Fairfield University Art Museum Breaks One-Day Visitor Record with Community Ice Cream Social

Fairfield University Art Museum Breaks One-Day Visitor Record with Community Ice Cream Social

The event marked a fond farewell to the Peter Anton exhibition "Just Desserts" at the Fairfield University Art Museum, Walsh Gallery, which closes July 27.

Media Contact: Susan Cipollaro, scipollaro@fairfield.edu, 203-254-4000 x2726

The Fairfield University Art Museum is delighted to announce a historic achievement: a record-breaking 837 visitors in a single day! This milestone, set during our special Community Ice Cream Social event, marks the highest single-day attendance in the museum’s history. The record-setting day featured the whimsical exhibition Just Desserts, showcasing Peter Anton’s outsized, hyper-realistic sculptures of sweets, including ice cream cones, cakes, and confections.

Peter Anton, who was present for the event, is renowned for his innovative approach to sculpture, employing materials such as wood, metal, plaster, resin, and a range of paints to create his monumental desserts. Anton’s work encourages viewers to reflect on their relationship to food, evoking memories and nostalgia associated with childhood favorites. The exhibit will next go to Germany and then New York City.

“It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and record community turnout for Peter Anton’s exuberant sculptures, and for this fun summer ice cream social,” said Fairfield University Art Museum Executive Director Carey Weber.”

On a hot summer day, visitors of all ages enjoyed the exhibition, complimentary ice cream, and blowing bubbles, making it a memorable occasion for the local community. The event not only highlighted the museum’s dedication to providing accessible and enjoyable cultural experiences, but also underscored the growing appreciation for the arts in our community.

The Fairfield University Art Museum remains committed to fostering a dynamic cultural and educational environment, and looks forward to continuing its mission of inspiring and engaging visitors with its diverse exhibitions.

About the Artist

Peter Anton (American, b. 1963) is celebrated for his unique and captivating sculptures. His work has been featured in solo exhibitions globally, including at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, Netherlands’ Museum Jan van der Togt, and numerous other prestigious venues. His art is represented in distinguished private, corporate, and museum collections worldwide, including those of Steven A. Cohen, Keith Richards, the Jordanian Royal Family, and President Bill Clinton.

Posted On: July 26, 2024

Volume: 56 Number: 5

Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 36 states, 47 foreign countries, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are enrolled in the University’s five schools.  In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.