BAI in the news
BrattFlicks presents Stuart Little
Cool movie, cool air and a cool bargain.
BrattFlicks presents the contemporary classic family film "Stuart Little", Sunday, July 24 at 4 p.m. on the big screen at the Latchis Theater in downtown Brattleboro. All tickets are $6 and adults paying for two kids' admissions get in free! Proceeds benefit Brattleboro Arts Initiative.
The 1999 live action/animated "Stuart Little" has been a favorite of children and their grown-ups throughout the last decade. Starring Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie (TV's "House") and the voices of Michael J. Fox, Nathan Lane, Steve Zahn and plenty of supporting stars, "Stuart" tells the tale of a plucky mouse (Fox) and his adoption by the real live Little family (Davis, Laurie and "Jerry McGuire's Jonathan Lipnicki). Stuart wins over his skeptical new brother, George (Lipnicki), but his adventures really begin when he must outsmart the family cat, Snowbell (Lane), and his shady feline friends.
Based loosely on E.B. White's all-time classic children's book, "Stuart Little" features writing contributions from cinematic bigwigs M. Night Shyamalan and David O. Russell, and won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. A talking animal flick with real heart and brains, "Stuart" is an ideal way to get out of the heat and experience movie magic, on the big screen at the beautiful Latchis Theatre. Whether it's one of their video favorites or they're discovering it for the first time, kids of all ages will be delighted.
Summer family fun at the Latchis continues with the brilliant and hilarious "Princess Bride," presented by BrattFlicks on Sunday August 28, and look out for BrattFlicks' continuing series of seriously fun grown up films ("The Big Lebowski,” September 30 at 9pm). It's the new tradition for Brattleboro's biggest movie fans.
SPELL CHECK! A SPELLING BEE FOR GROWN-UPS RETURNS
A Humorous Evening of Serious Thought
APRIL 14, 2012 AT THE LATCHIS THEATRE, 6:00 P.M
Latchis Arts celebrates its 4th annual Spell Check! A Spelling Bee for Grown-Ups on the main stage of the Latchis Theatre. This exciting competition pits trios of spellers against one another before a whimsical panel: Master of Ceremonies Tom Bodett, Judge Archer Mayor, and Beekeeper Jim Maxwell. Rampant wordplay, anecdotes, bicycle horns, and laughter are sure to deliver the most outrageous of serious evenings.
Past years have boasted beehive hairdos, heifer costumes, and plenty of fun. “It’s almost like some spectacular sporting event,” remarks Jerry Stockman, a member of the twice-victorious team To Bee Or Not To Bee. “Or like we’re in the studio to record a game show! There’s that sort of sensibility about it.” He and his teammates are gearing up for this year’s competition, and hoping for another win.
Bragging rights, fame, and the right to display the winner’s name on the new Latchis Marquee are at stake, and registration has begun. There is a $100 fee per team, and each team must also raise an additional $100 sponsorship. For registration forms and further information about Spell Check! A Spelling Bee for Grown-Ups, contact spellcheck@latchisarts.org or visit http://www.brattleboroarts.org/spell-check. Registration deadline is April 1st. Benefit tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children.
Art for arts sake ... and for a better community as well
from the Brattleboro Reformer ...
"We really are stronger than we know. We have more strength than we think. We can take on more than we know," said Richard Phillips, the sea captain who was kidnapped by Somali pirates but ultimately came through unscathed, during a stop in Brattleboro in March to promote his new book.
Those are good words in general for the empowering year that 2010 was. Artists innovated not just in their work, but in the ways they found to bring that work to light. The arts community rallied to support important causes. They self-published books, made award-winning films guerilla-style, lost their jobs and went into music full-time, comforted the afflicted, afflicted the comfortable and time and time again pooled collective energies to get things done and make a difference.
This is nothing new -- artists have been doing all these things all along. But this was steady drumbeat of a year in which artists showed themselves to be as bold and businesslike and empowered as they are creative.
