The grand opening of the exhibit ‘Under One Roof: RESILIENCE, a collaborative art experience’ is Thursday, May 8, and will remain on display at the Mandell JCC in West Hartford through June 27, 2025.

Grassroots Jewish Women of Connecticut working on their canvas for the Under One Roof exhibit. Courtesy image

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This spring, more than 30 community organizations are coming together to share powerful stories of hope, endurance, and unity through art.

The Mandell Jewish Community Center is proud to announce the grand opening celebration of Under One Roof: RESILIENCE, a collaborative art experience on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Chase Family Gallery, located at 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford.

This inspiring, free community event marks the official opening of a powerful exhibit that runs from May 6 through June 27, 2025. The exhibit features vibrant artworks created by organizations across Greater Hartford, each interpreting the theme of resilience through their unique lens.

“Resilience is the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity,” said David Jacobs, President and CEO of the Mandell JCC. “Through art, we come together as a community to reflect, to heal, and to celebrate our collective strength.”

Connecticut Humane Society dogs creating their mini canvases for the Under One Roof exhibit. Courtesy image

Each piece in the exhibit tells a story – of perseverance, hope, and the enduring power of connection. Among the highlights: The Heart of a Dog by the Connecticut Humane Society, features 63 unique paintings created not by people, but by shelter dogs. These colorful, joyful mini-masterpieces capture an unfiltered glimpse into the resilient spirit of animals awaiting new homes.

At the same time, a deeply moving piece by Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services (IRIS) shares the layered journeys of immigrants from Ukraine and Albania. Their canvas, alive with vibrant textures and rich symbolism, reflects the courage, adaptability, and hope woven into the immigrant experience – and the strength that blossoms when communities come together to build new beginnings.

Left, Achilles International CT; Middle, BBYO Connecticut Valley Region Right, CREC Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Half-Day Program. Courtesy image

“We have been blessed to participate in Under One Roof since its beginning,” said Amanda Delaura, Director of Advancement for Interval House. “The journey of envisioning and creating a collaborative art piece with our clients is inspiring and wonderfully healing – reminding us of the brilliant power of hope, optimism, and resilience.”

The event is free and open to all. RSVP at www.mandelljcc.org/tix.       

Under One Roof: RESILIENCE is generously supported by a grant from Ellen and Stuart Roth and sponsored by Liberty Bank.

For more information, please visit www.mandelljcc.org or contact Leslie Sax at 860-231-6455.

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