Gallery: Art For All

The "Art For All" opening was just that.

Over 200 people from Bethel, Newtown, Brookfield, Naugauck, and Danbury gathered for the “Art For All” opening at the Hispanic Center at 87 West St, Danbury.

Forty-five artists from among those towns submitted and placed as winners and runner-ups, at the center's newly renovated space.

The winners of the show are revealed for the first time here, in the photo gallery, underneath the artwork. The Grand Prize winner will receive $500.

Half of the proceeds will benefit the Hispanic Center, and all artwork is for sale.

"There were many outstanding pieces of art, but the winners were clear," Juror Joe DiGuiseppi said.

 The event was a fundraiser for the center and guests were given an opportunity to make a $50 donation to the cause of their choice. Small envelopes were distributed, each with a classic phrase that reminded people to be generous.

 Inside the envelopes were requests for support for the youth program, to improve the technology skills of small business owners with an eight week class, and to complete the renovation of the center.

 The variety of cultures present at the event proved that Hispanic Center has gone way beyond it's title.

"We are becoming a multi-cultural center," beamed  Ingrid Alvarez-DiMarzo, Executive Director of the Hispanic Center.

 Danbury's Mayor Mark Boughton, the Honorable Dianne Yamin and former City Council member Warren Levy attended the event as did many local artists who did not enter the show, and art followers from the local areas.

Alvarez-DiMarzo said that the event marked a new collaboration of art, culture and diversity in the community.

Juror DiGiuseppe, whose art was exhibited but not in the competition, said, "This was a really good experience as an artist. It was nice to see that a good number of youth exhibited.  They are really developing their work, and it was good for them to see what the art world is like."

Food was provided by the Henry Abbott Technical High School, created by Chef Justin Williams and high school senior Diana Diaz. Diaz works at the Hispanic center, where she is continuing to learn Spanish. Her ability to speak Portuguese is an asset to the center as well. The Hispanic Center is the only resource for breast cancer support in both of those languages.

Keyboard music was provided by Laura Atwood from Danbury.

 This event was the second in the series of three. Next weeks event will be held at The Mercurial Gallery, 11 Library Place.

Opening reception: 3/10/12, 4 - 7pm. Exhibit through 4/13.