Year 4: Leather Canvas

Artist in Residence for Year 4:

Winfred Rembert Jr.

Leather Canvas

The fourth year of Cultivating Connections (CC) is now underway with a fresh prosocial approach. This has grown from a multi-generational expertise and a passion for expressive leather-based art. The skill and care being shared by Winfred Rembert, Jr. (Artist in Residence) beautifully amplifies the heart of CC as a platform to celebrate human experiences through the lens of relationships between people, place, and plants.

Participating members of the community cohort this year will work with leather as a medium of art creation. This program year will culminate on May 16, 2026, with a community celebration showcasing a collaborative mural and bracelet creations that symbolize unity, resilience, and environmental stewardship.

Special thanks to Emma K. Lewis for supporting the year 4 CC program efforts as lead volunteer cohort member.

NEXT SESSION: Virtual session with members of the cohort focused on community and environment.

Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 12pm.

Online (zoom)

Link will be given to those who register for the zoom option.

Explore the art of leather carving with guidance and creative mentorship from Winfred.

SCHEDULE FOR THE REMAINING COHORT SESSIONS

(Schedule is based on students' progression; all classes are currently planned for noon):

February 28
March 12
March 26
March 28 (make-up class day)

May 16 - Celebration event.
- Our celebration event occurs within the national "Go Public Gardens Days" (May 10 - 19th)

November 2025 - May 2026

About Winfred Rembert, Jr. and Tamu Rembert

Winfred Rembert Jr. is an artist, lecturer, and the Executor of the Rembert Estate LLC. He has lectured at museums across the country and at academic institutions such as Tufts University, Andrew College, and Worcester State. Locally, his talks have reached audiences at Yale University, Wesleyan, Gateway Community College, and NXTHVN,.Winfred is proudly carrying on the legacy of his father, acclaimed artist Winfred Rembert Sr., by preserving his work and expanding the reach of the Rembert Estate.

Tamu Rembert plays a key role in the day-to-day operations of the Rembert Estate. She also leads and assists with art-on-leather workshops, where she teaches various techniques, prepares materials, maintains creative spaces, and supports event administration. Tamu is an ambassador of the Hamden Chamber of Commerce and serves as co-chair of its Women in Business Network as well as the Chamber Business Networking II (CBN II).

Year 4 Schedule Notes.

All sessions at 12 noon.

Meeting in person/hybrid at Whitney Cultural Commons OR all online.

February 28 (Zoom): Tooling & additional skills to learn.
March 12 (In person): Participants develop narrative sketches contributing to the mural theme.
March 26 (Zoom): Mixed-media creation and preparation for final showcase.
March 28 (Make-up class - tentative, zoom): Tooling & additional skills to learn.

April–May, culminating May16: Final Phase: Bracelet Collaboration, Reflection & Community Showcase: Participants complete bracelet collaborations, engage in reflective dialogue, and prepare for the May16th culminating celebration and mural reveal.

Completed Cohort sessions:

December 16 (In-person): Introductory discussion about the leather tooling and painting experience for this 4th year of Cultivating Connections. With Winfred and Tamu.
January 29 (In-person): Leather tooling and painting session; Winfred provides carving guidance and creative mentorship.
January 31 (Zoom): Guided art and discussion on emotional expression through imagery and color.
February 12 (In-Person): Hands-on mural and leather art development focused on community and environment.
February 26 (Zoom): Virtual creative discussion on art as a reflection of transformation and community care.