6/18/2026 - Community Spark Exchange: Art in Everyday Life - Culture, Connection & Community Creativity isn't confined to galleries, theaters, or museums. It can be found in gardens, kitchens, workshops, magazines, travel stories, and countless moments of everyday life. On Thursday, June 18, 2026, the Southbury Arts & Culture Alliance (SACA) will bring together five accomplished community members whose careers and passions demonstrate the many ways creativity shapes our daily experiences. The event, "Art in Everyday Life: Culture, Connection & Community," is the latest installment of SACA's Community Spark Exchange series and will take place from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Southbury Public Library's Brown Room. The evening will feature a moderated panel discussion exploring how creativity influences professional success, personal fulfillment, community engagement, and cultural connection. The program features an accomplished panel of local leaders, entrepreneurs, and storytellers: Helana Hoover-Litty: President, Southbury Garden Club Helana will share how gardening combines artistry, environmental stewardship, and community building, demonstrating how creative expression can flourish through nature and design. Nancy Monson: Travel Writer and Author Through her experiences documenting cultures and destinations around the world, Nancy will discuss the role storytelling plays in fostering understanding, curiosity, and connection. Ashley Lavallee: Owner, Save Your Scissors Ashley brings a unique perspective on craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, highlighting the artistry and precision involved in a highly specialized trade. Cathy Kleros: Owner, Southbury Baking Company Cathy will explore the intersection of creativity, tradition, and culinary arts, showing how baking can be both an artistic and community-centered endeavor. Danielle Hawthorne: Publisher, Neighbors Magazine and Chairwoman, Southbury Chamber of Commerce Danielle's work celebrating local businesses, community stories, and civic engagement demonstrates the power of communication and creativity to strengthen communities. Together, these women represent a diverse range of professions and experiences, offering unique insights into how creativity enriches everyday life and contributes to a stronger sense of community and belonging. The SACA Community Spark Exchange is a signature series of educational lectures and open-forum panel discussions designed to engage, inspire, and connect the Southbury community around creative and cultural topics. The series explores the intersections of arts, history, heritage, and community while highlighting local, regional, and national voices. Programs are intentionally interactive, combining educational presentations, moderated conversations, and audience participation to foster meaningful dialogue and learning. "Creativity is woven into our everyday experiences in ways that often go unnoticed," said Kristen Angell Iseppi, Spark Chair and SACA Secretary. "This event celebrates the individuals who bring creativity to their work, their passions, and their communities every day. We hope attendees leave inspired to recognize the creative spark in their own lives." ### Event: Community Spark Exchange: Art in Everyday Life - Culture, Connection & Community Event Date: 6/18/2026 Event Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Admission Fee: Free Registration Instructions: Visit www.southburyartsandculturealliance.org/spark Event Organizers/Contact: Southbury Arts and Culture Alliance (SACA) and Southbury Public Library Event Location: Southbury Public Library, 100 Poverty Road, Southbury, CT 06488 Archives
Creativity isn't confined to galleries, theaters, or museums. It can be found in gardens, kitchens, workshops, magazines, travel stories, and countless moments of everyday life.
On Thursday, June 18, 2026, the Southbury Arts & Culture Alliance (SACA) will bring together five accomplished community members whose careers and passions demonstrate the many ways creativity shapes our daily experiences. The event, "Art in Everyday Life: Culture, Connection & Community," is the latest installment of SACA's Community Spark Exchange series and will take place from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Southbury Public Library's Brown Room.
The evening will feature a moderated panel discussion exploring how creativity influences professional success, personal fulfillment, community engagement, and cultural connection.
The program features an accomplished panel of local leaders, entrepreneurs, and storytellers:
Helana Hoover-Litty: President, Southbury Garden Club Helana will share how gardening combines artistry, environmental stewardship, and community building, demonstrating how creative expression can flourish through nature and design.
Nancy Monson: Travel Writer and Author Through her experiences documenting cultures and destinations around the world, Nancy will discuss the role storytelling plays in fostering understanding, curiosity, and connection.
Ashley Lavallee: Owner, Save Your Scissors Ashley brings a unique perspective on craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, highlighting the artistry and precision involved in a highly specialized trade.
Cathy Kleros: Owner, Southbury Baking Company Cathy will explore the intersection of creativity, tradition, and culinary arts, showing how baking can be both an artistic and community-centered endeavor.
Danielle Hawthorne: Publisher, Neighbors Magazine and Chairwoman, Southbury Chamber of Commerce Danielle's work celebrating local businesses, community stories, and civic engagement demonstrates the power of communication and creativity to strengthen communities. Together, these women represent a diverse range of professions and experiences, offering unique insights into how creativity enriches everyday life and contributes to a stronger sense of community and belonging.
The SACA Community Spark Exchange is a signature series of educational lectures and open-forum panel discussions designed to engage, inspire, and connect the Southbury community around creative and cultural topics. The series explores the intersections of arts, history, heritage, and community while highlighting local, regional, and national voices. Programs are intentionally interactive, combining educational presentations, moderated conversations, and audience participation to foster meaningful dialogue and learning.
"Creativity is woven into our everyday experiences in ways that often go unnoticed," said Kristen Angell Iseppi, Spark Chair and SACA Secretary. "This event celebrates the individuals who bring creativity to their work, their passions, and their communities every day. We hope attendees leave inspired to recognize the creative spark in their own lives."
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Event: Community Spark Exchange: Art in Everyday Life - Culture, Connection & Community Event Date: 6/18/2026 Event Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Admission Fee: Free Registration Instructions: Visit www.southburyartsandculturealliance.org/spark Event Organizers/Contact: Southbury Arts and Culture Alliance (SACA) and Southbury Public Library Event Location: Southbury Public Library, 100 Poverty Road, Southbury, CT 06488