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.
Public parks are invaluable additions to many communities across the U.S., but unfortunately, they are often underfunded or aren’t maintained the way they should be due to a lack of city or state employees. That’s why so many citizens have become public park advocates, ensuring that their local spaces are safe spots for people from all walks of life. If you’re interested in becoming a park advocate, it’s important to keep a few things in mind, such as how to volunteer your time or recruit members of your community to help keep things looking nice. You might even start a public project at your favorite local park, such as a community garden.
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 - beyond the learning sessions, there were opportunities to connect and meet and learn about other opportunities and resources for the creative economy and creative communities. There were mixers on the following topics: Makerspaces, Fine craft and climate change awareness, and resources from New England Foundation for the Arts.
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. Not only do we have inspirational learning sessions, but there are fun ways to mix up learning and networking throughout the Summit:
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.
The Keene Public Library’s collection of books has always been a core cultural resource. In recent years the collection has grown to include various media, as today and tomorrow knowledge and intelligence are not only shared through books. The Library is poised to bring knowledge and art into the future.
Spotlighting artist Molly Fletcher:
My personal work explores what it means to be a New England Native. Through buffalo plaid patterns, a suggestion of flannel, and expressive portraiture my work challenges the notion of quaintness that New England is often associated with and emphasizes the often dark sense of humor that this area is known for. Creating traditional and non-traditional venues for art to be viewed has been a passion of mine over the last 15 years. I am impressed with the changes that have been happening in Keene over the past few years. The city’s commitment to the arts is whole-hearted and I feel lucky to be able to create in a community that is so supportive of the arts.
