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Fairfields Burr Homestead transformed from a classic piece of history to the hippest art gallery in town. President Genevieve Halloran and the Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County packed the historical property with works by artists from all over the Northeast for its 19th annual art show this past weekend. The weekendlong fundraiser drew thousands of art fans, including Donna and Mike Kindel, who made the journey from Southbury just to get a peek at the display.
[Donnas] got a lot of friends who are artists, so its great to see their work on display, Mike said. Donna added, It was definitely worth the drive.
The show featured the work of 120 artists, including 37 who were new to the program this year. Genevieve said she was happy to include a wider range of media this year. Alongside standard landscape and still-life paintings were works such as those of Ellen Hovercamp, who uses a high-resolution scanner to create photorealistic still-lifes, and photographer Miggs Burroughs, who produces shape-shifting displays that change content from different angles.
But the weekend was about more than just art on the walls. Showgoers could also get their own personal works made, such as full-color acrylic portraits by Danburys Beverly Branch. And new this year was the Beautify Your Home Boutique, which drew a dozen local stores to establish pop-up shops on the homesteads back lawn.
But the weekends purpose was to help the Junior Leagues community service projects. All the money collected will go toward its two main focuses: healthy eating programs and literacy. This is our biggest fundraiser, Genevieve says. This is how were able to fund our community service.
For example, in lieu of the entrance fee, showgoers could donate a book to the ongoing literacy drive. And among the artists on display were 23 students of all ages from Bridgeports Thomas Hooker School, a public school sponsored by the Junior League. The group also hosts read-along nights, healthy cooking classes and other educational programs at the school.
Now that the weekends finished, the ladies will get back to work on their service projects. Of course, they could always use more help. The Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County welcomes women from Fairfield, Bridgeport, Stratford, Milford, Easton, Weston, Redding, Westport, Newtown and Trumbull. To volunteer, send an email to jlefc@snet.net.
Did you stop by the Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County's art show this year? Tell us what you thought in the comments below.
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