Issues. People. Events.

In The Shadow of Saint Anne's - Waterbury's South End

The Mattatuck Museum invites you to a special celebration of two museum events on Thursday, June 28 from 5:00-7:00pm; the opening Reception for In the Shadow of Saint Anne’s: The Life of a Changing Community and the Sculptural Installation Mara Sfara: Mythology and Magic.
    In the Shadows of Saint Anne’s: The Life of a Changing Community focuses on the history and reinvigoration of Waterbury’s South End and will be on view in the Community Gallery through October 21, 2012. The second, Mara Sfara: Mythology and Magic will inaugurate a new rooftop sculpture terrace, which isonly visible from within the museum. The instillation will be on display through September 9, 2012.
    Saint Anne’s Catholic Church, now known as The Shrine of Saint Anne for Mothers, is one of the architectural treasures of Waterbury. Founded in the late 19th century by French Canadian immigrants, the community of Saint Anne’s parish played an important role in the shaping of the South End neighborhood. Organized by Dr. Ruth Glasser, a history and urban studies instructor at the University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus, this exhibition tells the story of the church’s founding and development, the inter-ethnic neighborhood that flourished around it, the gradual decline of the neighborhood and Saint Anne’s and the efforts of numerous stakeholders to rebuild the once-vibrant community around the church.
    Mara Sfara is a Connecticut based contemporary realist painter and sculptor. Sfara’s work offers her unique perspective of art and life which make her whimsical bronze sculptures easily identifiable. It is meant to draw viewers in, evoke emotion and tell a positive and uplifting story. “I am a very positive person, and I enjoy beautiful colors, objects and places,” explains Mara. This attitude reflects itself in her art. Museum Director, Robert Burns said “This is the first time ever that we are utilizing the roof as ‘gallery space’.” He continued, “It is an interesting way to increase the amount of objects we can have on display and creates a fun viewing experience for museum patrons.”
    The opening event is open to the public; RSVP is required. The In the Shadow exhibit is generously supported by The Connecticut Humanities Council. Join the museum to immediately qualify for member benefits. Please register in advance at www.MattatuckMuseum.org or by calling (203) 753-0381 ext. 10.
    Visit the museum website at www.MattatuckMuseum.org or call us at (203) 753-0381 for more information on all of the museum’s programs, events, and exhibits including the Blue Star Museum Program which offers free admission for active duty personnel and their families through Labor Day.
    The Mattatuck Museum is operated with support from the Department of Economic and Community Development/CT Office of the Arts, and is a member of the Connecticut Art Trail, sixteen world-class museums and historic sites (www.arttrail.org). Located at 144 West Main Street, Waterbury, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Convenient, free parking is located behind the museum on Park Place.