at eleVe, we dream big.
Pictured: one of eleVe’s Visiting Masters (visual artist & soloist ballerina/visiting dance instructor), the beautiful, divinely-lined Courtney Lampert.
Below, you’ll find a sneak peek list of the “dream chapters” we are eager to launch next! If any concept or plan resonates with you, please write V a note to let her know what struck you, any questions you have, or to learn ways to invest!
As with all big dreams, for eleVe’s “next chapters” to become a reality, it will take more than belief in what could be. All of these projects are designed to have a measurable, positive impact on our community.
For that reason, to come true, they require mutual interest, communal momentum, the loyalty of our members & students, and the generosity of our patrons who value the transformative power of the arts.
We’re grateful for all of you, your creativity in whatever role you play, your hearts to heal pain.
Your local fulcrum for fine arts,
— eleVe
Next Chapters, aka “the dream”
ONLINE COLUMN | essays by eleVe
literary content & think-pieces authored by V [Victoria Sottosanti]
both free & paywall options
poetic prose riffs and author-insights from V’s desk to yours
expect writing that opens our minds, molds our hearts, & strengthens our bones
MEANING-MAKERS TABLES
communal creation cohorts led by local artists who are already in the business of “redemptive art” via repurposing materials to make their art. Stay tuned for potential calendar launch this academic year! Future recycled-maker table ideas include: accessories, photography, jewelry, sculptures, collages, wreaths, memorials, fashion, & culinary art
hosted by V at eleVe home studio, we’ll enjoy a curated playlist, tea+cookies, shared creative energy, & rich discourse around each table’s theme
in-person experience in a space curated for community, creativity, & open thematic discourse around that table’s recycled materials, the stories they hold, and the new narratives we are weaving together
all supplies included in the cost of your registration & provided by eleVe & our local artist
NOTE: This is not a “crafting” club. It’s a creative community for those looking to go deeper as we connect through redemptive art (Dig, Discuss, Design, Repeat)
MASTER “MINE-&-DINES”
visiting masters series | V shares her MFA network with eleVe exclusive members, by hosting a rotation of visiting professional artists & writers who come share a social meal with our small group, enjoy creative conversation, & end with a special talk about (or reading from) their work.
organic, casual connections with professionals in fields we so value
signed books will be available for sale
pop-up galleries by visiting artists on display / some pieces for sale
to keep the intimacy alive that makes this opportunity so rich, spaces are extremely limited!
q&a discussions after readings & before book and art sales
“Save a Seat” Program
V dreams of launching a program (sponsored in part by eleVe members and patrons) as well as in potential partnership with Hartford Restorative Justice, which would “save a seat” at one of eleVe’s studio tables for a member of our community reintegrating into society post incarceration
a fully-funded seat will be saved for them at one of eleVe’s tables — either Visiting Masters Dinner or one of our Meaning-Makers redemptive arts tables
our save-a-seat scholar will have the opportunity to share or have their story shared via a story by V, to be published and shared across medias
eleVe Annual Benefit
Let’s have a party (or two!). V envisions a celebratory community experience to connect new friends, visitors from out of state, local members, artists, students, & patrons who all value investing in the ecosystem of fine art that is eleVe | the studio where story lives
live performances by professional singers, musicians, comedians, dancers, or writers
opportunities to invest or increase your investment as we partner together to change one story, one life at a time
art auction to support eleVe business expenses, initiatives, & visiting artists
eleVe | the studio where story lives — Podcast
this may be farther down the road, but — of course — the Victoria you know & love wants this / was born with a microphone in-hand.