Printer Friendly Version - Promoting the Arts in Branford: BACA Membership Drive

One notable Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance offering in the past year was a free exhibit of images captured by noted Yale University photographer Michael Marsland of Branford. The summer weekend exhibit was at Branford's Academy on the Green.Pam Johnson/The Sound

In less than a year's time, the Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance (BACA) has helped bring more exposure to the arts into the community. Now, the non-profit is transitioning to a membership organization and a drive is on gather members in order to continue its mission.

Annual memberships of $20 will help BACA retain insurance and create a "solid financial base" in order to continue to bring free experiences with the arts in Branford for the public to enjoy, said Frank Carrano, co-founder of all-volunteer BACA.

"Over the past 16 months, we have organized and presented numerous free art and photography exhibits in Branford. We estimate that over 1000 visitors participated in our events and over 50 artists were afforded opportunities to exhibit their art. This would not have happened without the efforts of a few dedicated supporters," said Carrano. "We realize that in order to continue to expand and grow, we need a solid financial base. We are a newly minted non-profit but still need insurance coverage in order to use any town or private building."

Free BACA events such as last summer's monthly photography exhibits at the Academy on the Green, an architectural historian's guided tour of Branford's historic churches last fall, an exhibit of 22 local artists at Orchard House in February and a display of Veterans' Art at Branford Arts Center in April are among community programs developed and presented by BACA in the past year.

BACA also motivates local artists to continue to produce work to share with the community. Right now, BACA and Branford Art Center are co-sponsoring a "Beautify Branford Event," inviting artists to paint symbols of this coastal community on trash cans to be displayed during Branford Festival (June 17-19); then used on the Branford green throughout the summer. 　Artists will gather produce their art during the first week in June (artists -- there's still time to participate; Yvonne Gordon-Moser at (860) 334-4642 or email

Carrano appeals to those who have a sense of appreciation for BACA's "important role" in the Branford community to become a member now, for an annual fee of $20. Checks payable to BACA may be sent c/o P.O. Box 345, Branford CT 06405.