Creativity Connects New Canaan
What fuels a vibrant, connected and creative community? What makes people feel good about living in New Canaan?
When locals share the creativity that they uncover in the nooks and crannies of their community it brings about connectivity and makes us all feel good. Believe it or not, you discover creativity every day as you walk, shop, work, and play in New Canaan?
Creativity connects us.
Meet Gwen North Reiss, poet, writer, communications consultant for Silvermine Arts Center, Glass House Educator.
Where do you go for inspiration and creativity?
Landscape and architecture are long-standing interests. Aside from the places mentioned, I would add Waveny Park and its trails. Who wouldn’t love walking paths that give you the feeling of being in an old forest. A number of poems have gotten started on those walks. I’ve participated in poetry events and workshops at the New Canaan Library, Silvermine, and St. Mark’s Church. I am always inspired by the poets and student poets who join in. New Canaan also has roots in the history of modern residential architecture in the U.S. because of the architects who moved here after World War II. Over the years, these innovative houses have kept me writing about modern architecture. I’m looking forward to (and volunteering on) the next Modern House Day for the New Canaan Museum and Historical Society, scheduled for October.
What do you love about your community?
There are many layers to New Canaan. I love the urban quality of its town center with its sidewalks, shops, and cafes, but more important, people here have a deep sense of community and a concern for issues that affect our country. After the killing of George Floyd, the Niang family in New Canaan organized a peaceful protest. When I arrived and got out of my car, I saw enormous numbers of people assembling and felt a wave of hope that my town could take such clear action. More than 2,000 people marched.
Is there an organization in town that makes you feel good?
Over the last five to ten years, I have been lucky enough to work for three organizations in New Canaan: The Glass House, Silvermine Arts Center, and Grace Farms Foundation. All three are good for the soul. In the past year, all three have adapted in new ways to benefit the community during the pandemic.
Creativity Connects New Canaan made possible by LIFEWTR.
The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HamletHub or LIFEWTR.