What We’ve Supported
The following arts organizations and projects have received funding from the Arts Commission for events and outings. Visit our Funding Opportunities page for arts funding criteria and application.
Apple Festival 2025
For the third consecutive year, the Commission has funded the New Milford Apple Festival. In 2025, we supported the hiring of Pete and Mike Performances, that specializes in kids’ magic tricks and balloon twisting. This family-friendly event is one of New Milford’s fall highlights.
Barn Quilt Trail
The Commission sponsored two of the nineteen designs on the New Milford Barn Quilt Trail. The quilt block designs, which honor New Milford's agricultural history and America's quilting tradition, can be viewed on historic barns throughout New Milford.
Candlewood Movie
The Commission supported Amerikana Films with expenses incurred locally in producing the movie "Candlewood," a thriller based on local legends and directed by New Milfordite, Myke Furhman. The movie premiered in New Milford in January 2024.
Derek Piotr – Folklorist
On April 16, 2024, at the library the Commission on the Arts supported an evening with folklorist Derek Piotr. Derek archives folksongs, poetry, memories, interviews, and tales, showcasing the rich heritage of Litchfield County and many other parts of the world. Guests of the event experienced magical moments as he shared the stories of community members from near and far.
Gallery 25 – New Display Panels
In May 2025, the Commission approved funds for eight white display panels for Gallery 25 to display art, ceramics, and jewelry. They allow the Gallery to update their interior to a more professional appearance without impacting the historic nature of the building.
Harden House Museum at Harrybrooke
The Commission provided funds to restore two paintings at the Museum: a copy of Holbein’s “The Merchant Gisze” and Alvin F. Lee’s “Portrait of Woman with Red Rose.”
Intergalactic Beets Project
The Commission recently approved funds for the Intergalactic Beets Project, a multi-media art, music, and story telling experience. It collects and preserves vinyl music from across the universe. On June 28, 2025, it will begin a week-long exhibition in New Milford of more than 250 songs, art pieces, memorabilia, artifacts, and interactive elements for al ages.
Merryall Arts Center
In June, the Commission sponsored Merryall Center's presentation of “Merryall Tales,” a curated evening of seven Moth Grand Slam/Story Slam winners who have also been spotlighted on PBS’ Stories from the Stage.
Merryall Center 2025
Merryall Center, a long time cultural hub in New Milford, received support from the Commission in 2025 to present Notes from the Motherland, a play about a boy’s search for the truth about his parents’ World War II past.
Merwinsville Hotel Restoration Glass Orb Art Hunt
The Commission funded the purchase of 100 glass orbs which Merwinsville hid at cooperating museums and other art-linked locations. This community-wide arts hunt is free to the public.
New Milford Historical Society
The Commission sponsored a talk, “Litchfield County and the Civil War,” by Peter Vermilyea. It was based on his book which included much information about New Milford resident David Soule.
New Milford Riverfest sponsored by the Riverfront Revitalization Committee
The Commission contributed to the entertainment for this fest which takes place in October on Young’s Field, along the banks of the Housatonic River. The two-day free event offers live music and entertainment, food trucks, beer and wine garden, arts and crafts vendors, and children’s activities.
New York Pops Kids in the Balcony Program
In April, the Commission enabled the Silo at Hunt Hill to bring fifty New Milford kids to Carnegie Hall to the New York Pops Gala Performance celebrating the life and contributions of Clive Davis.
Sherman Chamber Ensemble
The Commission voted to support a performance by the Sherman Chamber Ensemble to recognize International Music Day. The event features retellings of favorite stories like The Story of Ferdinand and Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. Sing-alongs and a "show and tell" classical performance round out the free June 21 program at TheatreWorks NM. The NWCT Arts Council and the Town of NM also sponsored the event.
Funding Opportunities
The New Milford Commission on the Arts funds and encourages the development and appreciation of artistic and cultural activities which include but is not limited to theater, visual arts, literature, and music.
