Arts Advocacy Awards

The Middletown Commission on the Arts celebrated Arts Advocacy Days Tuesday March 31 by honoring the work of the Art Guild of Middletown (group) and Peter Loffredo (individual). Members of the Guild and Loffredo's family and friends filled the Boney's Music Lounge space above Fishbone Cafe, enjoying libations and light refreshments while awaiting the presentations by Commission Chair Fran Ganguli and Mayor Sebastian Giuliano.

(above, Chairperson Ganguli and Mayor Giuliano present Peter Loffredo his Advocacy Award.)

The Mayor was candid in his comments about the importance of the arts in Middletown and how budget restrictions will (not "would" or "might") have an impact on local arts groups and artists in the coming years. He said it was incumbent on on all the citizens of the town to "step up and support the arts." Fittingly, today (April 1) is the day he presents the 2009-10 budget to the Common Council and no one will be fooled by the cuts that have to made in the face of the economic downturn.

That said, the event was fun, a time of networking, seeing old friends and enjoying the lovely afternoon - there's a nice porch off the back of the lounge and the Cafe will soon have outdoor seating on the lower level. Thanks to several artists from the Art Guild who brought paintings to not only brighten the surroundings but also illustrate the fine work that they do.