It's been a busy year at the Vermont Arts Council, and we've enjoyed getting to know our grantees and other artists, performers and makers across the state. And you have too! Here are our most loved blog posts of the year.
9.Art in the Time of Covid: Patricia Norton: Patricia Norton, founder of Juneberry Music, describes how she developed a choral program in the virtual space and an educational podcast about people singing for wellness, all during Covid.
7.Art in the Time of Covid: Epsilon Spires: Find out how this Brattleboro-based interdisciplinary venue has transformed into exciting new directions to meet its goal "to illuminate the relationships between creative arts, natural sciences, and sustainability using multimedia platforms."
6.Art in the Time of Covid: Ida Mae Specker: For musicians like third-generation fiddler Ida Mae Specker, the early phases of the pandemic took away everything. No stages, no grange halls, and certainly no festivals. Ida Mae found other ways to connect with audiences and fellow musicians.
5.Art in the Time of Covid: Gin Ferrara: While recovering from a serious head injury at home during the pandemic, Gin Ferrara developed a daily drawing practice, a creative routine that would continue to anchor her when she emerged from recovery only to retreat back into lockdown.
4.Successful Aging: Wisdom in Our Communities: When Susan Rosano was laid off from her job years ago as an expressive arts therapist for hospice patients, being unable to land another job took her by surprise. Now in her 60s, Rosano hopes to change minds about the contributions people can make as they age.
3.I am a Vermont Artist: Katniss Everqueer: A beyond body-positive burlesque dancer making space for Vermont’s fat performers. A bedazzled, fairy-winged drag queen spreading literacy to kids across the state. A seasoned community organizer helping Vermont arts organizations become more inclusive. These are the many faces of Katniss Everqueer.
2.Arts and Culture Under Siege: Shining a Light on the Spirit of Ukraine: The Russian invasion began on Feb. 24. In a show of solidarity with Ukraine, we highlighted Ukrainian artists and shared what Vermont artists are doing to support the country. Don't miss the beautiful rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem by Strafford-based violinist Emerson Gale.
1.I am a Vermont Artist: Julio Desmont: Burlingtonian artist Julio Desmont’s abstract paintings burst with color, movement and bold geometry, and often bird-like figures. Born in Haiti in the town of Camp-Perrin, Julio grew up drawing inspiration from the vibrant natural world around him.
