Arts Connected, the NWCT Arts Council’s first fundraiser in five years, went off without a hitch!

Video by Shane Scully. Photos by Jennifer Almquist.

A beautiful grazing table and passed hors d’oeuvres were provided by Bleu on Bank. Cocktails were served by Litchfield Distillery and beers were generously provided by Kent Falls Brewing Company.

Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with the rhythmic drumming of the Our Culture is Beautiful Drum Circle, creating a sense of community to open the night.

As guests wandered the scenic venue, they were able to watch a live demonstration of calligraphy with Alibaba Awrang, and interact with performers from Matica Circus and Sova Puppet Theater, all while DJ Arvolyn Hill played beats to move everyone's feet.

The NW 25 Gallery featured works by 57 artists located in and around the NWCT region. Each piece featured in the gallery was available for sale, and many of the artists featured were in attendance for the event, allowing them the chance to mingle with guests to talk about their works.

Providing support for the sound systems, Rock Yer Block and their very own Adelaide Punkin, gave an exciting balcony performance.

Following Adelaide, members of the MOMIX dance company shocked and amazed the crowd with two fascinating performances, their costumes just as big and bold as their movements.

Just before the final act, NWCT Arts Council Board Chair, Sunday Fischer, and Executive Director, Steph Burr, shared words of thanks for all the support received for this event.

To close out the night, the doors to Spring Hill were opened for a special side by side performance. Musicians from the Cuatro Puntos Ensemble performed a few songs indoors, while Cinderfella, a professional fire spinner, danced outside with his flames to the classical, genre-defying works being played.

When the music stopped and the fire had been put out, as the festivities wind down and guests began to make their way home, the buzz of excitement remained and the joy of coming together to support the arts lingered.

To see all the pictures from Arts Connected, check out our Arts Connected 2024 album on Facebook!

Special Thanks to our Presenting Sponsors:

Valiant Energy Solutions | Torrington Savings Bank

Thank you to our Sponsors:

William Raveis Liefstyles Realty | Steve Pener & Vanessa Henderson of William Pitt, Sotheby's International Realty | Harney & Sons Fine Teas

 O & G Industries | Northwest Community Bank | Union Savings Bank | Art Bank 7 Women's Art Group | Rock Yer Block | Litchfield Distillery

Kent Falls Brewing Co. | Spring Hill Vineyards

Thank you to our Donors:

Susan & Peter Aziz | Elizabeth Chandler | Nicholas Solley | Barbara Zakin | Evan Dobos | Phillipe Doh | Michael Burr | Eric & Renee Hammer

Liberty Art & Framing | Paula & Humphry Rolleston | Griffin Rapsilber | the Cogan Family | Dawn & Ron Fiddler | George Seabourne | Molly B. Hogan

Steve Soklin | John Brett & Jane Strong | Carie Hodel | Sam Posey & Ellen Griesedieck | Kathleen & Aaron Borkowski | Christian Jensen

Sunday Fischer | Marge Smith