It was a big year for new things at the Latchis Theatre. Latchis 4, a new space in the old NEYT location, opened officially on June 8 after a $260,000 facelift by the Brattleboro Arts Initiative. Not long after, the Latchis Theatre added 3-D technology and screened "Despicable Me" as its first 3-D offering. In October, the fat lady -- and all her friends -- started singing when the BAI and the Brattleboro Music Center teamed up to present live HD broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera. Long wished for, the opera broadcasts came about thanks to a timely fundraising campaign. Of course, the Latchis continued to serve as the venue for really big concerts, among them Jonathan Edwards, the A Cappella Show, John Sebastian, Childsplay, Nowell Sing We Clear, Bush Mango and even "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."
Help Us Raise Money
Greetings,
I'm here to tell you about a wonderful challenge to help us raise money
for the Metropolitan Opera broadcasts.
A generous donor has come forward to match, dollar for dollar,
all gifts for the Met up to $7500. With $15,000 more to go to
meet the budget, this would sure DO IT!
Met Memo
The Metropolitan Opera: Live in High-Definition
Latchis Theatre
Fall 2010
Greetings!
If you've pined for opera close to home, if you wished the Latchis would bring in the Met, if you wondered if you'd ever see the day: pine, wish and wonder no more!
Brattleboro Arts Initiative and the Brattleboro Music Center announce a special joint venture to bring the Metropolitan Opera broadcasts to the Latchis Theatre.We will host the 11-opera season live on Saturdays at 1:00 p.m., and show Encore presentations on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. This means opera lovers in Brattleboro will be able to experience performances at the same time as opera lovers in Lincoln Center itself, as they are simultaneously transmitted by satellite.
Preserving History: Group Unveils Fourth Movie Theatre at Latchis
Latchis Four
By Jaime Cone, Brattleboro Reformer, June 9, 2010
BRATTLEBORO -- Seven years after the Brattleboro
Arts Initiative purchased the Latchis building, its members are finally
seeing their efforts pay off in a big way, with the completion of one of
its main goals. The Brattleboro Arts Initiative Tuesday evening hosted the grand
premier of Latchis 4, the newest addition to the Latchis Theatre. Latchis 4 is adjacent to the Latchis Theatre, in the space the
New England Youth Theater called home before it moved to its new
location on Flat Street. The transformation of the space began late last
fall and cost $260,000, said Gail Nunziata, managing director of the
Latchis.
Read more: Preserving History: Group Unveils Fourth Movie Theatre at Latchis
Donors Inaugurate Brattleboro’s Newest Venue
Downtown Cornerstone
Brattleboro Reformer, June 9, 2010
BRATTLEBORO-- Perhaps a little under the radar, Latchis 4 held
its grand premier last night, inviting various members of the community
and donors to help inaugurate Brattleboro’s newest downtown venue. There’s no way to understate the importance of something like the
Latchis complex to our downtown. "We think that we serve two purposes in the town," Gail Nunziata,
managing director of the Latchis, told us on Tuesday. "Culturally ...
the building is beautiful," she said, pointing out both the interior and
exterior as pristine examples of art from another era. "There’s also
the economic impact because of the hotel and the work we’ve done there
... 10,000 people a year stay here and when they do, they have to eat
and shop."
Latchis 4 Debuts- 3D Movies Coming Next
Latchis 4 Debut
iBrattleboro.com, June 8, 2010
Tuesday evening the Brattleboro Arts Initiative and the Latchis Theater celebrated the grand opening of their newest stage and screen, Latchis 4.
Chocolate covered strawberries, popcorn, and champagne were on hand as people arrived. It's a classy and simple design that pays homage to classic theaters.
