Ridgefield, CT April 2024

The Investment Issue

ARTS + CULTURE

INVESTING IN THE ARTS

GOLDEN YEAR FOR THE GUILD THE GARDENS OF RIDGEFIELD

LIFE + CULTURE

The Investment Issue

Investment is the theme of this issue and we are pleased to showcase the many ways that our neighbors are investing in our community.

The cover illustrates this theme quite nicely with its emphasis on the wonder of youth as well as the extraordinary beauty that is created by those who come together for a common purpose. In this case, members of the Ridgefield Garden Club who beautify the gardens at Ballard Park and beyond for all of us to enjoy. Read more about this club that began in 1914 and whose contributions to Ballard Park and other public spaces are exceptional.

We celebrate The Ridgefield Guild of Artists' Golden Anniversary in this issue and highlight their extraordinary community contributions. Not only has the Guild supported thousands of budding artists who share their ideas and work right here in town but they provide education and exhibits throughout the year for the public to attend. The Guild attracts artists from all over the area as well as raving art fans who visit Ridgefield to attend their shows.

We had the opportunity to talk to Dan Levine, Artistic Director for ACT of CT about the positive outcomes of investing in the arts that communities like Ridgefield enjoy.  He explains that 'the primary goal of a not-for-profit theater isn't profitability; rather, it's about enriching lives, nurturing creativity, and fostering a deeper connection within the community.'  We also included some scenes from past ACT of CT performances that we know you will appreciate.

Beyond nature and the arts, we talk to Denise Qualey about how critical it is to invest in our youth. Denise leads some organizations in town that we highlight and hopefully entice many of you to check out and perhaps even join.

As always, thank you for reading. Our team hopes that you are inspired by the good work so many in our community are doing to create an even more dynamic Ridgefield. Our only regret is that we can highlight just a few in this issue. Please write, call and keep us posted on who else you would like to see.

Cordially,

MARY DOUGHERTY, PUBLISHER @RIDGEFIELDCITYLIFESTYLE

April 2024

PUBLISHER

Mary Dougherty | mary.dougherty@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Diana Palmentiero | diana.palmentiero@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Natasha Fleming

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

city scene

1: Karen Murphy, Lizzy Sullivan, Sarah Stabile, Annie Dosdall - Galentine’s event at The Benjamin’s party space, the Red Door. 2: JoAnn Kish, Lori Richiger, Natasha Habermann, Eileen McIntyre, Susan O’Connor, Claire Matzke. Seated: Joyce Jaffee From the Ridgefield Garden Club 3: The Ridgefield Garden Club tending to the gardens in 2023. 4: Tom Carroll, Mary Harold and Greg Weiss at The Ridgefield Guild of Artists 5: Kate White, Jen Carreta, Jessica Hamlin, Elizabeth Spivak - Galentine’s event at The Benjamin’s party space, the Red Door. 6: Ron Crowcroft, Dorothy Robertshaw, Suzanne Hawkins at the Ridgefield Guild of Artists 7: Sarah Stabile-Motta & Catherine Scatterday - Hi-Impact Communications (PR for The Benjamin Restaurant) - Galentine’s event at The Benjamin’s party space, the Red Door.

MARY HAROLD

MARY HAROLD

HARVEY FIERSTEIN

Kinky Boots Performance to Debut in May

The winner of the Tony, the Grammy and London’s Olivier Award, this huge-hearted Broadway hit features a joyous score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper and tells the story of two people with nothing in common - or so they think. Visit actofct.org or call 475-215-5497 today and see how ACT of CT ‘Brings Broadway to Ridgefield!’ Performances May 23-June 16.

Ridgefield Guild of Artists Announces 14th Annual Juried Member Exhibition

The Guild presents a juried exhibit each year for its membership only. This year’s show will take place April 6 - May 5 with the opening reception on April 6. Each year the Guild receives hundreds of entries submitted by our talented member artists.  We choose jurors to select each piece for the show.  This year,  we have Dr. Anna Swinbourne, Executive Director and CEO of the Hill-Stead Museum, jurying our show.  She will select 70-80 pieces.

