Chittenden County 'Creatives' Gather for Mixer on June 23
Above: Interior, Milton Artists' Guild. Photo: Corrina Thurston.
Vermont Creative Network and Milton Artists' Guild Reconnect Regional Creative Community
MILTON, June 7, 2022: The Vermont Creative Network welcomes Chittenden County creatives to a free networking mixer on June 23, 2022 at the Milton Artists’ Guild, 6pm-7:30pm. The Milton Artists’ Guild Art Center is a nonprofit located in the Milton Square Plaza next to Aubuchon Hardware at 199 US-7 South, Milton, Vermont. There is no charge to attend; the venue is wheelchair accessible; and hospitality will be provided. Masks are optional.
The Vermont Creative Network is a broad collective of organizations, businesses, and individuals working in six zones across the state to advance Vermont’s creative sector. Performing and visual arts; crafts; design; film and media; culture and heritage; specialty foods; and literary arts are all component industries of the creative sector. The Vermont Creative Network recently produced the CreateVT strategic plan, the roadmap for a Vermont that thrives through creativity, inclusivity, and innovation, recognized as the 2022 Plan of the Year by the Vermont Planners Association.
Image: A Vermont Creative Network convening. Photo courtesy the Vermont Arts Council.
The June 23 event is an opportunity for creatives in the region to meet each other, strengthen community, enjoy reemergence to social gatherings, and consolidate the creative sector’s voice. Chittenden County plays a meaningful role in this sector of the state’s economy and has room to grow. Caitlyn Kenney, Milton Artists’ Guild Executive Director, said, “The creative economy is present in everything that we do at the Guild. Chittenden has a thriving arts community, which creates connections throughout the state, helping to grow the economy overall and keeping those dollars within Vermont. We are so proud to be able to support over 150 artists - all of whom are entrepreneurs in their own right - and we are always looking to help grow through partnerships and community building. We are thrilled to host this event and facilitate creatives making connections with each other!”
The Chittenden County Zone of the Vermont Creative Network is coordinated by James Lockridge at Big Heavy World, a volunteer-run, independent music office. Lockridge, Big Heavy World Executive Director, said, “As we finally come together again in person we’ll be reminded how crucial relationships are to our economy and wellbeing. Our local creatives are leaders in community-building; rejoining conversation like this is the first step in demonstrating resilience and aspiration.”
About The Milton Artists’ Guild: The Milton Artists’ Guild endeavors to enrich the lives of those in Milton and its surrounding areas. The Milton Artists’ Guild was initially created in 1988 as a way to give artists the space and confidence to share their creative endeavors. Since then it has grown to be one of the largest spaces representing and supporting artists in Vermont. Through youth programs, adult programs, partnerships, exhibits, community projects, and gallery – a vibrant 6,000 square foot space in Milton – the Guild brightens the northwest of Vermont and provides a singular arts experience for those who live in the area. Contact Caitlyn Kenney, director@miltonartistsguild.org; (802) 891-2014; miltonartistsguild.org
About the Vermont Creative Network: The VCN is a broad collective of organizations, businesses, and individuals working to advance Vermont’s creative sector. Authorized by the Vermont Legislature in 2016, the VCN is an initiative of the Vermont Arts Council. The Vermont Arts Council provides backbone support and a 19-member Steering Team provides guidance. The Network is organized into six regional zones.
Contact:
Caitlyn Kenney, Milton Artists’ Guild, director@miltonartistsguild.org
James Lockridge, VCN Chittenden County Zone Coordinator, jim@bigheavyworld.com
Contact: James Lockridge, jim@bigheavyworld.com, (802) 373-2890
Download a print-resolution image at https://bigheavyworld.com/press-images.