Donor Spotlight: Sabina and Harlan Stone

Longtime supporters Sabina and Harlan Stone were inspired to deepen their connection to The Aldrich after a 2020 visit, leading them to support the Sculpture Garden renovation. As collectors, they value the Museum’s role in introducing them to artists like Tim Prentice and LaKela Brown and cherish the community it fosters.

Q You've been long-time supporters of The Aldrich and recently contributed to the Museum’s newly renovated Sculpture Garden. What motivated you to invest in this specific project, and how do you see it enhancing the Museum experience for visitors?

A We have always admired and respected The Aldrich; however, during the initial COVID closures, we were really looking for a museum to visit on Father’s Day weekend of 2020, and it just so happened that The Aldrich had decided to re-open to members on that very weekend. We were so excited to get out of the house and have such a wonderful place to see art in such a special setting again, we immediately became members. Shortly thereafter, we decided The Aldrich is our “local hero” in the art and culture sphere, and we wanted to really increase our support.

As we have become more and more engaged with The Aldrich and its exemplary staff and leadership, we became enamored with the Sculpture Garden project, and knew that the visitors would have a brand new experience in the reinvented space. Although the site is set right in the center of town, the experience celebrates so much of what Connecticut has to offer and why people should travel up to Ridgefield to see it.

Q As collectors of contemporary art, how do you approach curating your own collection? Are there any specific themes or artists that you gravitate toward, and how has your experience with the Museum influenced or shaped your collection?

A We have a diverse holding of artworks by a great variety of artists from all backgrounds and forms of expression. The best way to grow such an eclectic collection is to visit contemporary art museums (like The Aldrich), go to art fairs, and visit art galleries. We are delighted to say that we have gained much from our visits to The Aldrich, most notably an outdoor sculpture we commissioned by the great Connecticut artist Tim Prentice, who we only learned about by visiting The Aldrich. In addition, we not only learned of the amazing artworks of LaKela Brown from The Aldrich, but also have gotten to know her personally from an event at the Museum and consider ourselves friends as well as collectors of her art.

Q Your continued support and involvement with the Museum have made a significant impact. Looking back on your time as donors and members, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your relationship with the Museum, and what are your hopes for its future?

A It is always the people who make the difference in any organization or enterprise. I am referring to the leadership of The Aldrich from Cybele and Amy, to Holly and Kris, as well the people on the Board with the leadership of Diana. They make things not only interesting, but also exciting and engaging. We know what a wonderful experience it is to be at the Museum and in the Garden, but it’s really meeting the artists, hearing what they have to say, and interacting with the people who both put forward the work and also those who are there to enjoy it.

The best example of this is last June when Harlan’s company was holding their Annual Summer Solstice Meetings, and he decided that for their Thursday afternoon “adventure” they would bring the whole team (over 75 people) to The Aldrich for a day of inspiration, workshops, and just plain fun. The response was fantastic and everyone loved being there, seeing new things, and getting inspired by the creativity, innovation and sheer beauty of what they saw and experienced. Bravo to The Aldrich!!