Arts Paper
As the editorially independent arm of The Arts Council of Greater New Haven, the Arts Paper seeks to celebrate, explore, and investigate the fine, visual, performing and culinary arts in and around New Haven.
Chasen with Keyla Gordillo, Maya Martinez and Legend Dyer. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Danielle Sekas, teen librarian at the Hamden Public Library, at her desk. Samir Iydroose Photos.
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Top: Patricia Gardner, who turned 14 the day after performing at the New Haven Caribbean Heritage Festival. Bottom: Members of the Colihaut Boys International take the stage. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Top: Zahara Gazzola and Karina Gonzalez. Bottom: Naiyanna White. Lucy Gellman Photos. Welcome to the Youth Arts Journalism Initiative Class of 2026! We are so excited to have 10 of America’s future journalists learning with us this summer. This summer also marks the largest expansion of YAJI staff, with four YAJI mentors over the two months that we are together. This year's YAJI staff include first-time mentors Ruby Szekeres (YAJI class of 2024), and Grayce Howe, (the Arts Paper's 2024 New Haven Academy intern), as well as returning mentors Jayla Anderson (YAJI class of 2020) and Abiba Biao (YAJI class of 2022). During our intensive week, we were also thrilled to spend time with Shamain McAllister, director of Cultural Affairs for the City of New Haven, New Haven Independent Founder Paul Bass and Education Reporter Maya McFadden, and Former YAJI Program Director Markeshia Ricks, who worked as a reporter for over two decades. The mission of the YAJI is to introduce high schoolers to grassroots journalism through The Arts Paper, the daily publication of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven. Students independently research, report, draft, and publish articles covering arts, culture, and community in New Haven and the greater New Haven region. The two month program consists of a week-long intensive followed by seven weeks of pitch meetings, group writing/reporting time at the New Haven Free Public Library and 1:1 professional mentorship. For a first writing exercise during our weeklong intensive, all 10 students split into groups to learn to write short bios of each other. Read on to meet these young people, and please greet them with open arms if you run into them on assignment! Naiyanna White (she/her), 19, is a high school student at New Haven’s Adult & Continuing Education Center. An avid reader, Naiyanna is currently working her way through William Strunk and E.B. White, Jr.’s The Elements of Style and Rohanna Ssanyu’s The Marabou Who Crossed The Sea. Beyond that, she reads a lot of literary fiction, recently having finished Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. Her hobbies include watching older movies, her favorite being Bringing Up Baby, and listening to music. Currently, an album she has on repeat is U from Underscores, a hyperpop singer who Naiyanna recently discovered through Coachella. A New Haven resident for three years, Naiyanna said that her motivation for participating in YAJI was to break through a recent bout of writer’s block and become more involved within New Haven. Alongside exploring journalism as a career path, Naiyanna has been engaged in summer activities to discover other vocational pursuits, such as volunteering at the International Festival of Arts and Ideas and taking a website development course. After graduating from New Haven Adult Education Center, she hopes to gain an associate degree in general studies at Gateway Community College, with the eventual goal of earning an English degree. Written by Samir Iydroose Amber Boutellier Photo. Karina Iris Gonzalez (she/her) is a 15-year-old sophomore at Acellus Academy, a virtual homeschooling program that she began attending after several years at Engineering and Science University Magnet School (ESUMS). The oldest of five siblings, Karina is also a fraternal twin, and prides herself on being the eldest. She is fluent in both English and Spanish, and is learning Russian and German, which she said is fun, but very difficult. Along with language learning, she enjoys playing the electric guitar, sewing, writing, and playing tennis, which she has done since first grade. Karina discovered YAJI through one of her counselors, who recommended the program after hearing about her love of writing. After finishing her sophomore year at Acellus Academy, she plans to return to in-person learning and complete her secondary studies at Madison High School, with the ultimate goal of becoming a child psychologist. Written by Zahara Gazzola Jay doing an interview at IRIS' celebration of America 250 last week. Karina Gonzalez and Amber Boutellier Photo. Jayniel “Jay” Bermudez (he/him), is a 14-year-old sophomore at Eli Whitney Technical High School in Hamden. He is also a counselor in training at New HYTES, a non-profit that focuses on youth enrichment through tennis instruction and academic mentorship. His interests include writing, fitness, cooking, video games, and playing tennis, which has done since he was 7 years old. Jay has had many notable life experiences, including watching the coin flip in the U.S. Open 2024, as well as presenting at the Yale School of Business as part of New HYTES’ entrepreneurial studies program where students develop, design, and pitch business ideas to address