The Ridgefield Economic & Community Development Commission will be honoring the four inaugural winners of its Cultural District Award at the Ridgefield Arts Council’s Behind the Scenes ceremony on May 11, 2023.
Honorees include the years from 2021, when the Cultural District designation was bestowed upon the town. Honorees have made an extraordinary contribution to the economic development of the town by furthering some aspect of Ridgefield’s cultural district. For the past few weeks, we have been featuring the inaugural winners. Today we will feature Rep John Frey who played a pivotal role in Ridgefield being recognized as the first Cultural District in Connecticut.
MEET JOHN FREY
Rep. John Frey, in addition to creating the bill that led to the creation of the Cultural District designation, secured millions of dollars in funding during his 22 years in Hartford, money to support key assets within our Cultural District including Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, the Ridgefield Playhouse, the Ridgefield Library, the Scott House, the Ridgefield Library, the Cass Gilbert Fountain, the Ridgefield Theater Barn, and more. He also supported the arts personally from his time as a student at Ridgefield High School—through his adult life. His 22-year tenure is the longest in Ridgefield’s history, the second longest being the first, Phillip Burr Bradley who served 15 years starting in 1776.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My family moved to Ridgefield in 1965 when I was two years old. I was fortunate to be raised in such a warm and caring community. My mother did costumes for the Ridgefield Workshop, and I often tagged along and that fostered my initial interest. Yes, I’ve seen many changes. But I can’t see myself living anywhere else!
What motivated you to get involved in the Ridgefield Cultural Community and what keeps you motivated to continue to make a difference?
First, it’s a great deal of fun! There’s something always going on in Ridgefield. The added benefit is the proven economic impact to our local economy. For every $1 invested in the arts, we see a $7 return! That’s a win-win!
Who is someone you admire and why do you look up to them?
Ridgefield has had a rich cultural history for many years - long before the state recognized us as the first cultural district. I admire the many visionaries (usually small in number) who had the foresight to purchase the Community Center, establish the Keeler Tavern, the Ridgefield Workshop, The Aldrich, Ridgefield Symphony, Ridgefield Playhouse…. the list is lengthy. The fact that these institutions live on — and are so vibrant - is a testament to our community valuing and embracing a rich arts heritage.