Southborough – A recent surge to 15 members has reinvigorated the Southborough Cultural Arts Council. The council welcomed 11 new members who were recently sworn in by the Southborough Town Clerk: Louise Clough, Judy Christensen, Ray Gendreau, Jane Gordon, Jen Hansen, Kiera Joujoute, Sandy Kiess, Jane Lesniewski, Jennifer Saffran, Mary Simmons, and Robyn Stewart.
“We hope to rebuild the Southborough Arts Council by thoughtfully collecting information on the art and cultural scene, carefully choosing and planning events, and strengthening the connection between Southborough and the arts,” said co-chair Alexandra DeCollibus, who joined the council in 2012 with her husband Mike Krausert.
In December, the council granted a total of $5,380 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to 11 local cultural programs, including concerts, programs at the library, museum passes, and the purchase of graphic design software.
These grants include:
- $2,605 for Southborough summer concerts and movies
- $1,000 for software for Sachem Magazine at Algonquin Regional High School
- $440 for a storytelling professional at the library
- $300 for an audio journal for the blind, visually impaired, or reading impaired
- $300 for Songbirds of the Northeast at 21 Highland St.
- $250 for the annual “Messiah” concert at Pilgrim Church
- $250 for the Genealogy Club's monthly meetings at the library
- $250 for the Metrowest Symphony Orchestra
- $250 for the Assabet Valley Mastersingers concert at St. Mark's School
- $175 for the Northborough Area Community Chorus
- $100 for admission to the Fruitlands Museum Centennial Anniversary Program
“We'se excited to go forward and expand the role of the council in Southborough,” DeCollibus said. “Next year, we hope to receive a greater variety of local grant applicants as well as more applications focused in the visual arts. To make this happen, we plan to reach out to the community of artists in town.”
One proposal is to help artists publicize their work by creating a local directory and publishing profiles of local artists, musicians and authors. The group has also discussed sponsoring an open studio event, juried art show, and placement of art in the community.
For suggestions or to join, contact [email protected]. Visit Facebook or Twitter for up-to-date information.