ARTICLE BY MARY DOUGHERTY PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS MANZ, SARAH KAPLAN AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE RIDGEFIELD GARDEN CLUB

Ridgefield

Appreciating the Outdoor Artistry by the Ridgefield Garden Club THE

April 1 marks the beginning of the season for the Ridgefield Garden Club. It is on this day, that club members gather to get the gardens in Ballard Park ready for spring by weeding, pruning, planting, transplanting, staking, and watering the gardens.  There are four gardens in the park that the club members beautify on a weekly basis.  Club members love when members of the public stop by to see

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what they are working on!

Opposite: Credit: Chris Manz

Above: Club members get the garden ready for spring. Credit: Chris Manz

Right: Credit: Chris Manz

Terry McManus, the current club President states that 'the club has a rich history dating back to 1914.'  Sophie Storer, a summer resident of Ridgefield for at least 20 years at the time, invited 30 Ridgefield women to her Main Street house in 1914 to form a garden club.  "It is to be in no sense a social club" according to Mrs.Storer. Since 1914 our club's purpose has been to:

• stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening in our membership and in the community;

• to aid in the protection of natural resources, native plants and wildlife;

• to encourage civic improvement

Monthly club meetings today cover a variety of subjects, including horticulture, conservation, floral design, photography and the preservation of historic gardens. Expect a few hands-on workshops each year too!

Above: Credit: Chris Manz

Opposite: Credit: Chris Manz

A Golden Year for the Guild

A TRIBUTE TO 50 YEARS OF ARTISTRY AND COMMUNITY FOR THE RIDGEFIELD GUILD OF ARTISTS

The Ridgefield Guild of Artists (RGA) championing the ideas and talents of thousands of local artists.

The Guild's mission is to support all kinds of local artists who are bringing their ideas to life. It is a dynamic place set in an updated barn with an abundance of character and space. Their renowned exhibits, which bring all kinds of artists to Ridgefield, are frequent and open to the public. The Guild has given thousands of artists a chance to display their art and sell their work.

As the Guild celebrates this significant milestone, we want to bring you some photos and insights into this institution that has become part of the fabric of our town and a cultural treasure. We spoke with Pam Stoddart, the Executive Director of the Ridgefield Guild of Artists about the evolution of the Guild and its contributions to our community.

CL: HOW DID THE RGA GET ITS START?

Fifty years ago, seventeen local artists decided they wanted a place to call their own to create and exhibit their art. They came together and formed the Ridgefield Guild of Artists.

In the fifty years since, this original group has grown to several hundred, drawing members from all over Connecticut and New York. The Guild has evolved from a local artists’ “clubhouse” to a regional arts organization recognizing, promoting, and supporting artists at all levels.

ARTICLE BY MARY DOUGHERTY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY RIDGEFIELD GUILD OF ARTISTS

CL: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DIRECTOR OF THE GUILD?

This year marks 10 years for me as Executive Director. It’s challenging but very rewarding overseeing all that happens at the Guild.

CL: WHAT TYPE OF ARTISTS WORK WITH THE GUILD?

The Guild is home to roughly 350 artists members who work in a plethora of mediums.

CL: HOW ARE YOUR EXHIBITIONS/ SHOWS DIFFERENT?

The diversity of art genres certainly makes us different. We support anyone with an idea and are proud to be a premier organization for cultivating talent and supporting all types of start-up artists. A typical show will have 100-plus people from all over the area popping in and out to enjoy wine, cheese and of course, good conversation. We have built an extraordinary community to support a variety of artists.

We hold roughly eight exhibits a year. We start every year with a themed member-only exhibit where we present a theme and the artists create art based on that theme. Past themes have been called: “Hot & Cold Extremes”, “Humor Me”, “Conversation”, “Compassion”, “Shake it Up”, “Color”, and “Anything Goes”, to name a few. This year the themed exhibit was called “Celebrate: 50 years of art”. Our exhibits are often thought-provoking and theme-oriented.

In addition to our themed exhibits, we offer exhibits in just photography, two annual juried exhibits with high caliber jurors who curate the show. We have a series of exhibits called Focus On and past years have been Focus On: Landscape, Focus On: Portraits, Focus On: 3D. Festive Home rounds off each year with our month long gallery transformed holiday emporium.

