Arts and Entertainment

NEWPORT — The MAC Center for the Arts will be opening a new exhibit, ANECHOIC, by sculptor Sterling Trail.

The opening reception takes place on August 23, from 5-7 p.m. in the Downstairs Gallery, located at 158 Main Street, in Newport.

A truly unique title, ANECHOIC, defined as free from echo, artist Sterling Trail describes his work as ”focused on aesthetic.”

“Aesthetic is how an object is made, the choices made by the maker to uncover a cohesive form,” Trail said. “I hope that my works capture a balance. I hope that the reader will either find an understanding in my work or an aesthetic enjoyment.”

Trail’s work is distinctive and one of a kind. His art is the reimagining, repurposing, and redesigning of hardscapes.

“I see discarded machines, their vacant husks laying scattered, partially submerged in the annual sediment of the summers now past. These machines are the corpses of function, returned to the earth, devoid of a conduit beyond the artist’s appreciation for their form. I can’t tell you what these forgotten things will be tomorrow or the day after, all I can tell you is what they were made from,” he explains.

“I have made the journey down the old road, through trees and shallow puddles to another world that is divided by an intersection. The world I seek is obscured by a vacancy of necessity; it was left behind by its previous stewards who only dealt in abandonment. Now all that remains of the ritualistic discarding of functionless articles are the remnants of machines and structures, submerged under accretions and deposits made annually by the silent sentinels of the forest.”

This sculpture exhibit is a first for the MAC Center for the Arts and celebrates emerging artists.

Curated by Victoria Mathiesen, Andrea Strobach and Arlene Goldberg, MAC has hosted several exhibits this season by touring artists, members, and invited artists.

These exhibits are free and open to the public.

Stop in to see this extraordinary display of modern art. ANECHOIC runs through September 22.

For more information, please visit www.maccenterforthearts.com or call 802-334-1966.

NEWPORT — As a special presentation on the final weekend of the MAC Center’s stunning exhibition “Blue: an Exploration of the Colour,” local artist, filmmaker, and MAC Center member Bradleigh Stockwell will present a lecture about “Yves Klein: The Man Who Invented Blue.”

This event will take place on Saturday, August 17, at 2:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

When he died in Paris in 1963 at the age of 34, Klein was a successful artist and poised for international fame.

In his brief career, he created many of the performance and artistic techniques which would become standard practices in the decades to come.

Among his most notorious was creating art in front of an invited audience as musicians performed.

More important was his creation of a special type of blue paint, now known as International Klein Blue.

Klein made it his artistic signature, applying it to large canvases, sponges, sculptures, massive murals, and even models who became, in his words, “living paintbrushes.”

The MAC Center exhibition includes a large work created with “IKB.”

Mr. Stockwell’s lecture will include a live demonstration of this hue.

Also on the program: a fascinating filmed interview with Klein’s widow, Rotraut.

This film is being shown by special arrangement with Denmark’s Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk, Denmark.

Please note that this half-hour film contains brief, artistic, but explicit female nudity.

Gallery hours at the MAC are Mon-Sat 10-5 and Sun 10-6.

For more information visit http://www.maccenterforthearts.com or call 802-334-1966.

NEWPORT — The MAC Center for the Arts is inviting the public to come experience total immersion into the color blue, by joining them at their latest exhibit, “BLUE – An Exploration of the Colour.”

The exhibition opens on June 28, inside the Downstairs Connection at the center, with a reception from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Works in several disciplines will be shown, all of which will represent a personal interpretation of the color blue.

Come out and experience the blue of the painter, the weaver, the jeweler, the potter, and the photographer. 

The exhibit is free and open to the public and runs through August 19 and is open 7 days a week, Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For more information visit www.maccenterforthearts.com or call 802-334-1966.

NEWPORT — Vermont’s Breakfast on the Farm comes to the Maxwell’s Neighborhood Farm this Saturday, June 22 in Newport.

This is the first time the event has been hosted in the Northeast Kingdom.

This free, public event includes a Vermont-style pancake breakfast featuring local products, a self-guided tour of the farm including 14 educational stations, and a peek into the life and business of dairy farming in Vermont.

Media are invited to see first-hand how the farm cares for their cows, creates renewable energy, enhances their community, supports their employees and protects the environment.

Over 1,000 visitors are expected, including agricultural leaders, educators and industry representatives including.

On site will be three generations of the Maxwell family, owners and operators of the Maxwell’s Neighborhood Farm and their employees interacting with the public, Dr. Julie Smith, DVM, PhD, UVM Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences UVM Extension agronomists and specialists, as well as over 100 volunteers from the agricultural community.

The event will take place between 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and the Maxwell’s Neighborhood Farm is located at 213 Maxwell Road.

