Card game organizers gathered at the unveiling: Jennifer Pressman (canasta), Gerry Stein (bridge), Barbara Alfinito and Lisa Stein (canasta) and Mario Sa Couto (bridge) – Photo Westport Journal
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker addresses the crowd of 25 – Contributed photo
WESTPORT–The Westport Arts Advisory Committee, Westport Center for Senior Activities and Friends of the Westport Center for Senior Activities joined together on the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 12.
They gathered in front of the WSCA to celebrate the unveiling of a new piece of public art, “Queen of Hearts,” by Carole Eisner.
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker gave a moving speech about how much joy it brings her every time she walks by one of the five sculptures she has helped install across the town during her tenure.
Eisner, the artist, lives in Weston. She said she created “Queen of Hearts” in 1997 by “welding together scrap metal pieces, sourced from local junk yards in Connecticut.”
Though Eisner did not admit to being inspired by playing cards, the WSCA hosts a number of card-playing groups, according to the Director, Wendy Petty. “Bridge and canasta are very popular,” she said. Westporters looking to learn bridge or hone their skills can do so Monday mornings and afternoons (beginner and intermediate) and Wednesday mornings (advanced).
Singer Suzanne Sheridan wrote a song for Meisner and the sculpture; poet laureate Donna Disch wrote and recited a poem.
The Friends of the Westport Center for Senior Activities covered all costs related to the art and its installation.