Business Supports the Arts by the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut

The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut today announced the recipients of its 2026 Business Supports the Arts Awards, to be presented at the organization’s signature annual event, the Business Supports the Arts Awards Luncheon, on Friday, October 9, 2026, at The Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury.

“Every year, this luncheon reminds us that the strength of our region’s culture depends on people and businesses who choose to show up for it. This year’s honorees embody exactly that,” said Lisa Scails, Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut.

This year’s honorees are:

Linda T. Hubbard — Mary Rindfleisch Heart of the Arts Award. Recognized for her long-standing volunteer leadership, mentorship of artists, and sustained contribution to arts and culture in the region.

Cotton Candy Fabrics & Quilts — Arts Impact Life Award. Recognized for its role as a creative business that fosters participation in the arts through quilting, workshops, exhibitions, and arts-based philanthropy.

John Frey — Distinguished Cultural Leadership Recognition. Recognized for his contribution to Connecticut’s cultural landscape through leadership that helped advance and establish the state’s Cultural District framework during his tenure as State Representative for Ridgefield.

Hildi Grob — Distinguished Cultural Leadership Recognition Recognized for her distinguished leadership and lasting impact on regional history and culture through many years of service at the Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center.

The Distinguished Cultural Leadership Recognition is presented at the discretion of the Cultural Alliance’s Board of Directors to honor individuals whose sustained leadership has created lasting, transformative impact on arts, culture, and community life. It is not awarded annually.

This year’s luncheon will also feature keynote remarks from Fil Cerminara of F&M Electric, with Michelle McCabe, Executive Director of Connecticut Main Street Center and Chair of the Connecticut Arts Alliance, serving as Honorary Chair.

“I travel to communities throughout Connecticut in support of downtowns and main streets and I’ve seen firsthand how the arts are often the spark that brings people back together,” McCabe said. “The Business Supports the Arts Awards Luncheon is that spirit in action, business and creativity showing up for each other, in service of a stronger Greater Danbury. I’m honored to stand alongside this year’s honorees and help celebrate what’s possible when we invest in each other.”

The Business Supports the Arts Awards Luncheon is the Cultural Alliance’s signature fundraising event, with a 2026 goal of raising $50,000 to sustain and grow arts and culture programming across the region. The event will also feature a silent auction and a Fund-the-Mission giving segment.

This year’s Luncheon is made possible with generous support from our top sponsors: Setaro Law Firm; Glori and Adam Norwitt; and RMedia.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 Business Supports the Arts Awards Luncheon are available at https://cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/cawct.

About the Cultural Alliance The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut connects artists, businesses, educators, municipalities, and residents to strengthen communities through arts and culture across the region. Major funding provided by DECD CT Office of the Arts. Learn more at www.cawct.org.