VCN Hosting Virtual Social for ALL Chittenden Creatives

The Chittenden zone of the Vermont Creative Network will be hosting monthly virtual socials, with the first event occurring this Thursday, August 13 from 6pm to 7pm. The next social will include time for open conversation, a guided presentation by deputy director of the Vermont Arts Council Amy Cunningham, and a final section for Q&A. The meeting will occur on zoom here, and you can show your interest beforehand on the event page. Any Chittenden County creatives are welcome and encouraged to attend!

A “creative” is anyone whose work includes expressive originality, culture, or the arts. This means musicians, writers, comedians, poets, painters, cartoonists, sculptors, and the like. For all these folks, the meeting can function as an opportunity to stay engaged and involved in local discussions.

Co-host Mariah Riggs, Director of the Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, said, “This series is about reaching out and engaging with other creative members of our community with an affirming and empowering approach. Now is the time to facilitate a creative community discussion driven by a collaborative conversation about where we are, what we need to do to move forward, and what that looks like for Chittenden County.”

At a time when it’s easy to feel isolated, the event’s organizers hope to engender a sense of community. Art cannot exist in a vacuum, and neither should its production. Engaging in these meetings gives artists an opportunity to share thoughts and concerns.

James Lockridge, co-host of the series and Executive Director of Big Heavy World, said, “We all deserve a little social convening — with conversation that joyfully highlights our humanity and presentations that give us a leg-up as we aid each other in facing a changing world. We’re in this together and our local creatives are the go-to crowd for affirming that.”

Big Heavy World is a co-host of the event, alongside the Vermont Creative Network, Main Street Landing, and the Vermont Arts Council.

For information about this event series contact James Lockridge, (802) 373-2890, jim@bigheavyworld.com.

For information about the Vermont Creative Network, contact Amy Cunningham, (802) 828-5423, acunningham@vermontartscouncil.org.

Painting by Jean Carolus, A Reading from Moliere.

Thumbnail photo of Ivamae by Luke Awtry.