SPARK! Upper Valley Arts & Culture

Patricia Norton is a choral director, and music innovator who believes singing is a learnable skill that sparks joy and promotes wellness. In this episode, Patricia speaks about how singing together helps us bolster courage and be healthier as individuals and communities, about the evolution of her approach over the last two years, and the new documentary about her work during the pandemic.

Johanna Evans works in the film industry, is an event producer, and serves on the Boards of White River Indie Films and Upper Valley Choral Arts Foundation. In this episode of SPARK, we get to talk to her about how and why she became a Burlesque performer and how the art and local burlesque community has impacted her life. (WARNING: this episode contains references to sexuality and sexual assault. Viewer discretion is advised).

Melissa Richmond was fueled by her belief in the power of creativity to build and bind communities to found the West Claremont Center for Music and the Arts. Melissa is committed to dismantling barriers to the arts and providing opportunities for all her Claremont neighbors to enjoy the mental, physical, and social benefits associated with participation in the arts.We discuss the dreams for Claremont and how her organization is enlivening her home-town’s social, economic and educational quality of life.

Susan Apel, a lawyer, journalist, and passionate arts advocate blogs about cultural experiences across our region.

Eric Love, theater artist and Director of Education at Northern Stage in White River Junction, VT, discusses how theater education develops leadership, empathy, and discipline for young people and helps build community.