As the spring sunshine turns our Vermont world into wonderful shades of green, I am struck by my dreary insistent feelings that more than spring is coming to Vermont.  

The world in which we create our art has changed dramatically over these past few months.  No matter your political, social, or religious beliefs, our world as we knew it is on the verge of something quite grim.  The daily news accounts send out messages of more and more unique opportunities being slated for future and immediate dismissal.  Benefits and rights for all people are being damaged in ways that go beyond shrinking a budget.  

I do know that in times of great despair, it is the arts that can pull us through.  Artists everywhere are turning their uncertainty into messages for themselves and others.  This is a powerful time for artists…if we can maintain our commitment and our values for a democratic society.  We can have a voice. We can make a difference.

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