Tag Archives: Leonard Everett Fisher

Roundup: Air Quality, Graduation Signs, Leonard Everett Fisher …

Posted on June 21, 2024 | 17 comments

Lynn Flint wrote yesterday: “The ground ozone count for today in Westport is 122 (way high).

“Anything above 70 is considered USG (unhealthy for sensitive groups). Normal is around 10.

“The same high count is forecast for Friday.

“This condition is invisible, not like forest fire smoke. I’ve noticed it the last few days whenever I was outside my eyes started to burn, my vision became blurry, and I started to cough vigorously.”

Be careful out there!

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A reader writes: “Students graduating during the COVID lockdown in 2020 were denied graduation ceremonies, and the accompanying fanfare and celebrations.

“To create alternative markers of these students’ accomplishments, schools produced and distributed lawn signs for each graduate’s family to display.

“Now, 4 years later, I see lawn signs for Staples, Bedford, even Goddard School graduates. Why?

“Can we please stop, for the sake of our landfills? Graduates are able once again to celebrate and be celebrated.

“So let’s end the practice of producing plastic signs that do not get recycled. biodegrade or do anything useful.”

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A celebration of Leonard Everett Fisher’s life is set for this coming Monday (June 24, 3 to 6 p.m., Westport Library).

The date is special. It would have been the noted illustrator/artist, longtime civic volunteer and proud World War II veteran’s 100th birthday.

Donations in his and his wife’s name can be made to “Margery & Leonard Everett Fisher Endowment for Children’s Books in the Arts,” c/o Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880.

Leonard Everett Fisher (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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Only 2 athletic facilities in Westport — Paul Lane Field at Staples High School, and PJ Roman Field behind Saugatuck Elementary — have lights.

That may change.

Now that a 10-year agreement with Staples neighbors has expired — and with more demands on fields than ever, due to the growth of sports like rugby and girls lacrosse — discussions are beginning about lighting more places.

The Planning & Zoning Commission Recreation Subcommittee meets next Thursday (June 27, noon, Zoom; click here for the town website livestream).

The agenda includes:

  • Review of participant feedback on athletic field lighting for properties (seen here).
  • Discussion of temporary vs. permanent lighting, and times of the day.
  • Discussion of the next steps in implementing athletic field lighting.

Paul Lane Field (lower right) is Staples’ only lighted athletic facility. the baseball diamond, and adjacent Albie Loeffler Field and Jinny Park Field are not. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Book the date!

Tickets for Billie Jean King’s appearance at the 25th annual “Booked for the Evening” — the Westport Library’s signature fundraiser  (September 12) — go on sale Monday, July 15, at 10 am.

“Bookmark” this page to order yours.

Billie Jean King

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What’s “low income” in Fairfield County?

A household income of $100,000 for a family of 4.

A study by MarketWatch Guides examined date from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In much of the rest of the country, low income is closer to $50,000 or less, says Claudia Phillips of MarketWatch.

Click here for the full story, in CT Mirror.

Not a lot of money.

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Summer arrived yesterday.

And so — right on cue — did the Good Humor woman.

There are other ice cream trucks around. But for generations of Westporters, this is the only one that counts.

Bonus points if you remember Ray.

(Photo/Karen Weingarten)

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Westport Garden Club members were out in force recently, at Grace Salmon Park.

They’ve been planting, trimming, weeding and overseeing the gardens and new sundial.

It takes a village. The Westport Garden Club makes sure ours always looks gorgeous.


Westport Garden Club members (from left): Joanne Heller, Kelly Frey Pollard, Nathalie Fonteyne, Orna Stern and Joellen Bradford.

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The “dog days” of summer are in August.

But tomorrow o(Saturday, June 22, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Jesup Green), the Westport Book Shop is hosting “Doggy Days of Summer.”

There’s a reading by Denis O’Neill, dog-themed art, games, and a chance to meet Woofgang & Co.

Excited for the “Doggy Days of Summer.” (Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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Speaking of summer: It was the solstice — and a full moon last night.

