A love of art inspires giving during and after a lifetime

June 2024 - Published in: 2023 Annual Report - In January of 2023, Louise Lauretano DeMars, a well-known figure in the Bristol community, passed away at the age of 78. She had a personality that was larger than life, and she had passion and talent for the arts. Louise was always promoting the arts in any way she could, and she was a mentor to many. Upon her passing, Louise left a bequest in her will to continue her legacy through a fund at Main Street Community Foundation. The Louise Lauretano DeMars Love of Art Fund will continue her passion while inspiring future artists by granting them stipends, giving them the opportunity to pursue their artistic creativity more freely while honing and refining their skills. In order to fully determine how to utilize this unique fund to its full potential, MSCF staff has met with local artists to determine how to best fulfill Louise’s intent. These conversations are ongoing, but will no doubt lead to an exciting new grants to be awarded in the coming years – and forever.

Louise’s contributions and commitment to building the arts and culture community as well as the museum industry were seen throughout her life and career. Most notably in the greater Bristol community, her 28-year tenure as the Executive Director of the New England Carousel Museum established the museum as a national tourist destination. She was also a valued member of many organizations and associations over the course of her career, including the American Alliance of Museums, the Bristol Downtown Revitalization Committee, the Mayor’s Committee on Art and Culture, and the Connecticut Commission on the Arts.

While Louise always supported the Foundation and the local community, it was through relationships that she built throughout her life that led her to leave a generous bequest to assist local artists. This new and distinctive fund will continue her legacy and inspire others to follow their passion in the arts just as Louise did.