Arts Alive partnered with Keene State College to produce temporary elm-leaf shaped murals to display in front of local art and culture locations in downtown Keene. These leaves were painted by students. The project is meant to highlight artistic wayfinding downtown and to encourage the exploration of downtown while celebrating the arts.
Emily Sodders, artist and owner of Bird House Studio in Gilsum, has spent nearly her entire life creating commissioned works. Her media includes graphic design, custom portraiture and interior/exterior murals. A self-taught artist raised in Texas, she began her professional career at the tender age of 12, always working to meet the diverse needs of her clientele. These days, Sodders, wife to Vinny and mother to Evelyn, has been carving out more time for original works, a place where her love of art began. We’re proud to share Emily’s story, in her own words.
Arts Alive! coordinated the Arts Track of the Radically Rural Summit. Radically Rural is an annual two-day summit that brings together hundreds people who are passionate about creating vibrant, robust rural communities and eager to learn, connect and lead change.
Broad shifts in demographics, communications, technology, economic development, and personal values are generating creative responses from innovative thinkers, change-makers, entrepreneurs, and community-builders who love their towns and know their advantages.
Here is a rundown of what we learned in our first session with Keene Walldogs project leader Peter Poanessa who co-founded the Magical History Tour project with Judy Rogers.
