See the entire article here in The Hour.
The Norwalk Art Space is a vital support to Carver youth as seen here and here, and continues to fulfill the vision of its founder, Alexandra Korry.
Building community is never easy. In COVID days, it seems all but impossible. But that is exactly what the Norwalk Art Space is doing: Growing community through art, music, mentorship and food.
The idea behind the Norwalk Art Space on West Avenue is intriguing. Each year, five established artists are named Korry Fellows and exhibit their work in the large main-floor room. In exchange, the fellows mentor four younger resident artists who receive free studio space downstairs. The resident artists then teach free art classes to high school students in a room filled with easels and supplies. Three generations building a community of artists in Norwalk.
Isabella Cuartas, a junior at the Center of Global Studies, said she learned a lot in her first “professional” art class. Lizi Mamukashvili, a sophomore at Norwalk High School, said her art space teacher treated her like a colleague.
“You were not treated like a kid but treated like an equal,” she said. “It was a good feeling.”
…Norwalk Art Space’s founder and funder, Alexandra Davern Korry, was a highly successful lawyer, civil rights activist and educator who lived in Westport. Her goal in buying and renovating the former church was to “enhance opportunities and equity in the local arts community by promoting local artists, offering free educational opportunities to under-served students, and providing the public a welcoming space to enjoy art and music,” according the Norwalk Art Space newsletter.
Artistic and Educational Director Duvian Montoya, a Norwalk native, wants all the classes completely filled.
“I wish there was something like this when I was growing up,” he said.
Art classes are open to any student in the area and are free. Registration is open now for classes that begin on Jan. 24. (www.thenorwalkartspace.org).