NEWPORT — Locally renowned tenor Allen Cubit will present a special concert spotlighting Robert Schumann’s, Dichterliebe, on June 1, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. at the United Church of Newport.

He will be accompanied by the extraordinary pianist, Vivian Spates.

Cubit is well known professional tenor that has graced the stages in the Northeast Kingdom, Canada, and beyond.

He has sung with the Vermont Philharmonic, was a soloist in concert with the acclaimed John Weaver, one of America’s finest concert organist, as well as having sung with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and performed at the iconic Carnegie Hall.

There is something distinctive about the combination of classical music, romantic themes, and the tenor voice that evokes a sense of overwhelming joy. Robert Schumann is a genius as a composer/lyrist in this realm.

Dichterliebe is one of his best-known works and highlights the poetry of Heinrich Heine in a 16-song cycle which takes the singer and listeners on a journey of a person who is mourning lost love and overcoming the heartbreak that inevitably follows.


“This work is not just a soloist with an accompaniment, as Schumann himself was an accomplished pianist,” Cubit said. “We find a balanced interplay between voice and piano taking the themes and telling the story of love throughout the work.”

It is truly a full collaboration on the part of the artists. Spates is a featured and integral performer in the presentation.

The duo has been rehearsing for several months and will round out the evening’s concert with a cache of eclectic songs, including pieces by Beethoven, Donaudy and Carissimi.

“I enjoy the beauty of Schumann’s music and I am excited to share that beauty with my local community,” Cubit said.

The concert is free and open to the public, however, donations are greatly appreciated.

For more information cubitallen@gmail.com or Click here for the event page on Facebook.

NEWPORT — MAC Center for the Arts presents Gabe Tempesta’s solo Exhibition entitled Selected Paintings with an opening reception on Friday, May 24, 2019, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the MAC’s Downstairs Connection.

The opening is free and open to the public.

To highlight Tempesta in his own words:

“Being born and raised in the Vermont landscape has given rise to the current scope of my artwork. I am continually inspired by the natural landscape while exploring at home or while traveling and look to capture and celebrate that with my paintings. My formal education is from Montserrat College of Art where I studied illustration. After training and pursuing a career as an illustrator as a matter of practicality for ten years I felt an urge for more creative freedom in the form of fine-art landscape and wildlife painting.


My black and white paintings have evolved from a charcoal and watercolor mixture to oil paint. I recently switched to oil paint in order to more easily mimic the lens effects of photography. I love the process of capturing an image through a camera lens with pixels then bringing it to life by hand with paint. Early on I considered pursuing photography as a career until this was superseded by my passion for drawing and painting. Now I feel I have come to a balance between the two.
I leave out the color in my paintings in order to focus on composition, form, and contrast and to engage in a more simple and direct creative process. I strive to create a fresh approach to traditional landscape painting where I look for dynamic vantage points in which to portray common features of the landscape and the wildlife within it. I want the viewer to be familiar with what they see but to get the feeling that they ‘haven’t quite seen it like that before.”

The exhibit will continue through Saturday, June 22, 2019, and can be seen from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during regular business hours.

For more information visit www.maccenterforthearts.com or call 802-334-1966.

NEWPORT — The MAC Center for the Arts will share a posthumous tribute to the late Manfred Rieder starting this Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 – 5:00 p.m.

The tribute will display a selection of Rieder‘s works, housed in the MAC’s newly named space, the Downstairs Connection.

In Manfred Rieder‘s own words:

”My fantasy structures are the result of being brought up by my grandparents and after my grandmother’s death when I was eight years old by grandpa alone. He was a well-known Austrian architect and from an early age taught me how to draw and paint and then had me assist in making his architectural dioramas and models for his clients. The love of architecture has never left me and now I express it through my little houses and scenes. I have always been fascinated by any form of transportation, from trains to cars, to airplanes and ships and I try to incorporate some of this in my work as well. I only use found wood, unwanted articles and everyday items I find in my shop or in the woods.”

Rieder‘s talent was not limited to the wooden creations, he also produced hundreds of pen and ink or pencil drawings, paintings, clocks, and many more.

All of the wooden diorama’s are for sale and will benefit the MAC Scholarship Fund which is given annually to graduating seniors pursuing any arts discipline in college.

It was his wish was that his legacy is hallmarked by this largesse.

The unique showcase will be on display April 27 through May 23 during regular business hours.

The exhibition is free and open to the public.

It should be noted that these items are handcrafted and for indoor display only.

The exhibition runs in concert with Portraits in Action – 25 Vermont Pioneers in renewable energy, environmental conservation, and land use planning.

For more information, visit www.maccenterforthearts.com or call 334-1966.

