House Republican Press Release

January 11, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Reps. Klarides and Davis Announce Arts Grants for Woodbridge Orange & Derby

HARTFORD- State Representatives Themis Klarides (R-114) and Paul Davis (D- 117) have announced that organizations in the towns of Woodbridge, Orange and Derby have all been awarded grants from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism.  The Commission awards the grants in a continuing effort to support arts organizations so they can achieve their creative and organizational goals and continue to add to the economic and creative vitality of their communities.

Rosalind Brodoff of Woodbridge was awarded a $2,500 Artist Fellowship Grant.  This grant is designed to encourage the artistic development of fine artists in Connecticut who are seriously committed to their art form and have demonstrated a history of professional artistic activity in the state.

Both Bradley Elementary School in Derby and Race Brook School in Orange received Arts Presentation Grants.  These grants are designed to bring the best of Connecticut’s performing artists to a wider audience by offering funding to nonprofit organizations that present events featuring members of the Commissions Directory of Performing and teaching Artists. 

Bradley School was awarded $387 to support two performances of Cool Cat Jazz on January 25, 2006.  Race Brook School was awarded $845 to support two Brazilian dance performances by Ginga Brasileira on March 2, 2006, one “Oregon Trail” performance by Themselves on April 4, 2006, and two “Trash to Tunes” performances by Dennis Waring on May 9, 2006.

“I am pleased that the Commission has made these grant awards,” said Representative Klarides.  “These grant awards help keep artistic and cultural activities and performances alive in our communities, where everyone can benefit from them.  I thank the Commission for it attention to activities in Woodbridge, Orange and Derby, where the performing arts and fine arts are greatly appreciated.”

"These are welcomed grants that help boost local cultural and artistic programs that are important to our young people and benefit the quality of life for all of us,” said Rep. Paul Davis.