Report by Paula Antolini
December 31, 2016 9:44AM EDT
Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut’s Accessible Art Program Unfolds New Origami Exhibition at the Bethel Public Library to Raise Funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital
“While you make the paper into the shape you want, you should consider into what shape the paper wants to be.” – origamist Hatori Koshiro
The art of origami somehow always connects to the turn of the New Year, each both an unfolding and a folding in. The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut’s Accessible Art program has collaborated with the Bethel Public Library to host the brilliant Danbury master of the art form, Nghiep Luu, who is exhibiting a special installation to raise funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Luu’s work is showing at the gorgeous Greek Revival Bethel Public Library, 189 Greenwood Avenue, (203) 794-8756, through February 3rd. The artist wants to raise $10,000 with 10,000 origami cranes. That’s a lot of folding.
Luu says, “‘Nothing changes if nothing changes’, a quote that has a significant amount of influences in my life. Children hold a special place in my heart, especially after the birth of my child. My son was a premature baby, just by a week. He was placed in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) soon after birth. Deep down inside I knew he would be fine. As a new parent watching my newborn in the ventilator, feeling helpless, was one of the scariest and happiest days of my life. Fortunately a day later, he was discharged from the NICU and reunited with us. This experience changed my life forever. That is why I want to dedicate this year to making a difference by folding 10,000 origami cranes in hopes of raising $10,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”
To donate to the artist’s cause, visit http://fundraising.stjud
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The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, with offices at 287 Main Street, Danbury, CT, is a leader in supporting a vibrant arts and culture community in Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties. The Cultural Alliance promotes and advocates for arts, history, and culture as a primary driver of the economy and as an enriching influence for communities and people. The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, a 501c-3, is the largest and only regional service organization working to ensure better access to arts and culture for all residents and visitors in Greater Danbury. It is supported by public and private funding, corporate sponsors, and by its 290 members including more than 55 arts, history, and cultural organizations. phone: (203) 798 0760 www.artswesternct.org
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