In 1976, Gus Merwin,
a photographer who is a member of one of Wilton's oldest
families, and his collection of historic photographs of Wilton
helped a Parks, Recreation and Conservation Commission meeting
get off to a historic start. The meeting, which attracted about
70 persons, considered establishing an Arts Council in Wilton.
Audience response indicated support for forming the Wilton Arts
Council to coordinate arts events throughout town.
Historic start
to Arts Council. In the
Paul Kasper photo below, Lee Feldman, left, consultant to the Connecticut
Commission the Arts; Edward Kasper and Fred Herot, PR&C
commissioners; and Gus Merwin examine an old photo of today's
Hubbard Building in Wilton Center. Originally a church, the
building is shown about 1920 when it was the Keeler General Store.
First Wilton Arts Council Named
from The Wilton Bulletin, May 18,1977.
Nominees for the first board of directors of the Wilton Arts Council were announced at a meeting this past week by Jean Calahan, Nominating Committee chairman. The election was set for mid-June. Listed as candidates were - Stuart Smith, chairman;
- Mrs. Calahan, vice chairman;
- Nancy Brown, recording secretary;
- Bernadette Flory, corresponding secretary; and
- John Parker, treasurer.
The slate included the following as chairmen of standing committees: - Lori Citron, music;
- Nancy Wells, drama;
- Martha Krueger, dance;
- Gary Dietz, art;
- Willis Mills Jr., architecture;
- James Fannon, film photography;
- Jean West, crafts;
- Bernard Learman, literature;
- Betty Callas, youth, and
- Lee Reading, membership.
Also nominated for board membership were - First Selectman Rose Marie Verrilli,
- Dr. Theodore Foot, superintendent of schools,
and representatives of Wilton organizations devoted to the arts; - Mimi Brothers would represent the Wilton Playshop;
- Roseann Preston, Young Horizons and
- Genevieve Brings, the Candlelight Concerts.
- Mel Holson had been nominated to serve as representative of Wilton's business community,
- Bill Crofut would be artistic adviser, and
- Frances Dibner, liaison to the state arts council.
A representative of the Wilton Library Association would be named later.
The Wilton Arts Council adopted bylaws in April 1977 and had been working under the direction of Mrs. Preston as temporary chairman. The bylaws stated the council's purpose:- ...To encourage the creative and artistic talents of our citizens
- ... To build a sense of community among the artistic and cultural organizations of our town
- ... To work toward an atmosphere in which the arts can grow and be enjoyed by all and
- ... To coordinate and cooperate with all others toward that goal
The bylaws established the council as a non-profit tax-exempt corporation whose intent was to remain independent of funding by tax money from the Town of Wilton.
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