Annual Arts Festival To Benefit Regional Hospice Of Western Connecticut

RIDGEFIELD — The finest works from more than 100 nationally and internationally known artists and sculptors will be displayed and offered for sale during the Annual Arts Festival and Cosmopolitan Buffet, sponsored by Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, on Friday, June 8, at 7 p.m.

The annual event returns next weekend to the US corporate headquarters of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation, 900 Old Ridgebury Road in Ridgefield.

Works will run the gamut from paintings, monotype prints and creative photography to sculpture, pottery, glassworks and hand-painted furniture. There will be a silent auction, and a live auction. The live event will begin at 9:15 and will be conducted by guest auctioneer Alexander DeLucia.

This year’s event is distinguished by the works of a number of extraordinary and gifted artists, most notably Jack Grasso of Ridgefield, this year’s “Honorary Artist in Residence.”  Mr Grasso’s impressionistic works — vibrant and large watercolors — are exhibited locally, nationally and internationally.  Several corporations include his artwork in their collections, including Xerox, Pepsico and Boehringer Ingelheim.  He is listed in Who’s Who in American Art.

Award-winning judges for 2001 include three professional art educators and artists in their own right: Kirill Doron of New Milford, Charles Gehm of Gaylordsville, and Carol Reilley of Newtown.  First prize is The Mary and Harvey Sadow Award of $1,000. Second prize is The Violet E. Manon Award of $500, and third prize is The Carmen and Peter Buck Award, a cash award of $250.

An established cultural and social event, the Hospice Arts Festival is a Juried Show and Auction. A number of the finest paintings, sculptures and pottery are offered for sale outright or through the live and silent auctions. Proceeds benefit Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut.

Regional Hospice provides physical, emotional and spiritual care to patients with a life-limiting or terminal illness, and their families, in Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield, Southbury and Wilton.

“This annual event allows art lovers to view a wide array of fine works in an enjoyable and relaxed setting, while lending their tax-deductible support to Regional Hospices’ humanitarian efforts in our community,” said event co-chairman William J. Stax, a hospice board member and the area general manager of Connecticut Light & Power. 

As guests walk the art-decorated halls, they will be entertained with classical, jazz, barbershop, contemporary and other music being performed live. Gourmet food from 20 of the area’s finest restaurants, and wine and champagne, will be served throughout the evening.

“With fine art and music, and excellent food and wine, this promises to be an evening that appeals to the senses,” said co-chairman Anthony Rizzo Sr, the president of Rizzo Electric in Danbury.

“It is a wonderful way to benefit one of this area’s most valuable non-profit resources, while embracing some of the finest art, music and culinary delights in the region,” Mr Rizzo added.

Admission is $75 per person, of which $25 can be credited toward the purchase of artwork. For tickets or more information, contact Jeanne Banks of Regional Hospice at 797-1685.