KENT, Conn. — The Merryall Center has received a $2,500 grant from the Union Savings Bank Foundation to support its Arts in Education Initiative, “Educating Through Storytelling: Creative Learning for Children in Our Community.”
The grant will help expand a program launched this spring at Kent Center School, where nationally acclaimed storyteller David Gonzalez engaged students through live performances and interactive storytelling experiences designed to foster creativity, literacy, and social-emotional learning.
The initiative reflects the Merryall Center’s commitment to extending its impact beyond the stage by bringing professional artists directly into local classrooms. Through artist residencies, performances, and hands-on learning experiences, the program seeks to inspire young people, support educators, and strengthen connections between the arts and the community.
“We are deeply grateful to the Union Savings Bank Foundation for its support,” said Paul Rajeckas, chair of the Merryall Center’s Education Committee. “This grant will help us build on the success of our pilot program and bring meaningful arts experiences to more students in our region.”
The award is part of the Union Savings Bank Foundation’s 2026 grant cycle, which distributed $693,000 to 80 nonprofit organizations serving communities throughout western Connecticut.
The Merryall Center also acknowledges the support of the Kent Lions Club and other community donors who have helped make the initiative possible.
In addition,the Connecticut Community Foundation awarded Merryall Center a $3,000 Arts & Culture Grant for its inaugural “To The Power of One —Theater Series.” The series will include four solo plays presented throughout Merryall’s 75th anniversary season.
The schedule for the series includes: June 27, “The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey,” written and performed by Celeste Lecesne; July 18, “Inheritance: A Litany,” written and performed by Janis Brenner; Aug. 22, “Anything Helps,” written and performed by Mark Lanham, and Sept. 19, “MOTHER (and me),” written and performed by Melinda Buckley.
Each work harnesses the transformative intimacy of one-person storytelling to explore urgent social needs: supporting LGBTQ+ youth; honoring intergenerational bonds; addressing homelessness; and illuminating the caregiving journey.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the Connecticut Community Foundation’s financial support,” says Merryall board member Dean Gray. “I’m proud and excited to be able to share these four incredible theatre artist’s work with this wonderful community, in our wonderful little theater. It’s a perfect venue for one-person plays.”
Tickets and additional information are available at merryallcenter.org
For more information about the Merryall Center and its Arts in Education Initiative, visit www.merryallcenter.org or contact Paul Rajeckas at prajeckas@merryallcenter.org