What we do
Litchfield has always been a wonderful place to visit and live. The Litchfield Arts Council was established in 2021 by Sustainable Litchfield, to further their mission ‘to improve the town’s economic well-being, equity, and respect for the finite capacity of our natural environment’ by showcasing and promoting our extensive artistic community. We are now bringing the creativity and vibrancy that lives throughout our neighborhood to light, making it an even more engaging and lively place to enjoy.
Our mission is to build awareness, accessibility, and opportunities for the public to experience arts and culture.
It is our vision that Litchfield, CT will be known as a vibrant center that supports the arts in all its forms.
Who We Are
Robert Kwalick
Co-Chair/President
Currently the Executive Director of Bantam Cinema & Arts Center, Robert has an extensive background in live theater, holding an MFA in Acting, and a Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration. Robetr serves on the Board for Goshen Players and has directed countless plays across a twenty year career running independent high school theater programs.
Kerry Burns
Co-Chair/President
Kerry Burns is a data analyst during working hours and hobby artist in her spare time. She’s had a passion for photography since childhood, and has been experimenting exclusively with film for the last few years. She also enjoys hands-on crafting, mainly crocheting and quilting. She loves making items for friends and family, especially baby blankets and sweaters.
Thomasina Levy
Treasurer
Thomasina Levy, Connecticut State Troubadour (2005/2006), is a poet and internationally recognized, award-winning musician who has led workshops and performed throughout the U.S. and Europe. She is a Teaching Artist mentor who leads workshops in music and poetry to help students discover their own creative sparks. Thomasina is a Mentor and Certified Arts Trainer in the 6 Principles of Nonviolence through the Connecticut Center for Nonviolence.
Michele Murelli
Secretary
Michele Murelli received her BA from Albertus Magnus College and MA in Art Psychotherapy from Lesley University. She self-published The Art is Powerful Medicine Coloring Book in 2015. Michele has a Professional Educator’s license in Art Education. She established Art Tripping, a Litchfield-based nonprofit.
Courtney Murray
Social Media
Courtney Murray is a professional photographer and New England lifestyle blogger. She graduated from Cazenovia College with a BA in Fine Arts with a concentration in photography and journalism. She found her true passion for photography when she documented her first wedding while she was still in college. Her photography is described as candid, emotional, editorial and timeless. When she is not photographing weddings and lifestyle sessions, you can find her travelling all over New England and beyond taking photos and writing for her New England lifestyle and travel blog.
Suzanne Ribando
Design
Suzanne has been a resident of Litchfield for six years and loves all artistic endeavors, especially interior design. She is a design consultant by day and works on her own paintings, drawings, and poetry at night. When not working, she also volunteers at various organizations such as Hollister House Garden, Trade Secrets, and local animal rescues.
Barbara Buono
Arts Supporter
Barbara Buono, Esq., is a supporter of the arts and a retired legislator. Previously the Majority Leader of the New Jersey Senate, Barbara was also on the arts council in Metuchen, NJ. She has previously served as a board member or director of several non-profit organizations, including the Nature Conservancy, Emerge Oregon, and the Young Women’s Leadership Program at Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute.