On May 9th the Ridgefield Arts Council hosted its annual “Behind The Scenes Honors” event at The Ridgefield Library. This event was established by the council to acknowledge volunteers for their extraordinary “behind the scenes” contributions in support of the various local arts-related organizations, to which they are a part of.
The Arts Council recognizes how privileged Ridgefield is to have individuals who are willing to volunteer their time to foster and promote the many cultural organizations that benefit the town. While these volunteers do not seek recognition for their efforts, the council feels it would be remiss if it failed to acknowledge these individuals for their invaluable and selfless hard work in some meaningful way.
The individuals, selected by their organizations, to be honored this year were as follows:
Mary Awad, Ridgefield Independent Film Festival
Richard Bauer, Weir Farm National Historic Site
Elizabeth Border, Ridgefield Chorale
Jennifer Dineen, Thrown Stone
Eric Friedenrich, Ridgefield Playhouse
Neil Gollogly, SPHERE
Peter Loppacher, Ridgefield Library
Chris Perry, Ridgefield Guild of Artist
Tina Phillips, Keeler Tavern
Marian Sloan, Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
Jay Steele, Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance
Abby Walker, Ridgefield Theatre Barn / Michael Chekhov Theatre Festival.
In addition to the recognition of the Behind The Scenes Honoree’s, Amy Piantaggini, from the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, was also recognized with “The Nancy Comstock Andrew’s Superlative Teaching/Mentoring Award”. This award is given annually to an individual in recognition of their dedication and enthusiastic encouragement in the promotion, inspiration and appreciation of the arts.
Amy was presented with this award for her invaluable contributions to the Ridgefield community through her extensive collaborations she has and continues to orchestrate, between the Conservatory of Dance and countless Ridgefield arts organizations throughout the years.
Photo: Front Row: (L to R) Jay Steele, Abby Walker, Jennifer Dineen. Back Row: (L to R) Neil Gollogly, Amy Piantaggini, Tina Phillips, Mary Awad, Elizabeth Border, Chris Perry, Marian Sloan, Mary Jane Scott.
Not present in the photo: Richard Bauer, Eric Friedenrich, Peter Loppacher