Bethel Art Fair thanks

To the Editor:

The July 7 weekend brought wonderful arts and cultural events together through a vibrant spirit of collaboration in Bethel. The Mahoosuc Arts Council would like to send thanks and attributions to all those who helped, supported and attended the weekend of arts and culture which included the Arla Patch art opening at Owen Gallery during the Shy, Novice & Closeted Artisans Soiree connected by an art walk on High Street, the 23rd Annual Bethel Art Fair and 8th Shy, Novice & Closeted Art Show Arla Patch’s Gallery talk, the 6th Music Without Borders international piano festival, exhibits at the Bethel Historical Society, the Bethel Merchants Saturday Stroll and children’s art show at Elements Art Gallery.

The strength of “collective impact” marketing, promotions and communications increases dramatically when businesses, nonprofits and individuals work in collaboration toward a common goal. In this case, it is a weekend that draws visitors, locals and cultural tourists to our region as a destination to build our culture and economy.

Thank you to the Mahoosuc Arts Council Board of Directors. When “all hands on deck” are called, they jump to action: Chair Tera Ingraham, Vice Chair Helen Davies, Kathy Hodsdon, Melanie Ellsworth, Treasurer Troy Jordan, Linda Stowell and new board members Karen Kutchera and Karen Saito. Thanks to committed council volunteers Chris Davies, Lauren Head and Suzanne Newsom-Pierce.

Thanks to our honor figure Arla Patch for her permission to celebrate her artistic impact on the community, for the use of her coil sculpture image for the poster art and exhibit at the Owen Art Gallery. Thanks to Diana Arcadipone for taking on the big task of providing qualified judging of the art show.

Thanks to Gould Academy for supporting art fair operations and the Gould maintenance crew. Thanks for Janet Wille for cross promoting the Art Fair and 8th S,N&C Art Show.

Thanks to our sponsors who supported artist awards, entertainment and facilities: Norway Savings Bank, the River View Resort, the Good Food Store, Smith and Town Printers, Moore Park Art Show July 28 and Creative Media.

A huge thanks goes to the artists who painted the ARTirondack chairs: Tera Ingraham, Troy Jordan, Lauren Head, Sarah Renee Lane, Mary Harrington, Cailin Kavanaugh, Molly Keane and Sarah Shepley. Thanks to Auctioneer Phil McIntyre of the Skye Theatre and to Reggie Brown for making the chairs. A lot of thanks are owed the businesses that support the cultural economic development our events generate:

ARTirondack sponsors the Jolly Drayman, Doug Zinchuck and Sons Roofing, D.A. Wilson, the Good Food Store, Pat’s Pizza, Norway Savings Bank and the Riverview Resort. Thanks to the Bethel Post Office for being a display location.

Thanks to entertainers Brad “Squintwood” Hooper, Conni St. Pierre, Abby Goldberg, Amalia Siegel, Shoestring Theater, Nancy and Greg Frangoulis, Rijah Newell and Trash Into Art, the Blue Willow Jazz Band and to Fred Garbo for displaying his wonderful inflatable sculptures.

Thanks to Pine Tree Waste, Olsen Tents, Bennett Septic and the Town of Bethel for providing all services.

Arts events like this fair are not only important in supporting the arts and making a positive quality of place impact, they are also vital to the local economy by supporting artists and driving visitors to stores, restaurants, inns and other businesses. It is also important to note that exhibitors reported the best sales this year since 2008, which we consider as a significantly positive marker.

Many thanks to all who helped to make the weekend a success!

Aranka Matolcsy,

Executive Director,

Mahoosuc Arts Council,

Bethel