Arts Spotlight - Stories from the Pandemic: Jazimina MacNeil

Arts Spotlight - Stories from the Pandemic: Jazimina MacNeil

These continue to be unprecedented, uncertain times yet artists are finding strength in community and creativity. In this account, we hear from Jazimina MacNeil. She is a mezzo-soprano by trade and training, who finds herself wearing the hat of an actress and/or a writer from time to time. Lately, Jazimina has taken to calling herself a “creative catalyst” as well.

We’re proud to share this story of Jazimina, in her own words.

Arts Spotlight - Stories from the Pandemic: Bryan Field

Arts Spotlight - Stories from the Pandemic: Bryan Field

These are unprecedented times and artists are finding strength in community and creativity. In this account, we hear from Bryan Field, whose latest project involves gnome adoptions. Bryan grew up in England where, among other things, he studied woodwork and metal work in high school. He is now a penturner and mixed media artist living in Peterborough, NH. Much of his work is inspired by his love of the environment and his appreciation of Art Deco stained glass. An avid traveler, his globe-trotting experiences and the beauty of the local terrain enliven his work. He gives back to the community as a board member of Monadnock Art. During the pandemic he found a unique new project to explore his creativity and connection to community.

We’re proud to share this story of Bryan Field, in his own words.

Arts Spotlight - Stories from the Pandemic: Katharina Rooney

Arts Spotlight - Stories from the Pandemic: Katharina Rooney

These are unprecedented times and artists are finding strength in community and creativity. In this account, we hear from Katharina Rooney. She has been an art teacher at Keene State college since 1997, teaching Ceramics, Drawing and Design Foundations. She studied art and design at the Mozarteum in Salzburg and ceramics at the Academy for Applied Arts in Vienna, completing graduate studies at the University of Illinois. Her ceramics, sculptures and installations have been shown nationally and internationally and are in private collections and galleries. We first met her a few years ago, when she was selected for a Ewing Arts Award!

We’re proud to share this story of Katharina Rooney, in her own words.

Arts Spotlight - Stories from the Pandemic: New Leaf Gallery

Arts Spotlight - Stories from the Pandemic: New Leaf Gallery

These are unprecedented times and artists are finding strength in community and creativity. In this account, we hear from Taryn Fisher. You may recognize her name - we’ve featured her before. Taryn ran the League of NH Craftsmen store on Central Square in Keene, which closed down operations this past April. Well, she’s back! After many inspired conversations and the spirit to jump right back in, Taryn has partnered with a local artist to open a very special place - a gallery with an intimate experience and art that is accessible and vibrant.

We’re proud to share the story of New Leaf Gallery and Taryn Fisher, in her own words.

Arts Spotlight - Stories from the Pandemic: WakaDoodles

Arts Spotlight - Stories from the Pandemic: WakaDoodles

These are unprecedented times and artists are finding strength in community and creativity. In this account, we hear from WakaDoodles. This company was started with the vision to be a community art studio space. It is now defined as ‘traveling art instruction for children and adults.’ At Arts Alive! we know that bringing art to folks in a rural area can sometimes mean going to them instead of expecting them to come to you. WakaDoodles has built a beautiful practice of going beyond its original vision to be accessible to a wide variety of folks who want to make art together. We’re proud to share the story of WakaDoodles and it’s owner Priya Allaire in her own words.

Arts Spotlight - Stories from the Pandemic: The Edge Ensemble

Arts Spotlight - Stories from the Pandemic: The Edge Ensemble

During the Month of October Arts Alive is collecting stories from performing arts organizations across the Monadnock Region to ask - how are you holding up? This is the first of three stories this month that will highlight the innovations, inspiration, hope, and connection these organizations are still fostering, even in difficult times. We started with Keene State College’s Redfern Arts Center, and followed it with updates from The Peterborough Players. We wrap up this series with The Edge Ensemble of Keene, NH. The Edge Ensemble Theatre Company was founded in 1989 by Founding Artistic Director, Kim Dupuis. Our present home is Heberton Hall at the Keene Public Library. Ensemble members are drawn from Keene and the surrounding area.

Arts Spotlight - Stories from the Pandemic: Peterborough Players

Arts Spotlight - Stories from the Pandemic: Peterborough Players

During the Month of October Arts Alive is collecting stories from performing arts organizations across the Monadnock Region to ask - how are you holding up? This is the second of three stories this month that will highlight the innovations, inspiration, hope, and connection these organizations are still fostering, even in difficult times. We started with Keene State College’s Redfern Arts Center. This story is about the Peterborough Players as told by Tom Frey.

Arts Spotlight - Stories from the Pandemic: Redfern Arts Center at Keene State College

Arts Spotlight - Stories from the Pandemic: Redfern Arts Center at Keene State College

During the Month of October Arts Alive is collecting stories from performing arts organizations across the Monadnock Region to ask - how are you holding up? This is the first of three stories this month that will highlight the innovations, inspiration, hope, and connection these organizations are still fostering, even in difficult times. We start with Keene State College’s Redfern Arts Center.