HOUSATONIC MUSEUM OF ART RECEIVES $15,000 GRANT
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Maureen Dowdle 203-332- 5078
BRIDGEPORT – The Housatonic Museum of Art has received a $15,000 grant for its student Peer Docent program.
The grant, offered by the Fairfield County Community Foundation, will support the popular after-school program that brings middle and high school students to the Museum to be trained to conduct student tours of Housatonic’s art collection. The prospective docents are given an introduction to art and art history, and are taught how to look at art critically.
In addition to learning the specifics of the Housatonic collection, student docents visit museums throughout the state. At the end of the program, they offer guided tours of the art collection to their classmates, sharing what they have learned through their training.
A benefit of the program, which is also supported with funds from Target, the Connecticut Commission on the Arts, and the Werth Family Foundation, is that the training provides student docents with visual and analytical skills that will assist them in all areas of study.
The Housatonic Museum of Art is located on the campus of Housatonic Community College in downtown Bridgeport, less than 150 yards off I-97 (Exit 27) and Rte 8 (Exit 1), two blocks from the Arena at Harbor Yard.
About the Housatonic Museum of Art
The Museum has one of the most significant collections of any two-year college in the country and includes works by master artists such as Rodin, Picasso, Matisse, Miro and Chagall. Both art enthusiasts and casual observers have the rare opportunity to engage daily with original works of art and artifacts on continuous display throughout the College and campus grounds. The Museum also presents lectures, programs and changing exhibitions in the Burt Chernow Galleries for the HCC students and the community at large, serving as a rich cultural resource for the Greater Bridgeport area.
About The Fairfield County Community Foundation
The Fairfield County Community Foundation promotes the growth of community and regional philanthropy to improve the quality of life throughout Fairfield County. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds and contribute to existing funds. The community foundation also provides philanthropic advisory services and develops and leads initiatives to tackle critical community issues. It is in compliance with the Council of Foundations’ national standards for community foundations. The Fairfield County Community Foundation merged with the Greater Bridgeport Area Foundation in January 2008. The merged foundation’s net assets approach $150 million. The combined history includes over $90 million in grantmaking to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. For more information, visit www.fccfoundation.org.