MSA WELCOMES ASHLEY STORROW

Hello Friends of MSA!

I’m so thrilled to be joining the team at Main Street Arts as its part-time Program Director.

It has been one of my life's dreams to be part of a community-based arts organization that focuses on using the power of the arts to transform communities. 

My interest in community building began in Portland Maine, where I worked as the Assistant Director for the State of Maine’s Refugee Resettlement Program. I returned to Southern Vermont to pursue my Masters in Intercultural Service, Leadership and Management at the School For International Training in Brattleboro where I focused on designing programs in arts education for social change. 

For the past 5 years, I have worked at Vermont Academy as the vocal instructor and also as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director. I have also had the honor to perform professionally as a singer-songwriter across the United States in the duo, “The Early Risers.” I have a special fondness for creating singing experiences that build a sense of community. I live in Putney with my husband, two young daughters, a slew of chickens, and a wildly large vegetable garden. 

I believe that all forms of art serve as a catalyst for imagining, questioning, expressing, and healing. I look forward to listening to all of you to learn what excites you to come in the doors, so together we can build programming that fosters inspiration and connection in our community.

All inclusive price for high tea is $35

A Collaborative Show in the MSA Gallery

Opening Saturday, Sept 9 from 5 - 8 pm

“Purple Strips Striping” was created by artists Matthew J. Peake, Gordon Korstange, and Gretchen Abendschein.

Matthew J. Peake, Gordon Korstange, and Gretchen Abendschein will present their collaborative art works titled, “Merge Collages: A Show and Tell Experience,” in the Main Street Arts Gallery. The art exhibit will open with an event on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 5 to 8 p.m., and runs through Oct. 29.

They are also offering two workshops to learn how to create Merge Collages.

The workshops are held on Sundays, Sept. 24 and Oct. 15, at 2 p.m. The fee for the workshop is $20 per person. Individual pieces will be available for purchase, with a portion of the sales going to MSA. More Info.

MSA Childrens' Chorus

The MSA Childrens' Chorus, under the direction of Valerie Kosednar, will be held for two six-week sessions beginning this fall on Wednesdays at 3:30 pm. Price for each six-week session for one child is $60. Additional siblings are half price. All classes held at Main Street Arts. For more information and to register, click here.

Swing and Tango lessons will continue

on alternate Thursday nights.

Click here for more information and schedule. 

Save the Date for Jazz

On Sunday, September 17, West Coast guitarist John Stowell joins fellow guitarist Draa Hobbs for a duo performance at MSA. In addition to original compositions, the duo will perform a wide variety of music from the classic jazz repertoire featuring classic compositions by Dave Brubeck, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, and Kenny Wheeler. The Los Angeles Times wrote of Stowell, "Guitarist John Stowell’s style with standards is a delightful departure from the road well traveled. He transcends the label of jazz guitarist.” 



Tickets are $20. Plan now to attend this evening of great jazz!

Celebrating Bill Lockwood

Stitcheroos at MSA

Have you heard about the Saxtons River Stitcheroos?

The Stitcheroos meet monthly at MSA on Sunday afternoons to work on knitting, sewing, mending, crocheting, hemming and all manner of handwork, while chatting with and helping others who are working on their projects. It's fun!

Next Stitcheroos meeting with be on Sept 17 at 4 pm. A suggested $5 donation benefits MSA. All are welcome to attend!

Two New Open Studios at MSA

Open Art Studio is a monthly drop-in session in the MSA art room to practice art making. Whether you are a beginner or expert, come make drawings, paintings, crafts, and more in a welcoming and nonjudgmental community. Participants are invited to bring their own projects to work on or to use MSA-developed kits of art projects. 

Guest artists will be featured at each session to demonstrate and teach skills, and to assess interest in future classes.

Open Studio is scheduled on Saturday afternoons from 1- 4 pm on Sept. 30, Oct. 28, Nov. 11, and Dec. 30.

The Writers Studio is open to writers at all levels. Come and write in a friendly, supportive community. Take part in structured exercises or just show up to write. Facilitator Elle Goldstein has an MFA in poetry and has published poems and essays in a variety of journals and anthologies.

Dates for the Writers Studio are

Sept. 30, Oct. 28, & Nov. 11.

Suggested donation for both studios is $5–$15. No one will be turned away for inability to pay.

Upcoming Community Events

Blue Door Community Supper

Friends and neighbors are invited to a gather for a free covered dish supper Sunday, Sept. 17 from 5 - 8 p.m. at the community building at 24 Main Street. A variety of casseroles, breads and desserts will be available for all diets. Entrance to the building is through the rear door off River Street. Blue Door supper is sponsored by 24 Main, Inc., the non-profit formed after the closing of Christ's Church.

Saxtons River Trustees Meeting at MSA

Sept 11 at 7 pm. All are welcome to attend.

STAY CONNECTED!