at eleVe, we dream big.
Pictured: one of eleVe’s Visiting Masters (visual artist & soloist ballerina), 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
Authored literary & thought-content written by prose writer 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.
Books will be signed & pop-up galleries on display, both available for sale
To keep the intimacy alive that makes this opportunity so rich, spaces are extremely limited!
Psssst! Fun Fact: this is the original seed of an idea that birthed eleVe | the studio where story lives. V wanted to offer access to master-level fine art & the talented artists/authors who make it to the general public
Q&A discussions after readings & before book and art sales
Save a Seat Program
V hopes to launch a program (sponsored in part by eleVe members and patrons) & in partnership with Hartford Restorative Justice, to “save a seat” at the table for a member of our community reintegrating into society post incarceration
Fully-funded seat will be saved at either dinner table for Master Mine&Dine or a seat with their name at a Meaning-Makers Table
Scholars story & experience will be shared in story-format 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 podcast
this is farther down the road, but — of course — the Victoria you know & love wants this! our stories are too good not to share with a bigger audience (& on air!!!)