Have to Help Haiti
BAI and Brattleboro send $9000 to Haiti
I would like to thank all the people who attended the Have to Help Haiti concert at Brattleboro's Latchis Theatre. You all made a big impact on this important humanitarian effort and we love you for it. Brattleboro Arts Initiative and Vermont Jazz Center are proud to announce that $9,000 was raised for Pure Water for the World's ongoing efforts in Haiti. (You can still donate and find out more about PWW at havetohelphaiti.org.)
Huge thanks also to the amazing and dedicated musicians, Samirah Evans, Charles Neville, Ayizan and Azouke Sanon, Eugene Uman, and Simba, and to the great band members, sound man, lighting and stage directors, BAI, VJC, and Latchis boards and staff, and everyone else who donated their time and talent to make this event a total success. Go Brattleboro!
Ben James
President
Brattleboro Arts Initiative
Arts Council of Windham County
Nunziata receives ‘Friend of the Arts’ award
BRATTLEBORO -- The Arts Council of Windham County’s annual "Friend of the Arts" award was presented to Gail Nunziata by Marie Procter, ACWC honorary trustee, on Oct. 22 as part of the ACWC annual meeting held at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center.
Nunziata was chosen to receive the award for her many contributions to the arts. She serves on the Alliance for the Arts steering committee and faithfully keeps AFTA members informed about up-coming arts events and opportunities for artists.
Explore Town and Nature in Brattleboro, Vermont
Necee Regis, Boston Globe, September 30, 2009
BRATTLEBORO, Vt. - A thriving, artsy town along the banks of the Connecticut River, Brattleboro is bucolic enough for city-weary visitors while offering plenty of activities for energetic travelers. Three- and four-story historic buildings offer interesting and independently owned places to shop and dine, including at least five bookstores and almost as many coffee shops. In fact, there seems to be more than one of everything here: CD and used record stores, clothing boutiques, sporting goods emporiums, kitchen shops, home goods and gifts stores, restaurants, and arts and crafts galleries galore. Nearby, nature enthusiasts can hike, bike, kayak, and canoe. Though you could easily bring the kids, Brattleboro is ideal for a couple’s weekend getaway.
Brattleboro Arts Initiative Elects New Board and Officers
Brattleboro Arts Initiative is pleased to announce the election of new officers and the recent addition of six new board members. Brattleboro Arts Initiative is a non-profit organization, responsible for supporting and enhancing the Latchis Memorial Building’s potential as a center for the arts and community events, and providing leadership and advocacy in the arts. The new board members are artists, educators, music promoters, and entrepreneurs, bringing a new depth of knowledge and experience to the organization.
Read more: Brattleboro Arts Initiative Elects New Board and Officers
Brattleboro Arts Initiative Adds Perra to the Board
Rich Perra, the newest member of the board of Brattleboro Arts Initiative, grew up in Brattleboro and remembers raising heck at the LatchisTheatre as a kid. “So now I guess it’s time to make amends,” Rich said with a laugh.
Rich, now a lawyer in private practice in Brattleboro with kids of his own, has been active with many organizations over the years, including the Brattleboro Child Development Center, Windham County Court Diversion Program, Living Memorial Park Snow Sports, and as a member of the Brattleboro Union High School Board. “I’m committed to community service,” he says. “It’s important to me as a lifelong resident to be a part of making this the best town it can be. It’s important, too, as a parent, to demonstrate community service to my kids.”
Read more: Brattleboro Arts Initiative Adds Perra to the Board
Local Artists Receive More Federal Grants
By Howard Weiss-Tisman, Brattleboro Reformer, August 19, 2009
BRATTLEBORO -- In a tough economy, as more artists compete for fewer and fewer dollars, state and federal grant money continues to flow into Windham County.
The Vermont Arts Council this week awarded almost $47,800 to artists and art groups in the county, about 20 percent of the $245,000 that was spread throughout the state.
A Boost for the Arts
Brattleboro Reformer Editorial, August 12, 2009
The $179,000 in federal grant money that eight Windham County arts organizations received last week may not sound like a lot of money.