CL: WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE GREATEST CONTRIBUTION OF THE GUILD TO THE RIDGEFIELD COMMUNITY? HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU SERVE?

Here is a recap of our offerings from last year and the lives we have touched (in order of greatest contribution):

ArtWalk: Thousands of patrons visited ArtWalk and 46 artists participated. Our Annual ArtWalk event brings art to the streets and storefronts of downtown Ridgefield for this town's favorite end-of-summer event. Downtown Ridgefield turns into a strolling art gallery.

Festive Home: Thousands of Ridgefield residents attend the one-month-long holiday show. Our annual holiday emporium showcases our hand-crafted artisans. Thousands of Ridgefield residents look forward to this fun, elaborate holiday bazaar every year.

We collaborate with local designers who create vignettes in the galleries to help transform the space into a winter wonderland of items for gift-giving and living. Artwork and unique items are sold.

Gallery Exhibitions: The Guild presented 7 exhibitions throughout the year, covering a variety of topics and

PAM STODDART, Executive Director of the RGA

mediums including a photography-only exhibit, 2 juried shows and our Festive Home show, highlighting handcrafted artisans. We had 700 participating artists and roughly 3,000 visitors.

Arts Education: The Guild offers art education through classes and workshops year-round for both adults and children. We serve 280 students annually.

ARTalks: This is a long-standing collaborative relationship with the Ridgefield Library where the Guild provides artists for their popular lecture series, ARTalks. ARTalks lectures are informative and free to the public. There are roughly 600 visitors annually.

Summer Camp: Summer art programs for children, providing multimedia art programs throughout the summer weeks. Approximately 75 students participated.

Satellite Galleries: Satellite gallery venue locations have thousands of visitors during the duration of each artist's show. There are collaborations with downtown store locations, providing artists the opportunity to grace the walls of these large main street locations. Jill Rae, William Pitt Sotheby’s and The Ridgefield Playhouse are all Satellite Galleries.

Other Ways We Reach the Community: Community outreach is vital to the Guild of Artists. As part of the Ridgefield Art Council and as a proud member of the cultural district, we like to work within the Ridgefield community creating community partnerships.

CL: WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD LIKE THE PUBLIC TO KNOW ABOUT THE RGA?

Where we are located! I often wish I could pick up our beautiful barn building and drop it in downtown Ridgefield.

In all seriousness, I want the public to know that we have been serving this artistic community of local artists for 50 years through art education for both adults and children and in the past decade through ArtWalk, Summer Camp for Kids and Festive Home.

CL: HOW DO YOU PLAN TO CELEBRATE 50 YEARS?

We have many great things planned for our 50th year! We started last December by introducing a new branding logo

campaign straight from the 70’s. We opened the year with our January themed member show called “Celebrate: 50 years of art” and we had a record number of entries where people were invited to submit artwork from any of the past 5 decades!

We have a nice mix of old and new and the show has been very well received. We are also having a 70’s themed pop-up show in late summer and a 50th birthday party planned with a disco theme. It should be great fun!

We are planning Ridgefield’s first Arts Festival in Ballard Park this summer, where the park will be filled with tents of artists from near and far displaying and selling their art. We are proud to be part of the Cultural District in Ridgefield and love giving our artists these opportunities.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD LIKE THE PUBLIC TO KNOW ABOUT THE RIDGEFIELD GUILD OF ARTISTS?

Where we are located!

I often wish I could pick up our beautiful barn building and drop it in downtown Ridgefield.

- Pam Stoddart, Executive Director of the Ridgefield Guild of Artists. ART

Investing in the Arts

Ridgefield is a model community for prioritizing and investing in the arts. As the first designated Cultural District in the state, the arts are central to our lifestyle.  We spoke with Dan Levine, Artistic Director at ACT of CT about  ACT of CT's investment in Ridgefield and how this partnership has flourished and touched residents of all ages in numerous ways.

