JUNIOR LEAGUE OF EASTERN FAIRFIELD COUNTY

HOSTS 18TH ANNUAL ART SHOW

Funds Raised Support JLEFC’s Community Projects Including Partnerships with Thomas Hooker Elementary School,

Mercy Learning Center, Operation Hope & More

Art lovers are invited to come and enjoy the 18th Annual Art Show hosted by the Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County (JLEFC) while helping support projects that benefit the community.   Held March 26th - 28th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the historic Burr Homestead (739 Old Post Road in Fairfield), the Art Show features over 100 local and regional artists exhibiting original paintings, drawings, prints and photographs.  Funds raised by the event, through art sales and more, support the JLEFC’s community projects and volunteer training programs.  Tickets for the show are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and children under 12 are free.

With a focus on improving health, nutrition and literacy for women and families, the JLEFC partners with a variety of organizations within the community.  League supported initiatives  include “Read Alouds” at Thomas Hooker Elementary School, where members volunteer their time reading to  students; monthly meal preparation for Operation Hope, and a Fall field trip to a local farmer’s market followed by a healthy eating cooking demonstration for students at Mercy Learning Center.  In addition to hands-on community work, mini-grants funded by the Junior League have aided the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition,  Shepherds, Inc. and the McGivney Community Center to name a few.

“We’re thrilled to kick off our 90^th anniversary celebration with our annual Art Show and preview party,” noted Susan Zaveruha, President of the Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County.  “As our primary fundraiser, the show’s success is key to the impact we can have in the community.  We take pride in creating a beautiful gallery in the Burr Homestead where art lovers can enjoy viewing outstanding original works.  Every purchase, large or small, helps support local community projects as well as local artists.”

The Art Show features traditional, representational art at affordable prices and provides an opportunity to purchase works by artists represented by galleries throughout Connecticut and the Northeast.  Noted artists exhibiting for the first time this year include Catherine M. Elliott, an elected member of the Lyme Art Association, and John Caesar, who creates paintings from reclaimed wood and was recently featured at the Fairfield Library.   Returning artists include Jacqueline White, an elected member of the Essex Art Association; Anda Styler, whose work was featured in American Art Collector magazine, and Joseph P. Grieco, a member of the Pastel Society of America.   The Fairfield Arts Council will recognize one of the participating artists with a prize and award of merit.

As part of the Art Show's theme of "Beautify your home, better your community," there will be art-inspired mantel decorations provided by local floral and  interior designers including Jack Coletsos from Flowers and Company in Milford, Ellen Hyde Phillips, Coreen Pace of Bridge Floral in Southport,  Ellin Smith of Timeless Interiors and Ethan Allen.  Those attending the show on Saturday and Sunday afternoons can also enjoy live piano music provided by Russell Wickett.  On Sunday, Beverly Branch and other members of the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists will be present creating half-hour portrait sketches.

A party to celebrate the show, "An Evening with Friends: Fine Art, Fine Food for a Fine Cause," will be held Friday, March 26^th from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. and will feature bountiful hors d'oeuvres by A Thyme to Cook, a bar provided by Super Discount Wine & Spirits, and live music by The Jazz Guild.  Tickets can be purchased in advance for $75 by visiting www.jlefc.org or by contacting the League office at 259-9995.

Other organizations joining with the League to support the 18th Annual Art Show are Venture New Generation Portraits, Croney’s Estates Winery and Henry C. Reid & Son.

 The Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Communities represented by the League include Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Newtown, Redding, Shelton, Southport, Stratford, Trumbull, Weston and Westport.

For additional information about the 18th Annual Art Show, including a full list of past participating artists, or the Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County and its volunteer opportunities, please visit www.jlefc.org or call the League office at 203 259-9995.