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The Bennett Family Creatively Imagines the Possibilities of Water

Lower School art teacher Sue Bennett 1973 and her husband, former Hamden Hall faculty member Dave Bennett, fostered both their artistic and philanthropic efforts as they participated in the 30th Annual Leonardo Challenge hosted by the Eli Whitney Museum.
Each spring, the Eli Whitney Museum hosts an auction and art challenge that raises funds for its scholarship and outreach programs. The event took place on May 14 with donations from local artists that were auctioned off throughout the night as guests enjoyed refreshments and entertainment.

The theme of the 2026 Leonardo Challenge was Water as DaVinci closely studied the subject matter and his painting reflected his observations. The artists were challenged to depict, ponder, or produce a reflection on water for the art auction. For their piece, the Bennetts created a multi-media piece titled Whimsical (Water) Wheel that incorporated wood, paint, rocks and ribbons together in harmony.

The Bennetts have been actively participating in the event for 12 years. Mrs. Bennett noted that both she and Dave enjoyed the process and being a part of a larger artistic community that supports and helps the Eli Whitney Museum. 
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Hamden, Connecticut 06517
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Hamden Hall Country Day School, located less than two miles from Yale University, is one of the best private schools in Connecticut to enroll elementary, middle, and high school students. Our nurturing and inclusive community provides a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.