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Gala Transforms Fairfield Museum Into Artisan Studio

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The Fairfield Museum was transformed into an autumnal artisan studio for its recent gala. 

State Sen. Tony Hwang, second from right, was a guest bartender at the Fairfield Museum fundraiser.

State Sen. Tony Hwang, second from right, was a guest bartender at the Fairfield Museum fundraiser.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Some of the volunteers who helped organize the Fairfield Museum gala on Oct. 24.

Some of the volunteers who helped organize the Fairfield Museum gala on Oct. 24.

Photo Credit: Contributed

With weavers, a glassblower, a woodworker and local musicians on hand, about 150 guests enjoyed An Artisan Evening, an extraordinary event complete with artisanal fare, specialty cocktails and the opportunity to support the museum’s education programs. 

In addition, longtime museum supporters Tom and Mary Hodgman were honored at the event. 

The gala also marked the opening of the museum’s newest exhibition, "Handcrafted: Artisans Past & Present" and raised funds for the museum’s educational programming. 

An “auction” led by museum Executive Director Mike Jehle allowed attendees to raise their paddles to directly fund field trips, school visits by museum staff and buses that bring students from underprivileged areas to visit the museum. 

Jen Hinkle of Fairfield, a museum board member, chaired the event. “It's easy to support a fundraiser that helps bring school children from underprivileged communities to the Fairfield Museum,” she said. 

Shaking up the cocktails behind the bar was celebrity bartender state Sen. Tony Hwang, a longtime friend of the Fairfield Museum. 

Artisanal fare was provided by Susan Kane Catering and included lobster rolls, specialty sliders and artisanal mac and cheese. 

The highlight of the evening was a presentation of the Gold Selleck Silliman Medal to Tom and Mary Hodgman. 

The medal commemorates an exemplary figure in the history of Fairfield and “is bestowed by the Fairfield Museum on a member of the community who through their life distinguishes themselves for their outstanding dedication to good citizenship," Jehle said. 

The medal is named for Brig. Gen. Gold Selleck Silliman, a prominent Fairfield patriot in the American Revolution. 

This year’s committee also included Sally Cummings, Ellen Gould, Andrea Hoffman, Sharon Lauer, Cathy Mackay, Georgette Pascale, Finley Shaw, Patti Spaght, Denise Stone, Gay Tice and Polly Tucker. 

The Fairfield Museum is at 370 Beach Road. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; $3 for students and seniors. Members of the museum and children under 5 are free. 

For more information, call 203-259-1598 or visit Fairfieldhistory.org

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