Board and Staff

Staff

Your current job: Visual artist and musician / singer - songwriter 

Town you live in: Keene (for 47 years!)

What brought you to the Monadnock region: Growing up, I had come up many times for vacation with relatives who had moved up from Long Island NY to Putney and then Dummerston VT. I fell in love with the area. After graduating from high school, my brother and sister-in-law moved up this way and opened a craft store in Putney. Years later, I moved away for a bit, met my wife, and we picked Keene area to settle because it seemed like a town that would be a great place to find jobs and raise a family. We guessed right. 

Why are you passionate about Arts Alive!? This is an area so rich in the arts. I feel that Arts Alive! is like fertilizer, water and sunshine for the arts.

How do you enjoy experiencing the arts? Through creating: through painting, writing, photography, digital arts, songwriting, as a musician and recording artist. And meeting and conversing and sharing with creative folk everywhere around me. 

What is your vision for arts & culture in the Monadnock region? To continue connecting artists throughout the region so they can share and grow together. Also for the arts to become more of a vital economic force in the region, by giving creative “young people” more of a reason to stay and grow in this area and attracting creative businesses to this area. 

What's the best advice you've received? The advice came by observing rather than wise words passed along to me. Watching my father during my childhood - whatever he felt passionate about he would just do it. He learned and carried out many diverse skills.  Just do it. It’s all connected.

Fun fact about yourself: I have eaten at least one peanut butter sandwich a day since I can remember eating anything. Not a compulsion. I just love peanut butter and good bread. 

Give a shout out to someone: My daughter-in-law Eliza and son Jeff Murphy and the group they created Nova Arts. “Nova Arts Block is a collaborative arts initiative focused on emerging artists, underrepresented voices, and unexpected juxtapositions. We present and partner with creative individuals, organizations, and ideas”. They recently got up and running during the pandemic, and are now galloping. My hope is that this is the start of the planned Arts Corridor in this area of Keene.

Your job: Web developer/tech consultant

Town you live in: Keene

What brought you to the Monadnock Region? Arts Alive! I'm only partially kidding. I found out about Arts Alive! at a state arts convening, saw the great work the organization was doing, and started to look into the area, which I had previously known nothing about. It turned out that the Monadnock Region was a much better match for me than where I was living, so I moved here!

Why are you passionate about Arts Alive!? I've lived in two types of places: where the arts have no importance, and where they are valued. I prefer the latter, and Arts Alive! helps to create and grow that value here in the Monadnock Region.

How do you enjoy experiencing the arts? I'm a writer (songs and fiction), composer, and music producer. I also consider myself a massive fan of the arts, and try to ingest others' creativity as much as I can.

What is your vision for arts and culture in the Monadnock Region? To continue to incubate, grow and connect an already-thriving arts community. As a newbie, I'm excited to learn more about what I can do to contribute.

What’s the best advice that you’ve received? "Dress conservatively," told to me by my very-Texan, 6'7" giant of a grandfather. No, wait, that's not it, although that certainly is advice. How about this: "Default to 'yes.' Say 'no' only if necessary." (That one is my own amalgamation of lots of advice.) Or one more: "Grow your own environment," by the great 20th-century composer George Rochberg.

Fun fact about yourself: I grew up on a ranch in West Texas, and was on track to be a professional horse trainer (rodeos and roping, yeehaw!) until I got serious about music and decided to go to school for it.

Give a shout out!: Shout out to my writer's group ReCon, a local group of women writers who are all interesting, talented, and supportive, each in her own way.

Your Job: Owner of 17Rox Artist Studios and Program Specialist at Northern Border Regional Commission.

Town you live in: Gilsum

What brought you to the Monadnock Region? I came to Keene from St. James, NY in 2009 to attend Keene State College for a Degree in Business Management. So glad I did because I feel like I hit the jackpot!

Why are you passionate about Arts Alive!? Art has been in my life since I was a young teen. As I get older, I understand that someone has to be behind the curtain orchestrating the magic. Through my education process I've learned that I love this type of work and knew if I wanted to be a part of the fun I needed to seek out organizations like Arts Alive!

