Editor’s Letter:

Welcome to the first issue of The Hartford Arts Pages.

The HAPs’ goals are simple: to celebrate local creators, to expose more people to art, to encourage people to make art and to buy art locally. All of the artists in these pages sell original works – and many also make exclusive merch like t-shirts, mugs, and other items perfect for any price point. Check out the Artist Index in the back for contact info. 

Why create a new arts paper in Hartford? Simple: the city deserves it; so do the artists of the region.

Hartford has all the elements for a robust arts scene: grit, determination, originality. These are the elements that make a city dynamic, too. If Hartford leaders and residents want our city to attract visitors and new residents, they must embrace and uplift the arts and artists, including through affordable housing and livable neighborhoods.

An unofficial theme of this debut issue is “art as healing”. That’s appropriate for our nation and our city. Hartford is far too often looked down upon by people, especially folks who enjoy our arts but leave without supporting the city’s businesses. If that sounds like you, please take a few extra hours during your next visit to explore our businesses and arts spaces. Don’t be afraid – we don’t bite.

The Hartford Arts Pages’ physical paper will publish quarterly (for now), but we’ll update our website with exclusive content each Friday. 

Business owners, The HAPs will be selling ad space – a rarity these days. Support this paper, help us pay contributors, and increase your brand awareness by reserving space now. 

To everyone, thank you for reading. Send us tips. Send us art. Send us love.

    – Andrew Belonsky, Founder and Editor (andrew@thehartfordartspages.com)