Elder Arts

Classes and Events

Dominique Gustin, our new Elder Arts Coordinator has been a wonderful addition to the River Arts team. Classes are going wonderfully, and they’ve already been on a field trip to see a variety of exhibitions in Burlington. Our Elder Arts program is generously supported by the Copley Munson Fund. It’s never too late to join in and learn something new (or simply share the creative experience with friends).

Meeting Times and Locations:

Mondays:
Hyde Park’s Sterling View Community: 9:30-11:30 am
Morrisville’s River Arts Center: 1:00-3:00 pm

Tuesdays:
Johnson’s Town Hall: 9:00-11:00 am
Stowe’s West Branch Apartments: 1:00-3:00 pm

Current and Upcoming Class Topics:

Elders Art classes in Hyde Park, Morrisville, and Stowe are currently creating mixed media/collage ”Memory Tiles” with Lars Hasselblad Torres. Join us June 23rd and 24th, and add your tile to the “Memory Tile” mural that will be assembled and hung in the River Arts Center. Mural reception with refreshments will be held July 7th at 6:30 pm!

Johnson classes are currently exploring different painting styles with acrylics June 17th - July 1st. Join our group and try your hand at impressionism, expressionism and abstract expressionism! Vermont artist Harriet Wood will lead the class and share her experience with abstract expressionism July 1st…don’t miss it!

Upcoming Events:

Join us July 30th to see Village Harmony perform at the Irasburg Town Hall! The Village Harmony group is a collaboration of young musicians, ages 12 and up, based in Vermont. They will be performing 1930’s gospel quartets, sacred and folk music from the Republic of Georgia (including west Georgian yodeling!), music from Corsica and South Africa, and shape-note music. Call for more details!

August 2nd, the Elder Arts group will travel to the Lost Nation Theatre in Montpelier to see Shirley Valentine! Join us and experience “…A hilarious and touching, common-sensical and irreverent, bawdy and wise one-woman show, from the writer who gave us Educating Rita.”

From a recent class

Summer Camps!

Fine and Performing Arts Camp

July 7-10 and 14-17

Ages 6-13 : 8:30am-2pm

It’s time to drum, dance, sing, stretch, express and create!

Get moving in the morning and be creative in a variety of visual and performing arts classes. All activities will be offered by age group including: fine arts, creative movement, drums and percussion, vocal arts, video animation and more! At the end of our two week camp we’ll have an informal sharing and presentation of all the various fine arts projects in addition to our music and dance presentations. Come and join our talented and professional faculty at the River Arts Center for a fun-filled and everlasting arts experience. ($135) Camp is nearing it’s capacity… please call to see if there’s any more room: 888-1261. We are welcoming volunteers ages 14 and up to help out with this camp through the day.. mornings, lunch and afternoon… call if you’re interested!

Here’s the Lineup:

Drums and Percussion, Fine Art, Video Production & Animation, Vocal Arts, Yoga & Meditative Visual/ Creative Movement

Asian Culture Camp

July 28-August 1

Ages 6-11 : 9am-1pm
Ages 11-16 : 1-5pm

Explore the Far East while in Northern Vermont at the River Arts Center!

Learn about Thai Spirit Houses and Water Throwing Festivals, plus the Chinese Calendar. Tie Chinese knots, do calligraphy, experience a tea ceremony, learn stories and myths from Asia. We’ll celebrate the Beijing Olympics and begin an exploration of Tai Chi outdoors. ($90)

We’ll make Asian snacks and drinks… but please bring a bag lunch to eat. Thanks!

Skate the Arts Camp

August 4-8

Ages 6-11 : 9am-12pm
Ages 11-16 : 1-4pm

Join us at the Johnson Skate Park for Skate the Arts!