NEWPORT — The MAC Center for the Arts will host a special exhibition from Vermont Folklife entitled “Portraits in Action.”

The opening reception will take place on April 12, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the lower gallery on Main Street, in Newport.

The exhibition presents 25 Vermont pioneers in renewable energy, environmental conservation, and land planning in photography and text, and runs through May 18, 2019.  

The event is free and open to the public.

For over a decade, the Vermont Folklife Center has been exploring the roots of the environmental movement and renewable energy in Vermont, documenting an evolving course of action that extends from the mid-1960’s to the present.

Since this arc of activity has occurred within living memory, it has been possible to seek out and speak with the very people whose work has been an engine of change.

Seventy-two interviews later, “Portraits in Action” presents twenty-five Vermont pioneers in renewable energy, environmental conservation, and land use planning.

This diverse cross-section is intended to be suggestive rather than comprehensive, recognizing that there are many more whose work has also made a difference.

The exhibit pairs portrait photography and interview audio as a way for visitors to thoughtfully connect with each person featured.

Image and audio are linked to personal statements written in response to the question:

“What will bring us to the next level in meeting the energy and environmental challenges we are facing today?”

In our current political environment, consensus on the defining issues of our era continues to elude us.

“Portraits in Action” offers the opportunity to spend time with a group of people who have been thinking hard about many of these issues over the course of their working lifetimes.  

For more information, visit www.maccenterforthearts.com, or call 802-334-1966.

Courtesy photo from Vt Folklife: Archival photo of Don Mayer (center) pictured with Mr. & Mrs. Eldy Schragg, who were responsible for teaching him about the Jacob’s Wind Generators. Photo courtesy of Don Mayer.

NEWPORT — The MAC Center for the Arts will be holding a writing workshop, Saturday, March 16, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

The workshop is called “The Power of the Personal Metaphor: A Memoir and Poetry Workshop.”

Come discover how personal metaphors inspire the creation of poetry and memoir.

Whether your interest is in writing poetry or prose, this workshop will delve into the ways metaphor and figurative language work to express the power of our individual experiences and emotions.

In the workshop, the group will use short writing exercises and spend some extended writing time to explore, develop and extend metaphors into poetry or prose.

This workshop will also be relevant for visual artists who use metaphorical imagery in their work.

The workshop will conclude with volunteers sharing their work.

The workshop is limited to 15 participants, ages 14 years and older.

Pre-registration is suggested by March 13.

Registration forms can be found online or by stopping in at the MAC Center for the Arts.

For more information, call 802-334-1966, or visit the website www.maccenterforthearts.com

You can also email pattyos@earthlink.net

NEWPORT — This year’s Winter Festival will kick off at Newport’s Gardner Memorial Park on Saturday, February 2.

Come celebrate timeless Vermont traditions like snowmobiling, ice skating, broomball, and bonfires.

Guy Fortin Broomball Tournament

With broomball skills, smooth line changes and athletic ability optional, this casual tournament has become a favorite Winter Festival activity for residents and visitors alike.

No skates or skills required, the emphasis is placed on camaraderie and old fashioned winter fun.

Players can recruit family members, colleagues, and neighbors to assemble a team and put for an effort to win the coveted championship t-shirts and bragging rights.

Cost is $10 per person to support Winter Festival fireworks.

Sign-up with a full team of 6-10 or sign-up individually as a “free agent,” and organizers will put you on a team.

Registration is due by January 28th.

Fire & Ice Radar Runs

The roar of high-speed engines resonates from Lake Memphremagog during the radar runs outside the Eastside Restaurant during Winter Festival.

This one-day competition showcases local riders competing for speed down a thousand-foot track on the lake.

With categories for all ages, some of the fastest sleds have traveled over 130 miles per hour.

Winners from a variety of age divisions take home trophies and celebrate with an after-race banquet at 4:00 p.m. inside the restaurant.

Registration at 9:00 a.m., runs begin at 11:00 a.m.

Family Events & Fireworks at Gardner Park

As the tournaments and the day’s festivities wind down, families are invited to gather at the park at 5:00 p.m. for the Winter Festival finale.

Finish the evening with free ice skating, a bonfire, and a spectacular firework display over the bay on Lake Memphremagog at 7:00 p.m.

Don’t miss the hysterical Hoagie’s pizza eating contest and Chuck-a-Puck 50/50 fundraiser too to benefit the Gardner Park Playground and Splashpad Project.

Admission to the park is free, but donations are appreciated to support the event.

Nothing chases the frostbite blues away like heartwarming time spent with family and friends. Whether you’re participating in a tournament or simply watching, you’re going to love this winter wonderland weekend.

NEWPORT –Now Playing Newport, the local Vermont concert series that has delighted audiences in the Northeast Kingdom over the past five years, will be presenting its final production on Saturday.

