The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
CultureMAX celebrates arts contributors
Area volunteers, musicians, artists receive awards
TORRINGTON — The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council (NCAC) honored seven individuals at the 5th Annual Culture MAX Awards Ceremony, held Tuesday at the Warner Theatre in Torrington.
The annual event celebrates the inspiring contributions of local cultural leaders, organizations, and businesses. The event also serves to educate the 25-town region’s community about the positive forces that influence their cultural environment, according to a statement.
The 2018 CultureMAX Awardees are:
Thomasina Levy of Litchfield, Etablished Artist. She was the CT State Troubadour for 2005 and 2006, which allowed her to be Connecticut’s Ambassador for music and song.
Leslie Elias of Cornwall & Grumbling Gryphons, Arts Educator. Elias has operated Grumbling Gryphon’s Traveling Children’s Theatre for 38 years and taught all aspects of theatre to local children of all ages.
Luke Pepper of Torrington, Emerging Artist. His films and photography highlight the special moments and beauty of life in NW CT.
Carol Ascher of Sharon, Heritage Professional. Ascher shone light on the history of Russian Jewish immigrants to Sharon and Amenia through her exhibit at the Sharon Historical Society and her book, “A Chance For Land and Fresh Air.”
Ken Buckbee of Torrington, Volunteer. Buckbee has restored and preserved the cemetery behind Torrington’s City Hall and helped residents understand and appreciate the history of their town.
Washington Art Association, Cultural Organization. A nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the community in NW CT through education, exhibitions, and special events.
Thomaston Savings Bank, Culture-Loving Business. The bank has generously supported numerous cultural organizations and is artistfriendly on several levels.
Panel judget Martha Bernstein said, “I have enjoyed participating in previous years’ CultureMAX Awards as a nominator, supporter, and attendee, but it was a special pleasure to be on the panel this year. I gained a deeper view of the vibrancy within our community of the Northwest corner.”
The Northwest CT Arts Council’s new Executive
Rufus de Rham, made his first public appearance at the awards ceremony.
“The CultureMAX Awards presented this year were seven doublehelix-shaped blown glass sculptures. The DNAshaped award represents the inherent creative en- ergy and artistic structure
that continues to grow with support and community from individuals and organizations within the Northwest corner of Connecticut,” according to the statement. “The annual CultureMAX awards were established in 2014 by the NCAC to recognize artists (inclusive of all disciplines), heritage professionals, cultural organizations, volunteers and businesses that have elevated the stature of arts and/or heritage within the region of northwest Connecticut. This year’s CultureMAX event is sponsored by Litchfield Distillery, Litchfield Bancorp, Aquarion Water Company, The Waterbury Republican-American and The Warner Theatre.”
The Northwest ConDirector, necticut Arts Council serves as a central source for cultural information for 25 towns in the region and surrounding areas. It provides many free or low cost services including networking and roundtable sessions; the CultureBEAT emailed newsletter; promotional tools; an extensive cultural events calendar; opportunities listings such as auditions, calls for artists, jobs, funding, space sharing; listings for instruction in the arts and fine crafts; as well as a directory of artists and cultural organizations, fiscal sponsor services, and guidance about other available resources. The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council is supported in part by the DECD/Connecticut Office of the Arts, the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation and the Connecticut Community Foundation. For more information about the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council call 860618-0075 or go to www.artsnwct.org