Creativity Connects Westport
What fuels a vibrant, connected and creative community? What makes people feel good about living in Westport?
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 Westport?
Creativity connects us.
Meet Jay Petrow, abstract painter and owner of PetrowGardens Landscape Design in Westport
Is there an organization in town that makes you feel good?
Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center, is a great resource and destination for our town. Besides the well-known benefits of hosting pre-school classes and having hiking trails, Earthplace also hosts lectures on ecological gardening. They recently added a native plant garden in partnership with The Aspetuck Land Trust and with the support of the Westport Women’s Club 2019 Ruegg Grant.
PetrowGardens designed the garden as an inspiration for our neighbors to re-think their lawns and bring in a more sustainable, pollinator-friendly space. It was installed with the help of community volunteers!
Where do you go for inspiration and creativity?
I belong to the Artist's Collective of Westport and all of our meetings and events are filled with each other's artwork. The Collective is a vibrant group of 150 creative individuals who have joined forces to discuss, create, and develop dynamic experiences for the Fairfield County community. The Collective brings together various creative practices in unique monthly forums, in order to plan and stage public events, pop-up exhibitions, and stimulating experiences. We also tutor, volunteer, and curate various other art-related activities and events.
What do you love about your community?
Westport is a beautiful place filled with creative people. If I ever get out of my studio I love to go sailing down at Compo Beach. Hobie Cat, laser, or windsurfer are my favorite modes of transportation on the water. In the winter, I play ice hockey at the Longshore rink with a group of local hockey players, both men and women, young and old.
You can view Jay’s creative work at www.petrowgardens.com and www.jaypetrowfineart.com and on Instagram at @jay.petrow.abstract.art.
Creativity Connects Westport 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.