The 2026 Westport Fine Arts Festival jury panel consists of:

• Kathy Maher, Fine Art Painter, and Best in Show winner 2025

• David E. Gordon, Fine Art Painter, and Best in Show winner 2023

• John Harris, Fine Art Painter, and Award of Excellence winner

JURY PROCESS

The Westport Fine Arts Festival used the Zapplication platform to conduct the jury for the annual event. In 2026, 323 artists competed for 154 coveted spaces across 14 categories, making it one of the most selective festivals in the past five years. The artists come from 23 states and Canada: 27 are from Connecticut, and 7 are from our hometown of Westport. We are delighted to welcome 54 artists making their festival debuts. Artists submitted images of their work, which were scored on a scale of 1 to 5. Scores were then tabulated for each artist. The highest scores in each media category were invited to participate in this prestigious show. Congratulations to the 2026 artists who made the show!

The 2026 Westport Fine Arts Festival judges panel consists of:

Miggs Burroughs, Co-Founder of the Artists Collective of Westport, Westport, CT

• Miggs is a graphic artist and lifelong Westport resident whose award-winning artwork can be seen throughout Westport and beyond.

• Miggs has designed the town flag, public schools’ logo, Levitt Pavilion logo, and Tunnel Vision, among other projects, in Westport. The local works are among many other creations, including a U.S. postage stamp, TIME Magazine covers, the public access TV show “Miggs B on TV,” and a book of questions titled “What If?”

• Miggs graduated from Carnegie Mellon University and is a member of the Westport Arts Advisory, Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts Committees, and Artist in Residence at the Westport Library.

Louise Crowley, Art Collector, Westport, CT

• Louise is a lifelong appreciator, collector, and participant in the art world. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with concentrations in painting and sculpture and continued her artistic development through studio art classes at the Silvermine Arts Center.

• Louise founded and operated the former American Classics Art & Antique Gallery in downtown Westport, combining her passion for fine art, antiques, and community engagement. She regularly attends auctions, gallery openings, Art Basel, and international art exhibitions both in the United States and abroad.

• Louise believes that art speaks to everyone in different ways and is passionate about encouraging creativity and artistic expression within the community.

Lonnie Quinn, Chief Meteorologist at CBS News, Westport, CT

• Lonnie is an Emmy Award–winning television personality, broadcaster, and longtime supporter of the arts and community events throughout Fairfield County.

• Before transitioning into broadcasting and meteorology, Lonnie began his television career as an actor on ABC’s All My Children and NBC’s Santa Barbara, experiences that helped develop his passion for performance, communication, and live audiences. His background in both entertainment and broadcasting has made him a familiar and energetic presence at community events, charitable initiatives, and cultural celebrations.

• Lonnie is an active supporter of the Westport Downtown Association and frequently participates in local arts and charitable events.

• Lonnie graduated magna cum laude from Boston College and is a strong advocate for creativity and community engagement.