Laurie helps the arts reawaken in Danbury

(Exerpt from front page of the Danbury News Times, May 1, 2009)

They see the arts reawakening in Danbury
By Dirk PerrefortStaff Writer

Residents gathered at the Palace Theater on Thursday to celebrate a reawaking of the arts downtown.

The three-day celebration, called "Accessible Art," includes a live theater performance on the Palace stage -- the first in decades for the historic building -- and a workshop Saturday by noted photographer Laurie Klein, whose works are being exhibited at the Palace throughout the weekend.
"Many people go to New York City or southwestern Connecticut for cultural offerings, but there is so much here that people don't know about," Klein said. "There are so many talented people in the area."
Nicole Cudzilo, 18, of Bethel, is one of several students of Klein's who have their work displayed at the event.
"I've always like the idea that I could convey an idea with an image," she said, adding there seems to be emerging support for area artists. "A lot more people are starting to realize that art is important to have in the

Lisa Scails, executive director of the alliance, said its goal is to connect artists with each other and ultimately with the community.

"There's been a reawaking on so many levels," she said. "There is a very active arts community that would like to be a greater part of the downtown. It's the economic center of the region."
Not only do the arts improve the quality of life, she said, they also bring more people from the area into Danbury. Last year alone, the arts and tourism brought more than $14 billion into the state.

Michelle Azzollini, who moved back to the area from New York City about five years ago, said Danbury has been missing that "artistic, cultural flare."

For more information, visit the Web site at www.hvculturalarts.org.