Skate the Arts provides a week of skateboarding with coaching at the park and a unique introduction to “street art”, graphic design, video animation and mural painting. Students work to decorate their own skate deck (provided) and decorate the park itself. A creative, friendly environment mixing art and athletics. Free lunch is provided at noon for both groups. ($135) Due to a huge response our first session is full… if you’d like to be on our waiting list please call us: 888-1261. We’re encouraging those 10 and up to join the afternoon session. Thanks for your support!

Reserve a spot. Register online now!

The River Arts Center

River Arts Needed a Home

At the 1999 community forum hosted and inspired by the Orton Foundation, folks voiced the need for a community arts center. From our first workshops in 2000 to the present, River Arts programming has been conducted in schools, churches, senior centers, and other community spaces. Since 2001, our office has been located in spaces donated by generous local businesses. Our community needed more space for art classes, small performances and events, and meetings and River Arts needed a permanent downtown location for our office.

The River Arts Center

To fulfill our mandate to create a community arts center, River Arts purchased the Lamoille Grange building (and original Peoples Academy) on Pleasant Street in downtown Morrisville in 2005. The River Arts Center will be a place for community members of all ages, backgrounds, talents, and means to explore their creativity and engage with each other. Arts classes for all ages will be held throughout the day. The building will serve as a home base for our youth summer camps and after school classes. Children’s furniture and equipment will welcome young children to explore the arts. The classrooms and art materials will be available to all during open studio hours. Concerts, poetry readings, dance classes, and special events will take place in the upstairs performance space. The kitchen will be used for cooking classes, to prepare snacks for childrenâ€™s programs and special events, and for pot luck suppers. The building is also be available for use by other community groups as the schedule allows.

Capital Campaign

Thank you for considering a gift to the River Arts Center Capital Campaign. Your gift will help complete the renovation of the original Peoples Academy and former Lamoille Grange to create the new River Arts Center. There are many ways to get involved!

We continue to seek the support of our community to help complete the renovations and establish an endowment. Approximately $720,213 in public and private funds has been raised to meet our total project goal of $988,000. Of that number, $553,663 has been raised from individuals who have played a major role in making this community dream a reality. It is only through the generosity, vision and leadership of community members like you that we will be able to finish the renovations and provide River Arts with a home and a base for our region-wide programming.

Ways to Contribute

Your gift of any size is very important to us.

Gifts and pledges may be tailored to help you accomplish your goals and meet your interests.

To learn more about any of these giving options, please see below or contact Lauren Philie, River Arts Development Director, at 802-888-1261 or send an inquiry to Lauren.

Direct Contributions

Pledges

Matching Gift Program

Stocks/Securities

Leave a Legacy

Direct Contributions

Your gift of cash is the easiest and most direct means of support.

A single or sustaining donation may be made by credit card online or by check payable to River Arts of Morrisville.

Please mail checks or credit card information to River Arts Capital Campaign, PO Box 829, Morrisville, VT, 05661.

Your donation is fully tax-deductible to the extent permitted by the law.

Pledges

If you would like to make a gift to the River Arts Center Capital Campaign, but are unable to make a full direct cash donation at this time, you may consider making a pledge to the campaign now, then have your payments and tax deductions distributed over the next two years.

You may select your frequency of giving by designating a monthly, quarterly, or annual donation.

This giving method provides donors with an opportunity to achieve their giving goals over time.

Please contact us if you are interested in spreading your gift over time.

Matching Gift Program

Many companies will match employee and retiree contributions to non-profit organizations like River Arts.

You may be able to double the impact of your gift by contacting your company’s human resources department to obtain a matching gift form.

Please enclose the appropriate form with your donation. We will do the rest.

Stocks/Securities

Gifts of stocks/securities are gratefully received.

This is a popular way to give particularly because a gift of appreciated stock or mutual funds is tax deductible at full fair market value at the time of the gift with no capital gains tax. Most donors find this is a way to make a more generous gift than might be possible otherwise.

Leave a Legacy

A planned gift to River Arts is one very important and effective way you can help support our mission to enrich the community through the arts for generations to come.

