Outreach
The Loft Artist Association, the area's largest cooperative of working artists, is a non-profit organization dedicated to building connections within Fairfield County's visual arts community as well as working to educate and involve the general public in the arts. For 30 years, the LAA has continually reached out to the public through its members, a diverse group dedicated to sharing their appreciation of the power of art with the community in which they work.
"The LAA has successfully partnered with our organization since we first conceived the idea of Art in the Yard together", says Cathy Malloy, director of Stamford's Sexual Assault and Crisis Center. "The artists of the LAA are valued partners in our efforts to support and serve the community. We look forward to many more collaborations, especially now that SACC's recent move has made us close neighbors."
LAA has touched the community through programs like Open Studios, Gallery Walk & Talk Discussions, Special Gallery events, Children's Outreach, and Video Commentary on Stamford's arts community.
To see photos and announcements on our outreach events and those of our artists, visit the LAA Blog .
"Art in the Community"
Art in the Community is a video produced by Lina Morielli, 20 year member of Loft Artists and arts activist in Stamford.
Morielli's video highlights the arts communities of Stamford CT with archival footage as well as commentaries by and interviews with Steve Karp from Stamford Theatre Works; Laurence Gilgore, Maestro of the Connecticut Grand Opera; Marti Etter from the Ballet School of Stamford; as well as Juliana Sciolla, former director of Stamford Cultural Development Corporation, who helped many grass roots organizations grow to be vital contributors to quality artistic experiences in Stamford CT. "Art in the Community" will run continuously throughout Open Studios.
If you are interested in airing Lina's video and/or hosting a discussion/event about the arts in Stamford CT, please email Lina Morielli.
Open Studios
Loft Artists Association opens their artists studios twice a year for the general public to have the opportunity to se what working studio is like.
Walk & Talk Discussions
Periodically we offer Walk & Talk discussions, during which exhibiting artists lead tours of the gallery, interpreting the work and answering questions.
Special Gallery Events
In the past, two of our gallery events were dedicated to local organizations in Stamford's South End. Great Dames was dedicated to the Sexual Assault and Crisis Center and The Men's Show was dedicated to the Men's Shelter on Pacific Street in the South End. 20% of any work sold at these shows was donated to the organizations associated with the show.
In the past we partnered with Cathy Malloy, director of Stamford's Sexual Assault and Crisis Center, to produce "Art in the Yard", a benefit for the Sexual Assault and Crisis Center. The event was held at the home of Cathy and Mayor Malloy.
Children's Workshops
Many of our members are interested in working with children in the community and we gladly accept requests from schools and organizations.
In the past, our artists have run workshops in the schools and on-site.
Recently, in conjunction with the 2008 show "The Unconventional Self: Not Your Average Portrait Show" we invited children to come see the show and then create their own Unconventional Self Portraits. 30 children attended and had a great time painting and drawing themselves.
Not only does this give the children in Stamford the opportunity to attend a workshop unique to this area but it also offers the artists the chance to get out of the studio setting and work with young people.
For inquiries regarding children's workshops, please email us. You will be contacted by the LAA.
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