Creativity Connects Ridgefield
What fuels a vibrant, connected, and creative community? What makes people feel good about living in Ridgefield?
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 Ridgefield.
Creativity connects us.
Meet Amanda Dranow, Director of Development at Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra.
Is there a person or organization using creativity to provoke change in Ridgefield?
Yes! I am perhaps biased, but the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra is using creativity to provoke change in several ways: First, we have recently finished a collaboration with the Ridgefield Guild of Artists painting group, Abstract 11, led by instructor, Rachel Volpone. The group attended one of our concerts last season and used the music to serve as inspiration for a whole body of abstract work now on view and for sale at Sarah’s Wine Bar. Secondly, we are developing interesting new ways for Ridgefielders to encounter live classical music; from Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center to Lounsbury House and The Aldrich - we are focused on meeting people where they are. Thirdly, we are working on new musical interventions to ensure our community’s healthfulness and happiness. And fourthly, we are creating deeper relationships with other genres of music like jazz.
Is there an organization in town that makes you feel good?
Yes, there are several, however, going to a SPHERE production [SPHERE is an organization that helps adults with developmental disabilities achieve their dreams] is one of my favorite experiences. It is an unbelievable time to see a show where the performers are able to share and express in real-time their appreciation for an audience. It is also a thrill to see so many community members on stage at one time! I would have to say that spending time at Lounsbury House is also an organization that makes me feel good for a different reason; whenever I am there for an event it makes me feel so lucky that we live in a town that values history and preservation. As a counterpoint to that, The Aldrich Museum makes me feel really plugged into contemporary thought and culture.
How does creativity connect you to Ridgefield?
Creativity connects me through the talented friends I have made here in Ridgefield. We’ve got a lot of “Creatives” in these woods! From launching Festive Home with artist Rachel Volpone at Ridgefield Guild of Artists to developing fundraising concepts and branding for Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra with graphic designer Cynthia Digiacomo (of cdesignridgefield.com) and working on interior design projects with photographer Tim Lenz, of Tim Lenz Photo - there is no shortage of the wonderful people doing amazingly creative things here.
Creativity Connects Ridgefield is 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.
*image courtesy Tim Lenz Photo