Banner Project ’07 Will Light Up Downtown Fairfield May 12 Through August 10

FAIRFIELD — The Fairfield Arts Council (FAC) has announced May 12 as the unveiling date of Banner Project ’07 which will feature a colorful exhibition of artwork by 60 regional artists reproduced on lamp-post banners in downtown Fairfield. In keeping with the FAC theme “Put the Arts in the Heart of Fairfield,” 74 banners will hang on or near the Post Road. The banners will remain up through August 10, offering an outdoor art exhibition and the message that Fairfield is a place where the arts are fostered and flourish.

A reception with the artists will take place on Saturday, June 2, from 1 to 3 pm, at the FAC gallery in conjunction with an exhibition of original artwork by select banner artists.

The incredible success of last year’s Lamp-Post Banner Project prompted Fairfield Arts Council to make this an annual tradition. Each banner features a photographic representation of the artist’s work on one side, and the Fairfield Arts Council’s banner slogan “Put the Arts in the Heart of Fairfield” on the opposite side, along with a sponsor’s name or logo. The enthusiasm for the project was affirmed when 37 local businesses quickly stepped up to sponsor the project. In addition to displaying their name on two banners each, each business is featured on the project announcements and on the FAC website. Sponsors range from small downtown storefronts and real estate agencies to local dentists and lawyers.

First Selectman Ken Flatto and Mark Barnhart, the director of community and economic development for the Town of Fairfield, have worked with FAC on all aspects of the planning for the project.

Artists for Banner Project 07 were chosen by a jury committee. Over 100 submissions were received, with artists representing Fairfield, Bridgeport, Easton, Stratford, Trumbull, Weston, and Westport.  Their artwork displays diverse styles and participants include illustrators, sculptors, photographers and painters in various mediums. The project celebrates the work of the talented artists that live in our communities. 

In conjunction with Banner Project ’07, the FAC Gallery, located at 70 Sanford Street in downtown Fairfield, will feature original artwork by selected banner artists. This exhibition, selected by FAC curator Laura Einstein, will coincide with the banners hanging along the city’s streets – June 2 to August 10. Eighteen banner artists will be represented in this exhibition, offering the unique opportunity to see some of the artwork that the banners were reproduced from.

Office and gallery hours are 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday.

Fairfield Arts Council (FAC) is a not-for-profit organization established to foster cultural development and increase public support for the arts. For further information visit FairfieldArtsCouncil.org, send e-mail to info@FairfieldArtsCouncil.org, or call 203-319-1419.