Brian Cohen, Chaplin
Brian is an artist and a coordinator and promoter of art and artists. Through his work through Positive Expressions 93, he encourages youth to be creative, have pride in their artistry, and appreciate the art of others. Brian has donated his artwork to libraries, schools and other non-profit organizations. His proudest donation is to Camp Harkness in Waterford where three of his cedar sculptures help anchor the Enchanted Sensory Garden.
Semina De Laurentis, Torrington
Semina is the founder and artistic director of Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury. She has devoted herself for the past 30 years to making a difference for thousands of people by ensuring that the theater and all its activities are accessible and open to all. Through her work, Semina reaches out to all demographics with diversity and openness in casting, programming, volunteerism and employment.
Lucy Gellman, New Haven
Lucy is a tireless advocate for the arts. She is a reporter, critic, "under-dog cheerleader" and mentor. She is described as "a magnifying glass, flashlight, amplifier and connector for all who care about the arts". Lucy is the editor of The Arts Paper, a publication of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, and she is the co-founder of the Youth Arts Journalism Project that creates a pathway for youth to gain journalism skills.
Edward Lent, Guilford
Edward, also known as Ezra Lovecroft, is a published poet with a devotion to spreading love of the spoken word. He coordinates events (kids painting to poetry, open mic poetry nights, writing workshops for seniors) that bring together people of all ages, backgrounds, culture and race to feel heard, "to be honest to the point of tears or laughter" and to "shed the masks that we so often hide behind every day can be remarkable!". He donates all proceeds from his events to homeless shelters, food pantries and local farms growing pollinator pathways.
Marilyn Malcarne, Deep River
Marilyn is a dedicated, passionate and loving artist who understands that creativity at an early age motivates children to love art throughout their lives. She is a sculptor, painter, photographer, certified milliner and polymer clay artist. Marilyn's career was spent as an art teacher at Regional District #4 for 37 years,1 1/2 years at John Winthrop Middle School and taught ceramics at Middlesex Community College. In addition, Marilyn has been involved with the Deep River Junior Ancient Fife and Drum Corps for the past 38 years holding the position of Director for 34 of those years. Since 1995 Marilyn has had Starry Night Studio in Chester, where dozens of children spent weeks immersed in art, science and nature every summer.
Terry Starks, Hartford
Terry is the co-creator of Hartford's Proud Drill Drum and Dance Corp, a non-profit with the mission to use sound, movement and artistry for personal development among youth. Founded in 2013 with co-creator/husband Duffy, Hartford's Proud aims to keep Hartford youth safe and out of trouble by giving them something to do during the times they are not in school. Terry has given thousands of young Hartford residents a creative outlet through drums and dance, as well as a safe space of their own where they receive support and guidance on life.
JoAnne Torti, Bethlehem
JoAnne is the founder and executive director of ASAP!, an educational organization that fosters creative, hands-on learning through the arts. She believes that when we honor children’s imaginations, invite them to create, encourage them to take risks, and trust their resourcefulness, they will become the empowered, resilient, and compassionate adults the world really needs.
Brian Walters, Bethel
Brian is the co-founder and curator of the In View Project of Danbury. This is a storefront art project that welcomes local and regional artists to showcase their work in vacant storefronts in greater Danbury at no cost for a two-month period. Brian has long advocated for artists in the community and collaborated with area artists, businesses and local government to build a sustainable arts and culture scene in Western Connecticut. Beyond that Walters has maintained a sculpture studio since 2003. His work has been exhibited internationally. Brian specializes in interior scaled work made from salvaged metal that he collects throughout Connecticut.
Derron Wood, New London
Derron is the founder and artistic director of Flock Theatre in New London. He believes that theater can make a difference in the lives of people and is a tireless advocate for making theater accessible to all members in the community.