Dalma Heyn captured the scene, at Old Mill Beach:

(Photo/Dalma Heyn)

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Congratulations to Katie Augustyn. The longtime Westporter is the Sunrise Rotary Club’s new president for 2024-25. She was inducted Wednesday.

Katie Augustyn (center), at her Sunrise Rotary presidency induction. Looking on are the 2023-24 president Liz Wong, and Robert Friend, Rotary district governor.

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Brendan Toller has a new job too.

The former marketing manager of the Westport Library’s Verso Studios — who is also a film director and musician — has been named director of operations and new initiatives at WPKN, Bridgeport’s free-form, listener-supported FM radio station.

At Verso Studios, Toller helped develop the mission, partnerships, and programming and marketing efforts.

Brendan Toller (Photo/Michael Civitello)

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Jianmei “Jamie” Zheng died June 14 at Yale-New Haven Hospital, with her family by her side, after a battle with lymphoma. She was 61.

She was born in China. After she and Ping Zhou married in 1986, Jamie earned a master’s degree in computer science from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

They and their 2 children eventually settled in Westport, where they lived for the past 18 years.

Jamie was a lifelong enthusiast of music and the arts. As a girls she performed traditional Chinese dance onstage, and later developed a love for classical music and opera. She followed that passion through world travel. Locally, she enjoyed MoCA CT, the Westport Country Playhouse, Westport Community Theatre, the Music Theatre of Connecticut and Fairfield University’s Quick Center.

Jamie practiced yoga, and was a founding member of a book club. She also found great happiness at Sherwood Island State Park, and relished in her daughter’s accomplishments.

In addition to her beloved husband Ping of 38 years, Jamie is survived by her daughters Connie (Scott) and Katie, and brothers Jianquan and Jianbin.

A memorial service is set for June 29 (11 a.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport). 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jamie’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Jamie Zheng

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While Westporters sweltered, these swans enjoyed cool Lees Pond.

Amy Swanson spotted them, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Amy Swanson)

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And finally … On this date in 1978, the original production of “Evita,” based on the life of Eva Perón, opened in London.

(Don’t cry for “06880.” But please: Help support us, with a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Economy, Environment, Library, Local politics, Media, Obituaries, Sports, Staples HS, Weather

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Roundup: Gloria, StoryFest, Downtown Parking …

Posted on May 17, 2024 | 2 comments

Gloria is gone.

The oyster boat — lovingly cared for by Alan Sterling during his long life, then a Gray’s Creek icon for years after the oysterman’s death, before falling victim to weather and age — was dismantled and removed yesterday.

It had been cast up on land during a very high tide a few months ago.

Nothing remains of Gloria today.

Except many, many memories.

Sic transit gloria mundi.

Gloria, in better days. (Photo/Betsy P. Kahn)

Gloria, after being washed ashore. (Photo/Larry Hoy)

The final journey, in a flatbed truck. (Photo/Larry Hoy)

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A celebration of Leonard Everett Fisher’s life is set for June 24 (3 to 6 p.m., Westport Library).

The date is special. It would have been the noted illustrator/artist, longtime civic volunteer and proud World War II veteran’s 100th birthday.

Donations in his and his wife’s name can be made to “Margery & Leonard Everett Fisher Endowment for Children’s Books in the Arts,” c/o Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880.

Leonard Everett Fisher (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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From its start as “Saugatuck StoryFest,” the Westport Library’s annual literary festival has grown rapidly.

It’s now the largest annual such even in Connecticut, and one of the biggest in the Northeast.

The 7th edition — set for Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22 — will be the most genre-spanning of all.

Headliners include author/essayist/editor Roxane Gay (Bad Feminist, Difficult Women), best-selling writer Christopher Golden (Hellboy, The House of Last Resort), and award-winning author Claire Messud (The Emperor’s Children, This Strange Eventful History).

This year’s StoryFest features a special tribute to the Publishers Weekly editor (and Westport Library friend) Sybil Steinberg, who died earlier this year, and a PitchFest workshop.

