A Couple Wins

Hey you!

How is Fall treating you? Are you able to find time for fun? For joy? For stillness, inspiration, and awe? For pumpkin picking?

Despite the natural slow-down of Autumn, I’m actually feeling a blossoming of Summer energy right now which is exciting.

A few months ago, I said yes to the role of Costume Designer for Essex High School’s production of Chicago: Teen Edition. It’s being directed by an old college friend who I am overjoyed to be connecting with in this theatrical way. I get to be a part of some young people’s lives, as well as dust off my sketching and sewing chops. Though part-time, this gig is a much needed boost to my sense of creative purpose in this chaotic world.

Another boost to my creative confidence: I was recently stunned by the news that I am to receive an ‘Artist Development Grant’ from the Vermont Art’s Council. These competitive grants go out twice a year to a handful of recipients.* I’ve applied every year for five years, and this is my first time being awarded. To say that I’m grateful and excited is an understatement. I will use this grant money to fund my attendance at an upcoming folk conference in Albany. The conference is a deep dive into the folk music industry - with informative panels, networking opportunities, and chances to play. I’ll get to see my dear friends Jes and Jakob perform, as they are Featured Artists of the conference.

The timing of this gathering is very serendipitous with my intentions to release the music you all helped to create. I won’t say when exactly the release date is for the first single, so as not to jinx it, but you’ll know well in advance.

For now, know that I am still chugging along to roll out this music. I’ve got my Marketing hat on and am building release strategies to hopefully increase who’s ears get to hear these tunes. This phase of development is admittedly a slog, but little by slow and one step at a time, we’re getting there.

As always, thank you for being on this journey with me. I can’t do it without you.

With heart,

Allie

*With funding being slashed everywhere nation-wide, it’s a massive deal that Vermont artists still have access to grant money. Sending a huge virtual Thank You to the Vermont Community Foundation, the Art’s Council, and the generous private donors who make this money available.
To my readers, please consider donating to your local arts organizations, OR any organization that helps support the planet. THERE IS ENOUGH MONEY FOR EVERYBODY. Sadly only a handful of dummies hold and control the wealth. So it’s up to us artists (pronounced here as arteests)to see this truth and shine a palatable (or not) light on it. * chef’s kiss *