Featured Stories

“It’s really a blessing when you get to love what you do.” Heather Geoffrey, the new managing director at Main Street Arts in Saxtons River said that about her job. Few people are as qualified as she to make that statement. Heather teaches people to uncover self-expression through art and through the shaping of their life. She has decades of experience in nonprofits; having served as education and outreach coordinator, executive administrator, assistant director, and director in different organizations. She is also an artist, painter, poet, and photographer. She is a teacher. How about mystic or healer? "All of those are accurate," she says. Read More

In response to an increase in hate crimes in Vermont, nearly 60 cultural organizations in the state have signed this statement promoting inclusion, respect, and change in their communities: Last month, the FBI reported that hate crimes in Vermont increased for the second year in a row, and are now at their highest level since 1995. The evidence of escalating hatred and bigotry is right here in Vermont. There are dozens of examples from Burlington to Brattleboro, St. Johnsbury to Bennington. As cultural leaders, we stand against hate and violence and we will take action. Read More

More than a hundred people gathered in the Vermont State House last week for the annual Governor’s Arts Awards ceremony, which recognizes outstanding artists and arts advocates. Standing in the State House — underneath the beautiful newly gilded dome, one week after the midterm elections, the same week that the world marked the anniversaries of Kristallnacht and the armistice that ended World War I — I couldn’t help thinking about the connection between the arts and democracy. There have been days recently when I have felt rocked to the core. And I have wondered, as perhaps some of you have, what is happening to our democracy and to the values that I was taught to hold dear. What does it take for us to live well together, to treat each other with reason and civility and compassion? I’ve been thinking a lot about the arts as an essential component of the answer. Thomas Jefferson once famously said, “Democracy demands wisdom in its citizens.” I believe that’s true, but it’s only part of the truth. Democracy also demands art. Read More

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