On May 9, 2015, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum will open a new exhibition entitled, Childhood Portraits: Our Children, Our Future, in collaboration with the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists (CSOPA) and Stepping Stones Museum for Children. This exhibit opens on May 9, 12-4 p.m. and runs through June 28 at LMMM, 295 West Ave., Norwalk, CT. The Opening Reception will be held on May 9, 2015, 3-5 p.m. Free admission with a complimentary tour of the Museum’s first floor at 4 p.m. RSVP by May 4. General Admission May 9-June 28, 12-4 p.m.: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6, 8-18.

“The mission of The Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists is to educate the public about this classic art form,” said Jeanine Jackson, CSOPA Founder and President. “We are excited to partner with The Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum and Stepping Stones Museum for Children. Together, we bring 21 original portraits of children by 21 professional artists into public view. Many of the participating families never dreamed of such an opportunity. We know the children will be thrilled to see themselves in the magnificent museum on opening day.”

From Ancient Greece’s depiction of deities to Andy Warhol’s celebrity portraits, not to mention today’s selfie craze, the art of portraiture has been a part of society since its inception. This exhibit will explore this enduring artistic form with portraits of children created exclusively by CSOPA members after a “Matching Event” which was held on November 15, 2014 at Stepping Stones Museum for Children. At this event children also explored the art of self-portraiture under the guidance of CSOPA artists and Stepping Stones educators. Stepping Stones Museum for Children’s Executive Director Rhonda Kiest said, “Stepping Stones is honored to be a part of this collaborative project with the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum and the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists and we look forward to the exhibit opening on May 9 with great enthusiasm.”

The exhibit, Childhood Portraits: Our Children, Our Future is sponsored in part by generous funding from LMMM’s Founding Patrons: The Estate of Mrs. Cynthia Clark Brown, and the Museum’s Distinguished Benefactors: Klaff’s, Xerox Foundation, and The Maurice Goodman Foundation.

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a National Historic Landmark. For more information on schedules and programs please visit: www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, e-mail [email protected], or call 203-838-9799.