City Council Raises Funds for City Lights Gallery

The Bridgeport City Council hosted a recent special benefit for City Lights Gallery and the Bridgeport Art Trail. City Council Karaoke was held at The German Club in Bridgeport and was led by City Council President Aidee Nieves and past President Thomas McCarthy. Over $1,000 was raised to support an arts program at Multicultural Magnet School in Bridgeport led by Suzanne Kachmar, City Lights Executive Director.

"A special heartfelt thank you to all who sang a few songs and contributed to help make this event a success," stated Aidee Nieves. "John Brannelly had a great idea asking the city council to sponsor this fundraiser to benefit City Lights Gallery Art program," Nieves said.

Among the many Council members attended were Maria I. Valle, Jeanette Herron , Alfredo Castillo, Kyle Langin, Jack O. Banta, Denese Taylor-Moye, Karen Jackson, Marcus Brown. Past Council members that participated included Anthony R. Paoletto, Trish Swain, Danny Roach, Susan Brannelly Martin, John Brannelly, Bob Halstead, Melanie Jackson. Three Bridgeport State Representatives supported the event were Christopher Rosario, Ezequiel Santiago, and Steve Stafstrom. Both Santiago and Stafstrom are past Councilmen.

Volunteers on the planning committee included from The German Club Board of Governors: Marybeth Lesko Clifford and Kathy Harvey-Murer and from the City Lights Gallery Board: Attorney Kelly O'Donnell, Dr. Camelia Lawrence, MD, FACS and John Brannelly.

Now located at 265 Golden Hill Street in Downtown Bridgeport, City Lights Gallery presents local, regional and emerging artists to Bridgeport and its visitors. The gallery hosts various community-based exhibits and events such as: Artists' Receptions, Arts/crafts classes, Open Studio Workshop, Lunch Time Art Demonstrations and other special events. In addition, the Gallery is a retail store for local artists to showcase and sell their works.