As signs go, the ones advertising this weekend’s art show may not be the most artistic:
So Westporters may be forgiven for not realizing that for several reasons, this year’s event is special.
For one, it’s dedicated to Howard Munce and his wife Gerry, a longtime WWC member and community volunteer.
When Howard died recently at 100, his place as one of Westport’s foremost artists was secure.
Howard’s roots here date back to the Great Depression. At that time, Westport supposedly had the largest per capita population of unemployed professional artists in the country.
Many were married to Woman’s Club members. To help, the WWC held art shows in Bedford House, the 2nd floor of the downtown YMCA.
Howard was no starving artist. He went on to great fame. But he showed his appreciation for the Woman’s Club by participating in art shows through the 1980s, long after the organization moved to its 44 Imperial Avenue home.
In 2007 — when the WWC celebrated its centennial — Howard designed the logo.
Gerry and Howard Munce. This weekend’s Westport Woman’s Club art show is dedicated to them.
Howard and Gerry were friends with another civic-minded local family, the Burroughses. Bernie (an artist) and his wife Esta (of Remarkable Book Shop fame) raised 2 artist sons, Miggs and Trace.
This weekend’s art show — curated by Miggs — will be held in the Woman’s Club’s new Bedford Hall. It’s a few steps — and many years — away from the Y’s old “Bedford House.”
The Westport Woman’s Club art show venue has changed, since the Depression.
Howard Munce — for the first time since then — won’t be there this year.
But the show itself hasn’t changed much. It’s still fun, and still an important fundraiser.
And Howard and Gerry will be there for sure, in Westport arts colony spirit.