Other authors scheduled to appear are Kerstin Bakis, Julia Bartz, Clay Chapman, May Cobb, Rachel Harrison, Isi Hendrix, Don P. Hooper, Gabino Iglesias, Hal Johnson, Chris Knapp, Ryan La Sala, Josh Malerman, GennaRose Nethercott, Anna Noyes, Courtney Preiss, Oliver Radclyffe, Ainissa Ramirez, Shannon C.F. Rogers, Hugh Ryan, Peng Shepherd, and Diana Sussman.

Jennifer Baker will conduct a live recording of her podcast, Minorities in Publishing, while editor Ellen Datlow returns to the Library’s Trefz Forum for a panel discussion with authors from her latest anthology.

Additional attendees will be announced throughout the summer.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

StoryFest headliners (from left): Claire Messud, Roxane Gay, Christopher Golden.

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Looking for a place to park downtown?

“06880” can’t get you an exact spot. But we can point you in the right direction.

So can signs like these:

(Photo/Dan Woog)

Clicking on the QR code brings up the Discover Westport page, with maps and statistics on 20 downtown parking lots.

Some — like the Senior Center — might be off most people’s radars. But there’s plenty of good information.

And the drone photos are pretty cool.

PS: If you don’t want to bother with the QR code, just click here.

Taylor Place parking lot, by Jesup Green.

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The line of march is set, for the Memorial Day parade (Monday, May 27, 9 a.m.).

Westporters know this is a community highlight of the year. If you’ve never been: Don’t miss it. Find a spot along the route — from Saugatuck Avenue on Riverside Avenue, right on the Post Road, left on Myrtle Avenue — and enjoy the music of marching bands, the fun of tons of kids, the spirit of civic groups, and a salute to first responders and (of course) our veterans.

Be sure to stick around for the half-hour ceremony on Veterans Green, opposite Town Hall. It’s meaningful and important. The speeches are brief, but the service is inspiring.

The parade includes:

Connecticut Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps
Westport Police Department
Westport Volunteer EMS
Westport-Weston CERT
Grand Marshal Charles P. Lamb

Dignitaries: Selectwomen, RTM members
Westport Community Band
Connecticut Veterans Honor Guard
August Matthias Post 63 – American Legion & Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 – Veterans of Foreign Wars, with VFW Auxiliary 399 Westport Float
Scouts BSA Westport

Nash Drum Corps
Westport Fire Department
Y’s Men of Westport/Weston
League of Women Voters
Staples High School Marching Band
Staples High School Cheerleaders
Westport Library
Girl Scouts of Westport
Westport PAL
Westport Soccer
Westport Little League
Coleytown/Bedford Combined Middle School Bands
Westport Woman’s Club
St. Paul Christian School

CLUB203
My Team Triumph
Knights of Columbus – Westport
Westport Rotary Club
Suzuki Music School
Westport Pride
United Methodist Church of Westport-Weston
Builders Beyond Boarders
Westport Garden Club
Westport Sunrise Rotary
Westport Transit District
Col. John Chester Fife & Drum Corps
Westport Weston Family YMCA
Masonic Lodge
Junior Colonial Fife & Drum Corps of Westbrook, CT

A small part of the 2023 Memorial Day parade (Photo/Charlie Scott)

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Igor Pikayzen — Westport’s favorite home-grown violinist — brings his Festival Edelio back to his hometown.

This summer’s 2 concerts have something for everyone: the defiance of Shostakovich, charm of Saint-Saëns, joy of Gershwin, beauty of Brahms and more.

Several talented artists will join the 2005 Staples High School graduate (who went on to Juilliard, then earned a master’s degree from Yale, and a doctor of musical arts at CUNY).

Concerts are June 9 and 16 (7 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church). There is a wine reception after each. Click here for more information, and tickets.

Igor Pikayzen

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Judge Frederick Freedman died peacefully at his Westport home on Wednesday. He was 95. .