How do you enjoy experiencing the arts?   I love going to galleries near and far, seeing street art in other parts of the world, taking photos on my camera, working with other artists on projects, listening to music (preferably live but virtual is okay too I guess)

What is your vision for arts and culture in the Monadnock Region? A place where people can walk down the street and be confronted with murals, sculpture, possibly some live music coming from a street beyond your line of sight, a gallery in every town with the art from local artists from the town, a comfortable place to sit and enjoy your beverage while gazing at a nice view of nature or art.

What’s the best advice that you’ve received? "Don't let the naysayers get to you. There will be many people who object to your missions, consider all points of view but don't let them stand in the way of creating a vibrant community through the arts!"

Fun fact about yourself: I play the flute and I enjoy teaching animals tricks

Give a shout out!: Check out www.17rox.com & www.fpamonadnock.com Neither of these things would have existed if it weren't for Arts Alive!

Your job:  Video Producer, Owner of The Production House

Town you live in: Keene, NH

What brought you to the Monadnock Region? I was born and raised here. I received a BA from Keene State College in Film Production and I continue to live here because I love the community! My roots are deeply embedded here.

Why are you passionate about Arts Alive!? Connecting with creative communities inspires, motivates and uplifts me. Arts Alive! gives me the opportunity to be a part of and support those communities, and help bring the arts to even more people around the region.

How do you enjoy experiencing the arts?  I love creating art myself whether it's making handcrafted jewelry, singing in a choir or doing photography. I also love seeing other people creating art through live performances, artist shows and galleries. But my greatest passion is filmmaking and I'm grateful that I get to experience doing that everyday through my work as a video producer.

What is your vision for arts and culture in the Monadnock Region? I envision the region to be a place where the arts economy thrives and people of all ages and walks of life feel welcomed to engage in the arts.

What’s the best advice that you’ve received? A local filmmaker once told me to never stop creating. Whether it’s good or bad, constantly creating keeps you motivated and inspired. And I think it’s so true!

Fun fact about yourself: In 2012 I saw a musician, Elizaveta, perform at the Red Room at Cafe 939. I had the opportunity to meet her after the show and I quickly became a huge fan. That lead me to having the opportunity to sing on stage with her in 2014 in NYC as a member of her choir! It was an awesome and unexpected experience!

Give a shout out!: In addition to my deep passion for the arts, I also love serving other nonprofits in various capacities. One is RwandaOne4One, which is based out of Westmoreland and helps Rwandan women create hand dyed scarves and wraps called Umvas. Sales of these wraps help provide a source of income for the women and their families. Nancy Zeller is the Founder and I think she developed such a beautiful concept for the organization.

Your Job: Donor Database and Appeals Manager at MacDowell

Town you live in: Formerly Peterborough, now Keene

What brought you to the Monadnock Region? This Jewish girl from South Florida? I had never before lived anywhere rural, anywhere in New England, anywhere so cold…but I followed my partner here because it seemed like an exciting new adventure for us.

Why are you passionate about Arts Alive!? In order for a community to have an artistic presence, you need an agency like Arts Alive! There has to be an impassioned, well-organized, centralized support structure that artists, entrepreneurs, and community members can all use to meet their various needs. How can fledgling artmakers support themselves? How can established artmakers reach new audiences? How can art organizers build a successful music festival? How does an average resident figure out what to do on a Friday night? Who informs our local government officials about art-friendly economic opportunities? I believe these are all essential aspects of a healthy, vibrant, diverse community and robust economy, and Arts Alive! does all of these things. 

How do you enjoy experiencing the arts? As I write this in January 2021, it’s hard to remember how I typically enjoy experiencing the arts. There is, of course, nothing like a live, in-person, close-up performance for truly getting the emotional rush, the full-body reaction, the lingering contact high. Even then, I would credit the Met Live in HD series at The Colonial or The Peterborough Players for getting pretty close! I’m looking forward to hearing live music, seeing dance and theater performances, and going into galleries/museums/artist studios again. 

What is your vision for arts and culture in the Monadnock Region? What we have now, times 10! We already have such an incredibly rich artistic community here; my vision is that it keeps growing.  

What’s the best advice that you’ve received? Later means never.

