BRATTLEBORO — How to make art more visible in Brattleboro? What is already taking place to create this vision?
For many, this isn't a new conversation and there have been many attempts to answer these questions in many ways. On Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 5:30 p.m., the Arts Council of Windham County is working with a few other partners to explore this question during a potluck at the River Garden on 157 Main St.
The evening will be facilitated by Jon Potter, Executive Director of Latchis Arts, and Shanta Lee Gander, former ACWC President, according to a news release.
Featured panelists include Susan Rosano (mosaic and mural master and teaching artist), Jen Austin of Downtown Brattleboro Alliance, conceptual artist Scot Borofsky, the New England Center for Circus Arts, and Bob Stevens, president of Stevens and Associates, P.C.
One of the goals of the event is to build upon the ongoing discussions of public art, while giving artists, local leaders, and business owners a chance to network, possibly look for their next collaborator, ask questions, and just break bread together.
The invitation for this event is extended to all artisans or creatives from different backgrounds, change leaders and makers, and anyone from the business sector, including building owners.
This event gives all these groups an opportunity for a focused discussion about permanent or temporary forms of public art in Brattleboro in regard to what it is and how to translate all of the input that will be gathered into action and possible change.
Rosano said she hopes to express that public art is about creating community while strengthening the economy of the community.
In a news release, she said public art “promotes local talent and engages the community, which has a lasting positive effect on local areas. Community murals create community expressions, conversations, connections, and the legacy of relationships fostered between the artists, the community, and the owners of the mural site.”
In addition to murals, conceptual artist Scot Borofsky believes that “art is where new ways to think are found."
Art, especially public art, is a possible vehicle for building community and expanding the economy. Gander wants attendees to know “this is not a new concept and we know this is not the first time we have approached the concept of public art or explored the ties with creation of space, arts, and culture. However, the problem is that some actions and conversations have taken place in various pockets.
“Youth are not always at the table, nor are some of the other individuals who need to have a voice in our shaping our vision around a creative, artistic, and vibrant Brattleboro. I know we won't solve all of these issues on September 26, but I hope this at least gets everyone in the same room to reach across sectors and continue to work toward creating the Brattleboro we want to see.”
Austin said the Downtown Brattleboro Alliance “is a real resource and asset for the community and has invested heavily in creative place-making/public art, as it falls directly under our mandates for economic development and beautification/design. The fact is that places that are safe, comfortable, and inviting attract people, who stay longer, and spend more money in those areas.”