On the cusp of fall, our galleries and program offerings are transforming with the seasons. Before we fling back the curtain on our exciting new schedule however, we’d like to take a moment to share highlights from another magnificent summer of youth programs!

Summer

With fourteen new and favorite camps to choose from, we welcomed over 135 campers, ages 5 to 17 years old, through our doors … singing harmonies, painting GIANT surfaces, cooking mouthwatering international dishes, designing skateboard decks, practicing comedic improv, building imaginative puppets, crazy pinball arcades, delicate fairy houses, and awesome forts … all while having fun getting creative. To borrow from last year, the experience can best be described as going to work inside a vibrant, changing, living kaleidoscope that touches all of the senses: Dancing footfalls shake the ceiling, music and song careens down the stairwells, colorful smocks bound about and delicious smells permeate the historic building. Even the rare argument has a refreshing twist, “No, I’m the wind!”

River Arts life spills into the community each summer in different ways:

• Campers worked with Artist/Instructor Jess Graham to create a stunning new mural on the Rail Trail across from 10 Railroad Street on the Morrisville Lumber building.

• Skate the Arts campers took a special field trip to Burlington to view murals and graffiti art while trying out their new skills on the different skate features at the Burlington Skatepark.

• A group of industrious teens worked with Artist/Instructor Michael Zebrowski to design prototypes for the upcoming River Works Project Public Sculptures.

• And we hosted our second summer of free arts activities for kids and families during the Wednesday Night Live concert series at the Oxbow.

A big thank you to our sponsors and foundations: North Country Federal Credit Union, Morrisville Lumber, the Morrisville and Cambridge Area Rotaries, the Brewster River Bike Club, National Life Group, Union Bank, Bourne’s Energy, Cushman Design Group, Community National Bank, Concept 2 and others for their support making our summer programs and financial assistance possible.

And last, but not least, a shout out to all of our talented artists/instructors, partners, volunteers and the amazing families and campers who came together to create such a memorable summer.

Staff & Board

We are thrilled to welcome Judith Mathison as our new Development Coordinator. Judith brings her love for the arts, a Masters of Arts in Arts Administration and her deep connection to the community to the River Arts team. Welcome, Judith!

Fall Maintenance

It’s time to focus on appearances and upkeep as summer comes to a close. We’re launching a “Paint the River Arts Center” campaign to help preserve our historic home (and community treasure!), beginning by painting the facade this fall. We’ll need the support of our community for this significant undertaking, and are looking forward to raising the much-needed funding to finish next summer. In the meantime, we extend our gratitude to the continued attention and care of Sutherland Welles, Ltd., who have donated their services to keep our floors looking beautiful each year!

What’s Ahead?

Our Fall Fundraiser is here - Viva Las Artes! Friday, November 3rd, 6-9p.m. This year our live auction features all things “green” - local products and services, an array of eco-friendly items and more. The evening begins with wine and a sampling of regional cheese and charcuterie spreads, followed by a delicious meal and live and silent auctions. Mark your calendars and visit our website at www.riverartsvt.org or give us a call 802-888-1261 for tickets.

The Annual Figure Drawing Marathon is coming soon - Saturday, November 11 - 12, from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Artists and art lovers with all levels of experience are invited to spend one or two full days drawing, painting or sculpting with a diversity of models for inspiration.

We're gearing up to launch our free drop-in youth programs: Music & Movement with Lesley Grant, Open Gym/Playgroup in partnership with the Lamoille Family Center, and BIG & Messy Art Space.

Our Kinder Arts Program is back for its fifth year, bringing innovative arts opportunities to children ages 2-5 yrs at 4 participating schools

Fall Workshops for Adults/Teens - Check out our website www.riverartsvt.org for the full schedule. Jewelry, batik, poetry, improv dance, watercolor and more!

Current and upcoming exhibitions include the Annual River Works Group Show, Noyes House Museum historical textiles, Liz Nelson and Cindy Griffith.

Free art activities for all during Rocktoberfest!

Please come by River Arts and ask about our classes, events, gallery exhibits, or just chat about how we can work together in our arts community … we would love to see you, and hear what your interests are!

Dominique Gustin, Executive Director