BRIDGEPORT - The new Bridgeport Arts and Cultural Council will hold an opening reception for its inaugural exhibition, "75th Anniversary of the Sculptors Guild," organized by Alvin Sher and sponsored by the Housatonic Museum of Art from 4 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 10.
"This celebration marks the occasion of the Sculptors Guild mission to explore new directions in contemporary art-making and is the official launch of the newly formed Bridgeport Arts and Cultural Council, lead by the recently appointed executive director, Kenneth Kahn," organizers siad in a statement.
The festivities will take place at The Vault Gallery at City Trust, with access to the space through 957 Main St.
The Sculptors Guild has since 1937 promoted public interest in contemporary sculpture through exhibitions in public spaces and through education, the statement said.
"For the past several years, the Guild has exhibited members work on New York City’s historic Governor’s Island. Artist members continue to redefine trajectories in digital, multimedia, installation, nonobjective, figurative, abstract and new technology art," the statement said.
The exhibit features work by Alvin Sher and David Smalley of East Lyme, Judith Steinberg of Southport, Beth Ann Morrison and Gina Miccinilli of New Jersey, Gail Goldsmith, Phillip Simmons, Renata Menasse Schwebel, Miguel Castillo, Martha Walker, Gilbert Boro and Stephen Keltner of New York, the statement said.
The show opens in conjunction with Urban Essence, curated by Janine Brown and Thomas Mezzanotte, is the inaugural exhibition for the BACC, the statement said. Brown and Mezzanotte searched the Fairfield County area to find 11 photographers and artists that were inspired by thecCity of Bridgeport. Brown said, also in the statement, that “Urban Essence refers to the images captured by area artists that show the spirit of Bridgeport through the use of photography.”
"A blend of urban landscape and human interest, the photographs in this exhibition give viewers a snapshot into the world of Bridgeport today," the statement said.
The photographers include Michelle Beaulieu, Jeff Becker, Keyvan Behpour, Sean Corbett, Pamela Einarsen, Eileen Fitzsmith, Erik Hup, Bernd Krauss, Jesse Neider, Morgaine Pauker, and Larry Silver.
The reception at the Arcade Building and The Vault Gallery at City Trust signifies the start of two exhibitions, and will kick off a long weekend of arts activities throughout Bridgeport during the 2nd Annual Bridgeport Art Trail sponsored by City Lights Gallery, the statement said.
The Vault Gallery is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and Fridays, 11 a.m.-10p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
These events are open to the public at no cost.
Editor's note: This post was wholly provided by Housatonic Community College