real-world problems. His future aspirations include graduating high school and becoming an engineer and a full-time counselor. With help from YAJI, he hopes to write a book in the near future. Written by Kiara Guevara-Cragwell Zazie Gazzola as YAJI learns to use cameras. Abiba Biao Photos. Zahara “Zazie” Gazzola (she/they), is a 15-year-old sophomore at Wilbur Cross High School and ACES Educational Center for the Arts (ECA). Born in New York and raised in Hamden, Zazie comes from a diverse background, proudly embracing her Indian and Italian heritage. Because she is both an avid reader and talented singer, music plays an important part in Zazie’s life. Her favorite artist is David Bowie. Along with English, Zazie also speaks Italian, allowing her to stay connected to her cultural roots. Outside of school, she enjoys kickboxing and weightlifting. She has a soft spot for animals, and enjoys spending time learning to care for them. With eight chickens and three cats (Nyx, Cleo and Pompom), there’s never a dull moment in the Gazzola household. Zazie comes from a family of academics, with both parents working as professors at Yale University. Although she hopes to leave Connecticut one day to explore new places, Zazie envisions returning to settle down. Written by Karina Iris Gonzalez Grayce Howe and Kiara Guevara-Cragwell. Abiba Biao Photos. Grayce Howe (she/her) a rising sophomore at Wheaton College Massachusetts, where she is doubling majoring in International Relations and Film & New Media Studies with a minor in Journalism. Grayce first joined the Arts Paper in 2024 as a New Haven Academy intern; she graduated from the school in 2025. Since then, she has stayed on as a freelance writer and assumed her newest position of becoming YAJI mentor. A budding journalist, her writing has made waves in Elm City and beyond. She currently serves as secretary at her school’s newspaper, The Wheaton Wire. • Written by Abiba Biao Kiara Guevara-Cragwell (she/her) is an aspiring 17-year-old journalist. A Branford resident, Kiara is the youngest of three siblings and recent graduate of Branford High School. Now, she has her eyes set on the University of Connecticut, where she will matriculate in the fall to major in journalism. Kiara said that one of her goals while attending YAJI was to sharpen her skills in preparation for university. When she isn’t chasing her dreams, Kiara enjoys hanging out with her friends and family, working at Longley’s, a Branford-based casual restaurant, reading books, and writing short stories. She also likes to listen to indie and pop music, but admitted to having some controversial music picks. “I’m not the biggest fan of country music, but if it is playing in the background for a while, it’ll get stuck in my head,” she said. Written by Jayniel “Jay” Bermudez Amber Boutellier and Olivia Dirschel. Lucy Gellman Photos. Amber Bouteiller (she/her) is a 16 -year-old rising junior at West Haven High School, where she has been a member on the school’s dance team for three years. Amber pastimes include reading romance novels and listening to pop music. Her favorite artist is Billie Eilish and she claims to love all of her songs. Despite her various talents, Amber said that she is unsure of a career pathway she wants to pursue in the future. She added that her motivation for joining YAJI was to improve her writing skills. Written by Olivia Dirschel Elodie Lafortune (she/her), 18, is a freshly-minted graduate from Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School (Co-Op) where she studied creative writing. In the fall, Elodie will begin her post-secondary studies at Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts, with a major in English and history. A prolific reader and writer, she aims to become a book editor in a big publishing house and a New York Times best selling author. She grew up in Haiti with her two younger siblings, and immigrated by age three to Naugatuck, where she has remained. Written by Daniel “Cupido” Garcia Daniel "Cupido" Garcia and Samir Iydroose. Abiba Biao Photos. Samir Iydroose (he/him) is a 16-year-old rising junior at Hamden High School. In addition to participating in YAJI, Samir is involved in other writing endeavors. Most notably, he serves as the editor-in-chief at his school newspaper The Dial. He is also a two-time winner of the Hamden Thornton Wilder Writing Competition, earning third place in 2025 for his short story, The Unseen Mask.
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Allyse Corbin and Nate Britton Photos, courtesy of Yale Summer Cabaret.
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After a fortnight’s-long closure for construction, the Institute Library opened its doors to the public again last week for a series of events, including a jazz night, a poetry reading, and Saturday’s “Collage & Closing” farewell to Panreality, an exhibition curated by Maxim Schmidt (pictured at left, with Chelsea Rowe’s “The bathtub on 18th avenue") which had been running in the library’s Gallery Upstairs since April 8.
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The company with Director Sarah Bowles (in the sparkly shoes at the front). Claire Armstrong Photo.
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Maria Giarrizzo-Bartz Photo.
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Sirat Gonzales. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. at last year's Free Market. Contributed Photos.