Born in Bridgeport, he moved with his parents to London for several years, but they returned to the US just before World War II. He Freedman graduated from Bassick High School, and earned a BA from the University of Connecticut, then a law degree from Yale in 1954.

He was a first lieutenant in the Air Force JAG during the Vietnam War.

He practiced law with Brody and Brody, P.C. until 1981 when Governor O’Neill appointed him to the Connecticut Superior Court bench.

In 1992 Judge Freedman was appointed to the Connecticut Appellate Court by Governor Lowell Weicker. He served as chief administrative judge, senior judge judge trial referee.

He retired from the bench in 2012, after 30 years. He then became counsel at Halloran & Sage’s Westport office.

He loved spending time with his family, traveling, good food, reading, playing golf, dogs, and a great joke.

His family says, “Judge Freedman was an honorable, impeccable man, honest, loyal, fair, with a sweet, tender, gentle disposition, and a brilliant mind. He was known for his exceptional sense of humor and his dignity, his fastidious attention to detail, and his wonderful taste in clothes.”

Judge Freedman is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy (née Nevas) of Westport; his children Janet Freedman of Westport; Susan (Rev. Dr. Mark L. Heilshorn) Filan of Newtown, and Ellen (Steven) Nevas Freedman Wilner of New York City, and grandchildren, Eric (Dayane) Zimmerman, Mee Mee and Hallie Filan of Newtown, and Samantha and Kasey Wilner of New York City; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Hon. Alan H. and Janet Nevas of Westport, and nieces and nephews Andrew (Jodie) Nevas, Dr. Debra (Dr. Jonathan Abrams) Nevas and, and Nathaniel (Leslie Radel) Nevas.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday (May 21, 9:30 a.m., Temple Israel). Burial will follow at Independent Hebrew Cemetery in Norwalk. For more information and to share a condolence message, click here.

Memorial contributions may be made to Yale Law School Fund, Financial Aid/Career Options Assistance Program.

Judge Frederick Freedman

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Have you ever heard of a lesser yellowlegs?

I hadn’t.

Whether you’re a birder or not, Paul Delano’s submission for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows us all its fragile beauty.

(Photo/Paul Delano)

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And finally … on this day in 1971, “Godspell” opened at New York’s Cherry Lane Theatre. It became the third-longest-running off-Broadway production of its day.

(Day by day, “06880” brings you news, events and more — all Westport, 24/7/365. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Downtown, Environment, Library, Obituaries

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Remembering Leonard Everett Fisher

Posted on March 3, 2024 | 23 comments

Leonard Everett Fisher died this weekend. The noted artist/illustrator, longtime civic volunteer, and one of our last remaining World War II veterans was 4 months shy of his 100th birthday.

He was a Westport icon.

A supremely talentedartist/illustrator, he designed 10 US postage stamps. He illustrated 250 books for young readers, and his works hang in the collections of the Smithsonian, Library of Congress, New York Public Library, Yale Art Gallery and New Britain Museum of Art.

Fisher created over 700 paintings and 6,000 scratch boards. He’s listed as one of the 2000 Outstanding Artists and Designers of the 20th Century.

At the 2022 Memorial Day parade, Leonard Everett Fisher was a month shy of his 98th birthday. His uniform still fit. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Decades earlier, between 1942 and ’46, he was a topographical mapmaker. He planned, edited and produced maps for campaigns in Italy, France, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the aborted invasion and occupation of Japan.

In 2013 Fisher served as grand marshal of Westport’s Memorial Day parade. He was a proud participant too in Bedford Middle School’s Memorial Day assemblies.

Leonard Everett Fisher at Westport’s 2017 Memorial Day celebration.

More than 70 years after the war, his contributions finally drew national attention.

In 2018 PBS aired “GI Jews: Jewish Americans in World War II.” Fisher was one of the interviews.

He was in good company. Henry Kissinger, Mel Brooks and other Jewish Americans — some famous, others unknown — shared their experience as part of the 550,000 men and women who fought for their nation, struggled with antisemitism in their ranks, and emerged transformed, to fight for equality and justice at home.

