Local Artists Awarded Grants from the Torrington Chapter of UNICO

NWCT Arts Council • September 7, 2023

NWCT Arts Council Announces UNICO Grant Recipients

Two artists from Litchfield County have been selected to receive a grant of $500 each from the Torrington Chapter of UNICO. Katina Hungerford-McGrath of Torrington and Yonah Sadeh of Falls Village were selected by the NWCT Arts Council based on artistic excellence and their contributions to community development.

Katina Hungerford-McGrath, Torrington

Katina Hungerford-McGrath is a versatile artist deeply rooted in Torrington who celebrates an artistic journey spanning three decades. With expertise in photography, graphic design, cartooning, and illustration, her work embraces her passion for visual storytelling and social media marketing. From her turn-of-the-century Torrington farmhouse, she and her singer-songwriter husband, Steven McGrath, immerse themselves in creativity and community.

Katina's works resonate with her profound love for her hometown, best exemplified by her 'Made in Torrington' project. This endeavor captures the spirit of the city's industrious past and vibrant present through striking black-and-white photos. According to Katina, “It's not just about capturing images but sharing Torrington's spirit throughout Connecticut and beyond.”

Yonah Sadeh, Falls Village

Yonah Sadeh is a filmmaker and photographer based in Falls Village. He has been making films since 2015 and has created numerous short films, promotional content for local business and individuals, and worked with local organizations to produce documentaries.

As a youth in this unprecedented time in history, Yonah uses his filmmaking to uplift the voices calling for social change, with his films covering topics such as affordable housing, climate change, and the refugee crisis. In 2022 Yonah partnered with the Town of Canaan (Falls Village) to create a short documentary called “Housing Our Neighbors” to help address the affordable housing crisis, which expands beyond Falls Village and affects much of Litchfield County.

Yonah is currently in his final year of his Bachelor's Degree in liberal arts, with a concentration in film, working to produce, direct and shoot his own thesis short film project. After his graduation, Yonah hopes to continue his passion into a full time career, collaborating with other filmmakers to create meaningful and impactful films to be shared to the world. Learn more about Yonah’s work at sadehstudios.com.

"These artists were chosen for the outstanding quality of their work and the positive impact it has had on their communities.”, notes Steph Burr, Executive Director of the NWCT Arts Council (Council). The Council administers this grant program on behalf of UNICO - a partnership that began years ago and combines the community service mission of UNICO with the arts mission of the Council.

"These are excellent choices and we wish Katina and Yonah the very best as they pursue their passions and dreams." added Brian Mattiello, Immediate Past President of the Torrington Chapter of UNICO. UNICO is the nation's largest Italian-American service club and a Chapter has been active in Torrington since 1925. These awards are made in honor of one of the local Chapter's Founders - Paolo Abate, an Italian-born sculptor and professor of fine arts who lived in Torrington.