Daryl Wein
Westport is an arts hotbed. Not a weekend passes without exhibits, performances and shows. We attract hgh-powered names; for a small town, we’re a big player.
But 1 of my favorite events is pretty simple. Each year Westport’s Arts Advisory Committee honors our own. There are low-key speeches, a slide show, live performances, and heartfelt applause from neighbors and friends.
This year’s 16th annual Arts Awards take place 2 p.m. Sunday (Town Hall). All Westporters are invited. You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy it.
Horizon Awards will be presented to 2 rising young artists — both Staples graduates. Daryl Wein (SHS ’02) is an uber-talented actor/filmmaker. His documentary “Sex Positive” has won prizes, and been released in 9 countries. He is an NYU Tisch School and USC Film and Television grad.
Josh Frank (SHS ’00) is a trumpeter, composer and music producer. He has appeared with the Metropolitan Opera and recorded with the American Brass Quintet. He is a Juilliard graduate.
Sally White
Champion of the Arts recipients include Howard Aibel (longtime advocate of the arts, as a director, board member and concert sponsor); Suszanne Sherman Propp (singer/songwriter and music teacher extraordinaire), and — a truly inspired choice — Sally White (longtime owner of Sally’s Place, perhaps the last great music store on the planet).
Heritage Awards will be presented posthumously to 3 giants: Dorothy Bryce (actress); Mel Casson (cartoonist), and Barbara Wilk (artist).
There are many ways to enjoy a Sunday afternoon in Westport. Honoring our arts heritage — with our own supremely talented artists, musicians and filmmakers — might just be the best.
Dorothy Bryce
