A few weeks ago, as Jeff Brandenberg quietly finished repainting the last bit of the building - the bell tower, clay studio member Beth Gadbois popped into the office. She said, “What’s an item on your wishlist under $2,000”. We stepped outside the building and took a look at the beautiful, but fading and damaged mural on the side of our building.

Since I began in August 2020, a discussion about signage has been in conversation amongst our board and staff. We explored several avenues but came up against some restrictions placed on our facade by the Vermont Preservation Trust. The concern was that with a colorful mural, a modern sculpture and several other “modern” characteristics to the front of the building, adding another component of a large sign would go past that degree that the Vermont Preservation Trust felt would honor the historic character of the building. What was possible was an update to our current mural that would include signage. Looking again at the mural, we noticed that the weather really had taken its toll on this beautiful piece. We would likely need to replace it in the next year or so anyway, so we put it on the wishlist to update.

As Beth and I took a look at the peeling plywood fish and faded paints, she recounted that when it was first installed many years ago that the color had been vibrant and rich. Glancing at some general material prices and our fall program calendar of afterschool classes, I said “Well, if we could by the right materials, everyone in the community could help recreate this mural this fall.” Beth said “great” and hopped in her car. Beth wasted no time - putting out a fundraiser on her personal Facebook page. When she reached out earlier this week to report that she’d just upped the original goal, we were astonished at the outpouring of support that came in!

“For my birthday this year, I'm asking for donations to River Arts of Morrisville, VT.

I spend a good deal of my time (I mean A LOT) at this amazing community arts center badly throwing clay, but really finding such joy and mental health that I wish to give back to them for all they have given me.

Years ago this mural caught my eye as it freshly adorned the outside of the center. It has fallen into disrepair and taken abuse by the elements. They wish to to replace it with an aluminum canvas. Kids paint all of it and then it will be brought to an auto shop for a clear coat. It is a wonderful fusion of community, kids and art for all to see and enjoy every day. Which is what art is all about.

Please consider supporting my birthday wish for River Arts in Morrisville, VT with a donation to this project. Thanks so much.”

Beth’s birthday fundraiser has reminded us that it is through the support of community members who see the value of what we do that River Arts continues to thrive. We look forward to a rich fall of events and programs and continued growth for our tiny but mighty arts center.

Happy Birthday, Beth!

-Lisa Wolfgang, Co-Director Programs & Operations