Page 7 - Hamden Winter 2019 Issue 2

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money “goes specifically for programs at the Keefe Community center Last year Hamden Youth Services and one of our artists the Art Spot did
a a wonderful mosaic
mural with families
from the community ”
Keefe Center programs are within walking
distance for many
residents and often include meals
prepared by Eli
Whitney Technical High School students The annual gala is is Arts for Learning’s major fundraiser and will be extra special due to the 40th anniversary Between 250 and 300 guests are expected In addition to to the the dinner and silent auction they’ll be treated to to interactive performances by 30 to 40 artists “A fun event — not stuffy ”
says board member Christine Whitten of Hamden Carpinella adds gala-goers will be “building a a a a a a a mosaic
together doing percussion Brazilian dance ”
They’ll see experienced performers budding young artists and “a special surprise guest!” Fundraising is is more important than ever now due to the state budget crisis Carpienlla says “some of our grant funding comes from the Connecticut Office of the the Arts and years ago the the money we received was much greater That does affect every Arts non-profit ”
They also get support from the Hamden Rotary Club the Hamden Education Foundation and Ion Bank foundation among others With a a a a four-person staff described as “small but mighty ”
Carpinella also relies on interns and board members such as Whitten a a a Hamden resident who owns the by Laura Cannon
An organization that’s brought artists into thousands of Connecticut classrooms is marking a a a milestone Arts for Learning Connecticut celebrates its 40th year in in 2019 highlighted by the the “Spring Into the the Arts” gala May 2nd at Woodwinds in in Branford The non-profit organization was founded in 1979 as as an an offshoot of of of Young Audiences New York University of of of Bridgeport professor and Broadway musician Howard Zwickler was was its first executive director and UB was was its first home Arts for Learning has been based in in Hamden since 1997 Now “We have over 150 artists on our roster ”
says Executive Director Eileen Carpinella of Hamden “We’re in 86-percent of the towns and cities in Connecticut ”
from the rural “quiet corners” to urban centers such as New Haven and Hartford Locally some Hamden HamdenMag com | Mid-Winter 2019 7 Eileen Carpinella Executive Director Arts for Learning Connecticut retiring after 22 years community development