We are mourning the recent loss of two outstanding members of the Vermont arts community. Gregory Sharrow, who worked at the Vermont Folklife Center, was a passionate advocate for sharing the voices of all Vermonters. Peter Kriff served on the Council's board of trustees.

 

Michele Bailey, senior programs manager at the Arts Council, worked closely with Greg and was also a longtime friend. "His dedication to inclusion, diversity, and tolerance was an inspiration to many," she said. "By telling Vermonters' stories, Greg created empathy and understanding between and among different cultures and people."  

 

Bob Stannard, chair of the Council's board, noted that Peter "served Vermont and the arts with grace, dignity, and passion.  He was not only a strong advocate for the arts but also for accessibility. Arts Council board members deeply appreciated Peter's wisdom, passion, and kind and gentle spirit. He was a fighter and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His passing is a loss for Vermont."

The Council is now accepting applications from Vermont artists for Creation Grants, which support the creation of new work and can fund time, materials, or space rental. Arts Impact Grants, which support nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and schools in providing equal and abundant access to the arts, will open on May 1.

The Art in State Buildings program closes its application period on April 24 and the Cultural Facilities program follows, closing on May 1. Get those applications completed - or started, depending which grant you're going for!