Meet Christiane O'Brien, President of the Manchester Art Association

has been very busy recently helping to organize several art related events in town.

As part of , the Manchester Art Association sponsored the 39th annual “Art in the Park” event and held their first artist's forum during the Manchester 2020 planning process.

O'Brien also made the window panels that were painted to and organized the event at the Broad Parkade. On June 30th The Manchester Art Association opened their summer exhibit at the MCC New Space Gallery and along with the Manchester Arts Commission inducted four people into the Manchester Arts Hall of Fame.

Timothy Becker: Christiane, what is the Manchester Art Association all about?

Christiane O'Brien: The Manchester Art Association is a 501C3 non-profit organization bringing artists and the community together since 1950. We have monthly meetings with artist demonstrations that are free and open to the public on the third Wednesday of the month from September to May at the Arbors at 403 W. Center St. We exhibit at Manchester Memorial Hospital, Town Hall, Kathrine's Hair Design at 695 Main St. and at the New Space Gallery at Manchester Community College. We also host the “Art in the Park” event on the first Sunday in June in Center Park which includes a juried art show for members.

Timothy Becker: You are also an appointed member of the Manchester Arts Commission. What are the duties of the Commission in addition to advising the Manchester Board of Directors?

Christiane O'Brien: The Manchester Arts Commission was initiated by the Manchester Board of Directors in 2001. It replaced the former Arts Council. The composition of the membership includes two members of the public, a member representing the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Manchester Library Board, Manchester Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission, Manchester Board of Education, and Manchester Community College. The mission is to encourage community-wide participation in development and appreciation of artistic and cultured activities in the Town of Manchester.

Timothy Becker: What was the purpose of the held in June?

Christiane O'Brien: We brought the idea to the Manchester 2020 planning forum. We thought that arts and culture should be part of the plan. The idea was to get information from the public as to what should be done in the future planning for quality of life and the arts in Manchester. Art has a tremendous economic impact on the community.

Timothy Becker: You are also involved with the Silk City Film Festival?

Christiane O'Brien: I am the art director for the event that will be held in October. The event has grown since the first one held in Manchester in 2008. Next year the event will be held at several places in Hartford. The Wadsworth Atheneum has become a major sponsor. The name will not change and there will still be a connection to Manchester. The proceeds will still be donated to MARC Inc. and the HDI Foundation.

Timothy Becker: What other art related ventures are happening in Manchester?

Christiane O'Brien: On June 30 we held the 6/30 at 6:30 event at the New Space Gallery at Manchester Community College. The event combined the Manchester Art Association summer exhibit with the Manchester Arts Commission Hall of Fame and Celebration of the Arts. We inducted four people into the Hall of Fame: Steven Cassano, Donna Fitzgerald, Lois Haun in memorium, and Bill Dwyer.

Timothy Becker: What is coming up in the future for the Manchester Art Association?

Christiane O'Brien: MAA has been around since 1950. We award scholarships at MCC and at “Art in the Park.” Things have grown over the years. I have just been informed that we will have an office at the Community Y on North Main Street. We plan on having an open house for the public this fall. We will have space for workshops and we will finally have space to preserve the history of the Manchester Art Association.