Body & Soul: A New Exhibition at the Housatonic Museum of Art Opens September 22

The Housatonic Museum of Art is pleased to present Body & Soul: prints, paintings, photographs and sculpture from the Ben Ortiz and Victor P. Torchia, Jr. Collection. The collection, curated by Ben Ortiz, features 50 pieces of figurative art in a variety of media that tell fascinating stories of independence, discovery, achievement, loss, love and hope, each in their own extraordinary way. The exhibition runs from September 22 through October 23, 2016. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, September 22nd from 6-7:30pm at the Housatonic Museum of Art, located at 900 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport, CT. The reception will include a performance by the David Childs Jazz Trio; all are welcome and encouraged to attend

The Ben Ortiz and Victor Torchia, Jr. art collection includes an array of incredible works by American and international artists. The pieces are diverse in representation of art periods, art movements, mediums and techniques. The 50 works of art included in the exhibition are a gift to the Housatonic Museum of Art from Mr. Ortiz and Mr. Torchia, Jr., and are a tribute the memory of Mr. Ortiz’s brother, John Eloy Ortiz (1966-2008), who would have celebrated his 50th birthday this year.

“We are honored to receive the Body & Soul collection, these pieces explore figurative art in rich diversity,” said Robbin Zella, Executive Director and Curator of the Housatonic Museum of Art. “Through their varied expressions of the individual, these artists raise questions about who we are and how we view each other. We are grateful to Mr. Ortiz and Mr. Torchia, Jr. for this generous gift.”

Mr. Ortiz attended Housatonic Community College, and previously held the position as Curator at the Housatonic Museum of Art. During his tenure he recognized the rapid growth of the Hispanic population in Bridgeport and celebrated their contributions to the arts. His lifelong passion for collecting art began at age 12, when he was drawn to purchase an etching on paper at a Bridgeport tag sale for 50 cents. The work turned out to be created by Edith Nankivell (1896-1962), an American etcher and painter who exhibited in New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Boston during the 1930’s and 1940’s, and the piece will be included in the exhibition.

About the Housatonic Museum of Art

The Housatonic Museum of Art (HMA) is home to one of the premier college art collections in the United States. Its collection offers students and the community alike the opportunity to view works that span the history of art from the ancient to the contemporary. Unique to the Housatonic Community College campus, this permanent collection is on continuous display throughout the 300,000 square foot facility, offering a rare opportunity for both art enthusiasts and casual observers to view and interact with the art on a daily basis. Visit www.hcc.commnet.edu/artmuseum/ to learn more.