HAPPENING TODAY - BRIDGEPORT YOUTH HONOR LOCAL HEROES THROUGH ART EXHIBITION
Alexa Lopez
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Rowena White 203-257-0031
BRIDGEPORT YOUTH HONOR LOCAL HEROES THROUGH ART EXHIBITION
CATALYST CT AND HOUSATONIC MUSEUM OF ART PRESENT “ROOTED IN COMMUNITY: PORTRAITS OF EVERYDAY HEROES, CHAPTER 2”
BRIDGEPORT,
CT - Catalyst CT, in partnership with the Housatonic Museum of Art (HMA), will present
Rooted in Community: Portraits of Everyday Heroes, Chapter 2, a youth-led exhibition celebrating local role models, mentorship, and the power of community through art.
The exhibition will open with a public reception on Thursday, June 4, from 5:30pm. to 7pm at HMA and will remain on display through July 10. Community members are invited to attend the reception and experience a collection of work that highlights both the creativity of young local artists and the individuals helping shape a stronger Bridgeport.
Through
deeply personal and community-centered artwork, participating youth explored the lives and impact of local “Everyday Heroes,” whose mentorship, leadership, and compassion have made a lasting difference in their neighborhoods and in the lives of young people
across Bridgeport, the city they call home.
Now in its fourth year, the initiative continues to provide participants with opportunities to strengthen creative skills, build confidence, and connect with artists, mentors, and community leaders through hands-on artistic expression.
“This project is really about helping young people recognize the support, opportunity, and leadership that exists within their own community,” said Marc Donald of Catalyst CT. “Through art, they’re able to reflect on the people who motivate them, tell stories that matter, and grow in confidence both creatively and personally. Programs like this help participants see their own potential and understand the impact they can have within their community.”
“Partnering
with Catalyst CT on this exhibition is incredibly meaningful because it creates space for young people to share their stories, perspectives, and creativity with the broader community,” said Jennifer Reynolds-Kaye, Director of the Housatonic Museum of Art.
“We are proud to support programming that uplifts youth voices and highlights the power of art as a tool for growth, connection, and community engagement.”
The program is supported through Catalyst CT’s ongoing youth development efforts and its partnership with the Housatonic Museum of Art, which has helped expand access to arts education and creative opportunities for youth in Bridgeport.
Rooted in Community: Portraits of Everyday Heroes, Chapter 2 reflects the impact of connection, creativity, and community investment, while offering young people a platform to share their voices, perspectives, and experiences through art.
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About Catalyst CT
Catalyst CT works diligently to be a part of the solution to reduce youth and gun violence, advocate for healthier communities, and create a positive impact that extends far beyond today for the underserved and marginalized youth, families, and neighborhoods throughout Southwestern CT and beyond. To learn more, visit our website catalystct.org.
About the Housatonic Museum of Art
The Housatonic Museum of Art (HMA) holds one of the largest art collections of any community college in the United States with over 7,000 artworks. The focus of the HMA is modern and contemporary American and European art, including Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Romare Bearden, Cindy Sherman, and Jenny Holzer. The collection also includes artwork from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Unlike most campus museums, the HMA displays selections of its collection throughout CT State Housatonic. Visitors also enjoy the special exhibitions and programs offered in the Burt Chernow Galleries. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit HousatonicMuseum.org.