He emphasized that  'ACT of CT is a not-forprofit regional theater, and the primary goal of a not-for-profit theater isn't profitability; rather, it's about enriching lives, nurturing creativity, and fostering a deeper connection within the community.'

'The theater contributes to the overall cultural and economic vitality of the town by providing the highest caliber productions, partnering with other local organizations, attracting tourists, supporting local businesses, and contributing to Ridgefield’s designation as the state of Connecticut’s first-ever "Cultural District".'

ACT of CT's Artistic Director, Daniel C. Levine, says that "investing in the arts is investing in the soul of our incredible community". ACT of CT was founded to bring the transformative power of the arts to Ridgefield in order to enrich lives, foster creativity, and add to our vibrant community - now that’s an investment to be proud of!

Rent Full Cast Wall Photo

Investing in the arts is investing in the soul of our incredible community.

- Dan Levine “

Smokey Joes Wall Photo

ROA Hall

The Secret Garden

Godspell Wall Photo

LSOH Wall Photo

Sunset Boulevard

LAURA BRODIE real estate agent

To the Rescue

Meet Laura Brodie, real estate agent and dog rescuer

ARTICLE BY DIANA PALMENTIERO PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATASHA FLEMING

Recently we had a chance to catch up with Ridgefield real estate agent, Laura Brodie of Howard Hanna Rand Realty, who talked to us about her passion for dog rescue and her experience rescuing a dog during the pandemic. She also shared her thoughts on the local real estate market and her appreciation of Ridgefield.

Laura along with her family have called Ridgefield home for almost 20 years. After raising her children in New York City and Florida when they were younger, they decided to return to the area. They chose Ridgefield since Laura had spent much of her time here while  growing up in the area. Laura opened a clothing botique, Zebras and Butterfiles on Main Street years ago and still has fond memories of her retail experience.

A seasoned realtor, Laura says that the market will not change much from the past few years. Since inventory is still low, it will continue to be a seller’s market. There are the same number of buyers so bidding wars will continue, although not as intense as in the past few years.

Laura is a Champions Club Winner and National Sales Excellence Award Recipient for 2023.

Laura Brodie

When we asked her about a cause she feels passionate about and compelled to share with others, she instantly cited dog rescue. Laura has been passionate about dog rescue for years and rescued her own dog, Lily during the pandemic. Lily is a white shepherd, lab mix who is probably 5-6 years old. She was found abandoned in a house in Mississippi, pregnant with a damaged eye, along with a cat. The family moved and left their animals there. When Laura picked up Lily, she already had an operation on her eye so she only has one now.

She is the sweetest, most amazing dog. Lily has become the mascot of Howard Hanna Rand Realty and everybody loves her there!

Laura states that "she rescued Lily from R.O.A.R (Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue) in Ridgefield, where she had previously done volunteer work.  Every town has an animal shelter so you can start there and avoid puppy mills. There is no reason to shop at a puppy mill when there are so many dogs that need love."

As you can tell, Laura and Lily are two special ladies. Be sure to stop by their office at 388 Main Street, Ridgefield to say hello.

Laura and Lily

Investing in the Next Generation

DENISE QUALEY

ARTICLE BY MARY DOUGHERTY

If you are at all active in our community you have probably met Denise Qualey. Denise is well known for her involvement on local committees and boards especially those that champion children. Her family moved to Ridgefield in 1991. She and her husband raised their children, Caroline and Joseph  here and consider family life in Ridgefield to be a 'wonderful experience.'

Denise currently chairs the Youth Commission and Kids in Crisis as well as holding positions on other town boards. Her work mostly involves investing in and elevating the youngest citizens of Ridgefield. Denise believes that you learn a lot about the place you live by engaging with its youth. She also believes that organizations that provide support like the ones she chairs are integral to a compassionate community.

Bridges are built on the Youth Commission between students and officials in our town government. Students have an active role in informing town officials about the issues that are facing our teens who are coming of age by putting on relevant programs and participating in meaningful discussions with leaders who communicate with town officials on a frequent basis. This year students will formally report to the SelectPersons Board at the end of the fiscal year to update them on the State of Ridgefield's Youth.

