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."
It seems that Brattleboro in all its quirkiness is keeping some really great secrets. By reputation our town is home to artists, artisans, musicians, writers, dancers and others. But outdoor art, exhibited integrally throughout the town, doesn't get as much play as some think it might given our creative propensity.
The Design Committee of Building a Better Brattleboro and the Brattleboro Town Arts Committee have pledged to work together to change this. The time has come.
It's a two-pronged approach, according to Gail Nunziata, managing director of Brattleboro Arts Initiative and liaison to both groups.
What about a walking tour of these spots to be offered to the downtown community as well as our out of town visitors? In April, Steve Barrett of Brattleboro's Department of Public Works led a walking tour for BABB and Town Arts Committee members, reviewing town-owned areas suitable for art. The task at hand was to find a sight for the relocation of the Christopher Irion Brattleboro Photo Booth Portrait Project exhibit previously located on the faade of the Brattleboro Museum and Arts Center. We have come up with a location and encourage the community to watch for its relocation sometime this summer. "The DPW's job is to maintain and improve the town's outdoors environment, anyway," Barrett said. "If there are ways we can add value to the town's green spots and retaining walls by working with the arts community, we're glad to do it."
So we're on it and we ask that the community chime in and suggest spots that perhaps they enjoy or have thought of as a destination for future clean up at some time in the past. Right now we're focused on downtown.
BABB and the Town Arts Committee are defining their roles in order to develop an effective project.
Kate Anderson, president of the Arts Council of Windham County, and Town Arts Committee member sees it this way, "If BABB can reach out and identify the little niches, the Town Arts Committee can reach out to the artistic community for ideas on how to go about developing projects for art in those places." The committees will be working together to develop a submission process for art, and a way for artists to be funded for the work.
An outcome the committees' work will be a walking tour and map of the art and the places. A sister project for art in indoor public places is likely to follow.
In the meantime, the group is interested in hearing from members of the public, to help with both prongs: inventorying current outdoor art and identifying likely and unlikely spots for new installations. Ideas can be sent to info@brattleboroarts.org or babb@sover.net or to BaBB at P.O. Box 961, Brattleboro VT 05302.
Downtown Brattleboro has tremendous character and a unique style. We're hoping to unveil just one more dimension and to share it with those who are inclined to appreciate it.
Andrea Livermore is the executive director of Building a Better Brattleboro.