A Cultural Hub: Norwalk Art Space To Open Its Doors This Weekend

NORWALK, CT — When Alexandra Davern Korry came across an old church building at 455 West Ave., she had a unique vision: to provide a space that would serve as a free hub for the arts.

From this cultural hub, up-and-coming young artists in Connecticut could find the support and inspiration they so desperately needed, underrepresented voices would be promoted, and local students could have access to free art classes — all set to the backdrop of visual arts, diverse music and inventive culinary creations.

Although Korry died in September as construction was underway, her vision will nonetheless open to the community Saturday in the form of the Norwalk Art Space, thanks to the continued work of her family and other collaborators.

According to space manager Canyon Sharits, the art space is essentially Korry's gift to Norwalk, so much so that the building has been named the ADK House in her honor. It is also, at its heart, an art space created for artists by artists.

"I think that's part of what Alexandra wanted," Sharits said. "All of us that are involved here are artists ourselves. Duvian [Montoya] is a visual artist, I'm a musician ... so all of us are artists, and this kind of all goes into artists supporting artists and all of us supporting each other."

Montoya, the space's artistic and educational director, said the team aims to fill an artistic hole in the Norwalk area.

"Alexandra is giving us all opportunities to really [provide] what the Norwalk art community has always wanted," Montoya said, "which is this center revolving around the arts, and that's really exciting."

According to Montoya, the concept for the art space derived from Korry's interest in supporting arts education in Norwalk. A lawyer, educator, civil rights advocate and philanthropist, Korry was also an avid collector of local artwork.

"From her discussions with local artists," Montoya said, "[Korry] heard a lot of concerns about not having adequate show spaces in Fairfield County and Connecticut, and especially coming from women and people of color not having opportunities to show in Fairfield County."

In 2019, Korry purchased the West Avenue building, which has been in the remodeling stage for about 18 months. Montoya noted nearly all the fine details of the space were developed by Korry.

"The amount of detail that she chose before she passed away was amazing," Montoya said. "She chose the exit signs, the light fixtures — every little detail within the building was handpicked by her before she passed away in September."

The space will feature a number of mediums of artistic expression in its museums and sculpture gardens, including visual art, music and even culinary creations at The Art Space Cafe, which will be operated by celebrated chef and restaurateur Bill Taibe.

"To me," Montoya said, "music, art and food just go together."

Visual Arts

Guests will be able to view work from the art space's four resident artists: Francisco Mandujano, Lorena Sferlazza, Remy Sosa and Emily Teall.

Through the resident artist program, all four artists receive a free studio, exhibition space and an opportunity to participate in the art space's programs. In return, they will also teach after-school art classes each semester.

According to Montoya, the program was part of Korry's original vision for the space.

"With the four storage spaces that were down in this old church," Montoya said, "[Korry] thought it would be great to give it to our artists and, in return, have them teach free education to the students."

To select these resident artists, Montoya urged creatives from Norwalk Public Schools, Norwalk Community College and other places in town to apply for the position. From there, a group of about five people examined the quality of each artist's portfolio, their involvement with the community and their teaching ability and experience.

"They're going to be leading the core of our educational system," Montoya said.

Additionally, the art space's "Korry Fellows" will each curate a five-week exhibition in the main gallery and work with the resident artists on their class curricula. They will also provide mentorship, workshops and educational opportunities to students and the public.

On Nov. 1, Montoya will start the whole selection process again to bring in new resident artists and Korry Fellows, ensuring the space always has fresh local voices and talents on display.

"I see it as a development process for younger artists," Montoya said, "getting that exhibition schedule, their deadlines, the level of professionalism that we all need to learn when we're growing up as artists. Also getting the mentorship from the fellow artists is going to be big, and having them learn the gallery process as well."

Montoya, who grew up in Norwalk, said that process is key to getting younger artists to stay in the area rather than leaving for areas such as New York City.

"I felt like I needed to leave [CT] because I didn't feel like there was an art community here for me to stay for," Montoya said. "So if they see an opportunity here, I think they will continue to stay and really grow the arts community in Connecticut."

Music

Most areas of the art space will also be filled with music, programming for which will be led by musical director David DeJesus.

According to a news release, the art space's music program is designed to provide high-caliber music education to underserved students and enhance Norwalk's musical landscape. Under DeJesus' leadership, the art space will offer free classes, interactive workshops and performances featuring local musicians.

The team's desire is to create a community outlet for local music by developing young musicians and providing opportunities to seasoned professionals.

Guests will get a taste for the wide range of local music acts the space hopes to showcase during an opening weekend outdoor music festival in the sculpture garden on Saturday and Sunday.

Sharits said the festival will feature a diverse lineup of artists, such as a Japanese folk dancer, a mariachi band and a jazz trio, all sourced from Connecticut. Admission is free and open for all to enjoy.

See also: Norwalk Art Space To Open In June With Outdoor Music Festival

As coronavirus vaccinations continue to roll out in Norwalk, Sharits noted the team feels lucky to be opening at a time where they feel confident about the safety and well-being of people coming to their space.

"We're really lucky to have the sculpture garden on the front of the property and host a lot of our events this summer outside," Sharits said, "and in doing so just a lot more safe for everybody. We will be requiring masks to be worn while on property for the foreseeable future."

A Unique Space In Town

Mayor Harry Rilling described the art space as a wonderful addition to the community.

"Norwalk is a vibrant place with a deep connection to the arts, museums, galleries and culture," Rilling said in a news release, "and the Norwalk Art Space is a perfect fit in a truly unique location."

Rilling also noted that students, artists and visitors will all have a place to enjoy and experience right in their own community.

"Many thanks to Alexandra Korry," Rilling said, "and congratulations to Duvian, Canyon and the entire Norwalk Art Space team. We are thrilled to have this new museum in Norwalk."

For Sharits, finally being on the cusp of the art space's opening has been surprisingly emotional. As the final touches come together and Korry's original vision becomes a tangible reality, Sharits finds herself thinking about the impact the space can have on the lives of young local artists.

"This is an opportunity that will create a ripple effect in their careers hopefully," Sharits said, "and it's just an honor to be a part of that, something that can bring such positive change into people's lives."

The Norwalk Art Space will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday evening, followed by the opening weekend festival on Saturday and Sunday. The full lineup of opening weekend musical artists can be found here.

More information can be found at www.thenorwalkartspace.org.