In June of 2019, when Fisher turned 95, the Westport Arts Center invited his friends, fans and family members to celebrate.

It was a fitting tribute. Fisher was a founding member, past president, and current WAC board member.

Leonard Everett Fisher at the Westport Arts Center, for his 95th birthday.

Fisher saw the WAC through many incarnations, from an itinerant organization to its home at the then-closed Greens Farms Elementary School, to its later spot on Riverside Avenue.

Fisher was also a moving force at the Westport Library. He served 3 terms as president, and helped plan the building, on landfill near the Levitt Pavilion.

When he was 93 years young, he turned his attention to a new project: a Westport Artists Museum at Golden Shadows, Baron Walter Langer von Langendorff’s former home at Baron’s South.

For a variety of political reasons, the museum was not built. But, Fisher said at the time, “So long as I put one foot in front of the other, this gives me energy and excitement,” he says.

Today, Westport mourns the passing of Leonard Everett Fisher — war hero, honored artist, neighbor and friend.

For an inspiring 30-minute video interview with Fisher, click here. 

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Posted in Arts, Obituaries

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Memorial Day 2022 — Gallery #3

Posted on May 30, 2022 | 3 comments

Today’s Memorial Day parade route wound from Riverside Avenue and the Post Road to Myrtle Avenue. It ended by Town Hall, with an important ceremony of remembrance.

Here is “06880”‘s third set of photos, from Myrtle and  Veterans Green.

The Carpenters’ house on Myrtle Avenue evokes the Memorial Day spirit. (Photo/Dan Woog)

A proud veteran. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Tim Harmon has a ringside seat. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Once again, the Y’s Men’s float won “Best Overall.” It saluted Francis Scott Key, and the “Star-Spangled Banner.” (photo/Dan Woog)

After years of marching, former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe enjoys the parade from the sidelines — with his grandson. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Police Chief Foti Koskinas (right) and Deputy Chief Sam Arciola flank honorary police officer Dylan Curran. (Photo/Dan Woog)

A large flag earns a spot of honor. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Staples High School percussionist Witt Lindau. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Grand marshal Jean Wells turns 105 years young today. The crowd serenaded her with “Happy Birthday.” (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

World War II veteran Ted Diamond is 105 on July 3. He was only the 2nd oldest servicemember at the parade. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Leonard Everett Fisher will be 98 next month. He was the 3rd oldest World War II veteran today. Like Ted Diamond, he still fits into his uniform. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Bill Vornkahl has organized and run Westport’s Memorial Day celebration for 5 decades. He is truly “Mr. Parade.” (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

The Staples High School Band performs a medley of armed forces songs. (Photo/Dan Woog)

The Honor Guard includes members of several different wars. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Athena Ploumis Bradley and her husband arrived too late for the ceremony. But her patriotic look summed up the day. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Roundup: Wreaths, Annie, “Light A Fire” …

Posted on December 3, 2021 | 1 comment

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Every year, the Westport Garden Club creates wreaths for 18 town properties.

Members gather natural elements from their own gardens to create unique designs that they display on town buildings and non-profit organizations, from the ABC House and Gillespie Center to Earthplace.

One recipients — the Westport Museum for History & Culture — houses club archives dating back to 1924. It’s also the site of an Outdoor Winter Market tomorrow (Saturday, December 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), where 25 original wreaths will be on sale to the public. Proceeds will help continue their projects around town.

Westport Garden Club members, with their gorgeous wreaths.

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The sun is not out very long these days. But it comes out this weekend for Bedford Middle School’s production of “Annie.”

The show opens tonight (Friday, December 3, 7:30 p.m.), then continues tomorrow (Saturday, December 4, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Sunday (December 5, 2 p.m.).

The school’s first stage production since COVID will draw raves. For tickets, click here.

Plenty of action in “Annie.” (Photo/January Stewart)

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Moffly Media’s annual “Light a Fire” celebration of local heroes is always inspiring. The event honors Fairfield County residents who go above and beyond, to make a difference in the lives of others.

