Experiencing the Arts students pictured

Environment & Arts Week April 10th - 15th

Experiencing the Arts has joined Connecticut RiverFest
Creating an Environment & Arts Week & Festival

2006 April 10th through the 15th was Environment & Arts Week. Sponsored by Experiencing the Arts, a nonprofit Arts enrichment program hosted by Mascoma Valley Regional High School in Canaan, NH, the week included a combination of residencies, school assembly programs, workshops, presentations, and performances culminating on Saturday, April 15th with an Environment & Arts Festival. During the week, more than 45 class periods were enriched by these programs. In addition, there were two all school assembly programs for the 500 students of Mascoma Valley Regional High School: FLOCK Dance Troupe performed, and David Deen the Connecticut River Steward presented a power point presentation. Classes participated in Science, Industrial Arts, English, Musical Theatre, and Experiencing the Arts. The programs also included Students from Indian River School. Click here for details and photographs of the week's activities Environment & Arts Schedule

With the blessing of the Enfield Village Association, the Environment & Arts Festival was hosted at Enfield, NH's beautiful Huse Park also using their 240 seat Community Center. Connecticut RiverFest found excellent presenters for the week and at the festival. The program is a collaboration between the Experiencing the Arts program and Mascoma's Science department. The workshops during the week were aimed at high school students. The evening events and Festival of April 15th were for the general public - a "family friendly" event. There were demonstrations, preformers, exhibitions, demonstrations, The Cardigan Art Association exhibited and the Lions Club provided food. Click here for Festival details and photographs April 15, 2006 Environment & Arts Festival

The Experiencing the Arts students worked all year to enhance the Enfield River Walk located on an island in the Mascoma River a short walk from the festival. The students constructed a sculpture of a tortoise (pictured above). It represents the earth and was chosen to inspire people to take the time to examine nature while enjoying the Mascoma River Walk. The trail loops around the small island and has benches placed along the Mascoma River. The tortoise sculpture is placed at the beginning of the River Walk trail. Each student chose plants and animals that live in the Mascoma watershed. They painted these animals on panels and placed them along the River Walk trail. Each student also made castings to produce ceramic tiles of their animals to sell at the event.

During the week preceding the festival Experiencing the Arts, Musical Theatre, and other students worked with Sharon Gouveia from FLOCK dance troupe. FLOCK dance works with interpretive dance about the forces of Earth Wind Fire and Water and issues about the environment. Participating students and other community members were part of the performance at the Festival.

Following are details and photographs of the week's activities:

Click here for Festival details and photographs April 15, 2006 Environment & Arts Festival

Click here for details and photographs of the week's activities Environment & Arts Schedule