Featured Stories

Seven Vermont artists were invited to show pieces of their choosing in the Spotlight Gallery beginning November 9, 2018. When one asked if there was a theme, the answer was "fill your wall with work you love." The stunning result is "7Women 7Walls." The work they love is made with fiber, encaustic painting, collage, and frottage. The mood is bright, solid, and outspoken; the colors are rich. Here is more about the artists and the way each approaches her work. Read More

The Weston Playhouse Theatre Company has operated in the heart of Weston since 1937. In September 2017, funded by a $13 million capital campaign, the company opened a new space on an historic farm at the north end of the village. At that time, Producing Artistic Director Steve Stettler explained, “We will, of course, continue to offer great summer shows in the Weston Playhouse, but this project will allow us to extend our reach.” The additional building was made to accommodate shows that need flexible space, to expand the season, and to provide a place for other community events. Read More

The Vermont Arts Council, in association with the Governor’s office, recognizes outstanding individual and organizational contributions to the arts each year. Awards are given to educators, artists, performers, advocates, administrators, volunteers, and scholars. Honorees this year include two sculptors, a cartoonist, a photographer, a musician, and a poet. The Council will be recognizing the contributions of these Vermonters in five different categories during a celebration held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, November 14 at the Vermont State House in Montpelier (accessibility information). There is no admission fee, but we ask that you RSVP. Read More

Leo Vazquez is a leader in creative placemaking and cultural competency — two currently hot fields in urban planning. He has decades of experience in community development and community engagement. He facilitates small groups, fosters local economic development, develops leadership, and publishes strategic communications. He’s the winner of national awards and has written for professional and general-interest publications. A bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and advanced degrees in planning from the University of Southern California have enabled him to navigate shifting personal priorities throughout his career. When asked what inspires him right now, his answer is quick and direct: Read More

Original drawings for eight of David Macaulay's publications hang in the Spotlight Gallery until November 2. Macaulay dubs himself an "explainer." He offered these words about each of the books. Mill (1983) Having lived in southern New England since 1962, I finally became curious about all the mills and mill towns and villages I’d been driving past for much of that time. I then did what I always do when this kind of thing happens. I started taking pictures, finding books on the subject, and introducing myself to experts who might be able and willing to help. Fortunately, I haven’t met an expert yet who was unwilling to guide me through their unfamiliar but intriguing territory. The story in the book traces the evolution of mill architecture and engineering through an imaginary 19th-century Rhode Island community. Read More

Information sessions for the Animating Infrastructure Grant program will be held September 24-October 26. The program is designed to encourage communities to engage artists in the planning, design and/or fabrication of public art in infrastructure projects and to encourage thinking beyond the ordinary as concepts for new buildings, roads, bridges, and other public spaces are developed. Participants will learn about the application process, and will have time to brainstorm ideas for projects in their community. Sessions are led by Michele Bailey, senior program manager at the Vermont Arts Council. Anyone wanting to learn more about this grant program is encouraged to attend. Read More