Support from the Middletown Commission on the Arts

In the comments at the bottom of my post about ARTFARM's pre-show concerts during "Shakespeare in the Grove", several people were wise to point out that the music is underwritten by the Middletown Commission on the Arts.

With egg on both my face and keyboard, I must mention that I am the publicity chair for the MCA and should have included that in the article as well as the sponsorship for the entertainment for the Fireworks Festival on July 2.

At a special meeting of the MCA several weeks ago, the commissioners unanimously approved funding projects and organizations that the city has supported in the past. The money had been removed from the Mayor's 09-10 budget but returned by the Common Council. (To the current administration's credit, the proceeds from this year's Mayor's Ball was earmarked for the MCA.) Money was granted to ARTFARM for this month's production (much needed because the funds promised by the State of CT may never show up), to North End Arts Rising and to the Neighborhood Troupes programs of Oddfellows Playhouse.

The last program cited has proven very successful in helping children from low income families get involved with theater, being part of the greater community, and taking care of their school work. The Playhouse reaches out to as many children as is humanly possible and the support is crucial.

Everyone who serves on the MCA are aware that we are stewards of the taxpayers money and we take that into account whenever artists and organizations apply for funding. Middletown is known for being an "arts-friendly" community and the Commission as well as its coordinator Stephan Allison strive to keep it that way.

Buttonwood Tree Celebration Extravaganza - Don't Miss It!

NORTH END ARTS RISING PARTY -

A TRIBUTE for OUR FOUNDER, SUSAN ALLISON

Friday May 8th 7-9pm

A Tribute to Susan Allison, Fundraiser, a four-venue indoor/outdoor

North End Arts Rising Party Extraordinaire to be held at:

The Buttonwood Tree - 605 Main Street

MAC 650 An Art Space - 650 Main Street http://mac650.blogspot.com/ (860)347-0834

Realto Cafe - 50 Rapallo Ave (860) 346-4569

Gatekeeper Tavern - 73 Ferry Street (860) 347-2883

It has been 20 years since Susan Allison opened the Ibis Bookstore which became The Buttonwood Tree and North End Arts Rising, Inc. and it's time to recognize her and all the hard work and dedication she has given to the arts community! Also, due to challenging economic times and changes in policy, city funding is no longer SECURE for 2009. While the hope and expectation is that the city government and Middletown's Commission for the Arts will still fund NEAR as best they can, it is now necessary to take steps to raise funds. This Party is part of The Buttonwood Tree's efforts to remain viable: To thank and recognize our beloved founder, to demonstrate to city leaders that there is great community support for the arts and our organization, to raise money for operating expenses eligible for matching funds, and to HAVE A REALLY FUN TIME TOGETHER!!

Entertainment Highlights:

* Guest speakers and poets

* Musical guests including Noah Baerman, David Davis, James Burr and lots more.

* Traveling Poetry Troupe

* Live and Silent Auctions

* Ongoing showing of DVD-video film of our early days at the Ibis, including Richard Kamins, Peter Loffredo, Anthony Braxton, Wesleyan folks, and many more. A real treat to see!

* Food provided by The Bridge, Typhoon, It's Only Natural Restaurant, Iguanas Ranas, Fusion Bakery, Public Market, O'Rourke's Diner, La Boca, Pho Vietnamese & others

* Door Prizes

* Special after-party MINI-CONCERT featuring KRISTEN GRAVES...

Call to reserve your tickets which are required at some but not all of the venues. 860-347-4957 Tickets are limited. Please note, as always, The Buttonwood Tree can only take checks and cash and is a nonprofit organization so general donations are tax-deductible and ALL supoprt is welcome