LUDLOW, Vt. – Create Together at Fletcher Farm recently received a $12,000 grant from the Vermont Community Foundation to launch Creating in Community, a new series of free monthly programs designed to bring neighbors together through collaborative art projects.
The first program will be held Sunday, Oct. 19, from 1-4 p.m., at Create Together at Fletcher Farm, 611 Route 103 South in Ludlow. The initiative will continue on the third Sunday of each month, offering residents of all ages and experience levels the opportunity to learn new artistic techniques while working together on community-focused projects.
“Living in rural southern Vermont can be isolating,” said Kathryn Svec, executive director of Create Together. “The beautiful rolling landscape that makes our region a peaceful escape also physically separates us from our neighbors. We rely heavily on our small villages and town centers to offer residents places to gather and connect.”
Since reopening in 2025 as a community art center, Create Together has focused on accessibility and affordability. The organization provides space, tools, and instruction to allow neighbors to come together and create, regardless of their artistic background or financial circumstances.
The Creating in Community series will feature 11 unique half-day programs throughout the year. Each session will introduce participants to an artistic medium, with individual pieces combined to create a single collaborative work that explores community themes. The finished pieces will be displayed publicly for the remainder of each month.
Local artists and volunteers will assist Create Together staff in leading the workshops, which are designed to accommodate participants at all skill levels. The program aims to reduce social isolation while providing accessible art instruction and creative experiences to the Okemo Valley community.
Svec, a lifelong artist and Cavendish native, brings extensive experience in multiple artistic disciplines to the program. Her background includes completion of Vital Community’s Leadership Upper Valley program in 2024, which strengthened her ties to the region and enhanced her community programming skills.
“Art experiences are often not affordable for many people in our community,” Svec noted. “This program will increase access to art instruction and creative experiences, while fostering connections between neighbors.”
The initiative is expected to provide economic benefits to the region by creating opportunities for local artists, supporting arts sector development, and potentially attracting visitors to the area.
The Vermont Community Foundation, established in 1986, serves as Vermont’s community foundation, with more than 1,000 funds supporting causes throughout the state. The foundation distributes more than $60 million annually to Vermont communities, focusing on closing opportunity gaps and helping residents build secure futures. More information is available at www.vermontcf.org, or by calling 802-388-3355.
Create Together’s mission is to create a creative hub where everyone in the Okemo Valley can explore, develop, and pursue their creative passions through accessible equipment, learning opportunities, and collaborative spaces. The organization envisions providing an inclusive environment where individuals can learn, create, and thrive together.
For more information about Create Together and upcoming programs, visit www.createtogethervt.org, or call or text 802-228-8770.