aspects of our work is an increased focus on free outreach programming. This allows us to serve audiences who might otherwise have no access to our classes and facilities. This past year we served 200 participants through this programming, including with Lumibility, a program for adults with intellectual disabilities. We also offered free drop in workshops for middle school students; ongoing Teen Art Club meetings to make creative social connections; and workshops with students from Guilford A Better Chance and from the New Haven-based CT Violence Intervention and Prevention program.
Holiday Expo Supports Local Artists & Makers
Over the holidays you helped support more than 200 artists at our Holiday Expo. A new gallery wall of paintings and drawings presented a new, fresh cohort of local artists this year. We also hosted a series of pop-up events with local authors and makers, increasing the number of artists we support and the types of works they create.
Soup for Good Benefits Local Non-Profits
Our annual Soup for Good event raised funds for GAC and the Guilford Food Bank—a great partnership established through this beloved gathering. We welcomed over 130 guests who delighted in selecting handmade ceramic bowls made by dedicated GAC ceramic artists as well as artists from Southern Connecticut State University and Wet Clay Works in New Haven. Their creativity and efforts are also key to this community event.
“The Quilters” Documentary Screenings
We hope you were able to join us at the Madison Cinemas in October to celebrate the wonderful new documentary film by board member Jenifer McShane. This event was so popular, we added a second screening! Short-listed for an Academy Award, “The Quilters” follows a group of men inside the sewing room of a Missouri prison. Portraying their struggles, triumphs, and pride as they create beautiful quilts for foster children, the film conveys the power of art to restore an individual’s sense of purpose, for themselves and others. Director of Photography Scott Ruderman joined us at this event and both took questions from the 300+ audience members. This film is expected to premiere on Netflix in May!
Thank you for all you do to support the benefits of the arts. We will stay in touch with all GAC news and updates on the positive impact you are helping us to have in our community.
Maureen Belden, Executive Director
