HARTFORD, Conn. (September 15, 2008) -- The Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism (CCT) will host several art exhibits in its downtown Hartford Gallery this fall and winter, showcasing Connecticut artists statewide and featuring artwork significant to the state and its culture and tourism strategic initiatives.

"There is tremendous artistic talent in Connecticut and, from this group, we are seeing an emergence of artwork that is reflective of the CCT mission and statewide efforts in the areas of art, film, historic preservation and tourism," said Karen Senich, executive director of the Commission on Culture & Tourism. "In displaying and sharing this imaginative art, the CCT Gallery is offering increased exposure for deserving artists as well as a cultural and educational venue for Connecticut residents and visitors to develop a more profound appreciation of CCT through visual expression."

"OneThing: Part of Governor Rell's Energy Vision for a Cleaner, Greener State"
CCT Gallery Exhibit Dates: September 12 - October 3, 2008
This exhibit features artists whose works are inspired by the OneThing concept of energy conservation and green living. The OneThing exhibit, on display at the CCT Gallery from September 12 - October 3, includes several sculptures and two-dimensional artworks created from recycled and environmentally-friendly materials along with artworks that engage the OneThing theme. Artworks from this exhibition along with others will be on display at the OneThing Conservation Expo, at the Connecticut Convention Center, October 10 - 12. The OneThing Expo will highlight the many "OneThings" citizens can do to save energy and protect the environment.  For information, visit www.onethingct.com. Closing reception: October 3, 2008 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

"Touring Connecticut"
CCT Gallery Exhibit Dates: October 16 - December 5, 2008
This special exhibit will feature Connecticut artists and their personal views and interpretations of various locations, landscapes, events and architecture throughout the state. The images will extend beyond the traditional tourism visuals familiar to many. Offering new and unexpected perspectives of the state, this exhibit can further enlighten Connecticut residents and visitors about the wonders of the state and provide inspiration for future getaways. Reception: November 6, 2008 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

"Lost and Found: Fragments Assembling Realities"
CCT Gallery Exhibit Dates: December 18, 2008 - February 6, 2009
This exhibit is dedicated to Fellowship Artist recipients who have received recognition from CCT for their artistic works. The pieces featured in this exhibit are expressions by artists who sift through their cultural, visual and physical surroundings to create new moments and objects from the collected fragments. These works assemble new realities through assorted ephemera, found photographs, dryer lint, personal memories and other compelling components. The "Lost and Found" exhibit will run from December 18, 2008 - February 6, 2009. Closing Reception: February 5, 2009 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

The Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism's Gallery is dedicated to promoting cultural enrichment and understanding of its four divisions: Art, Film, Historic Preservation & Museums and Tourism. The CCT Gallery is located at One Constitution Plaza (2nd Floor), Hartford, and is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Note to Editors: Photo of the "OneThing" art exhibit is available upon request or at http://dev.pitacomm.com/net2ftp/. Username: cctmedia; Password: y9lpqs1h.

About the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism
The Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism brings together tourism, film, historic preservation and the arts. Its mission is to preserve and promote Connecticut's cultural and tourism assets in order to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of the state. The Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism is located at One Constitution Plaza, 2nd floor, Hartford, Connecticut. For more information, log on to www.cultureandtourism.org.

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Contacts:
Karen Senich
Executive Director
Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism
(860) 256-2727 (Leigh Johnson)

Jenny Smith/Kathleen Stevens 
Pita Communications
(860) 293-0157, exts. 15/25
jenny@pitacomm.com
kstevens@pitacomm.com