Experience Art Like Never Before with Digitized Collections
Bridgeport, CT –The Housatonic Museum of Art is excited to unveil its newly designed website, a vibrant portal that transforms how art is experienced online. With a bold, fresh color scheme and a user-friendly interface, the website invites visitors on a journey through the museum's prestigious art collections.
The highlight of the new website is a vibrant portal to the museum’s collections database offering art lovers a chance to explore one of the largest community college art collections in the United States from anywhere in the world. This feature provides high-resolution images and even some fascinating curator insights into select pieces, enhancing understanding and appreciation of the art. The digital gallery, featuring over 7,000 beautifully photographed paintings, is now accessible through Connecticut Collections (CTCo) and connects globally via the Digital Public Library of America.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services GSM-251447-OMS-22. Further support from the CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant, provided by CT Humanities with funding from the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts, has been instrumental.
In addition to the technological enhancements, conservation efforts have been invigorated by a $25,000 grant from the Apple Pickers Foundation, allowing the Museum to preserve and restore critical artworks by notable artists like Isamu Noguchi and Richard Artschwager. This initiative ensures that the integrity and visual splendor of these pieces continue to inspire.
"We are thrilled about this launch of the website; it allows visitors and enthusiasts from anywhere in the world to view our wonderful collections. While the site elevates the visitor experience it also acts as a dynamic extension of our mission to educate and inspire through art,” Jennifer Reynolds-Kaye, the museum's director, shared her enthusiasm. “Everyone is invited to explore the new site and truly immerse yourself in the vibrant world of art!”
The launch of the new website is part of the museum's ongoing initiative to enhance accessibility and engagement through innovative digital platforms. All are welcome to visit the new website to discover the beauty and history featured within the virtual collections.
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About the Housatonic Museum of Art
The Housatonic Museum of Art, located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, boasts one of the most significant art collections of any two-year college in the United States. Established in 1967, the museum has provided educational opportunities through its collection and exhibitions, fostering an appreciation of fine art, and promoting the study of arts and culture.
About Institute of Library and Museum Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant
This CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant is provided to the Housatonic Museum of Art from CT Humanities (CTH), with funding from the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) from the Connecticut State Legislature.
About Connecticut Humanities
CT Humanities (CTH) is an independent, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. CTH connects people to the humanities through grants, partnerships, and collaborative programs. CTH projects, administration, and program development are supported by state and federal matching funds, community foundations, and gifts from private sources. Learn more by visiting cthumanities.org.
About the Connecticut Office of the Arts
The Office of the Arts is the state agency charged with fostering the health of Connecticut's creative economy. Part of the state's Department of Economic and Community Development, the Office of the Arts is funded by the State of Connecticut and the National Endowment for the Arts.
About Connecticut Collections / Connecticut League of Museums
Connecticut Collections (CTCo) is a project of the Connecticut League of Museums (CLM) that makes Connecticut's museum and archival collections more accessible to the public through affordable cloud-based collections management for institutions and a public research portal, ctcollections.org. With over 50 member institutions and growing, CTCo is the hub for museum collections across the state. System enhancements and migration support for new organizations have been provided through grants from Connecticut Humanities and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. For more information about CLM, visit www.ctleague.org.
