Reaching Out

What makes a city tick? Many folks I have talked to have suggested that Hartford stopped ticking some time ago. - Take a second look!

At the suggestion of my POA associate ,Martin Studzinski, I went to City Hall, a magnificent building at 550 Main Street, to meet with Lillian Ruiz, Director of Human Relations. On the lower floor through some classic oak doors I discovered a part of the heart that was ticking away in an extremely efficient manner. Lillian, (whose daughter, Erika, is Miss Connecticut of Tourism) understood my portrait project to the core. She understood that the Portrait Project had the power to build stronger communities, break down barriers and help broaden understanding and cooperation between people of all backgrounds. She understood that bringing out the dignity of individuals through elegant portraits is a very effective way to change the perceptions of those individuals and of the community in general. Yes, my approach to portraiture is classic in the pure sense of the word but the presentation and intent of the work is radical in its design to activate social engagement.

Yes, the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism gave the project a substantial grant to get started, but to realize its potential, to really have an impact, to reach out to and involve a substantial number of the 130 different nationalities in Hartford, we have to build community support and raise more money to create a world class artistic and social exhibition and event.

To that end, Lillian offered to introduce the project to many community leaders. From memory, names and phone numbers flowed forth. Within a few minutes she had set up meetings with a couple of key people, suggested names for an ad hock steering committee and set the ball rolling. I realized that I was witnessing a new Hartford. A Hartford whose residents were taking charge.