Last night’s honorees included Matt Jordan. The Staples High School senior works tirelessly on behalf of Kids in Crisis, helping other teens whose lives are less fortunate than his own.

The livestreamed ceremony was hosted by Weston actor and animal rights activist Jim Naughton. Click below to see. (Matt’s presentation begins at 29:22.)

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On stage last night at the Westport Library: noted restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson.

He was interviewed by CBS News justice and security correspondent (and 1988 Staples High School graduate) Jeff Pegues. It was part of the library’s compelling Trefz Newsmakers conversation.

The only thing missing: some of the chef’s creations.

Jeff Pegues (left) and Marcus Samuelsson. (Photo/Matt Murray)

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In this season of joy and good cheer, MoCA Westport took time last night to acknowledge serious issues: human right violations.

The panel discussion was part of programming for the museum’s “When Caged Birds Sing” exhibition.

(Photo/Leslie LaSala)

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Among next week’s highlights at the Westport Library:

Cartoonist Roz Chast and artist Karla Knight chat — and answer audience questions — in conjunction with Knight’s first solo museum exhibition (Tusday, December 7, 7 p.m.). Click here for both in-person and livestream tickets.

A reception for Leonard Everett Fisher’s exhibit, “A Life of Art,” is set for Thursday (December 9, 7 p.m.). He’ll speak about his work. The public is invited.

Leonard Everett Fisher

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Across Jesup Green from the library: Photographer Fruma Markowitz is this month’s featured artist at the Westport Book Shop.

She shows part of “Sara’s Trousseau,” an installation of 9 Cyanotype prints and collages of teacups she inherited from her mother, and crocheted and embroidered linens found at flea markets and tag sales.

Markowitz is a member of the Artists Collective of Westport. Her work is on display at the back of the used book shop, on Jesup Road.

Fruma Markowitz, and her photos.

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This shoe sure gets around. It’s been spotted — and photographed — at the Compo beach boardwalk, playground and concession stand. Now it’s made its way to the most iconic spot of all.

What’s next? Stay tuned!

(Photo/Jean Stevens)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” shot is a very serene one, of a favorite sight: Sherwood Mill Pond.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … to honor Matt Jordan and his “Light a Fire” award (above):

 

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Library, Local business, Media, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Memorial Day Photo Gallery: Part 2

Posted on May 31, 2021 | 2 comments

Thanks to all who submitted photos of today’s Memorial Day parade and ceremony. I received hundreds, and can’t run them all.

Today meant a lot to Westporters. It touched our hearts. It made us think about who we are, and what we want to be. And it made us deeply proud of our neighbors, our community, and all who have sacrificed to make this day possible.

World War II veterans like Joe Schachter had a special place of honor … (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

… and there were several cars with them. (Photo/Molly Alger)

Navy veteran Rick Benson (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Leonard Everett Fisher (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Bill Vornkahl — a Korean War veteran — has organized over 65 Westport Memorial Day parades. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Boy Scouts honor the flag. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

The Fire Department held its annual ceremony, honoring its members who have served. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

1st Selectman Jim Marpe leads the political contingent … (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

… and the Blue Jays follow. (Photo/Whitney D’Angelo)

The Westport Paddle Club’s float echoed this year’s parade theme: Honoring Women in the Military. The WPC won “Most Creative Float” honors. (Photo/Robbie Guimond)

A Revolutionary War soldier (with sunglasses), aka Miggs Burroughs. One youngster — who really needs to learn history — asked, “Is he a pirate?” (Photo/Dan Woog)

Proud veterans, proud Westporters. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Besides publishing (and taking photos for) Westport Local Press and working as an educator Jaime Bairaktaris volunteers as an EMT. He marched proudly with them today — and wore out his shoes. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Remarkable Theater founder Doug Tirola (left) and Marine Corps veteran Michael Calise share a taste in shirt themes. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Posted in History, Local business, Local politics, Westport life

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Artists In Residences: Step Into My Studio …

Posted on November 19, 2020 | 3 comments

Any ol’ place can have an artist in residence.

