From top: Masisi Mohamed, Mohamed Bulle, and Bwi Wah (photos by Ned Castle).

All over Vermont, hands clap, feet stamp, and the sounds of ancient folk songs waft through community centers. At the same time, women gather to weave, embroider, and share stories passed down for generations.

This is all taking place within Vermont's New American communities. The state is rich with traditions brought here by refugee artists. Groups come together to preserve, pass on, and share their cultures with each other and new neighbors.

The Council and the Vermont Folklife Center have partnered to highlight the work of these artists through an exhibit opening July 10 in the Spotlight Gallery. " New American Artists: Celebrating Tradition and Culture" features photographs of seven artists and the apprentices and students they work with to sustain their creative practices.

The show is a tribute to the work of Greg Sharrow, who established the Vermont Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program in 1991. Through this program, Greg worked to promote and preserve the traditional art forms of all Vermonters - old and new.

Join us for an opening reception Tuesday, July 10, 5 - 7 pm. in the Spotlight Gallery, 136 State Street, Montpelier. 

	Jon Gailmor is a teaching artist in the Head Start Arts Integration Program.

The Council welcomes grant applications for the Head Start Arts Integration Program. These grants support arts-integrated experiences for early education students and teachers in Head Start classrooms. During the past grant year, intensive artist residencies brought the proven benefits of arts-integrated learning to more than 500 Head Start students, building cognitive skills and confidence for Vermont's most vulnerable children.

The program is open to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, such as arts or social service organizations. The deadline for applications is September 19.

Learn more.