SAXTONS RIVER — Main Street Arts (MSA) says it is “springing back to life with events, art exhibits, new programming, and much more to come” following a year of COVID-19 restrictions.
The organization suspended all of its operations last July.
“We can't wait to see our neighbors and friends once again,” said MSA Co-chair Gina Cote in a news release.
As MSA reopens, “normal” means a focus on outdoor activities, and programs compatible with social distancing, including a series of “Summer Picnic Events” in the new Saxtons River Park just off the center of the village that will include theater and puppets, food trucks, and spin art. In addition, an outdoor music series is planned for MSA's side lawn.
According to Co-Chair Susan Still, the MSA Board has been conducting a community survey for several weeks and is still gathering information.
“We've learned a lot,” she said. “It isn't surprising that classes for young people and older adults are in demand but will need to be reimagined.”
Still said that theater remains a popular offering at MSA.
“Our forced cancelation of Cabaret at the Bellows Falls Opera House last spring just days before opening night was difficult for everyone, and we hope that there will soon be opportunities to offer theater, large and small, for our community,” Still said.
“We are discussing ways to offer outdoor group play readings this summer, and plan to eventually return to MSA's historic theater and the Opera House once such gatherings are safe and comfortable.”
As for other programs such as art exhibits, lectures, and concerts, Cote said that the organization is evaluating future programming.
MSA started nearly 35 years ago as a community- and family-centered arts organization. For more information, visit mainstreetarts.org or call 802-869-2960.