Our Mission
The Center for Arts and Learning is committed to enhancing the cultural life of central Vermont through its founding member organizations, as well as embracing individual artists, musicians and other nonprofits in a collaborative and welcoming community.
Staff
- Phayvanh Luekhamhan, Executive Director: director@cal-vt.org.
- Jesse Russell, Facilities Coordinator: facilities@cal-vt.org
- Melissa Shekinah, Bookkeeper: finance@cal-vt.org
Board of Directors
- Phillip Robertson, President
- Elliot Bent, Treasurer
- Debra Smoller, Secretary
- Elizabeth Benjamin, Director
History
The Center for Arts and Learning was founded in 2012, when Monteverdi Music School, the River Rock School, and T.W. Wood Gallery formed a non-profit umbrella organization to manage and later purchase the building at 46 Barre St., previously St. Michael’s School and convent. Together, they had a vision to transform the building into a thriving hub for music and art education in central Vermont. Though River Rock School has since closed, we are hosting a number of exciting programs and organizations in their former space. The building now houses over 25 artists, writers, nonprofits, and makers.
Programs
As CAL continues to grow, so does our programming.
Montpelier Art Walk: Taking place on the first Friday of every even month from 4 – 8 PM, this is a time for the community to engage in a self-guided tour of art exhibits in our downtown businesses. Many venues host receptions during this time. For more information, contact Yvonne: artwalk@montpelieralive.org
Art Exhibits: The Art Resource Association curates the art exhibits in the first floor community spaces. These group shows are self-curated from the CAL studio artists and the ARA members and change every two months. For more information, contact Kate: kmuellerarts@aol.com. To buy art at CAL, go to the “art” page.
CAL staff curates the second floor community spaces and draws from the community of creatives at large. These shows change every two months. For more information, email: info@cal-vt.org
The Pull Room: Montpelier’s community printmaking space is equipped with a floorstanding Whelan Express Pro etching press, a Richeson Baby press and a small table top etching press. There is also a screenprinting set up. Printmakers can join a monthly subscription. Local teaching artists also conduct classes for the community. To find out about classes, go to our “events” page. To offer a class, please email: programs@cal-vt.org.
Barre Street Community potlucks: Our summertime outdoor gatherings started as a partnership with the Montpelier Senior Center. They take place in the summer months and provide a friendly way for neighbors to gather and meet.
If you are interested in being part of CAL’s programming, please contact Phayvanh at director@cal-vt.org.
Building
46 Barre St. is a special building. Located next to the Montpelier Senior Center and across the street from the Montpelier Rec Center, it is in an ideal spot for visitors of all ages to attend concerts, workshops, exhibitions, and other events. Since 2014, we have made major progress on building repairs and upgrades, including installing energy-efficient lighting with help from Efficiency Vermont.
In 2019, we installed an elevator to make the building more wheelchair accessible – a major project for which we received support from the State of Vermont, the Vermont Arts Council, and the National Life Group Foundation. We are committed to accessibility for all, and to inviting all members of our community to participate in our programming. Learn more about accessibility at CAL.