Category: Arts

The 4th annual community art show at the White Meeting House in Waterbury is right around the corner. This year’s theme is “Art & Remembering” and applications are due June 15th for the show which will run all of July. There is also an opening and artists social on Sunday July 1st.
For whom? Participation is open to creatives, artists and makers of all ages — from hobby to professional — in Bolton, Duxbury, Middlesex, Moretown and Waterbury. We love to have work in any medium — from photography to poetry, crafts to collage, painting to pottery, textiles to television (okay, video but I needed another T), and anything else you are willing to share with the community! Application fee is $10, scholarships are available. The show will run from July 1 to August 1 and is a collaborative effort — aiming to provide more opportunities for local artists to show their work, and for local residents to enjoy more art.
What’s with the theme? Art shows often use themes as an organizing principle; part of the fun is seeing how different people can connect to or interpret a theme in such different ways. A few notions about this year’s theme of Art & Remembering to stimulate your thinking might include: How does art connect with remembering for you? Perhaps you work in a traditional form that connects to the past? Do you make things to keep your memories alive? Maybe you blend the old and new through your materials or your methods or your subjects? Or perhaps you have another inspiration or connection that moves you. We would love to share your work and your ideas in this group show.
Here’s a link to the application. If you have questions or need a little encouragement to join, please contact Torrey at 244-8581 or torreycsmith@yahoo.com. 

Montpelier photographers John Snell and Rob Spring are currently exhibiting a beautiful collection of black and white portraits at the White Meeting House in Waterbury Village. The project, called “Big Pictures,” was inspired by the internationally known photographer and activist JR. In 2016, Snell and Spring set up a temporary studio at the Montpelier Farmers Market and made spontaneous portraits of over one hundred groups and individuals. From there, they created a series of very large portraits (about 30” x 48” each), many of which were installed temporarily in downtown Montpelier, and about 20 of which are currently on display in Waterbury.
The large size of the portraits is extraordinarily captivating — the viewer is drawn to the faces and it feels almost like a personal interaction. The photos capture something magical about the relationships and connections between people. Even though we don’t know all the individuals in the photos, the feelings and experiences expressed in their body language are universal. 
So, the first great opportunity is to stop by and see the show! The White Meeting House at 8 North Main Street is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 8:30 to 12:30, or by special appointment (call 244-6606). The show will be up through June 24th and is free, and appropriate for all ages.
The second great opportunity is that the photographers, John and Rob, will be offering a workshop/discussion about their work. The story of how the project was conceived and executed — in terms of technical as well as human issues — is really part of what makes the show so special, and so accessible. On Monday, June 18th from 7 to 9PM, also at the White Meeting House, community members are invited to come meet the photographers (who are super friendly and easygoing people) and learn more about the artist, JR, who originally inspired them; how they set up their temporary studio and recruited participants; and some of the ways they have enjoyed sharing the portraits — including adhering them to buildings along Langdon Street in Montpelier. You will be inspired for sure! The workshop is free and open to people of all ages. 
Please contact Torrey Smith at 244-8581 or torreycsmith@yahoo.com with any questions.

On Top of the World by Emily Mitchell

Emily Mitchell will be sharing a talk with the community during the Sunday service on April 29th. Worship starts at 10 and ends by 11, followed by coffee and a snack. All are welcome!
That afternoon, from 2 – 4PM, she will offer a workshop: work with paint, paper,  and stencils to create an amazing, colorful and vibrant layered springtime inspired piece of art, which you will be able to take home that day! All art supplies are provided. Cost is $30. Sign up for her workshop by emailing her.
Find out more about Emily and her work on her website: http://emilymitchellstudio.com