The Mandell JCC & Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Announce Art in Action: Young Artists’ Vision of 2020 Traveling Exhibit | May 5–June 1, 2021
The Mandell Jewish Community Center (www.mandelljcc.org) is excited to announce its collaboration with the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving (www.hfpg.org) to showcase Art in Action: Young Artists’ Vision of 2020; a collection of creative work that captured the thoughts and emotions of teens from across the Greater Hartford region during the pandemic, related to COVID-19 and the protests that took place across the country.
During the fall of 2020, young artists (ages 13-19) who live in the Foundation’s 29-town region submitted a variety of creative projects which reflected their energy and emotions during that difficult time. The Foundation was pleased to receive contributions from more than three dozen local teens which have been featured in its annual stakeholder event and in a virtual gallery on the Foundation website. Now, these works will be on display at the Mandell JCC May 5–June 11 and comprise an array of art forms including paintings, drawings, sculptures, poems and music.
This spring, the Foundation approved four grants that will bring this exhibit to gallery spaces in West Hartford, Canton, Manchester and Hartford.
“We are so pleased with the broad response to our Art in Action initiative and are excited to share this quality creative work in the traveling gallery,” said Jacqueline Coleman, Hartford Foundation Senior Community Impact Officer. “During these challenging times, it is crucial to lift up art as a method of communication and expression and a path toward healing. The Art in Action traveling gallery also aligns to the Hartford Foundation’s interest in supporting diverse young artists.”
“We are incredibly honored and humbled to be sharing these exquisite works of art,” said David Jacobs, Executive Director for the Mandell JCC. “Art allows us to voice, express and examine what it means to be human, and to bring people together. 2020 was a particularly unsettling, lonely and confusing time for teens who missed many key milestones that mark the coming of age. It is truly a privilege to share the work of these young artists at the Mandell JCC.”
About the Mandell Jewish Community Center
Serving people of all backgrounds and at every age and stage of life, the Mandell Jewish Community Center is a gathering place and resource for the Hartford region. The JCC provides fitness, recreational, cultural, educational, and social programs designed to promote physical, intellectual and spiritual well-being of its members and others who participate. The JCC’s mission is rooted in a fundamental commitment to inclusivity and in universal Jewish values.
The Mandell Jewish Community Center is open to everyone and supported by funds raised by the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, a recipient of funding from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford, and a member of the JCC Association of North America.
About the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for Hartford and 28 surrounding towns. Through partnerships, the Foundation seeks to strengthen communities in Greater Hartford by putting philanthropy in action to dismantle structural racism and achieve equity in social and economic mobility. Made possible by the gifts of generous individuals, families and organizations, the Foundation has awarded grants of more than $837 million since its founding in 1925. For more information, visit www.hfpg.org or call 860-548-1888.