Darien Resident Appointed to Connecticut Arts Council

Submitted

Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) today announced that he has appointed Janet Dilenschneider of Darien to the Connecticut Arts Council.

“Our thriving arts community is something that sets Connecticut apart from other states and makes the Nutmeg State truly special,” said Sen. Duff. “Jan’s deep love of art and unparalleled commitment to supporting artists will be a true asset to the Council.”

The Connecticut Arts Council is established within the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) by Public Act 13-247 . The Council includes 13 volunteer members appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders for a maximum of two three- or four-year terms. The Council consists of 11 voting members and two members who serve in an ex officio, non-voting capacity. It is tasked with fostering and supporting the arts and establishing and managing a nonprofit foundation, the Connecticut Arts Council Foundation.

“The artists in Connecticut make a tremendous contribution to this country and the world, so it is a honor to serve on the Connecticut Arts Council that showcases these artists, poets, filmmakers and musicians,” said Ms. Dilenschneider.

Ms. Dilenschneider has had a deep involvement in the arts. She developed her love of painting from her mother, Betty Ellen Hennessey. In July 2013 she enjoyed a successful show at the Galerie Pierre-Alain Challier which was positively reviewed in the United States by publications such as Connoisseur Magazine, and in France by Le Figaro and other major newspapers. She has received awards from the National Academy of Design in New York City and the Silvermine Arts Center. She has studied with noted artists David Dunlop and Wolf Kahn.

Ms. Dilenschneider is known for her charitable efforts. She has been recognized with the Helen Gratz Rockefeller Award from Family Centers, Inc. in Greenwich, an organization which she chaired from 2004 to 2008. She received the Family Champion Award from the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies in 2013 and has served for nearly a decade on the Board of Catholic Charities of Fairfield County.

In 2014, in conjunction with the Internal Institute of Education, Ms. Dilenschneider developed the Scholar Rescue Program in the Arts, which provides fellowships and additional vital support for scholars whose lives and work are threatened in their home countries.