On Tuesday, June 6, in partnership with the Connecticut Art Trail, The Westport Library’s Verso University will launch an exploration of the art museum landscape in Connecticut.

Connecticut Art Trail President and longtime Westport resident Carey Weber will present an overview of the organization’s mission and member museums, illustrating the world-class cultural vibrancy that exists throughout the state.

This initial program will take place from 2 to 3 pm on June 6, in the Brooks Place program room on the Library’s main level, adjacent to the Sheffer Art Gallery. Registration is available here.

Verso University is the Library’s lifelong learning and education initiative, serving up year-round offerings of classes, workshops, and lectures designed to further education and learning. Offerings run the gamut of educational opportunities, ranging from one-time lectures to ongoing courses to classes that meet weekly or perhaps monthly.

“This collaboration reinforces our goal with Verso University, which is to provide a valuable regional resource where our patrons can explore new interests and gain insight and knowledge from other members of the local community, the experts among us who have so much to teach — to an audience eager to learn,” said Bill Harmer, Westport Library executive director.

For its latest endeavor, Verso University will bring individual curators and museum directors from the CT Art Trail membership to the Library. Participants will have the opportunity for deeper learning — gaining an insider’s view of the museums, their collections, and history, along with an invitation for an on-site visit.

On July 12, the newly appointed director of the Housatonic Museum of Art, Jennifer Reynolds-Kaye, will present an overview of the Museum’s 7,000-piece collection and upcoming exhibits. (The museum was founded by the late Burt Chernow, a Westport resident and professor emeritus at Housatonic Community College, as well as the husband of renowned Westport artist Ann Chernow.)

Then, on August 2, the director of the The Weir Farm National Historic Site will present an overview about Weir Farm, the only national park service site dedicated to American painting, and the home to three generations of American artists.

The Connecticut Art Trail is a nationally recognized partnership between 23 world-class museums and historic sites, created to promote Connecticut’s rich cultural assets to residents and visitors.

Carey Weber is the Frank and Clara Meditz Executive Director of the Fairfield University Art Museum. She currently serves as president of the Connecticut Art Trail and as the Connecticut representative for the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries.

***

Verso University programs are made possible by the generous support of the Nancy J. Beard Lifelong Learning and Education Fund.