Former schoolmates reunite for ‘Take a Bow, Hartford’ photo exhibit at Butler-McCook House

Photographers Cecil Hudson and Andy Hart will present a joint photography exhibition this August through November at the Aetna Gallery in the Butler-McCook House & Garden located at 396 Main Street, Hartford, CT. The show, “Take a Bow, Hartford,” is free to visit and focuses on the vibrant performing arts in the Capital City, primarily live music and dance.

Both photographers attended the now-closed Saint Justin’s School on Blue Hills Avenue in Hartford, with Hudson graduating in 1975 and Hart in 1976. Hudson and Hart took up photography later in life, the former to capture his children’s athletic activities, the latter as part of his job as a reporter for the Glastonbury Citizen. Both quickly improved their skills behind the lens and became part of the small circle of semi-professional photographers who regularly document local events.

The two former schoolmates were reunited when they found themselves crouched next to each other while photographing the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz a few years ago. “Between performances, we discussed our shared passion and hopes of one day collaborating on a photography show. So, we were more than happy to seize the opportunity to partner with the Butler-McCook House & Garden this summer to make the show a reality,” said Hudson and Hart.

Owned and operated by the nonprofit organization Connecticut Landmarks, the Butler-McCook House & Garden is the only 18th-century home remaining on Hartford’s Main Street. To complement the historical pieces of art in the historic house museum, the Aetna Gallery showcases the work of local artists. Discover the exhibitions taking place this year at www.ctlandmarks.org/event/hartford-art-exhibits

“Take a Bow, Hartford” is scheduled to open on Thursday, August 14 at 5 pm. The opening reception will coincide with Butler-McCook House & Garden’s free Sunset Sounds Concert Series performance by Dan Pugach Nonet featuring Nicole Zuraitis, both Grammy Award-winning Connecticut musicians. Held on the second Thursday of each month between June and September, the concert series features acclaimed jazz musicians and takes place on the lawn of the Butler-McCook House & Garden. The most accessible entry point is at the rear entry at 59 S. Prospect Street, Hartford, CT. More information about the Sunset Sounds Concert Series can be found at www.ctlandmarks.org/events/tag/sunset-sounds

The exhibition will be open during the museum’s open tour days on the first Saturday of the month between August and November from 1 pm–4 pm, as well as during the Sunset Sounds Concerts and other museum programs. Questions about visitation should be directed to Jana Colacino at jana.colacino@ctlandmarks.org.

Cecil Hudson

Cecil Hudson is from the North End of Hartford. He graduated from Holy Cross College and earned an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. After working for Coopers & Lybrand, Cecil held various leadership positions at Cigna, Prudential Retirement, and UnitedHealth Group.

In the community, Cecil has volunteered for various non-profit boards, has led organizations such as IMPACT of Greater Hartford, and recently joined the Board of Directors for Hands on Hartford. Passionate about helping others, Cecil is launching Coaching & Development Insights (CDI) in late 2025, with a focus on mindset, leadership, and executive coaching.

Cecil began his photography career by shooting his kids’ sports teams and went on to capture a wide range of high school and college sports. In 2014, he founded his photography firm, C’Douglas Images, LLC, and currently shoots fitness and bodybuilding competitions. He loves capturing music concerts and has worked notable events such as Farm Aid and the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz. A devoted father of four, he enjoys strength training, traveling, and protecting his peace.

Andy Hart

Andy Hart was born and raised in Hartford’s Blue Hills neighborhood. After graduating from Fairfield University with a degree in history and only the vaguest notion of what to do with it, he worked first as a cook at Hartford Golf Club and then as an advertising copywriter at Harland, Tine & White in Downtown Hartford.

In 1989, he began his journalism career as a reporter/photographer for the Glastonbury Citizen. Three years later, he moved to the Hartford News, where he now serves as graphic designer and photographer. Over the years, Andy’s photography skills have developed considerably, particularly after he realized taking photos was a lot more fun than writing articles!

He has had solo exhibitions of his photos at Hartford Public Library, Real Art Ways, Parkville Art Gallery, and Riverfront Recapture. His photos have also been featured on various Hartford websites and publications and on outdoor banners promoting the city. Andy has lived on Franklin Avenue in Hartford’s South End for over 30 years.

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Former schoolmates reunite for ‘Take a Bow, Hartford’ photo exhibit at Butler-McCook House