It is possible to accomplish your financial goals, provide for your family, and support organizations you care deeply about. Everyone can benefit from estate planning, regardless of economic status.

River Arts is a member of Leave a Legacy NH/VT, which makes your planned giving easier and more secure. Consult your attorney or financial advisor or visit www.leavealegacynhvt.org to understand your options and then contact River Arts.

River Arts Blog

Photo Gallery

Local Links

Here are links to area organizations, partners, and websites of arts interest.

The Helen Day Arts Center

The Vermont Arts Council

Movies at the Oxbow

Stowe Performing Arts

Peoples Academy

Johnson State College’s Dibden Center for the Arts

The Northeast Heritage Music Camp

The Lamoille County Chamber of Commerce

The Stowe Area Association

Welcome to River Arts

Opportunities

Teaching Artists

We look for people to provide diverse arts programming that focuses on participation, affordability, and accessibility for all ages. We seek proposals from artists for the following program areas:

Head Start Arts
Elementary classes for after school and summer camps
Middle and High School after school arts classes
Adult Workshops
Artist in Residence
Elder Arts

We need creative, energetic mentors to teach arts programs for all levels and ages.

Performing Artists

We present performing artists at our building, The River Arts Center, and other venues throughout Lamoille County in the form of concerts, residencies, and festivals. Please send us your press kit or web address so we can get to know you!

Volunteers

We’re looking for volunteers to help us periodically throughout the year. Our only requirement is a desire to help out a busy local nonprofit, meet some new people and have fun. Some projects can be worked on from home. No experience necessary! If you are a student of any age and are interested in an internship, please contact us. We are also happy to help people fulfill community service requirements. Here are common volunteer opportunities-we have a job that’s just right for you and your schedule!

Teach a class
Hang flyers
Assist in our after school classes
Join the team to help with projects like mailings, parties, and events
General office and computer help
Research and development

Teaching, performing, volunteering…

Teaching Artists

We look for people to provide diverse arts programming that focuses on participation, affordability, and accessibility for all ages. We seek proposals from artists for the following program areas:

Head Start Arts
Elementary classes for after school and summer camps
Middle and High School after school arts classes
Adult Workshops
Artist in Residence
Elder Arts

We need creative, energetic mentors to teach arts programs for all levels and ages.

Performing Artists

Volunteers

We’re looking for volunteers to help us periodically throughout the year. Our only requirement is a desire to help out a busy local nonprofit, meet some new people and have fun. Some projects can be worked on from home. No experience necessary! If you are a student of any age and are interested in an internship, please contact us. We are also happy to help people fulfill community service requirements. Fill out our online Volunteer Interest form and we’ll contact you when we need some help.

Here are common volunteer opportunities-we have a job that’s just right for you and your schedule!

Teach a class
Hang flyers
Assist in our after school classes
Join the team to help with projects like mailings, parties, and events
General office and computer help
Research and development

Contact

Address and Phone:

PO Box 829 - 74 Pleasant Street
Morrisville, VT 05661
Phone: 802 888-1261
FAX: 802 888-1161
General E-mail: info@RiverArtsVT.org

Office Staff:

Steve Ames - Executive Director (Direct line 802.760.6060)
Lauren Philie - Development Director
Joyce Clark - Finance
Sarah Schummer - AmeriCorps*VISTA Volunteer

Board of Trustees

Joanne Harrison - President
John Sargent - Vice President
Dawn Andrews - Treasurer
Judith Wrend - Secretary
Mary Brandt
Marcel Freda
Julie Ruth
John Rubino
Rett Sturman

Contribute

Thank you for choosing to support River Arts!

Your contribution will help us to enrich our community life through the arts by continuing to provide high-quality arts classes and creative events programming to the residents of the Lamoille Valley and beyond.

donate by mail

Your gift of cash is the most direct means of support.

Contributions may be made by credit card or check payable to River Arts of Morrisville.

