33 Years of Creative Excellence in Hartford, CT

Connecticut State Capital Community College once again welcomed the Hartford National Arts Program Exhibit. We are so grateful that they open their doors to an inspiring showcase of local talent, welcoming artists from across the community each year. With 33 years of partnership with the National Arts Program, the Community Renewal Team (CRT) has grown this exhibit into one of the program’s most enduring host venues.

This year’s exhibit drew 133 artists submitting works for display, a remarkable turnout that speaks to the deep roots the program has planted. The diversity of the participant pool was equally striking, spanning every age group and experience level. Seventeen adult amateur artists showed alongside 40 adult intermediate and 36 adult professional artists, while the next generation of creative voices was well represented: 13 youth artists aged 12 and under and 27 teen artists between the ages of 13 and 18 took part.

Coordinator Ilana Bernstein, whose dedication has been central to the exhibit’s success, helped orchestrate every detail of the event, ensuring a welcoming and professional experience for artists and guests alike. Their celebratory awards reception, held on March 18, 2026, drew an estimated 200 guests. It was a lively gathering of artists, family members, colleagues, and community supporters who came together to honor the remarkable works on display. 

CRT also embraces the digital dimension of the exhibition with enthusiasm.  They promoted the exhibit across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and CRT’s own website, amplifying the reach of the event far beyond the campus and helping connect their community with the broader national movement celebrating art in the community, and beyond.

Thirty-three years is not just a number it is a legacy. Community Renewal Team has spent over three decades weaving the National Arts Program into the fabric of its community, year after year creating a space where creativity is celebrated, talent is recognized, and the transformative power of art is made visible to all. The National Arts Program Foundation is proud to have CRT as one of its partners and looks forward to many more years of collaboration ahead.