Improvisational Creativity for the Bennett Family

Lower School art teacher Sue Bennett 1973 and her husband, former Hamden Hall faculty member Dave Bennett, directed their creative efforts into a philanthropic undertaking as they participated in the 29th Annual Leonardo Challenge hosted by the Eli Whitney Museum.

The theme of the 2025 Leonardo Challenge was Landscape, which was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s first-known drawing depicting the landscape of the Arno River Valley made in the summer of 1473. For their piece, the Bennetts said they wanted to visually present a local landscape that was unique, fun, and timeless. Together, they created a mixed media piece that illustrated a painting of Sleeping Giant State Park within a wooden bear outline and fastened to a repurposed wood base.

Each spring, The Eli Whitney Museum hosts an auction and art challenge that raises funds for its scholarship and outreach programs. Local artists donate pieces that are auctioned off throughout the night as guests enjoy refreshments and entertainment. This year’s fundraising event took place on Thursday, May 15.

The Bennets have been actively participating in the event for 11 years. Mrs. Bennett noted that the event reinforces their love of art and helping others as the partnership with the Eli Whitney Museum is an integral part of the Lower School art program.