2026 Annual Appeal
Art matters.
“I’ve never flown a kite before.”
We heard these words from a K. A. Brett School student, as she gazed upward, smiling, awed, at a soaring kite she’d built and decorated with her own two hands. This year’s artist residency at the Brett School, which brought Brazilian-born artist Raquel Fornasaro to our community, was but one of many programs from this past year that proved that now, more than ever, art still matters.
Art matters because it provokes thought, inspires, and uplifts spirits.
Georgia O’Keeffe: The Brightness of Light film screening, Tamworth Author Fest, and art historians David and Ann Wilkins’ presentation on New Hampshire architecture spurred many animated discussions about arts and its meaning in our lives.
Art matters because through creative expression we are reminded we are not alone in our internal or external hardships.
In March, we co-hosted the Angels of Addiction Art Show with Chocorua Public Library. This traveling exhibit of portraits features fifty-plus pieces by artist Anne Marie Zanfagna, which seek to portray the soul and joy of the individuals portrayed, present even in the face of addiction and loss.
In September, we introduced the free monthly Veterans and First Responders Art Program designed to provide a safe and supportive community for participants to explore their creative sides, meet with others with shared experiences, and build and strengthen community bonds.
Art matters because it is essential to the expression, understanding, and celebration of the human experience.
In Belonging & Othering, a collaboration of nine dancers/choreographers, three poets, and two filmmakers presented an exploration of where “belonging” and “othering” intersect, opening a window into bias that keeps us divided.
Our monthly Song & Jam Circle, Afternoon by the Swift free concert, and Play Music on the Porch Day showcased the creative work of members of our New Hampshire community, while the Victorian Christmas Card workshop, Mardi Gras dance social, and the monthly sewing group invited everyone to come play at art.
When it comes to our ability to continue to offer these types of experiences and opportunities to our community, we know:
You matter.
Without the support of community members like you, ACT simply couldn’t offer the breadth and depth of programming and events we do–all for free or sliding cost scale, because the arts should be for everyone.
We hope that you’ll agree that art matters–and that ACT matters. Whether you choose to make a one-time donation or become a sustaining supporter with a regular monthly gift, please know that we deeply appreciate your consideration, your support, and your presence.
With gratitude,
Arts Council of Tamworth Board of Directors
Natalia Egan, President Grace Downey, Vice President
Deb Maille, Treasurer Kate Lambert, Secretary
Thomas Brown, Jennifer Davis, Lisa Thompson, Members at Large
p.s. For more information on our programming and accomplishments, you can find our 2026 Annual Report on our website at https://www.artstamworth.org/about.
