Thursday, June 4, 2026 - Friday, July 10, 2026
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Every person carries a unique strength to offer the world, and the greatest gift is sharing that power with the next generation. Over four months, student artists learned important lessons from everyday heroes—people who shape Bridgeport’s communities and beyond. They make a positive impact on the next generation of youth through their roles as mentors, coaches, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and more. This exhibition honors these secret superheroes who make the world a better place. Inspired by the lessons that they learned from these dynamic individuals, the student artists created photographs, paintings, and sculptures for the exhibition under the mentorship of Tyese Williams and Brandon Smith, as well as Tatum Dunn, Christine Orlando, and Priscilla Igram of The Studio Fairfield.
The exhibition features original artworks by Jasmine Acevedo, Jermel Allen, Phillip Brockenberry, Alex Echevarria, Israel Gonzalez, Madicyn Johnson, Jaylynd Leon, Carlos Marcolino, Nacirema McKenna-Evans, Juan Medina, Jeremiah Nembhard, Alexandra Pascoal, Lemaire Santana, Carlos Walker, Noah Womack.
The exhibition is presented in partnership with the Housatonic Museum of Art and Catalyst CT. Exhibition made possible by the generous support of The Eileen Harris Norton Foundation. Special thanks to Milford Photo.
Special thanks to Fary Palacios, Owner of Diamond District Barber Shop; Marvin Verano, Student Barber at Diamond District Barber Shop; Melissa Perez-Constantine, Mentor at Catalyst CT The HUB; Carolina Garcia, Mentor at Catalyst CT; Brandon Clark, Executive Director at Park City Music Hall and Park City Presents Program; Charlie Grace, Owner at Iron Lion MMA; Thyhason Adams, Association Coach at North End Tennis Association Coach and BPS School Security; Frank Oleynick, Coach/Mentor at Future Stars Basketball Academy; Kashia Diaz, Chef at KD Gastronomy, Consulting LLC; Vita Palmeri, Chef at Vita Pasta Lab, LLC; Steve Valez, Student Leader at Ansonia High School; Angelica Mercer, School Security at Bridgeport Board of Education; the Staff of Cesar Batalla School, Bridgeport, CT; Harry Bell, Outreach Worker at Catalyst CT and Color a Positive Thought; Diana Silva, Owner of Queen D’s; Efrain Silva, Founder/Owner of El Morivivi Restaurant; the Staff of Bijou Theater, Bridgeport; Aniby and Berto of The O Tree Barbershop; and Central High School.
Free and open to the public.
Lafayette Hall, CT State Housatonic (900 Lafayette Blvd)
About Catalyst CT
Established in 1985, Catalyst CT is the only nonprofit provider in Connecticut that combines direct service, community capacity-building, public policy, and advocacy under one roof. As a trusted partner, we work restoratively alongside our neighbors to tackle the toughest challenges—eliminating gun violence, reducing mental health stigma, combating substance misuse, and dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline. To learn more, visit our website catalystct.org.
