New London, NH, December 5: As the holiday season approaches, the Center for the Arts would like to extend a heartfelt thank you as they reflect on the creative work accomplished so far, as well as everything yet to come.
This year began with Blind Squirrel playing participants through an evening of Contra Dancing. Contra Dancing originated in the 17thcentury and is similar to square dancing, except partners face each other in two parallel lines. Then CFA traveled back in time to explore the history of Queen Victoria, as Sally Mumney performed a living history in proper 19th century clothing. There were also family-friendly Valentine's Day crafts and a First Fridays Gallery Stroll, where exceptional artwork was showcased in micro galleries at various unique locations throughout New London.
When the Winter months bloomed into the Spring season, the Center for the Arts turned their attention to supporting the needs and growth of the literary community by asking authors, artists, and poets to contribute their perspectives during a collaborative round-table discussion. They also commemorated the life and art of Ruth Wynn, a highly accomplished watercolorist, and traveled to Colby-Sawyer College where Sarah Robinson became the first recipient of the CFA Art Student Award.
Later, CFA returned to Colby-Sawyer College and raised a glass to celebrate the arts and fundraised for their yearly community arts and education programs. The highlight of the evening was the commissioned song by Kearsarge Elementary Teachers (funded by a CFA Arts Education Grant) composed by Will Ogmundson, written by Tom Smith and performed with former CFA scholarship winner, Alia Gonzales, flautist Nicole Densmore, and pianist Will Ogmundson.
Things heated up in the summer months, where a frightfully good time was had during an open rehearsal for Little Shop of Horrors, followed by a Q&A with the Directors of the summer's productions; Keith Coughlin and Elliott Cunningham. A CFA new collaboration, Arts Weekend, with Sunapee organizations Deck Dock Gallery Showcase, LSPA and Prospect Hill Antiques and Gallery, highlighted the arts bringing new faces to the beautiful Sunapee harbor. This weekend event included Naturally New England Art Show and Sale offered the community an opportunity to see breathtaking artwork from over 50 Vermont and New Hampshire artists inside The Livery, a historic building in Sunapee Harbor. It also included the CFA’s popular Arts in the Harbor Fine Arts and Crafts Show.
Finally, a HuManities Mondays event focused on voting rights, voter repression, and suffrage throughout American history as well as information about current election law lead by Liz Tentarelli, president of the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of New Hampshire.
The CFA had a thankful fall as they honored the work of their dedicated members, sponsors, and volunteers with a gratitude event and reception. The event included hors d'oeuvres, wine, the music of Bruce Soper, and the presentation of this year's awards. The 2024 Volunteers of the Year were Jay Fitzpatrick, Thea Daniels, Roger Wells, and Megan Baxter.
The expansion of the Center for the Arts into a new space allowed for group piano lessons for elementary aged students, led by experienced music educator Leanne Beck, allowed students to learn together and separately−at half the price of private lessons. In a winter watercolor workshop with award-winning watercolorist, Robert J. O’Brien, participants learned essential watercolor techniques, exploring how to capture light, shadow, value, and composition while painting stunning New England winter scenes.
As the days grow shorter and winter approaches yet again, the Center for the Arts stays true to their mission of enriching lives by supporting, promoting, and connecting literary, performance, and visual artists of all ages to the community. December will hold a holiday concert with the Upper Valley Ringers, a handbell choir of experienced local musicians who perform seasonally at community gatherings. Please join them next year as they continue to enrich the community through the arts in their new space.
Details for last First Fridays program of 2024 (Upper Valley Ringers):
- Date: Friday, December 6
- Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
- Location: Whipple Hall (New London, NH)
The Center for the Arts (CFA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives by supporting, promoting, and connecting literary, performing, and visual artists of all ages to our community. By joining, members become part of shaping a vibrant future where creativity thrives.