New digs for arts council

TORRINGTON — After five years at the Northwestern Chamber of Commerce, the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council has spread its wings and opened an office space of its own in downtown Torrington. The arts council is now located at 40 Main St., Suite 1, on the second floor.

Just down the street from the Warner Theater, Nutmeg Conservatory and several art galleries, the council is set right in the middle of Torrington’s art district.

"We are now in the heart of Torrington and literally hear the hum of it in the background," said Amy Wynn, executive director of the arts council. "Being in the heart of Torrington gives us a chance to have our finger on the pulse of Torrington."

While the new location is not 100-percent complete, Wynn can already see that the new space will be a great benefit to the nonprofit organization.

"We were bursting at the seams from our little chamber cubical that they were kind enough to give us over the years," said Wynn. "We needed a [bigger] space to operate more efficiently."

Officially opening their new office on Monday, Wynn said fresh paint and new windows have already livened up the space and there is now plenty of room for herself and her assistant to work. The organization now has the chance to expand and make a greater impact in town.

"We have never had an independent address of our own and an identity," said Wynn, who added that many times the arts council and the chamber were thought of as one and the same, which is not the case. With her own space, and room to grow, Wynn said she is looking forward to expanding the services the council provides.

"This will help us establish a more permanent, stronger identity," said Wynn.

Several projects continue to be in the works for the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council, which spearheaded the successful Bear Affair campaign last year and the Peer Advisor Network Service for nonprofit organizations.

In the next few months, the council will focus on a new project titled Locally Grown History, a region-wide project highlighting historical resources. Working together with local historical societies and historical sites, Wynn said the project will challenge people to go out and visit the historical locations through the Northwest Corner. A contest will be held in conjunction with the project, similar to the contest held for the Bear Affair, where participants had to find all of the bears throughout Litchfield County.

For more information about the Northweset Connecticut Arts Council, call 860-860-618-0075, e-mail info@artsnwct.org or visit artsnwct.org.