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FAIRFIELD – Fairfield Cultural Alliance held its Arts & Culture Celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at ICON Gallery on the west side of the square.

The event included awarding grants to local organizations, bestowing honors on those who have contributed to the town’s cultural enrichment, great food and lively entertainment courtesy of singer Meara Oberdieck.

Fairfield Cultural Alliance has sought fresh blood to fill its leadership roles as the organization’s founders seek to train the next generation to take their place. That fresh blood was on full display Tuesday as FCA Board President Francesca Greco Johnson and Board Vice President Colin Faulkner-El led the ceremony. Both of them are fairly new to the group, having joined in the past couple of years when FCA was making a strong push for new members.

Greco Johnson said she was encouraged to join by Fairfield Mayor Connie Boyer, who told her that FCA was looking for young people on its board. Greco Johnson said she works great with the group’s treasurer and long-time past president Denyce Rusch, and that she especially enjoyed the opportunity Tuesday to recognize Fairfield’s most creative people. Of the 10 organizations that applied for a mini-grant award, all of them received something. Greco Johnson said that was up from the six organizations that received mini-grants last year.

Rusch said she is thrilled to see new people join the board and take on leadership roles.

“You can see from this event that the younger generation is starting to step into the roles very well,” she said. “I’m encouraged by the commitment, the new energy and the attention they’re bringing to the organization. I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and it’s time for me to step back a little bit.”

Apart from Greco Johnson and Faulkner-El, the other board members are William Davis, Jasmin Bode, Lindsay Bauer, Tim Britton, Burt Chojnowski, Kaye Jacob, Shanaz Kreider and Rusch.

CULTURAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Fairfield Cultural Alliance recognizes locals who have contributed to the town’s culture in various ways. This year, the group honored two individuals with a Fairfield Cultural Award and named three individuals Cultural Contribution Honorees. Ten groups received a mini-grant, and one individual was honored with the Fairfield First! Foundation Award.

Fairfield Cultural Contribution Award – Monserrat Iniguez with Soapbox Speakeasy

Iniguez was recognized for creating and organizing a “dynamic venue for local language arts development through poetry, stories and public speaking” which has fostered a “creative space where writers and artists can express themselves freely.”

Fairfield Cultural Legacy Award – Meredith Siemsen with Thirsty Word Reading Series

Siemsen was honored for her reading series that has been an “integral part of our community, bringing together writers to share their voices on a public stage.”

CULTURAL CONTRIBUTION HONOREES

Tom Lassota: “For pushing the boundaries of what is possible to manifest by creating your unique art-house project, another inspiring reason to attract visitors.”

Faith Reeves: “For your inspiring community minded work creating and promoting sustainable living solutions for individuals, businesses, and organizations.”

James Moore: “Besides your long and illustrious career as an outstanding musician in many diverse iconic groups, you have lent us your many years of radio expertise, musical programming,” and local news for Fairfield.

FAIRFIELD FIRST! FOUNDATION AWARD

Burt Chojnowski presented this award to Werner Elmker for his “dedicated work documenting Fairfield’s art and culture” that has included capturing the town’s events through “stunning artistic images” which have ended up in publicity materials. In addition, Elmker shares his talents as a pianist and composer.