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Westport Public Art Collections

The Westport Public Art Collections ("WestPAC" for short) is a cultural asset of our town, with over 1,800 works of art in a broad range of media—paintings, watercolors, drawings, prints, illustrations, cartoons, photographs, sculptures and murals—and by notable American artists, giants of the international art world and important artists who established their homes and studios in the Westport-Weston community.

The WestPAC Committee displays original works of art from the collection throughout Westport's school and town buildings—hallways and lobbies, libraries and classrooms, offices and conference rooms—to create visually stimulating learning and work environments.

By observing fine art first-hand and every day, students, educators, staff and residents can pursue their own path of enjoyment and discovery.

Take a look at what these Greens Farms School students have to say:

Or

FLIP through the pages of our catalog below to learn about our history and view some of the masterworks: 

What comprises the Westport Public Art Collections?

WestPAC's Artworks—acquired primarily through gifts, mostly given by the artists themselves or donated by heirs and collectors — are catalogued in these 3 primary collections:

  • Westport Schools Permanent Art Collection (WSPAC)

In 1964 Westport Public Schools educator Burt Chernow founded this Collection, entrusted to the Board of Education, with the vision that original art be a daily part of the educational environment of every student.

Burt Chernow at Greens Farms School, c. 1964, and Eric Von Schmidt, Giants of the Blues series

  • Town of Westport Art Collection

This collection, entrusted to the Town, includes original works of art intended to support and promote the artistic and cultural heritage of Westport.

Hardie Gramatky, Compo Beach with Figures

  • Westport Works Progress Administration (WPA) Collection

The federal art programs of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal economic recovery plans included murals and other artwork commissioned for Westport’s town and school buildings. Today, the Town of Westport is the steward of these federally owned works, most of which have been restored.

Robert Lambdin, Pageant of Juvenile Literature