The Arts Awards, presented every December by the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, honors the artistic excellence and outstanding achievements of visual, performing and literary artists, arts organizations, architects, arts educators, advocates and administrators whose contributions enable the arts to thrive in the region.

2008 ARTS AWARDS

The Arts Council of Greater New Haven honored outstanding individuals and organizations from the region at the annual Arts Awards Luncheon on Friday, December 5 at the New Haven Lawn Club. The theme of the 2008 Arts Awards, Ground Breakers, honored individuals and organizations whose fresh, raw ideas spurred innovative programs, unleashed remarkable results, and fostered a lively, ambitious artistic community.

The five outstanding award recipients, noted below, were selected by a community jury:

Photo by Harold Shapiro.

Johanna Bresnick

It’s hard to find a member of the community that hasn’t been touched by the generosity and creative spirit of Johanna Bresnick. As an artist, her intriguing work always challenges the audience to stop and consider another point of view. As a teacher at New Haven’s ACES Educational Center for the Arts, her encouragement and unyielding faith continually inspire her students to succeed. And as a tireless advocate for the arts, Johanna Bresnick unselfishly sacrifices her time and space in order to further other artists’ dreams—even bravely turning her garage into the Grand Projects gallery, a raw exhibition space that fostered experimental and edgy works by emerging artists.

Photo by Harold Shapiro.

James Bundy

As Dean of the Yale School of Drama and Artistic Director of the Yale Repertory Theatre, James Bundy has offered a host of extraordinary gifts to our community. Under his direction, the Yale Rep has produced more than twenty world, American and regional premieres, two of which have been Pulitzer Prize finalists. He has provided exemplary support to his students and new playwrights, and has shown a commitment to highlighting bold, illuminating work. His advocacy on behalf of education programs such as WILL POWER! and the Dwight/Edgewood project have brought the magic and mystery of the theater to hundreds of students each year. And due to hard work with his staff, Yale Rep now offers the most comprehensive accessibility services program for theatre in the state. For the past six seasons, James Bundy’s ambitious artistic vision, invaluable mentorship and collaborative approach have not only reinvigorated the theatrical community, but have had an immeasurable impact on his students, colleagues, audiences and friends.

Photo by Harold Shapiro.

Colin Caplan

Colin Caplan was born with architecture in his blood. An ardent activist in the local architectural and historic preservation community, he never misses an opportunity to showcase the beauty of his native Elm City—whether by researching a property as the founder of Magrisso Forte, leading architectural tours during the International Festival of Arts and Ideas, or offering advice as a board member of New Haven Preservation Trust or the Elm City Parks Conservancy. As the author of three engaging books on the history of New Haven, Colin Caplan is always encouraging us to look up, look around and admire and respect our city’s heritage—and it’s this strong desire to give back to his community that has helped spread the spirit, style and bustle of New Haven.

Photo by Harold Shapiro.

Ruth Lord
C. Newton Schenck III Award for Lifetime Achievement in and Contribution to the Arts

Arriving in New Haven in 1947, Ruth Lord has always been a true champion of the arts. She is perhaps best known for her role in the founding of Long Wharf Theatre. Learning of two promising young men who were eager to create a permanent theatre in New Haven, Ruth Lord didn’t hesitate to offer her help. Working alongside her friends and devoted arts supporters Newt Schenck, Betty Kubler and Ginny Hepler, she reached out to the community for support and helped start a letter-writing campaign. Her efforts were a huge success, and she was later appointed the Founding President of Long Wharf Theatre. Decades later, Ruth Lord continues to offer her indispensable guidance and support to the internationally-renowned theatre—but Long Wharf is certainly not the only cultural organization that Ruth Lord has generously helped. As a lifelong champion of many regional cultural organizations, she continues to inspire generations with her commitment to service and her unwavering belief in the lasting impact of the arts.

Photo by Harold Shapiro.

Music Haven

Music Haven is not only a ground-breaker in the artistic community, but is one of the most innovative non-profit organizations in Connecticut. Led by the Haven String Quartet, the organization shows us that music can help strengthen relationships, empower families, and build vibrant communities. Providing tuition-free music lessons, world-class performances and long-term mentoring relationships to urban students, the musicians of Music Haven have changed the lives of countless individuals—and the results are stunning, as at-risk children have been provided the opportunity to develop creatively, learn the value of discipline, and envision new possibilities for themselves and the world.

Photo by Harold Shapiro.

Oil Drum Art

Founded in 2003, Oil Drum Art proves that stunning art can often convey a powerful message. Discouraged by the role that oil was playing in public policy decisions, founder Jack Lardis came up with a novel idea: find surplus oil drums and invite artists to use them to express their valuable thoughts and opinions. Five years later, the impact of Oil Drum Art continues to impress, as the unique program has brought the artistic, environmental and political communities together to encourage freedom of expression; has inspired hundreds of students to address compelling issues of the day; and has offered artists and audiences a creative outlet to engage in meaningful dialogue and express provocative views.

For more information about the Arts Awards, please call (203) 772-2788.