Fairfield, CT - Be the first to see the large-scale photograph taken at Fairfield’s beloved beachfront over a 24-hour period last August at the Fairfield Museum’s Gala Preview Party on April 28, 7-10pm. The unveiling of JENNINGS BEACH, FAIRFIELD, DAY TO NIGHT will be one of the highlights of the Museum’s festive gala, which is chaired by Fairfield residents Jen Hinkle and Sylvia Neigher. Tickets are available online at Fairfieldhistory.org/event/day-to-night/
Stephen Wilkes of Westport is renowned for his amazing “Day to Night” works, in which he shoots breathtaking landscapes, portrayed from a fixed camera angle for up to 30 hours to capture fleeting moments over the course of a full day night. An exhibition of these widely recognized photographs will also open that evening. Wilkes’ works are included in the collections of the George Eastman Museum, Houston Museum of Fine Arts, the Jewish Museum, Library of Congress, Museum of the City of New York, 9/11 Memorial Museum and numerous private collections. His photography has also been featured in leading publications such as the New York Times, Vanity Fair, National Geographic and many others.
JENNINGS BEACH, FAIRFIELD, DAY TO NIGHT was commissioned by the Saft family in memory of Marcia Saft, a longtime supporter of the Fairfield Museum. The photograph will become a part of the Museum’s permanent collection and prints, notecards and other items featuring the photograph will also be available from the Museum Shop.
Guests at the Gala Preview will enjoy hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Matt Storch of Match Restaurant, Match Burger Lobster and NOM EEZ as well as live music by Chris Coogan. Cocktails will be provided by Litchfield Distillery and wine by Josh Cellars. The party is generously sponsored by Brody Wilkinson PC, Roland & Co., Friends of Marcia Saft and the Kleban and Roberts Families. The media sponsor is Moffly Media/Fairfield Living Magazine.
The gala also marks a homecoming for Wilkes, as the Museum is celebrating the 10thanniversary of its IMAGES photography exhibition, and Wilkes was the very first featured photographer, ten years ago.
“Now in its 10th year, the IMAGES exhibition has become one of the premier photography exhibits in Connecticut, and we are tremendously delighted to welcome back Stephen Wilkes, who was our first featured photographer a decade ago, to share his extraordinary Day to Night work,” said Mike Jehle, Fairfield Museum’s Executive Director. “We are also honored to dedicate this year’s event to the memory of our beloved former Board member Marcia Saft, and are grateful to the Saft family for commissioning Wilkes’ newest work, JENNINGS BEACH, FAIRFIELD, DAY TO NIGHT.”
"It's going to be a fantastic evening,” agreed event co-chair Jen Hinkle. “What could be better than viewing world-renowned photography while enjoying Matt Storch's incredible cuisine?"
The co-chairs said they are thankful to the event committee, which includes Sandy Altieri, Betsy Auray, Lisa Callahan, Sally Cummings, Amy Desel, Elizabeth Fath, Ann Franzen, Ellen Gould, Joyce Hergenhan, Andrea Hoffman, Sharon Lauer, Jill Littig, Catherine Mackay, Missy Palmisano, Robin Phillips, Georgiana Platt, Karen Sanger, Finley Shaw, Kim Smith, Patti Spaght, Denise Stone, Anna Taylor, Gay Tice, Polly Tucker and Bette Wilkes.
“In addition,” said Neigher, “we are deeply grateful to the family of Marcia Saft, whose devotion to the Fairfield Museum helped to make it one the most exciting learning centers in the region.”
About the Fairfield Museum & History Center
The Fairfield Museum & History Center, located at 370 Beach Road, is open seven days a week, 10am-4pm. Members of the Museum and children under 5 are admitted free. For more information, call 203-259-1598 or visit Fairfieldhistory.org. The Fairfield Museum relies on funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Museum is especially grateful for leadership support from the State of Connecticut, Town of Fairfield and Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.
Caption: Members of the Gala Committee (left to right): Ellen Gould, Kim Smith, Co-Chairs Jen Hinkle and Sylvia Neigher, Ann Franzen, and Sandy Altieri