But when you consider that those eight nonprofits received nearly one-third of the money alloted to the state of Vermont under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), for boosting the arts economy, it becomes an enormous vote of confidence in our region.
BAI Fundraising Hits Goal
By Bob Audette, Brattleboro Reformer, August 10, 2009
BRATTLEBORO -- In less than one year, the Brattleboro Arts Initiative’s Campaign for Community, Culture, and Commerce received $150,000 in donations for the renovation of the Latchis 4 theater.
Much of that, $100,000, came from the Tommy Thompson Trust, while the remainder came from the community at large.
Panel Rewrites Arts Plan for Town
By Bob Audette, Reformer Staff - July 7, 2009
In an attempt to unify the town's art community and to bridge the gap between it and town government, the Selectboard established an Arts Committee.
In the past few months, the committee's members have been sketching out their charter, which is meant to flesh out their mission to put more art in the town's public spaces.
We're an Arts Town... It's Time to Say So
By Andrea Livermore, Brattleboro Reformer, July 6, 2009
As one circulates in the Brattleboro area community it becomes clear either through declaration ("Brattleboro is an arts town") or just through observation that in fact Brattleboro seems to attract/retain and/or produce artistic types. Over time one can draw the conclusion that any town that hosts signature events like one of the most active and successful Gallery Walks around, the Strolling of the Heifers in June, or the Brattleboro Literary Festival in October has some creative oomph. And of course in keeping with this phenomenon, artistic activity is almost a part of day to day life for those of us who live and work here. We know we're an arts town. And let's not forget that Brattleboro has after all been voted among the 25 best arts destinations in the cities under 100,000 category by American Style Magazine for numerous years now and is listed in John Villani's book, "The 100 Best Art Towns in America." But I also often hear it asked, "If you were to drive into town as a visitor for the first time, how would you know?"
The response if often, "Good question."
Artists seek respect, cash
By Joyce Marcel, Brattleboro Reformer, Wednesday, April 25
BRATTLEBORO -- They say that getting a group of artists to agree on anything is like herding cats, but Brattleboro's Alliance for the Arts, a loose network of local arts organizers, did a pretty good job with its Artist Town Meeting Tuesday night at the Latchis Theatre.
The meeting was inadvertently timely. The Brattleboro area has long been known as a good "arts town," and much of the energy in recent years has gone into defining and refining the area's "creative economy."
Recognizing that, American Style Magazine has just named Brattleboro one of the top arts towns in the country with populations under 100,000.
Latchis Marks 70th
Rutland Herald 12/6/08 - Read the full article.
Latchis Restoration Project Receives Major Challenge Pledge
By Eric Pero, The Original Vermont Observer, December 19, 2008
In a birthday wish come true, the Brattleboro Arts Initiative (BAI) recently announced its largest pledge to date for the Latchis' "Campaign for Community, Culture and Commerce" - a $150,000 challenge grant from the Thomas Thompson Trust. The money comes during the Latchis' 70th anniversary, and will be used for the design and installation of Latchis 4 - a key portion of the campaign that includes work on the marquee and façade. The money will also go towards purchasing the Latchis building and for other capital improvements.
Read more: Latchis Restoration Project Receives Major Challenge Pledge
New doings at the Latchis: Latchis 4
Latchis 4 is the working name for our new 99 seat theatre-in-progress at 48 Main Street. When complete, Latchis 4 will add new performance and film space to the Latchis complex. Most of Brattleboro’s memories of this space begin with the great Jade Wah Chinese Restaurant. After that it was home to New England Youth Theatre. Now, since the Youth Theater has moved to a free-standing home of its own, Brattleboro Arts Initiative and Latchis Corporation are excited to be making plans for Latchis 4.
Making a Business of Art
By Bob Audette, Reformer Staff, Wednesday, September 12
BRATTLEBORO -- From the business side, there is no magic about running the Latchis Theater and Hotel and keeping it profitable.
