ArtBits - October 28, 2010

October 28, 2010 by Dick.

VOTE!

Tuesday’s election means another chance to choose representatives who understand (and support) the vital role the arts play in our communities. If you don’t vote, the trick you get will not be a treat. Read more…

CALL FOR MUSICIANS

Be a part of the Festival of Trees. Read more…

ON STAGE LIVE

The St. Albans Free Library invites kids to wear costumes. The Burnham Hall Music Series presents the Will Patton Ensemble. Rumble Doll is back and Franny O’s has them. The Overtime Saloon presents the Rock and Roll debut of Justice. St. Albans hosts the annual Pumpkin Lighting with music and crafts. Franklin County Home Health hosts the annual Blue Jean Ball. Read more…

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Artbits - May 13, 2010

May 13, 2010 by Dick.

SUE TESSIER DAY

Sue Tessier has been an active participant in the arts and in the community all of her life. Her friends will host a Sue Tessier Day Celebration and benefit at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Read more…

ON STAGE LIVE

The Opera House at Enosburg Falls invites you to a student production of The Boy and the $1000 Pants at the Enosburg High School Auditorium. Tammy Fletcher brings Mountain Girl to at the Bee’s Knees. It is a full Counterpoint weekend with Darling Buds of May. This is Young Tradition Weekend with events featuring young singers, players and dancers performing folk and traditional styles. The Village Tavern hosts Open Mic. Chow Bella offers Music to Dine By. Read more…

YET ANOTHER TAX

The Vermont House and Senate negotiating committee and the governor all signed off on “Challenges for Change” yesterday. The bill may include a new sales tax on tickets to events presented by non-profit organizations like the All Arts Council. Read more…

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Artbits - May 6, 2010

May 6, 2010 by Dick.

LET’S DANCE

First Step Dance hosts a Community Dance to benefit the Ellie Bilodeau Memorial Fund in the Georgia Elementary School “big gym.” Read more…

ART ON THE WALLS

The Art of Action Online Auction closes tomorrow. The Artist In Residence Gallery spotlights Robin Massey, Leesa Mossey, Lyna Lou Nordstrom, Holly Spier, and Nick Rosato. Read more…

ON STAGE LIVE

On the Rise Bakery presents an Evening of Music with Jim Branca & Friends. The Vergennes Opera House presents the Champlain Philharmonic Orchestra with Iain MacHarg. The Church Street Concert Series presents the Will Patton Ensemble in Lennoxville. Young Tradition presents John Doyle at Higher Ground. The Good Times Cafe presents Larry Baione with Anna Patton. And the B.F.A.-St. Albans Music Department will present Vivaldi’s Gloria. Read more…

FOOD FIGHT

The food was good — visitors stood in line — but too expensive at the Maple and Greek festivals and the music stage stood silent too much of the time. Read more…

Posted in Editorial, Dance, Art & Exhibitions, Music, ArtBits | Print | 1 Comment »

Keeping Your Arts Alive

December 28, 2009 by Dick.

Public and private contributions to the arts dropped again this year. Popular programs like the Summer Sounds series depend on municipal appropriations. And school art programs are primarily funded by the increasingly strained property tax.

Art is an economic engine but it is far more than a retail sale or a paycheck.

If you read my arts column regularly, we have looked at a boatload of cultural economy numbers. The data shows that Vermont cannot afford to lose the Arts. The Arts boost school test scores. The Arts improve our sense of community. And it doesn’t hurt that a painting or photograph, an original song, a well-staged play, or a warm book on a cold winter day all bring light to our lives.

More than that has happened this year. Artists have done more. Artists have shared more art and more resources this year, from donations to United Way to music at the Cap Cancer Blues Fest and much more. Artists have been generous with their time, their talent, their product. Artists are concerned about their community.

The All Arts Council is the only all-volunteer Local Arts Service Organization in the state. Your  year-end gift to the AAC is both tax-deductible and will go entirely to programming. Your planned 2010 sponsorship will help us continue the programs and our support for other arts groups. Please email or call me (802.868.3351) for more information or to donate.

Happy New Year!

–Dick Harper

Posted in Editorial, Creative Economy, News | Print | 1 Comment »