Leave it to the Westport Library to have “Artists in Residences.”

That’s the clever name for an equally clever project. COVID-19 has closed the library’s 3 rotating galleries — popular spaces that were booked nearly 2 years ahead.

So exhibit curator Carole Erger-Fass and artist/library supporter/creative guru Miggs Burroughs — whose “Artist to Artist” discussion series was also shelved — devised a new way to connect artists and art-loving patrons.

The Zoom series provides peeks into otherwise-hidden spaces: artists’ studios.

The first episode was with Nancy Moore. Her “Unconventional Women” exhibit was scheduled to be installed the day the library shut down in March.

Instead, Nancy invited a crew into her airy workplace. She shared her works in progress, showed off the tools of her trade and discussed the inspiration for her vibrantly patterned paintings that no one could now enjoy in person.

The series blossomed into a living document of the state of the arts — and artists — in Westport. Twenty-four episodes have already been recorded. More are in the works.

They feature sculptors, painters, photographers, and digital and collage artists. Some have experimented with new mediums. Others have had the luxury of time to delve deeper into their genres.

Some have been inspired anew by the pandemic. Others have been stymied.

All speak eloquently about their craft. Particularly moving are Westport legends like Ann Chernow, Leonard Everett Fisher, Roe Halper, Nina Bentley, Judith Katz and Niki Ketchman. Their age makes them vulnerable to the coronavirus — but they steam ahead creatively.

The most recent episode features Charles Joyner. His intricate, layered collages meld colors, patterns and symbols inspired by his growing up in rural North Carolina, and his extensive travels to Ghana.

So how is the longtime Carolinian a “Westport artist”?

In 1964, he came to Westport through an American Friends Service program that brought 35 Southern students to the North to promote integration. He lived with the Ader family.

After graduating from Staples High School he headed to Iowa State University on a football scholarship, transferred to North Carolina A&T, then earned a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.

Joyner spent many years as a tenured professor in the North Carolina State University College of Art and Design. He is also an outstanding jazz drummer.

His interview with the “Artists in Residences” program is fascinating. Click below to see. Then click here for all interviews.

(Carole Erger-Fass talks about “Artists in Residences” on WPKN-FM 89.5 “Open Book” show, at noon on November 30.)

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Happy 95th Birthday, Leonard Everett Fisher!

Posted on June 29, 2019 | 11 comments

Leonard Everett Fisher is a Westport icon.

One of our our town’s most cherished artist/illustrators, he’s designed 10 US postage stamps. His works hang in the collections of the Smithsonian, Library of Congress, New York Public Library, Yale Art Gallery and New Britain Museum of Art.

He’s also a World War II veteran. Between 1942 and ’46, as a topographical mapmaker he planned, edited and produced maps for campaigns in Italy, France, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the aborted invasion and occupation of Japan. In 2013 he served as grand marshal of Westport’s Memorial Day parade.

A longtime Westporter, Fisher just turned 95. Last night, at the Westport Arts Center — of which he’s a founding member, past president and current board member — friends, fans and family members celebrated his birthday.

Leonard Everett Fisher, last night at the Westport Arts Center.

Fisher has seen the WAC in and through many incarnations, from an itinerant organization, to its home at the then-closed Greens Farms Elementary School, to its current home on Riverside Avenue.

Now, the Westport Arts Center is on the move again. It will relocate soon to new digs at 19 Newtown Turnpike.

Fisher looks forward to being there for the grand opening. And for many shows and events to come.

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Leonard Everett Fisher’s “GI Jews” Film Airs Nationally

Posted on April 7, 2018 | 13 comments

Leonard Everett Fisher is a Westport icon.

One of our our town’s most cherished artist/illustrators, he’s designed 10 US postage stamps. His works hang in the collections of the Smithsonian, Library of Congress, New York Public Library, Yale Art Gallery and New Britain Museum of Art.

At 93 — and a member of the Westport Arts Center’s board of directors — he’s working hard to create a Westport Artists Museum at Baron’s South.

