Given the constant reminders of a bitterly divided nation, the scads of scandals and investigations, it was refreshing to visit a pair of Vermont arts venues last weekend that actively welcome people. Though they're at different stages of development, both have positive community engagement in mind. The Milton Artists' Guild has been around for more than 30 years with a mission of supporting members' creative endeavors. In 2011, the group finally organized as a nonprofit. And it didn't stop there. In the spring of 2017, MAG leapt from having no physical home to occupying a 6,270-square-foot space carved out of a former Hannaford at 199 U.S. Route 7. It had been empty for four years, since the supermarket moved into larger quarters in the sprawling Milton Square. Ernie Pomerleau, president and CEO of Burlington-based Pomerleau Real Estate, agreed to give the art center a rent-free year in its new space. "The first year was a trial to see if the community would support us, and it did," said MAG board president Gisela Alpert. "At the end of that year, we met with Mr. Pomerleau to see if we could extend that another year." He did. The financial break and an active board have helped MAG strengthen its foundation, as has a steady flow of visitors, community events and art classes. In 2018, the erstwhile all-volunteer organization hired three part-time employees. Members, who pay $50 a year, now number nearly 200 and come from around the state. At first, Alpert said, she wondered how they would fill the cavernous, high-ceilinged room. She needn't have worried. About 100 nonjuried artists now rent sections of various sizes in which to display and sell their work. Though neatly organized, the collection presents a merry, invigorating jumble of color to a visitor. Handily, the St. Albans-based Village Frame Shoppe & Gallery rents space there, too, ready to accommodate the framing needs of artists and art buyers. Earlier this month, MAG hired its first-ever executive director, Jessie Swétel. Alpert revealed in an email that applications for the position came from as far as California. But the most suitable candidate was right under the board's nose. "Jessie was hired for her marketing skills, her energetic character and likability; she is a charismatic people person," Alpert wrote. "We are fortunate to have her undertake this important leadership position, further fostering MAG's ambition for unprecedented growth in 2019."…
Given the constant reminders of a bitterly divided nation, the scads of scandals and investigations, it was refreshing to visit a pair of Vermont arts venues last weekend that actively welcome people. Though they're at different stages of development, both have positive community engagement in mind. The Milton Artists' Guild has been around for more than 30 years with a mission of supporting members' creative endeavors. In 2011, the group finally organized as a nonprofit. And it didn't stop there. In the spring of 2017, MAG leapt from having no physical home to occupying a 6,270-square-foot space carved out of a former Hannaford at 199 U.S. Route 7. It had been empty for four years, since the supermarket moved into larger quarters in the sprawling Milton Square. Ernie Pomerleau, president and CEO of Burlington-based Pomerleau Real Estate, agreed to give the art center a rent-free year in its new space. "The first year was a trial to see if the community would support us, and it did," said MAG board president Gisela Alpert. "At the end of that year, we met with Mr. Pomerleau to see if we could extend that another year." He did. The financial break and an active board have helped MAG strengthen its foundation, as has a steady flow of visitors, community events and art classes. In 2018, the erstwhile all-volunteer organization hired three part-time employees. Members, who pay $50 a year, now number nearly 200 and come from around the state. At first, Alpert said, she wondered how they would fill the cavernous, high-ceilinged room. She needn't have worried. About 100 nonjuried artists now rent sections of various sizes in which to display and sell their work. Though neatly organized, the collection presents a merry, invigorating jumble of color to a visitor. Handily, the St. Albans-based Village Frame Shoppe & Gallery rents space there, too, ready to accommodate the framing needs of artists and art buyers. Earlier this month, MAG hired its first-ever executive director, Jessie Swétel. Alpert revealed in an email that applications for the position came from as far as California. But the most suitable candidate was right under the board's nose. "Jessie was hired for her marketing skills, her energetic character and likability; she is a charismatic people person," Alpert wrote. "We are fortunate to have her undertake this important leadership position, further fostering MAG's ambition for unprecedented growth in 2019."…