The show will take place January 12, at 7:00 p.m. at the United Church of Newport on Third Street.

This grand finale is in concert with the MAC Center for the Arts performing Liberated Libretto: A Frolic with Gilbert and Sullivan.

Anita Morin, Sally Rivard, Allen Cubit, Ron St John III and Lynn Leimer with Janice Luce on piano, will showcase the humor and history of the dynamic Gilbert and Sullivan duo with favorites such as Modern Major General from Pirates of Penzance, Three Little Maids from the MIKADO and When I Got Out of Doors from Patience.

The revue captures the satire as well as the musicality that made the operettas famous.

All proceeds will benefit the MAC’s ADA upgrade to their venue. Tickets for the event are available at the door.

The Now Playing Newport series will be staging no future shows.

Series Director Jim McKimm says closing out the series was a long thought decision.

He thanks all series partners over the years, those who attended the programs, as well as St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and the United Church of Newport.

NEWPORT — Thinking about decorating for the holidays? Wondering how to make new memories and fun-lore to pass down to generations? The Mac Center for the Arts in Newport is offering the perfect unique experience to satisfy both.

On December 15, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., the MAC is welcoming everyone to come and celebrate the holidays by creating a beautiful seasonal centerpiece made of local evergreens and festive materials. 

This is an activity for family members, friends, and neighbors, so come with a parent or uncle, child or best friend. 
 
Instructor Nancy Nash will conduct the workshop at the MAC’s lower gallery.

This annual event is usually a sell-out, so early registration is suggested. 

The workshop is limited to 25 participants and has a nominal fee of $5.00 per participant to cover supplies.
 
After you have finished creating your masterpiece, take time to browse through the upstairs gallery and select from an astonishing array of extraordinary pieces of arts and crafts, music and books, jewelry and furniture.

The distinctive collection is matchless and supports shopping locally.
 
For more information, visit www.maccenterforthearts.com, call 802-334-1966, stop by the MAC and pick up a registration form, or email pattyos@earthlink.net.

NEWPORT — The MAC Center for the Arts is getting ready to present their final exhibit for 2018.

The show, titled “WINTER!” opens November 16, with a reception from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the lower gallery.

The exhibit is free and open to the public and will run through January 19, 2019. The gallery is open Monday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.

The exclusive show, being curated by Victoria Mathiesen and Andrea Strobach, includes 2D MAC member artwork as well as a departure from the norm in that the show will be exhibiting Winter themed work from private collections.

The winter wonderland will be celebrated with photographs, paintings, prints, cards, and more adorning the downstairs gallery space.

A special performance, SHOWFLAKES, will highlight the whimsey of the snowscapes on December 14, and just like the weather, a flurry of anticipation is in the forecast for this original musical comedy revue.

MAC Center for the Art is located at 158 Main Street, in Newport.

For more information, visit the website, www.maccenterforthearts.com or call 802-334-1966.

NEWPORT — Newport’s Fall Foliage Festival is getting ready to kick off this weekend.

The Scarecrow Contest starts on Saturday with many businesses and organizations showing whimsical scarecrows throughout downtown as they compete for prizes. Individuals are also displaying their scarecrows along the Main Street fence.

In addition, an estimated 1000 international runners will be coming across the border and into Newport this weekend to raise funds for children’s programs in both the Quebec Province and in the Newport area, in the Relais Lac Memphremagog.

On Sunday, the Newport Rotary Duck Regatta takes place in Gardner Park, raising funds for local charities and civic needs.

Next weekend, from noon to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, Main Street will be filled with Chili Fest contestants and those wanting to sample some of the best chili north, and south of the border.

There will also be strolling musicians, courtesy of a donation from Community National Bank and RDI.

The Antique and Classic Car, Truck, Motorcycle, and Tractor Parade kicks off in Gardner Park at noon and winds its way down the Causeway and Main Street to the Newport Gateway Center where awards will be handed out in several categories.

Newport Parks and Recreation will be hosting the annual Downtown Photo Contest and Sidewalk Art Show on Main Street. The MAC Center is also hosting a Newport themed art show.

Cookie decorating for children will be held at Main Street’s Jocelyn and Cinta’s Bakery.

International crafters will fill the Hebard Building patio area with everything from stoneware and wooden crafts to natural products and arts of all kinds.

Le Belvedere Restaurant is hosting an outdoor Vermont Brews Beer Garden with bluegrass music lakeside from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Music continues from 3 to 5:30 as the classic hits band “The Hitmen” perform everyone’s rock favorites for a big party on the deck at the East Side Restaurant for the benefit of MSTF bike trails expansion.

There will also be a “human scarecrow” contest on the deck, with lots of prizes and fun.