The Housatonic Museum of Art in Bridgeport–home to treasures by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder, Alex Katz and more–said today that it has received a $70,000 donation from the Werth Family Foundation.

A long-time benefactor of the museum, the Werth Family Foundation currently sponsors the Werth Family Foundation Student Docent Program, which introduces Bridgeport students to art, architecture and art history, teaches them to look at art critically, and provides them with an opportunity to develop visual, analytical and leadership skills. To date, the program has served over 4,000 students in 17 Bridgeport schools.

With this gift, the Foundation supports the museum’s programming, exhibitions and the preservation of its collection. It also provides essential funding for marketing efforts and new projects such as video interviews of the artists and donors that have contributed to the collection since its inception in 1967.

“This award is an important investment in sharing and exploring our arts and cultural heritage with those that live in and visit our region,” said Museum Director, Robbin Zella. “With this support, we can continue to provide engaging programming and educational opportunities, while also expanding our presence as a great learning resource.”

The museum is planning for its grand re-opening on Thursday, September 5th with an exciting new exhibit entitled, Close to the Line: Mari Rantanen and Kirsten Reynolds. The museum has been closed for renovations since last summer.

To learn more about the Housatonic Museum of Art, please visit www.HousatonicMuseum.org or call (203) 332-5052. The museum is located on the Housatonic Community College campus at 900 Lafayette Boulevard in Bridgeport, CT. Images to accompany this release: Peer Docent Program.jpg Caption: The Werth Family Foundation Student Docent Program teaches Bridgeport students to become ‘experts’ about area architecture and to share their knowledge with classmates. AWharhol.jpg AGorky.jpg PPicasso.jpg Caption: A sampling of works in the Housatonic Museum of Art Collection: Warhol, Flowers, 1970; Gorky, Still Life with Fruit, 1928; Picasso, Picador with a Broken Nose, 1960.