Art New England Turns 45

It’s an incredible achievement. This magazine has survived recessions, paper shortages, owner transitions, and a pandemic. In my opinion, the resiliency of the magazine was instilled by the passion and dedication of Carla Munsat and Stephanie Adelman, Art New England’s founders. I spoke with Carla recently and never miss a chance to say thank you for creating this magazine. She and Stephanie were intuitive, responsive and understood what was happening in New England’s art scene and what it was missing. They understood who was living here, who was making here. They tapped into a vein and created a community.

Tim Montgomery acquired the magazine in 2009 after years of subscribing and collecting art. He had a vision for the magazine and believed in its potential. Under the umbrella of New Venture Media Group, Art New England has flourished.

I cannot begin to tell you how much this magazine means to me, personally and professionally. I did not fully realize its impact on me until it was shut down in 2020 as a “non-essential” business. As many of you have heard me say since: How are the arts non-essential? While it could not feed us in the traditional sense during the pandemic, art fed our souls. And suddenly I was without my magazine. Without the community of my staff, writers, press releases announcing shows, openings, gallery news, and all the other cool stuff. I hit bottom and vowed Art New England would return. When
we emerged from the pandemic, as the rest of New England’s art scene did, it was a new beginning. And one that I am so grateful for.

How will we celebrate 45? There will be a party or two. Art New England will launch a podcast this year—that’s been a big dream of mine. I have a few other ideas as well. I want to grow the staff. Writers will reflect on the magazine over the years. We’ll have fun. And we’ll recommit ourselves to work that’s being made in this region, right now, as I write this letter to you.

Thank you, readers and subscribers. Thank you, advertisers. And most importantly, thank you to my small and wondrous team. And then there are the writers. Few things make me feel more alive than brainstorming with you and hearing what art and artists excite you in this moment. Your words are the lifeblood of the magazine.

It’s been a challenging and emotional few years. And 2024 will undoubtedly be tumultuous. War is raging. American democracy, once again, is on the line. Women’s lives are at stake. Gun violence is raging. Our climate is threatened. We have never, ever, needed the arts more than we do in this moment. Not only do the arts help us understand what the hell is happening out there, they are an outlet for processing the sadness, the outrage, the confusion. And for expressing the joy. For there is still much joy and beauty.

Joy and beauty have been found on every page of Art New England over the past forty five years. In this issue, we’re sharing Emily Avery-Miller’s experience watching Minoo Emami’s performance at University of Hartford Art School which took place in November. I was in tears when I read the draft. Shanta Lee continues her powerful exploration into Afrofuturism—this time focusing on work happening in Maine. Mary Sherman casts a discerning eye on the Sargent show at the MFA, Boston. Carl Little delves into Exploding Native Inevitable at Bates—such a powerful exhibition. Pam Ellertson highlights Betsy Miller’s american / woman project—a celebration of dance and identity. Loren King dives into the heart of the SAG-AFTRA and Writer’s Guild strike resolutions as well as the potential impact of AI on the arts. It’s important to understand these consequences. And Jennifer Mancuso discusses the transformation of Christine O’Donnell’s Beacon Gallery into ShowUp, a social justice art incubator/gallery. We’re proud to showcase one of O’Donnell’s previously exhibited artists Nayana LaFond on the cover. LaFond’s Portraits in RED: Missing & Murdered Indigenous Peoples Painting Project calls out the fact that Indigenous women and girls are eleven times more likely to be victims of violence. The exhibition is on view at Southern Vermont Arts Center, January 20–April 21, 2024.

I also want to thank the readers who shared their thoughts on last issue’s Publisher Letter. I was so inspired by Ruth Mordecai’s The Kiss #7; it fit the issue so beautifully. This synergy is precious, that partnership between artist, writer and the moment. That’s how I think of Art New England. We’re in partnership with all of you. Making art and making sense of it all as best we can.

Let’s commit to renewed mindfulness in the new year. Of ourselves and each other. Let’s hold onto the beauty and the joy, always listening to what art is teaching us. Let it strengthen our community.

Happy New Year, in gratitude,

Rita A. Fucillo
Publisher