Creatives are finding strength in community while dreaming and building towards the future. In this account, we hear from Rebecca Fredrickson. She is the new Executive Director of the Jaffery Civic Center. We welcome her to the Monadnock Region. We’re proud to share Rebecca’s vision for the Civic Center in her own words:
The Jaffrey Civic Center is a designated 501(c)3 non-profit cultural facility which first opened its doors in April 1966. It was funded and built by Jaffrey native and teacher, Marion Mack Johnson, a dedicated public servant, who wanted to make sure that all residents in the Monadnock region had access to cultural events. The mission of the Jaffrey Civic Center is to provide and sustain a public venue where citizens, residents and visitors of the Monadnock region can pursue artistic, educational and civic activities. The Center’s goal is to contribute to the cultural enrichment and enlightenment of the community. There is no admission fee to the Civic Center and all of our art shows and receptions are FREE and open to the public. The goal of the Center is to contribute to the cultural enrichment and enlightenment of the community. The building and grounds of the Civic Center are available for a wide variety of programs, activities, and events throughout the year. The Jaffrey Civic Center holds art exhibitions throughout the year in our galleries, displaying the works of artists and craftspeople from the New England area.
My role is the organization’s Executive Director. I began this position in early March and I look forward to bringing new and exciting exhibits and programs to the Jaffrey Civic Center. I have always been an artist and have had a professional focus on arts education. As Executive Director, I have the opportunity to develop unique and exciting arts programming for the center. I look forward to collaborating with artists, musicians, and performers from the Monadnock Region and beyond to bring their talent to Jaffrey.
I am also a painter. I have been spending the time that I can find in my studio. I enjoy finding inspiration in my surroundings and take photographs daily. I enjoy working with individuals and groups who have the motivation and energy to make positive things happen through the arts. For the past few years I have spent a great deal of time assisting City Arts Nashua with events and programs.
COVID-19 has placed a measure of uncertainty on everyone’s lives. It can be a challenge planning events without a clear picture of what the future will hold. The past six to twelve months have taught me how much the arts matter to people and have been a major factor in getting through the pandemic. I have observed that the Jaffrey Civic Center is a resilient place and with the support of the community, will continue to grow and thrive.
I hope that through this, and on the other side of it, the arts continue to grow and be a major positive influence on the lives of our community members. I also hope to see arts access increase to all individuals in our region and to reach those who normally do not participate much in arts programming. I will work to make that happen through regular outreach and collaboration with local organizations.
We have some exciting shows taking place here at the Jaffrey Civic Center. I would love for people to come visit the center! We also need volunteers! People can visit us at our website for details on what is happening at the center. https://jaffreyciviccenter.com/