Arts Connected 2026

DaSilva Wata • September 14, 2026

$55,000 raised at Arts Connected, Thank You!

Photos by Deb Lill, Alyssa Archambault, & Jennifer Almquist, Video by Alyssa Archambault

Arts Connected, the NWCT Arts Council's third Annual Fundraiser, was hosted at Buck's Rock Camp on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

The Arts Council welcomed over 250 attendees, plus more than 60 artists and performers, and over 20 volunteers, to celebrate the arts and culture in Northwest Connecticut.

Before attendees arrived, painters from Plein Air Litchfield set up easels and paint, ready to capture the the beauty of the camp on canvas, live for guests as they make their way through the the venue.

Patrons were greeted upon arrival by the soothing, rhythmic beats of Our Culture is Beautiful’s African Drum Circle, before jazz duo, the Perfect Manhattan, wooed audience members in the pavilion.

While the band jammed out, roaming puppeteers from Sova Dance and Puppet Theater mingled with the crowd, and volunteers helped to operate a large-scale, articulated whale puppet, created by the Arts Council’s very own Board Member, Susan Aziz.

Taking advantage of the outdoor space, Fire Spinners from Team TT Media, lit up part of camp as they danced with fire.

Just like at any summer camp, announcements were made over the loud-speakers, encouraging attendees to explore the camp grounds; both outdoors for performances and the photobooth, and indoors for the gallery, raffle, and food displays.

Bars for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and passed hors d'eourvres were available in both the gallery and pavilion for guests convenience.

In the gallery, the works of 41 artists, located in and around Litchfield County, were on display and available for sale. All proceeds from the gallery benefit the mission of the NWCT Arts Council.

Also for sale in the gallery were t-shirts and tote bags, featuring artwork specially designed for the Arts Council by political cartoonist, Barry Blitt; as well as tickets for raffle prizes from generous businesses in the Northwest region, including a one night stay and breakfast at the Manor House Inn, a tour and membership to Wadsworth, and more!

Headlining the evening, the world renowned dance company, MOMIX, performed works from their show, Botanica, exhibiting a perfect blend of beauty, athleticism, and artistic vision.

Guests were guided to the Camp's dance studio by roaming performers, as well as through announcements on the intercom to see these fantastical performances.

As the excitement of MOMIX’s performance died down, guests collected their raffle prizes and any art they may have purchased, before saying good night to the amazing Buck's Rock Camp.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated our region's arts community, and to all the volunteers who helped to make this event a success!