Panel Envisions A Cultural Arts Commission For Newtown

By Jan Howard

The Cultural Arts Ad Hoc Study Group, recently appointed by the Board of Selectmen to study the need for a cultural arts commission in Newtown, intends to contact other towns’ arts commissions and arts councils to research a commission model for the town.

Members Jennifer Johnson and Brigette Sorensen are to draw up a list of standard questions to ask. Members have been asked to make initial contacts with local commissions to introduce themselves.

The issue of cultural arts is not a new one for the two women. In June 2003, Ms Sorensen approached the Fairfield Hills Master Plan Committee regarding cultural concerns in Newtown and a central place for the arts. She and Ms Johnson had been working on this idea a year prior to her presentation.

In her presentation to the master plan committee, Ms Sorensen visualized all the arts under one roof at Fairfield Hills. She said she spoke on behalf of all arts groups, including theater, performing, graphics, history, music, and others. She said Fairfield Hills would be an ideal location for a central arts facility.

“We imagine all of us working, volunteering, and supporting each other to culturally enhance our community,” she said at that time.

“We are still strong at work to this day with the same visions,” Ms Sorensen said recently.

The Cultural Arts Ad Hoc Study Group held its inaugural meeting on November 18, with four of its five members in attendance. Members of the committee in addition to Ms Sorensen and Ms Johnson are Joe Grasso, Sherry Paisley, and Paula Stephan.

Examples of a mission statement were circulated during the meeting and discussed. The group’s first goal is to define its mission.

Officers will be elected at the committee’s next meeting on December 16 at 7:30 pm at Town Hall South.

Residents interested in the arts are invited to attend the committee’s meetings.