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Students from the Hamden Academy of Dance & Music at the Historic Elm City Freddy Fixer Parade last year. Lucy Gellman File Photo.
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Gabrielle Hilton at the podium. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Speakers Tawanna Brown and Christopher Scott. Josiah Brown Photo.
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Tarishi Shuler, Michael Peterson, Phil C. Alexander & Yexandra Diaz. Photo Courtesy Verbal Slap. Albuquerque
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Teachers David Herndon and Kirk Vamvakides. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Lauren F. Walker and Tiffany McLarty in a scene from FURLOUGH’S PARADISE by a.k. payne, directed by abigail jean-baptiste. Yale Repertory Theatre, April 24-May 16, 2026. Photo © Joan Marcus.
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Members of Singing Resistance New Haven. Claire Armstrong Photos.
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Miranda Rector speaks at Care Out Loud. Solé Scott Photo.
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Music House, a guidance group helmed by teacher Evan Green, staking out where the litter clean up will be along Springside and Wintergreen Avenue. Claire Armstrong Photo.
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Abenda Sohn, In Ke In Baa Kee (Myself and My Father). Courtesy of Moshopefoluwa Olagunju.
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Some of Jerry Montoya's post-it notes, on display at Color Local in Erector Square through April 24. Solé Scott Photos.
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Betsy Rubiner with reporter Nelani Mejias, who is an alum of the Arts Paper's Youth Arts Journalism Initiative. Contributed Photo.
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Maxim Schmidt, an artist and curator, with the beginnings of his sign. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Shawn Murray, who leads "Read The Room." Solé Scott Photos.
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Hans Hofmann, The Pond, 1958. Oil on canvas. Yale University Art Gallery, Gift of Richard Brown Baker, b.A. 1935. Photo: With permission of the Renate, Hans & Maria Hofmann Trust/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
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The Pride Center last month, after announcing what it hoped would be a temporary closure. Lucy Gellman File Photo.
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Magaly Cajigas Photo.
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We'll be back Monday with a full article about the role of artmaking (which there was so much of!) at Saturday's No Kings New Haven rally on the New Haven Green. For now, here are a few snapshots of what it was like to be there Saturday afternoon. A special shout out to poets Japhet Gonzalez and Diana Robles, the Blue Steel Drumline, East Rock Brass Band, Singing Resistance New Haven and artists Janet Brodie (the paper cranes), Martha Willette Lewis (many of the signs), and Muffy Pendergast (queen of Westville's giant puppets) for bringing so much art into the mix.
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Zakai Henderson. Lucy Gellman Photo.
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Jamire Casteel has loved singing for as long as he can remember. Now, the senior at Hill Regional Career High School is hoping that his voice can be a creative launchpad to the City of Light.
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The man of the hour (and maybe the year?). Stephanie Anestis Photography Photos. Jesse “Cheese” Hameen closed his eyes, and turned the clock backwards with the single, balletic wave of his hand. The year was 1950, and Hameen was just a little boy at the Winchester School, hammering a beat out on the side of pots and pans. His hands, which moments before had been suspended in midair, came down on the taut, pearlescent surface of a tom drum.
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Clockwise, from top: Noreishka Rivera, Naiden Alfredo Cervantes, Kenzie Harsono and Gregorio Ordaz. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Reg Rogers, Jeremy A. Fuentes, and Phillip Taratula in a scene from Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco, translated by Derek Prouse, adapted by Frank Galati, choreographed by Emily Coates, and directed by Liz Diamond. Yale Repertory Theatre, March 6–28, 2026. Photo © Carol Rosegg.
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The artist at Naumann Gallery. Eamon Linehan (Free Artist Production) Photos.
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Lisa Costello as M'Lynn, Cindy Harris as Truvy, Juliana Vaiuso as Annelle and Kaite Corda as Shelby. Michelle Rocheford Johnston and Dian Erikian are in the background. Photos courtesy Billy DiCrosta.
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Top row: Vanesa Suarez lights a candle in memory of Roya Mohammadi; NHIC members Kiana Cintron and Ambar Santiago-Rojas; Sun Queen leads an open mic at Strange Ways in Downtown New Haven. Middle row: Students at the Board of Alders advocate for their teachers after the 129 proposed student-facing staff budget cuts; St. Luke's Steel Band conductor Kenneth Joseph; and Kica Matos at a fundraiser in the Hill to support a family affected by ICE. Bottom Row: Ward Nine Alder Caroline Tanbee Smith speaks at the New Haven Pride Center, second grader Olivia David at Hill Central Music Academy; Ruby Melton and Gail McAvay. Lucy Gellman File Photos.
