Did you know that August is American Artist Appreciation Month? It’s time to pay extra attention to the art that’s all around you and of course, the people who created it! Although we may not always realize it, artists are a crucial part of every community. They dedicate their lives to inspiring the public and sending out powerful messages through their work. While their lives are often spent in solitude, an artist’s work is for others. They help make our great nation more beautiful and creative for all of us to enjoy. Whether they be painters, photographers, sculptors, musicians, or another type of artist, we can all use the month of August to appreciate them and the good that they do. We want to celebrate American Artist Appreciation Month by letting you know about some great ways to support artists right here in Stafford Springs.
Summer Concert Series
The Stafford Springs Art Commission features a concert every Sunday evening at Hyde Park as part of their Summer Concert Series. You can enjoy musical stylings from a different band every weekend. All of the artists have their own unique style and sound for you to experience. You can see Grass Roots Blue Grass Band on August 4th! To check out all of the artists and the schedule, check out this link for more information. Keep in mind that in the event of rain, concerts will be held in the Stafford Community Center. Rain or shine, you can get together with your friends and family to appreciate beautiful music right in your home town.
Arts on Main
This August, head down to historic Main Street in Stafford Springs to experience Arts on Main. On the second Friday of every month from 6 to 8 pm, our local shops and organizations host new artists each month. For example, last month, the Window Box, Middle Ground Cafe, and other other establishments hosted a variety of artists including photographers, authors, potters, and more. There is also often live music at the Haymarket Common. Each month a new artist performs. When you go to Arts on Main, you are not only supporting artists, but your local small businesses. It doesn’t get better than that!
Art Factory Part 3
Graffiti culture is alive and well, even here in our small suburb! On September 19th, 50 artists will be creating graffiti on the walls of a Stafford Springs factory from noon to 8 p.m. Head to The American Sleeve Bearings factory at 1 Spring St. if you’re interested in seeing local artists get creative on their side of a trestle. This is an especially interesting event as graffiti hasn’t always been readily accepted by the public. However, Howard Buckland, the owner of The American Sleeve Bearing factory disagrees with this opinion and takes an interest in well designed graffiti. In an interview with the Hartford Courant he said, “There’s a misconception about those guys, that they are hooded hoodlums sneaking into places. They’re artists. It’s an art form. We create things in the shop and they create things out there.” Although the artists are free to express themselves in any way they choose, this is a family friendly event and none of the art will be inappropriate or offensive. Come see what graffiti art can really be all about at Art Factory Part 3.
We hope that you’re interested in attending these events or even honoring American Artist Appreciation in your own ways this August Remember, Earth without art is just eh! Be grateful for those creative souls who provide our nation, and our local community, with stunning art.