"Business and the arts are not different categories of endeavor," said Jim Maxwell, a founding member of the Brattleboro Arts Initiative, which purchased the Latchis complex in 2001. "They are totally intertwined."
Casablanca Party and a Movie Kick Off of The Latchis Resotration Project Phase 2
BRATTLEBORO, VT—Celebrate the Party of the Decades at Latchis 4, 50 Main Street, on Friday, December 7 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. during Brattleboro’s first Friday Gallery Walk. The Latchis 4 space will be transformed and renamed Latchis Café for the evening with the public invited to step into another era—Rick’s Café of Casablanca fame—to enjoy food, drink and surprises inspired by the classic movie.
Sponsored by Brattleboro Arts Initiative, the Party of the Decades will kick off a series of fundraisers to help underwrite the Latchis Restoration Project Phase 2 of the historic Latchis Theater in Brattleboro, VT.
Read more: Casablanca Party and a Movie Kick Off of The Latchis Resotration Project Phase 2
Dinner and a Show at Latchis 4 to Benefit Latchis Restoration Project
BRATTLEBORO, VT—The Latchis Event Committee announces the second in a series of fundraising events to benefit the Latchis Restoration Project—a deliciously romantic dinner/theater offering set in the atmosphere of a posh New York City Supper Club.
A.R. Gurney’s smash Broadway hit “Love Letters” will be performed at Latchis 4 on Friday and Saturday evenings March 14 and 15 and Sunday matinee on March 16. Tickets--$75 each for the evening performances and $55 each for the Sunday matinee--are available at Brattleborotix.com and at the front desk of the Latchis Hotel. For the evening performances, the doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with dinner served at 7:00 p.m. and the show at 8:00 p.m. For the Sunday matinee, the doors will open at 1:00 p.m., with brunch served at 1:30 p.m., followed by the show at 2:30 p.m.
Read more: Dinner and a Show at Latchis 4 to Benefit Latchis Restoration Project
Two Powerhouse Blues Bands Bring A Rare Musical Treat To The Latchis Stage
The Evan Goodrow Band And Brattleboro’s Own Scott Ainslie
From Preservation Hall New Orleans, to the crossroads of delta blues, to a full out Philadelphia funk festival—the Blues are coming live to the Latchis on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. to benefit Brattleboro Arts Initiative.
Read more: Two Powerhouse Blues Bands Bring A Rare Musical Treat To The Latchis Stage
Town Arts Committee
Mission
The Town Arts Committee recognizes that the arts are a substantial contributor to Brattleboro’s identity. The integration of the arts within the fabric of Town government enhances the vitality of the town and the quality of life for its citizens. We wish to strengthen the bond between the Town of Brattleboro, the community of Brattleboro, and the arts community to enable mutual understanding, as well as appreciation for the aesthetic and economic contributions made by the arts.
Artists at the Town Table
For Immediate Release – August 21, 2008
At a recent Brattleboro Selectboard meeting, approval was given for the formation of a Town Arts Committee to be made up of seven Brattleboro residents. This new committee will serve to connect and communicate arts issues to the Town and Town issues to artists; provide counsel to the Town regarding art in public places; aid in rewriting the cultural section of the Town Plan, set for revision; and serve as advocate, clearinghouse and spokespersons for Brattleboro’s community of artists. The full mission and vision of the committee is available online at www.brattleboroarts.org. Letters of interest are due to the Selectboard, c/o Town Manager Barb Sondag, 230 Main Street, Brattleboro by September 5. Interviews and committee selection will take place September 16. Brattleboro’s artistic community is comprised of dynamic and thoughtful performing and visual artists, educators, and administrators, who have been working together for the betterment of Brattleboro through arts collaboration, outreach, and arts as industry. If you are interested in advancing the cause, send your letter of interest to the Town by September 5.
Latchis Marks 70th
Latchis Marks 70th - Rutland Herald 12/6/08 - Click on link for full article.