But just as important to Fisher was his service in World War II. Between 1942 and ’46 he was a topographical mapmaker. He planned, edited and produced ground maps for invasions and campaigns in Italy, France, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the aborted invasion and occupation of Japan.

Leonard Everett Fisher at Westport’s Memorial Day last year.

More than 70 years after the war, his contributions are finally drawing national attention.

This Wednesday (April 11, 10 p.m.), PBS airs “GI Jews: Jewish Americans in World War II.” Fisher is one of the interviews in the film.

He’s in good company. Henry Kissinger, Mel Brooks and other Jewish Americans — some famous, others unknown — share their experience as part of the 550,000 men and women who fought for their nation, struggled with anti-Semitism in their ranks, and emerged transformed, to fight for equality and justice at home.

The film has already been shown at the Westchester Jewish Film Festival, and the Center for Jewish History. It will be screened this Tuesday (April 10), at the JCC Manhattan.

Fisher is one of the oldest living World War II veterans in Westport. Every one has an intriguing story.

But only Fisher’s will be told on national television this week.

(For more information on “GI Jews,” click here.)

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Jarret Liotta’s Movies Hit Home

Posted on November 2, 2017 | 12 comments

Jarret Liotta has a love-hate relationship with Westport.

After college, the Staples High School graduate spent years in Los Angeles. The journalist was a regular New York Times correspondent, and contributed to 100 publications.

But in 2008, he returned to give his kids some suburban experience.

Now — with nearly a decade back home, as a freelance writer and photographer — he’s gained a new appreciation for Westport’s uniqueness. He’s deepened old relationships, and made new acquaintances.

Jarret Liotta

“Sad to say, many of us are so paralyzed by the fear-based myths of being ‘practical’ that we shun the directions our hearts want to lead us,” he says.

“Instead we waste time talking ourselves into believing we’re happily situated in our work life.”

Two years ago, he decided to go all-in pursuing film and video — interests he’d had since dabbling in them decades ago at Coleytown Junior High.

He wrote “Home Movie,” a feature-length dark comedy. Filmed entirely in Westport, it’s the story of a young woman’s trip back to her hometown after her father dies.

But the title also refers to the help Liotta got from many local people and groups, including the Westport Woman’s Club, Senior Center, Police Department, Kaia Yoga, 323 restaurant, Gold’s Deli, even the Harding Funeral Home.

A Kickstarter campaign — running through Thanksgiving — will help him place “Home Movie” in film festivals.

A scene from “Home Movie” …

While working on that project, Liotta talked with Bill Harmer. The Westport Library director mentioned that his previous library in Michigan was involved with films on local subjects.

Bob Mitchell of the Westport Historical Society heard that Liotta was interested in a Westport-based documentary. He suggested veterans.

“I’ve always been a dove,” Liotta says. “I’ve had relatively set ideas about the military, and what I imagined was a typical veteran.”

But he liked the idea. After each interview, his impressions evolved.

“On a personal level, it was very enlightening,” he explains. “I found myself understanding many positive aspects about the involvement I wouldn’t otherwise have considered.”

… and one from his veterans’ documentary.

Liotta started with World War II veterans, including well-known Westporters Leonard Everett Fisher, Ted Diamond and Bob Satter. Some he knew personally. Others, he says, “I had the good fortune to meet.”

While he still considers any kind of military machine “repugnant” — though “perhaps necessary” — he now has a different perspective on those who choose to serve.

“The people I interviewed seem to recognize the tremendous value in living a service attitude — giving back or taking responsibility to help their larger community,” Liotta says.

“That’s a brilliant and honorable concept. To me, that’s really the core reason to honor veterans.”

Right now, Liotta is editing the film. It’s called “Community & Country: A Spirit of Service.” It will be shown at Town Hall on Monday, November 13 (7 p.m.)

He hopes the library and Historical Society will make copies available after it’s screened.

That will be their — and his — way of giving back, just as our veterans have done.

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