Fun fact about yourself: One of my many attempted career paths was yoga instructor. Failed that, but still like to stretch and breathe  

Give a shout out!: This one’s easy: I’m a member of a group called Joy Moves (to the extent that there’s membership! there are no fees, no commitments, just enthusiasm). We just show up and boogie, sway, stomp, jiggle, or do whatever it is one does. No experience or talent or registration required. 11:30, every Sunday, at Aloha Keene on Court Street. 

Your job: Graphics Manager (aka Art Director/Project Manager)

Town you live in: Keene, NH

What brought you to the Monadnock Region? Grew up outside of Boston and would often pass through this area on our way north to go skiing. In 2004 to be closer to my father and brother who had moved to the area years before. I planned on only being here for a year to two. Look who's still here!

Why are you passionate about Arts Alive!? I have been surrounded by art my whole life and have lived in towns and cities where art was a large part of the culture. I am grateful that Arts Alive! exists and promotes the importance of the arts in this region.

How do you enjoy experiencing the arts?  Currently, the enjoyment closest to my heart is making jewelry with some photography on the side and live music. However, I love it all.

What is your vision for arts and culture in the Monadnock Region?  My vision for arts and culture in this region is expanding what has already been started and making this area a place people want to live and visit because of the creative culture that exists here.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? This isn't direct advice, but I saw my father leave his decades-long industrial real estate career to follow his heart and try to make it as an artist. I had never seen him happier and to this day he has never regretted it. It showed me the importance of following your heart and the power of the need to create, and I'm proud to be following in his footsteps.

Fun fact about yourself: After living here for 10 years, I met a local history buff who discovered that my great, great, great, great grandfather was Josiah Colony! Perhaps that's why Keene was a family magnet?

Give a shout out! I'd like to give a shout out to my father, Robert Seaman. He has shared his creativity and talent in this region for many years, and who, at 89, still spends many hours a day drawing, and has been bringing daily joy to people throughout the pandemic.

Your job: Graphic Designer

Town you live in: Keene

What brought you to the Monadnock Region? I moved to New England from the West Coast in 2020, looking for a slower pace of life, a city with a small town vibe, and lots of outdoor activities to enjoy — but one that has culture and a flair for the arts. I found that quickly in Keene, and have loved getting to know the Monadnock region ever since!

Why are you passionate about Arts Alive!? I am inspired by its holistic, creative, and generous approach to involving people of all ages and backgrounds in the arts, as well as helping local organizations and individual artists thrive. I feel honored to be joining such an organization.

How do you enjoy experiencing the arts? In every way I can! From painting and drawing on my own, to taking workshops, attending dance performances, plays, and live music. Art has been at the center of my life from a very young age, and guided me personally and professionally for years.

What is your vision for arts and culture in the Monadnock Region? To amplify the arts by connecting more artists to local organizations, and discovering more talent and enthusiasm from people involved, or looking to be involved in, any type of art in the Monadnock Region.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? There will never be a "right time". If there's something you want to do, do it now.

Fun fact about yourself: I travelled solo through South America for nine months in 2019-2020. It was easily one of the most rewarding (and challenging) experiences of my life!

Give a shout out! Huge shout out to Jessica Iris (Gelter), who is doing incredible and impactful work in the local arts scene – both directly with Arts Alive! and beyond.

Your job: Arts Department Chair, Director of Dance and Theater and Dean of Faculty at Dublin School

Town you live in: Harrisville

What brought you to the Monadnock Region? My husband and I moved here from New York City just before the birth of our second child. I was offered a job at Dublin School and driving through the historic mill town of Harrisville just felt right. I grew up in NH but never knew about this hidden treasure of a town. 

Why are you passionate about Arts Alive!? I believe that engaging in the arts is foundational to the human experience. I am inspired by this organization for its commitment to this premise and commitment to expanding opportunity and access to the arts in this region. I am impressed by the many initiatives Arts Alive galvanizes energy around, from supporting emerging artists and celebrating the various arts events in this area, to advocating for more visibility and infrastructure to grow and expand the reach arts can have in this community. I am excited to be a part of this process.

