December 2021

Hi friends,

It is surreal to be wrapping up 2021. I don’t know quite how to describe this year, so I won't try, but I’m glad we’ve made it this far. 

As At the Root prepares for 2022, we are doing some restructuring with a new focus on coaching, consulting, and new workshops.

Here is our 2021 recap. In 2021 we:
*were a creative consultant on the steering committee of the 311 Poetry Project. This project is pretty amazing. It very thoughtfully highlights the voices of Black and Indigenous Vermonters in the creation of a public art installation, while naming the harm that has happened on the land that the project sits on.  

*Participated in a panel discussion of art as a response to hate speech featuring the exhibit "On the Consequences of Hate Speech".

*worked as a teaching artist for a 6-week residency at Winooski High School, facilitating a group project based on the principles of creativity.

*facilitated two creativity workshops for COVID Support VT. Another workshop is available on January 19th. Please email me for details. 

*participated in a bi-weekly group of socially engaged artists from across the country, discussing what roles artists play in healing and justice work.

*sat as a board member for the Vermont Dance Alliance and supported the transition of Executive Directors.

*created “The Opposite of Hate is Mending” - a participatory installation.

*hosted a series of Zoom “Over Dinner” events with a focus on developing communities of care. (watch the recordings here). 

*created “from COVID to Community” - an ongoing installation that that asks us questions about how we
can reshape our future and the roles that individuals, artists, and arts organizations can play.

*attended the Laundromat Project 2 day Create Change Institute. This workshop trains participants in meaningful collaboration with communities on shared creative projects while addressing social issues and using a racial justice lens.

*consulted with Marcie Hernandez in creating her crowdsourcing campaign for  Tres Pedazos, a Music Video Trilogy  (there’s still time to lend your support, the campaign closes on January 3rd!)

*provided one-on-one support for local artists developing a plan for new projects

*attended numerous online seminars across the country on arts and justice.

*completed my first year of monthly newsletters.
(yeah for accomplishing goals!)

*and am ending the year with a super fun event for New Year's Eve through BCA’s Highlight! Draw and Dance with DJ Llu from 3:00-4:30pm. Get your tickets here. 

I’m excited to be re-launching the website and some new programming in early 2022. In the meantime, please get in touch if you want to know more about any of our work or have ideas to collaborate.

Be safe, be there for each other, be well.

jen