NIGHT FALL TRANSFORMS ICONIC HARTFORD LANDMARKS
CAFETERIA VISITS NIGHT FALL’S UPCYCLED ART EXHIBIT ICONIC HARTFORD TO DISCUSS COMMUNITY & COLLABORATION
Night Fall shines a bright light on Hartford’s vibrant creative culture, bringing together local artists and makers to engage with the city through creative projects and performances.
First founded in 2012, Night Fall evolved in 2020 to establish its Artistic Collaboration, creating community amongst creative minds of all backgrounds. The Collaboration is a team of artists spanning across various disciplines who are united by a deep love of Hartford. Driven by the motto, “everyone is invited,” Night Fall champions all forms of artistic expression, embodying a rich tapestry that mirrors Hartford’s diversity. Night Fall continues to find new ways to bring art beyond the stage and weave it into everyday life. Its beloved annual outdoor public performance not only showcases the creative breadth of Hartford, but encourages the audience to interact as well. The production features original writing, costumes, choreography soundscape, giant puppets, resulting in a fully immersive experience. “Night Fall's legacy of celebrating art, artists, and nature brings intergenerational audiences together every fall to not only watch a show but to learn, feel and play together, no matter who you are. We each have unique stories to tell and deserve the opportunity to feel seen and heard,” Night Fall Board President Jeanika Browne-Springer shares.
This winter, Night Fall collaborated with 224 EcoSpace to display their latest creative homage to Hartford. Created by artist Sam Ferri with support from the fabrication team and community members for Night Fall’s 2025 performance, the selection of upcycled artwork evokes Hartford’s rich history and unique energy. Iconic landmarks like Heaven Skate Park and Bushnell Park’s Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch are reimagined as dynamic papier-mâché pieces. The artistic amalgamation of disparate found items come together to form the most widely recognized parts of the city, mirroring the collaborative efforts it took to establish Hartford as it stands today.
Continue scrolling for a peek into Night Fall’s upcycled art exhibition, Iconic Hartford, and to learn more about the organization’s dedication to artistic expression, collaboration and community.
CAFETERIA: What led you to collaborate with 224 Ecospace?
Jeanika Browne-Springer: I've admired the work Andre is doing to curate the EcoSpace by uplifting local artists and reached out to inquire about the process for hosting our own exhibit. All of these pieces from the October production were at the studio just leaning against a wall and with a generous furniture donation pending I thought it was divine timing to get the pieces out the studio and into the public eye to kick off the new year. It's so interesting to see the details up close in a way you couldn't before as the pieces danced onstage. I wanted to celebrate Sam Ferri, the fabrication team, and community members that collaborated together to make them. The art now gets to have a second chance at life.
Can you speak to the importance of upcycling not only in art, but in daily life?
Jeanika Browne-Springer: All of the pieces were created from found recyclables, whether that being an empty box from a friend's new furniture purchase, carpet tubes, packaging from a commercial store or leftover fabric. Instead of contributing to landfills or littering the streets where we live and work, we make art and encourage conversations about our collective memories of the city and its beautiful buildings or gathering spaces.
Can you share a bit of insight into the curatorial process?
Jeanika Browne-Springer: I credit Andre's curatorial eye for selecting which pieces would make this journey, but also uplifting the voices of the artists and show director Hannah Simms for all the brainstorming in the fall about which Hartford sites were the most iconic and should be made into props for the production. We had great discussions during the writing process about which signs or buildings you see first when crossing the bridge, which landmarks indicate you've reached a new neighborhood, and what sculptures only exist in Hartford.
What value do organizations like Night Fall add to communities? Why is it important to offer accessible ways to engage with art and culture?
Jeanika Browne-Springer: Night Fall's legacy of celebrating art, artists, and nature brings intergenerational audiences together every fall to not only watch a show but to learn, feel and play together, no matter who you are. That is the power of art, and we hope to continue encouraging creatives to explore new ideas and residents to find new ways to work together for good. We each have unique stories to tell and deserve the opportunity to feel seen and heard.
What are some ways people can get involved with Night Fall?
Jeanika Browne-Springer: You can volunteer in the studio or at our events. You can donate to and share our fundraising links to support paying artists. You can follow us on social media.