Wednesday Cider

October 7, 2020
It's been an event-full few weeks in VCCA's virtual world. Thank you to everyone who tuned in to meet our newest Board members, joined us for conversation and updates in a Zoom reunion, and watched Fellows share work in two Fireplace Series events in two weeks.

We've already hosted more than a dozen virtual events since announcing our temporary closure. For the first time since March, we're eager to host an in-person event with a Fall Volunteer Day scheduled for next Saturday at Mt. San Angelo.

In other October-specific news, we share a new Composer Playlist and more virtual fireplace gatherings to see us through this month. We remind you that Fellows Council nominations are due on the 31st. And if you'll be partaking in Amazon's Prime Day next week, we ask you to consider designating VCCA as your AmazonSmile charity.

If you have a new book being released in October, be sure to let us know so we can add it to our Bookshop page and feature it in our next newsletter.

Today's Fellow's messages come from Laurene Krasny Brown and Enid Shomer. Highlights from Virtual VCCA come from Anne Alexander and Nelleke Beltjens.

For today's resource, an article on what to know (and do) about voter intimidation.

Onward.
you're invited to mt. san angelo
Fall Volunteer Day
Our online events continue to be a pleasure, but it will be a literal breath of fresh air to welcome volunteers to Mt. San Angelo for some light yard work this month. We hope nearby Fellows and friends can join us. Lunch will be provided.

When: October 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Mt. San Angelo, Amherst, VA

Let us know you're interested! 
Please sign up using the form on our website by Noon on October 15.

Invite friends! Help spread the word via our public Facebook event.
virtual events
October 15: Randall Eng and Dan Jian
The Fireplace Series returns next week with composer Randall Eng and visual artist Dan Jian joining us to present their work. They'll be hosted by composer and Fellows Council member E. Shawn Qaissaunee.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 15, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Fireplace Series 12
DATE AND TIME
10/15/20 7:30pm - 10/15/20 8:00pm

Interested? Sign up to receive an event reminder email:
Remind me!
October 29: Halloween Edition
This evening will feature the work of visual artist Karen Bondarchuk, composer Jack Curtis Dubowsky, and writer Lenore Hart who is the editor of the dark fantasy anthology Night Bazaar Venice. Visual artist and Fellows Council member Amie Oliver will host. Look for more spooky details in the next newsletter.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 29, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Fireplace Series 13
DATE AND TIME
10/29/20 7:30pm - 10/29/20 8:30pm

Interested? Sign up to receive an event reminder email:
Remind me!
"A Beautiful Mess"
Rone Shavers, Jay Petrow, and Steven Petrow met around the virtual fireplace last Thursday for a reading by Rone (Silverfish), artwork from Jay, and conversation in all directions. The trio discussed their work, their creative processes, their influences, and more. The recording is available on Facebook and on YouTube.
"Three Such Wonderful People"
In our tenth Fireplace Series gathering, we enjoyed stunning work by nonfiction writer E. Dolores Johnson (Say I'm Dead) and visual artist Juan Manuel Granados. Thanks to Christina Chiu for generous hosting, and to Kevin O'Halloran and Hazel Duncan for joining in for new Board member introductions! The recording is available on Facebook and on YouTube.
Zoom Reunion Cheers
It was great to swap VCCA stories and share updates about cows, bathrooms, and more with everyone who gathered for our virtual reunion. There's no recording, but we do have this screenshot to remember the evening by.
fellow messages
Fellows, please submit a message. This is a way to tell the VCCA community about how you're navigating these times as an artist and human and to spread the word about work affected by or created during the pandemic.
Laurene Krasny Brown
"Without ongoing work to create, I would be at loose ends during this time of Corona virus. I am so grateful that projects were already in place when mid-March rolled around and suddenly life tightened to a narrow space where plans fell away like water running through my hands. This image is the cover of our new picture book, Democracy for Dinosaurs: A Guide for Young Citizens, just out this September. I am the author and Marc Brown, my husband, is the illustrator. In it, we present the values that fuel a democracy, ideals such as sharing equal rights, being fair (justice), respecting free speech, voting. My hope is to recruit young readers and help them connect their everyday behavior to the goals we have set as a country. It is my way of contributing to the future of our form of government and its success going forward."
Enid Shomer
"My fifth book of poetry, Shoreless, will be released on October 20, 2020, by Persea Books. Like many writers publishing a book this year, I, too, have had to navigate the challenges of promoting a book during the unfortunate times of COVID-19, where in-person book launches and tours are impossible. Fortunately, technology allows us to connect right from my home, and I will be doing a book launch for Shoreless via Zoom on October 30, 2020, at 7 p.m. However, if I could do a book launch anywhere, it would be at the VCCA, which next to my own home, is my favorite place on the planet. I sincerely hope it can reopen soon."
highlights from virtual vcca
These updates come from members posting in Virtual VCCA, our new online community.
Anne Alexander brings word of a recently-completed granite carving apprenticeship.
Nelleke Beltjens shares news of an in-person exhibition.
vcca composer playlist
October Playlist

  1. Anthony R. Green | Solution for piano and percussion orchestra
  2. Sid Richardson | Door To The River
  3. Tony Solitro | Love's Astronomy
  4. Laura Konjetzky | Fading Varnish / Verklingender Lack
  5. Anna Rubin | Olive Tree
  6. Faye-Ellen Silverman | A Free Pen
giving news
You Can Support VCCA Through AmazonSmile
For those of you using Amazon Prime for convenience during the pandemic, we wanted to remind you that Prime Day is next week on October 13 & 14. When you use the link smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7136000, AmazonSmile Foundation donates a small percentage of sales to VCCA.

If you shop with the Amazon Shopping app, just make sure the AmazonSmile option is ON and that you select VCCA!
resources
How to Identify and Report Voter Intimidation
Hat tip to VCCA Board member Rone Shavers for passing along this article from CNET on how to report intimidation at the polls.
get involved
Fellows Council Nominations
To become more involved in supporting the mission of VCCA, please consider nominating yourself for the Fellows Council. Nominations are due on October 31. Read our letter to prospective Fellows Council members for more information and instructions.
Quick Links to Stay in Touch
🧡 Stay safe, and be well.
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