"We thought it would be interesting to canvass a selection of guest curators and ask them, 'What artists are on your radar?'" That question, posed by editor, publisher, and curator Ric Kasini Kadour, was the genesis of two exhibits coming to the Spotlight Gallery.

Six guest curators worked with Kadour to identify 25 artists who they believe "are on the verge of doing great things." The first exhibit, "Artists to Watch Part I," opens Friday, March 9, and features work by 11 Vermont artists.

An artist reception will be held Friday, March 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Spotlight Gallery, 136 State Street in Montpelier. The second exhibit will open May 4 in conjunction with the Council's annual Garden Party.

Read more about the artists

Learn more about the exhibit in "Why Watch Artists," this week's Featured Story.    

On Thursday, March 15 the State House will be busy - but not just because of budget discussions and bill debates. It's Vermont Arts Advocacy Day, and supporters from around the state will gather to let their legislative representatives know about the impact of the arts in their communities.

To showcase Vermont's creative sector (and entice engagement by legislators) artist Gowri Savoor will be on hand to demonstrate Rangoli, an ancient ephemeral art form practiced throughout India. We welcome you to join us to show your support of arts and creativity in Vermont.

The Barre Opera House will soon resonate with recitations of contemporary poems brought to life by talented young people. On Thursday, March 8, students from 33 Vermont High Schools will gather for the Vermont Poetry Out Loud 2018 Semifinals.

Ten students will be selected to compete in the finals on March 15 at the Elley-Long Music Center in Colchester. The finals will be aired live on Vermont PBS' website and then broadcast on Vermont PBS on March 29th at 7 p.m.

Join friends, family, and school groups to experience the beauty of spoken poetry and to cheer for these remarkable Vermont high school students.

Learn more.

"Because of this wonderful program, little towns like Huntington get to keep their cultural heritage," said Mariah Riggs to a crowd in the Cedar Creek Room in the State House on February 27. Mariah meant the Cultural Facilities Grant program, one of the five Building Communities Grant programs funded through the State of Vermont Capital Appropriations Budget and distributed by the Vermont Arts Council.

On Tuesday, representatives of sixteen organizations were honored in a reception and invited to share stories of the impact of these grant dollars. Legislators stopped by to celebrate projects in their districts and Governor Phil Scott spoke on the importance of the program. Read about the FY2018 Cultural Facilities Grant recipients.

The Vermont Arts Council, the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, and the Preservation Trust of Vermont are partnering to host three workshops in March. Anyone interested in applying for a facilities grant through the Cultural Facilities or Historic Preservation Grant programs is encouraged to attend one of the sessions.

Workshop dates:

• Wednesday, March 14, Brandon
• Wednesday, March 21, Weston
• Tuesday, March 27, Newport

"The more you watch an artist, the deeper the experience of their artwork becomes," says Ric Kasini Kadour. He's describing a familiarity and admiration that develops as a person follows an artist.

What is it to pay attention? How does one keep up? What happens when you continue to show regard? Ric has specific answers to those questions in today's featured story: " Why Watch Artists."