How do you enjoy experiencing the arts? I love engaging in a collaborative creative process; I love seeing that process through the eyes of young people. I enjoy seeing students living “in the moment” through live performance and I value experiencing a range of different types of art and art-making, which expands one's knowledge of the world, other points of view and ways of experiencing the world, and hopefully gives us insights into ourselves in the process.

What is your vision for arts and culture in the Monadnock Region? I would like to elevate the arts as integral rather than “extra” in our region. I want this region to draw new and diverse artists to live and make art here. I envision artists as leaders in shaping our culture and impacting the values and policies of this region as a safe and welcoming environment for all to belong.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Live life from “Above the Line”: open, curious and committed to learning ~ a basic concept from the perspective of Conscious Leadership.

Fun fact about yourself: Prior to moving to NH, I was a professional modern dancer in NYC.

Give a shout out!

First I want to shout out my husband Donlin’s leather craft business: Horse Hill Studio ~ beautiful and unique works of art and custom orders filled with imagination: https://www.horsehillstudio.com/

I also want to shout out Andy’s Summer Playhouse in Wilton, NH. I grew up immersed in all aspects of theater and performance at Andy’s and I count those years as some of the most informative and inspirational for my own career as a performing artist and an arts educator. What is remarkable is the steadfast belief in the possibilities art-making holds, and the way young people are taken seriously as artists and creators. The playhouse is still thriving today! Check out their work: https://www.andyssummerplayhouse.org/

Town you live in: Sullivan

What brought you to the Monadnock Region? Chance! We almost moved to Boise, Idaho!

Why are you passionate about Arts Alive!? I love to support and promote art and movement in my community

How do you enjoy experiencing the arts? Film, Dance, Theater and Comedy!

What is your vision for arts and culture in the Monadnock Region? Creating a culture around arts that encourages people to try new things and discover or rediscover their talent or passion.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Failure never gets easier, but bouncing back does.

Fun fact about yourself: I have worked on several movies and TV shows as a production accountant

Your job: Program Manager--Putnam Foundation, and Office Manager--1911 Office, LLC

Town you live in: Marlborough

What brought you to the Monadnock Region? I grew up in Keene, and have stayed in the area most of my life.

Why are you passionate about Arts Alive!? Arts Alive helps so many artists and organizations get started, and does so much to promote the arts in the area. I've been able to attend a lot of events that I otherwise wouldn't have known about.

How do you enjoy experiencing the arts? I enjoy so many of the events going on in the area--music, educational programs, artisans creating wonderful things with their hands!

What is your vision for arts and culture in the Monadnock Region? There is so much going on in this area that I knew nothing about only a few years ago, so my first vision is a way to let everyone know (or help each artist get the word/work out there). I'd love to see more public festivals (free for people who can't afford tickets), live demonstrations by artisans--glass blowing, ceramics, wood carving/turning, textile arts! When Ashuelot Concerts began performing in the area, attending their concerts was my first experience with live chamber music, and it made my heart so happy. It would be great if everyone could have that experience.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? I think the one I try to live by is to treat people the way I'd like to be treated.

Fun fact about yourself: I lived in Scotland for four years, and walked on the same streets as my ancestors!

Give a shout out: I want to give a shout out to my husband, Andy, who still makes me laugh after 22 years, and who isn't embarrassed to admit he watches cat videos and PBS Masterpiece with me!

Town you live in: Winchester, NH

What brought you to the Monadnock Region? 1994.  Main Street in Keene on a sunny Sunday morning in June.

Why are you passionate about Arts Alive? Arts Alive brings people together in ways that celebrate, affirm and challenge our humanity.

How do you enjoy experiencing the arts?I like to experience the arts in as many ways as there are, from galleries, music venues, theater and because I have to  be home sometimes, Netflix.  Good stuff if you look.

What is your vision for arts and culture in the Monadnock Region? A shared community vision that honors art as a form of healing and as a conduit for social equity

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Actually a quote from a book by Sophie Strand:  " In his ability to adapt to changing circumstances, Dionysus behaves like an adaptogenic mushroom."

Fun Fact about yourself:  I make really good stir fry.

I give a Shout Out to all our relations.