Latchis Restoration Project Receives Major Challenge Pledge
By Eric Pero, The Original Vermont Observer December 19, 2008
In a birthday wish come true, the Brattleboro Arts Initiative (BAI) recently announced its largest pledge to date for the Latchis' "Campaign for Community, Culture and Commerce" - a $150,000 challenge grant from the Thomas Thompson Trust.
The money comes during the Latchis' 70th anniversary, and will be used for the design and installation of Latchis 4 - a key portion of the campaign that includes work on the marquee and façade. The money will also go towards purchasing the Latchis building and for other capital improvements.
Read more: Latchis Restoration Project Receives Major Challenge Pledge
Brattleboro Arts Initiative Elects New Board and Officers
Brattleboro Arts Initiative is pleased to announce the election of new officers and the recent addition of six new board members. Brattleboro Arts Initiative is a non-profit organization, responsible for supporting and enhancing the Latchis Memorial Building’s potential as a center for the arts and community events, and providing leadership and advocacy in the arts. The new board members are artists, educators, music promoters, and entrepreneurs, bringing a new depth of knowledge and experience to the organization.
Read more: Brattleboro Arts Initiative Elects New Board and Officers
Brattleboro Arts Initiative Adds Perra to the Board
Rich Perra, the newest member of the board of Brattleboro Arts Initiative, grew up in Brattleboro and remembers raising heck at the LatchisTheatre as a kid. “So now I guess it’s time to make amends,” Rich said with a laugh.
Rich, now a lawyer in private practice in Brattleboro with kids of his own, has been active with many organizations over the years, including the Brattleboro Child Development Center, Windham County Court Diversion Program, Living Memorial Park Snow Sports, and as a member of the Brattleboro Union High School Board. “I’m committed to community service,” he says. “It’s important to me as a lifelong resident to be a part of making this the best town it can be. It’s important, too, as a parent, to demonstrate community service to my kids.”
Read more: Brattleboro Arts Initiative Adds Perra to the Board
We're an Arts Town... It's Time to Say So
By Andrea Livermore
As one circulates in the Brattleboro area community it becomes clear either through declaration ("Brattleboro is an arts town") or just through observation that in fact Brattleboro seems to attract/retain and/or produce artistic types. Over time one can draw the conclusion that any town that hosts signature events like one of the most active and successful Gallery Walks around, the Strolling of the Heifers in June, or the Brattleboro Literary Festival in October has some creative oomph. And of course in keeping with this phenomenon, artistic activity is almost a part of day to day life for those of us who live and work here. We know we're an arts town. And let's not forget that Brattleboro has after all been voted among the 25 best arts destinations in the cities under 100,000 category by American Style Magazine for numerous years now and is listed in John Villani's book, "The 100 Best Art Towns in America." But I also often hear it asked, "If you were to drive into town as a visitor for the first time, how would you know?"
The response if often, "Good question."
Panel Rewrites Arts Plan for Town
By Bob Audette, Reformer Staff - July 7, 2009
In an attempt to unify the town's art community and to bridge the gap between it and town government, the Selectboard established an Arts Committee.
In the past few months, the committee's members have been sketching out their charter, which is meant to flesh out their mission to put more art in the town's public spaces.
A Boost for the Arts
Brattleboro Reformer Editorial, August 12, 2009
The $179,000 in federal grant money that eight Windham County arts organizations received last week may not sound like a lot of money. But when you consider that those eight nonprofits received nearly one-third of the money alloted to the state of Vermont under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), for boosting the arts economy, it becomes an enormous vote of confidence in our region.
BAI Fundraising Hits Goal
By Bob Audette,Brattleboro Reformer, August 10, 2009
BRATTLEBORO -- In less than one year, the Brattleboro Arts Initiative’s Campaign for Community, Culture, and Commerce received $150,000 in donations for the renovation of the Latchis 4 theater. Much of that, $100,000, came from the Tommy Thompson Trust, while the remainder came from the community at large. But people in the region ponied up much more than that.