BELLOWS FALLS — On Friday, June 15, from 5 to 10 p.m., join local visual, musical, and lyrical artists to celebrate where “creative meets political” in a community art event, “The Arts of Resistance.”
The events open during the Bellows Falls 3rd Friday festivities with art work and performances at Project Space 9 Gallery in the Exner Block and Canal St. Art Gallery, both on Canal Street, and will continue at 33 Bridge St. in Bellows Falls.
Organizers describe The Arts of Resistance as “an evening of two- and three-dimensional art and performances exploring the spectrum of reactions to this tumultuous political time in our country.”
This year's events will include several returning artists from last year's Resistance events, plus local bands and many new participants. Attendees are invited to participate in creating post cards to be mailed to their favorite politicians or used in a public art project.
Troubadours and poets, including The Cold River Ranters, The Milkhouse Heaters, and Pete and Linda Simoneaux and Friends will perform a few originals and some familiar songs of protest.
Music will start at Project Space 9 at 9 Canal St. from 5 to 8 p.m., and end with a group singalong of Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A Changin'. The music will continue at Stage 33 Live at 33 Bridge St., from 8:30 to 11 pm.
All events at Project Space 9 and Stage 33 Live are free, but a suggested donation of $5 is appreciated. There will be a closing reception on July 20 with some of the same and additional artists.
The Arts of Resistance is organized and curated by local artist Jeanette Staley of North Westminster and in conjunction with the Rockingham Arts and Museum Project.
For this second annual event, a contingency of resisters joined Staley in the cause, including individual artists and arts organizations, all instrumental in offering a space to share and celebrate the dualities of individuality and community in the service of resisting the current political climate.