September is my favorite month! I mean, it’s the beginning of Fall in New England, so duh, there’s that. I’m not a big fan of the heat, so when the weather breaks in late August and the first crisp days come, I am in my glory. Along with the fresh air, the quality of color is what really takes my breath away. Everything is still green and blue and gold with deep shadows… And I know I’ll have up to two months of this visual joy.
And with the fresh breeze, September is always a time of new beginnings. What used to mark a new school year adventure still brings that scent of change for me. My new orchestra schedule has come out (Next fun fact: I also work part time as an orchestral clarinet player); I have new class ideas and art project ideas and renovation ideas…
And particularly poignant as we emerge from accepting the new normal of managing the Pandemic, this season we are excitedly invigorating and transforming community events that were on hold for close to three years.
Our town Arts Commission has bolted out of the gate with an energetic new team that I am proud and humbled to be a part of. We’ll be coordinating with existing town events, including Arts on Main. How cool is that? Arts on Main has new energy and has been bringing back live music in the park and community participation events.
Which brings up our next fun fact: Stafford is full of artists, and I’ve had the pleasure of crossing paths with a good number of them since I’ve been here. This month, I will be bringing back hosting fine art on my fine brick walls with one of my favorite painters, Laura Kinlock. Her ability to capture golden hour light in oils and pastels is breathtaking. I am hanging her work this week, and we will be having an artist reception during Arts on Main Friday September 9th 6 to 8PM. I’ll also might have another fun fact secret hobby for you during the artist reception.
So, enjoy the cool days with me, come hang out for Arts on Main, visit on other days and we’ll sit around and have coffee. Last fun fact: I like coffee.
Oh wait, one more… September is also harvest season, and I while I love to eat, I also like to make wine with whatever goodness I’ve gotten my hands on. I have four new jugs brewing in my basement now. I’m running out of room, so we’ll have to find something to do with some of it.