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Top: Artist Mahsa Attaran. “My family, they are okay now. But I have 90 million family members and I am worried about every single one of them,” she said at an opening reception last month. “I have cried for each of them.” Lucy Gellman Photo. Bottom: Attaran’s 2024 Under The Shows We Exist installed at Ball & Socket. Yakov Binyamin Photo.
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Had you stepped out your door on a recent Saturday night, you might have changed your mind and stepped right back inside. But if you pressed on, past the wind and the frigid temperatures, you would have discovered the rewards of love down at Firehouse 12.
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Stefania Munzi Watercolor.
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Mohamed Elsankary and his mom, Hanan Elkamah. Abiba Biao Photos.
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Contributed Photo.
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Aaron Combs, a sophomore at Yale who is part of the university's World Tea Enthusiasts Association, or T.E.A. Ruby Szekeres Photos.
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The Fair Haven Branch of the New Haven Free Public Library on a recent Thursday. Solé Scott Photos.
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Bob Parker and his husband, David Carter. Contributed Photo.
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Clockwise, from top: Reinaldo Sánchez in his Whitney Avenue storefront last summer; Bill Frisch at East Rock Breads in March 2024; Lauren Anderson with writer Quartez Harris, the poet Kortney Morrow, and ConnCAT President and CEO Erik Clemons at Kulturally LIT Fest last year; and Meg Fama in summer 2025. Lucy Gellman and Kapp Singer File Photos.
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"He Was Only Five," which is oil on canvas and stands at 24 x 24. Lee Massaro Photo.
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Anderson with NHPS students waiting for their school bus, which never showed up, on Tuesday. Possible Futures Photo.
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Ava Orphanoudakis with her own work. Solé Scott Photo.
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King Kenney. Abiba Biao Photos.
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Dancers from New Haven Academy make the mineral galleries their own. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Chris DePino, Dan Klug, Chris Morrison, and Morris Trent. Raheem Nelson Photos.
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Filmmaker and photographer Lydia Douglas tears up the dance floor during the Cupid Shuffle at NHFPL Mardi Gras in 2023. Lucy Gellman File Photo.
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Keely Baisden Knudsen and Eric Santagata outside the theater. Legacy Theatre Photo.
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Top: Faisal Saleh. Lucy Gellman Photo. Bottom: Nabil Anani, In Pursuit of Utopia #7, 2020. The piece now hangs in Edinburgh. Photo courtesy Ziad Anani, Zawyeh Gallery.
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Top row: Vanesa Suarez lights a candle in memory of Roya Mohammadi; NHIC members Kiana Cintron and Ambar Santiago-Rojas; Sun Queen leads an open mic at Strange Ways in Downtown New Haven. Middle row: Students at the Board of Alders advocate for their teachers after the 129 proposed student-facing staff budget cuts; St. Luke's Steel Band conductor Kenneth Joseph; and Kica Matos at a fundraiser in the Hill to support a family affected by ICE. Bottom Row: Ward Nine Alder Caroline Tanbee Smith speaks at the New Haven Pride Center, second grader Olivia David at Hill Central Music Academy; Ruby Melton and Gail McAvay. Lucy Gellman File Photos.
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Librarian Seth Godfrey as Santa at the New Haven Free Public Library in 2019.
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Ani Greenidge and Ameira Hernandez with Art Sensations. Abiba Biao Photos.
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David Chevan, surrounded by musicians. Members who performed Thursday included Chevan on bass; Hedda Rubenstein on flute and vocals; Dalton King on alto sax; Mark Kaplan on tenor sax; Noah Schwartz on clarinet; Isaiah Cooper on trombone; Anna Reisman and Cary Jacobs on flute; Eli Jackson, Steve Jacobs, and Tova Dreyfus on violin, and Eric Wolfe on trumpet. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Pastor Josh Williams, who leads the congregation at Elm City Vineyard. Abiba Biao Photos.
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Choir Director Danielle Storey, a 25-year veteran of the New Haven Public Schools who has been at Cross for two decades, with the choir. Lucy Gellman Photo.
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Daniel Hunt and Elaine Roper at ConnCORP's annual backpack giveaway earlier this year. Gio Roper File Photo.
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The artist Jihyun Lee, whose show Interstice is one of several running at the Ely Center of Contemporary Art (ECoCA) through December 18. Lucy Gellman Photos.
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Dreamscape Studio Photography.
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Antares. Nelani Mejias Photo.
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Top: Michael Mills (in yellow) with Derrick Skye, with Brian Jawara Gray and Perry So in the background. Bottom: The NHSO in action. Lucy Gellman.
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