The commission is fortunate to partner with important youth and family organizations like The Youth Services Bureau, Insight Counseling, The Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club, the public schools, youth officers, and prevention council to name a few. They are always looking for new adult and student volunteers so please feel free to stop in at a meeting at the Teen Barn the first Wednesday of the month at 7pm to see what they are all about!

MEET

Denise also leads Kids In Crisis, an organization that has been around since 1981 and provides resources to assist the area's most vulnerable youth.  Kids In Crisis provides emergency shelter, crisis counseling, and community education programs for children of all ages and families facing crisis. Crisis can include domestic violence, mental health concerns, homelessness, substance abuse, economic difficulties, and other critical challenges.

Denise and a group of girlfriends started a fundraiser called Have a Heart event a few decades ago.  This event is a significant fundraiser for the organization and continues today. A dedicated group of volunteers who strongly believe in the mission to benefit Kids In Crisis in support of their 24-hour emergency shelter for children of all ages has kept this fundraiser going.  The next Have a Heart event is in  February 2025.

Denise wants parents to know that life has unique challenges today for teens with social media and technology but there are also social, academic and general highly programmed schedules that can create stress. Youth mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression are on the rise. She suggests that making time to connect with your kids is more important now than ever.

“Making time to connect with your kid is more important now than ever.” - Denise Qualey

Denise Qualey after winning the Martin Luther King Award at the Play House

A CONVERSATION WITH LOCAL ARTIST, MELISSA BENEDEK

Modern Art as an Investment

ARTICLE BY MARY DOUGHERTY

Ridgefield is home to a prominent modern art museum and notable galleries that display the finest in modern art. We spoke to Ridgefield artist, Melissa Benedek about modern art as an investment.

1. HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START AS AN ARTIST?

I was always exposed to art and design.  My father owned an Art Gallery in Soho, New York; and my mother was an Art Curator and Interior Designer.  As a child, I went to art school at the age of 13. I was always drawn to colors and design.  I started painting at a young age and it was a wonderful outlet for me.

2. YOUR STYLE IS QUITE UNIQUE. IS THERE A NAME FOR YOUR ART STYLE? HOW DID YOU DEVELOP THIS TECHNIQUE?

I am an Intuitive Painter, a Contemporary Abstract Artist.   I feel that Art is somewhat magical.  It’s a wonderful release and meditative state for me and I love the feeling of creating. The biggest reward for me, is when the buyer is touched, and moved by a piece that I did, and that it speaks to them. Then I know I accomplished something good.

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3. WHERE ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE GALLERIES/SHOWS TO EXHIBIT? WHY?

I show in various galleries and exhibits.  I love showing in Soho, New York, surrounded by prominent galleries, and the city's vibrant art scene.  I also love being part of my community, Ridgefield, Connecticut and various art galleries and art centers throughout Fairfield County.

4. WHY DO YOUR CLIENTS PURCHASE YOUR ART - PERSONAL CONNECTION TO IT OR INVESTMENT?

I have a range of different collectors.  I have sold to buyers who see my work at a gallery and love it. I have been commissioned many times to create a piece specifically for the buyer. They have the opportunity to pick the color palette and the series that they prefer. I recently was commissioned to do a very large piece for an ABC News anchor, and his wife. That was a thrill!

5. WHAT MAKES MODERN ART A VIABLE INVESTMENT?

Modern/Contemporary Art is an investment for two reasons.  If the Artist is well known, and has a significant following, it is prestigious to own pieces from their collection.  I also think there is another type of investment, meaning investing in yourself, the comfort of your home, and the aesthetic and joy that the painting brings to your home daily.

6. WHAT SHOULD BUYERS LOOK FOR WHEN ASSESSING THE VALUE OF A PIECE?

If they are buying a very expensive piece of art from a well-known artist, chances are, it will be priced accordingly.  They should do their research as far as the pricing of the artist's work, to understand the value of the piece today, and how much the value is likely to appreciate.  Buying an original that is signed by the artist, is the most valuable along with Limited Editions, Embellished Giclees, and Prints.

Art to me, is not only an investment but a joy to have the opportunity to live with Fine Art that you get to view and experience every day.

Sprites,

One,