Our garden themed fundraising soiree is back, but this time, with a wonderland twist! Join us on June 8th to celebrate our phenomenal 2024 honorees.

It is with great pleasure that we invite you to join us for “Art In Bloom,” a fundraising soirée for the Windsor Art Center. Our wonderland- themed benefit event will be held on Saturday, June 8th 6pm at 25 Central Street in Windsor, CT. The event features live performances & entertainment, locally prepared Mediterranean fare, open bar, silent auction, and honoree recognition award ceremony.

Date: Saturday, June 8th

Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Location: 25 Central Street Windsor CT 06095

Tickets: Early Bird Tickets will be on sale March 29th – May 1 (11:59pm)

Sponsorship Opportunities available!

WAC Sponsorship Package 2024

Checks can be mailed to Windsor Art Center 40 Mechanic St. Windsor CT 06095.

Congratulations to our 2024 Honorees!

Florence (“Flo”) has been in volunteer mode since her son was in elementary school. Initially found in classrooms and Little League snack bars, she moved on to support countless other Windsor organizations as the years went by. Whether as a member, a board member, or an officer, Flo brings limitless energy to her volunteerism, benefiting organizations ranging from the Historical Society to the Garden Club and Windsor Art Center. She has served as a board member of the Windsor Afro-American Civic Association, Friends of Northwest Park, Shad Derby Board, and is currently a board member of Windsor Historical Society and the Food and Fuel Bank. Testimonies to her dedication to the Windsor Community are her Bridge Builders Award, a Citizen of the Year award, her ride as Grand Marshal in the Shad Derby Day Parade, and being a recipient of the Windsor Phenomenal Women Award 2022.

Florence began volunteering at Windsor Art Center at its inception. In her own words, she says, “I am not an artist, but the concept of an art center in this beautiful old building with Lon Pelton and Dan Ferraina involved had to be exciting!” Florence, who frequently gallery-sits and helps out however she can at events, has become someone WAC can rely on. She says the volunteers she has met over the years have made being here so much fun, and she enjoys the live shows.

Florence, alongside her husband James, raised their son Jimi here in Windsor, and she says they have not been disappointed in choosing to make Windsor their home. Windsor Art Center extends heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous support, dedication, and exemplary leadership exhibited by Florence.

Betty Hellerman has been a steadfast champion, not only for the arts and culture within our greater community, but also for numerous civic organizations over the past 50 years. Alongside her husband, Leonard Hellerman, she relocated to Windsor in 1956. At the youthful age of 22, Betty was called upon to chair the Community Chest Drive, marking the beginning of her dedicated service. Her unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all has continually inspired others. Notably, she assumed the role of volunteer chair for SummerWind Performing Art Center, successfully recruiting over 100 volunteers.

Betty’s philanthropic endeavors have extended across various spheres, serving as a volunteer and board member for esteemed organizations such as the Windsor Historical Society, The Human Relations Commission, Windsor Women’s Club, and Windsor Art Center. Additionally, she plays an active role on the Library Advisory Board. She currently serves on the Auxiliary Board of St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center where she has volunteered for 20 years. Her tireless efforts have enriched the Windsor Art Center, where she offers boundless support and encouragement to all she encounters.

Beyond her civic engagements, Betty is a talented creator, skilled in jewelry design and knitting. Despite her busy schedule, she remains an avid supporter of nearly every community event in Windsor. It is with profound humility that the Windsor Art Center celebrates Betty Hellerman as the deserving recipient of the People’s Choice award, a testament to her enduring impact and selfless dedication.

Windsor Art Center proudly acknowledges Lon Pelton and Jane Pelton as two of our distinguished 2024 honorees. Lon Pelton, a distinguished founding board member, has been a driving force behind the existence of Windsor Art Center. Serving as a leader on numerous committees, Lon currently chairs the facilities committee. Born in 1937, Lon is a lifelong resident of Windsor, Conn., dedicating his life to various pursuits, including building fine custom homes, restoring historic landmarks, crafting delicate silver sculptures, and creating monumental, welded creations. He is renowned as a hometown hero and a master of artistic diplomacy.

Artist Jane Pelton, has been immersed in creating and painting since she can remember. Her heartfelt work, featured in multiple exhibitions, serves as an inspiration for others by connecting visually to convey emotions, ideas, and messages. Her approach to painting comes naturally from the heart, using shapes and colors found in nature as the fundamental structure of her work. As a founding board member of Windsor Art Center, Jane significantly contributed to its’ development from the start, and having served on the curatorial committee. Jane continues to stay connected by actively participating in the center’s art classes.

Both Jane and Lon provide steadfast encouragement and support, enriching the Windsor Art Center community with their presence.

Windsor Art Center is proud to recognize Sophie Greenstein as the recipient of the 2024 Visionary Artist Award. Painting New England and Beyond, Sophie finds inspiration by celebrating the warmth of individuality when creating her expressive portrait illustrations and murals. Her distinctive style emanates positivity and expresses the vibrant spirit of her surrounding community.

Through her dynamic color palette, Sophie represents communities of all backgrounds within her work and seeks out opportunities to share their stories. She aspires to pursue her artistic endeavors by giving back to her community through the creation of public art lovingly and professionally. Sophie enjoys finding new ways to challenge herself, push creative boundaries, and add to her craft.

With a splash of warmth, a touch of vibrancy, and a sprinkle of personal style, Sophie aims to weave her artistic narrative into Connecticut and beyond to express a message that highlights a business, school, or local organization she works with. For each blank wall, Groenstein glamorizes with an intimate portrait that captures the eye and heart of those passing by. Creating over a hundred murals across Connecticut, Sophie has created several murals in Windsor including the postcard mural at the back of Dom’s Broad St Eatery, a freestanding mural with some of her colleagues for the Monarch Festival, and a window mural at Likkle Patty Shop. Sophie is open for mural commissions and can be reached through her website: sophiegroenstein.com.

Master of Ceremonies: Tarishi “M.I.D.N.I.G.H.T” Schuler

Host Committee:

Mayor Nuchette Black-Burke, Christopher Borowiec, Allison Joanis, Amanda Roy, Donald Trinks

Gala Committee:

Mayela Aguirre, James Burke, Ken Fredette, Michelle Hawran, Victoria Huertas,  Marianna Martino, Neill Sachdev, Kristin Triff

For more information, email Sarah McKay at smckay@windsorartcenter.org