Bridgeport, CT - This year’s Kennedy Center Calendar, themed "A Unique Perspective”, showcases the stunning, vibrant artwork of 13 artists, including five new local artists who have never previously been included in the calendar.
For more than 30 years, this annual holiday tradition has been made possible initially through the support of People’s United Bank and now the People’s United Community Foundation.
Each year the calendar brings joy to the talented artists who are recognized at the annual calendar reception and brightens the season with its vibrant artwork.
"A Unique Perspective" - the 2018 Kennedy Center Calendar - will debut on Thursday, November 30 at the Gallery@999, on the second floor of the Margaret E. Morton Government Center, 999 Broad Street, Bridgeport, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Gallery@999 at the Margaret E. Morton Government Center will be transformed into a massive art gallery representing over 40 Kennedy Center artists and more than 50 paintings. The artwork will be on display for public viewing until the end of January.
The calendar reception will feature a light cocktail hour and awards presentation to the artists. Armando Goncalves, Southern Connecticut Market President, People’s United Bank, will be one of the featured speakers as well as Martin D. Schwartz, President and CEO of The Kennedy Center and Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim.
“We are delighted to continue to distribute the much-anticipated Kennedy Center Calendar, as it uniquely demonstrates the remarkable abilities of the talented Kennedy Center clients,” said Armando Goncalves, Southern Connecticut Market President, People’s United Bank.
The Kennedy Center Calendar celebrates the potential of all people, provides a monthly celebration of talent, and highlights the Center’s Expressive Arts Program in vibrant colors.
“For over three decades, People's United Bank and People’s United Community Foundation have generously underwritten The Kennedy Center Calendar, which is widely circulated throughout the bank’s branches in Connecticut and Westchester County, New York,” said Martin D. Schwartz, President and CEO. “This calendar demonstrates the amazing range of abilities of people with disabilities."
Artwork featured in "A Unique Perspective" covers a variety of themes ranging from abstracts to still lifes and mediums from textiles to colored pencil to watercolors. Throughout the calendar the diversity of each featured artist weaves a story that reflects each individual’s unique view of their world.
The color calendar was designed by Meghan Gerety, a freelance artist in Marfa, Texas and a former Connecticut resident, and was printed by GHP Media in West Haven.
About The Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center, founded in 1951, is an internationally accredited, non-profit, community-based rehabilitation organization that currently serves over 2,000 individuals annually. The agency actively responds to the needs of the community by offering innovative, comprehensive service options to persons with disabilities and special needs, from birth to senior years. The Kennedy Center operates 29 community experience programs, 16 group homes, an industries program composed of six businesses, supported and competitive employment and job placement services, a family support and respite service, travel training, and a variety of children’s programs. Visit www.thekennedycenterinc.org for more information.
About People’s United Community Foundation
Established in 2007, People’s United Community Foundation was formed to help support programs and activities that enhance the quality of life for citizens in the communities that People’s United Bank serves. People’s United Bank, founded in 1842 and serving customers from New York to Maine through a network of more than 400 branches, is the largest regional bank headquartered in New England. The funding priorities of the Foundation include affordable housing, community development, and youth development.
2018 “Unique Perspective” Calendar Artists
January: Ryan Gall – “Golden Days” Stratford, CT
February: Teresa Kiraly* – “Fire Blast Sky Bursting” Bridgeport, CT
March: Gillian Colhoun – “Flag” Fairfield, CT
April: Alice Dubois – “Hiking in the Mountains” Stratford, CT
May: Azalea Laberee* – “Untitled” Bridgeport, CT
June: Debra Willis – “Garden Tomatoes” Bridgeport, CT
July: John Mitchell* – “Cincinnati“ Milford, CT
August: Charles Best* – “Panda” Bridgeport, CT
September: James Graves – “Rainbow-Colored Mountains” Bridgeport, CT
October: Maria Torres* – “Marilyn Monroe” Bridgeport, CT
November: Krysten Tong – “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” Hamden, CT
December: Molly Hauser – “Moonlight Colors” Shelton, CT
Back cover: Cloresa Francoeur – “Unicorn Whales” Bridgeport, CT
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