The Buttonwood Tree
and the Greater Middletown Concert Association were honored by the Arts Commission with proclamations
from Mayor Dan Drew.
The Buttonwood Tree hosted Monday night's Arts Advocacy Awards presentation by the Middletown Commission on the Arts
to two organizations which have contributed to the city’s cultural and
artistic enrichment and demonstrated extraordinary support and
initiative for the arts.
Barbara Arafeh, president of the Greater Middletown Concert Association, and Anne-Marie Cannata, executive director of The Buttonwood Tree,
were honored with proclamations from Mayor Dan Drew for their combined
more than 65 years of musical, theatrical and visual arts work.
Barbara Arafeh receiving AA Award |
Anne-Marie Cannata with Buttonwood Board |
The Buttonwood Tree opened its doors as a storefront bookstore and
performance space in Middletown’s storied North End in 1989. Begun by
our first director, Wesleyan alumna Susan Eastman Allison and her
husband, the DJ and radio personality, Stephan Allison, it was the first
such place in the city. Middletown has and has had many cultural
enterprises over the years but The Buttonwood Tree is unique in that
company. From its opening it has been a grassroots, avant garde center
for all ages, all comers, artists and audiences. Recognized nationally
and internationally as a music venue, it has also
offered programs led by outstanding artists in contemporary theater,
literature, art, poetry and dance—from belly to hip hop—as well as
opening its doors to community activists, educational and religious
groups.
No comments:
Post a Comment