Please download this donation form and mail it along with your credit card information or check to:

River Arts, PO Box 829, Morrisville, VT, 05661

donate online

We use Paypal to process online credit card donations because of their excellent track record.

You do not need to have a Paypal account to donate to us!

Simply click one of the buttons below and enter your credit card information.

Thank you!

Classes

To jump to the ADULT workshops, click here.

YOUTH

Summer classes will begin the week of June 23 in the River Arts Center and run until the week of August 11.
Scholarships are available.

Other classes are in the works, so check back often, or subscribe to our RSS feed on the right side of this page.

To Register for classes click HERE.

Monday:

6:30-7:30pm Hip Hop 2, with Caitlyn Dias

Age 10-14. This class will be continued from Caitlyn’s Spring Hip Hop 2 class, though not limited to those who enrolled in the Spring semester. This class is for those with some experience with hip hop dance. Be sure to wear some comfortable clothes and bring sneakers or dance shoes. ($55)

Tuesday:

5:30-6:30pm Beginner Tap/ Jazz, with Jenn Lindsey

Age 6-10. This class is a continuation of Jenn’s Spring class though previous enrollment not required. This is a combination class focusing on tap, jazz, ballet, and hip hop. This class will introduce students to the many dance styles and give them a well rounded understanding of the many sides of dance. ($55)

6:30-7:30pm Advanced Tap/ Jazz, with Jenn Lindsey

Ages 6-10. This class would be a perfect advancement for those who have taken Beginner Tap/ Jazz with Jenn Lindsey. Some experience or knowledge of tap and jazz is a must. Students will also explore the world of ballet and hip hop. ($55)

Wednesday:

No Classes. Come to the Year Round Farmers Artisan Market 3- 7pm! Do your weekly shopping right here in Morrisville. A huge variety of goods both inside the River Arts Center and outside in the Municipal Parking Lot! EBT now accepted.

Thursday:

9:30-10:30am Painting and Creating I, with Sarah Schummer

Age 4-6. This is an introductory painting class for the little ones! Together we’ll paint stone critters for Mom’s garden, create mixed media collages with magazine pictures and paint, and learn the basics of mixing colors. We’ll open the doors to the ever-fascinating world of art. Bring your creativity and a smile. ($45)

9:30-10:30am Painting and Creating II, with Hannah Dreissigacker

Age 6-9. This is a introductory painting class for the older little ones! This painting class runs simultaneously as the first one for parents with kids in both age brackets- so you can drop them all off and relax for an hour! Join River Arts for an hour of creation and expression. ($45)

4-5pm Teen Hip Hop for Beginners, with Breanna Hart

Age 14-20. Grab your friends and learn some basic hip hop moves to some of the hottest music. Create your style and improve your dance skills. The elements of hip hop as well as jazz will be explored with Breanna.

5-6pm Intermediate Hip Hop, with Breanna Hart

Grade 9-Adult. This class is for those with some prior hip hop experience. What better time then summer to come together and learn some advanced dance techniques with Breanna!

Friday:

6-7pm Hip Hop 1, with Hailee Laidman

Age 6-10. This is an introductory class for those girls and guys who want to get out of the house and start moving to the beats of some fun pop music. You don’t need any experience to come dance with us and learn some dance moves. High energy and good fun!

Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and bring sneakers or dance shoes.

To Register for Classes Click HERE.

Adult Workshops:

Other classes are in the works, so check back often, or subscribe to our RSS feed on the right side of this page.

Sunday:

4-6pm "Beyond the penned mustache: Portraiture with Mixed Media" with artist, Dominique Gustin

Create a unique portrait using your own photographic images and mixed media! We will use acrylic paints, glazes and a variety of other media to work over and around the figure(s). Add new backgrounds and landscapes, merge your subject into the painting with elements of design, and take the people in your personal pictures on an artistic journey!

Class meets 4 sessions: 6/29-7/20