NCFA_Hist.Nton_Letter_of_Support_3.15.22.pdf
Northampton Center for the Arts
33 Hawley Street
P.O. Box 366
Northampton, MA 01061
March 15, 2022
Dear Community Preservation Committee,
I am the Program Director for the Northampton Center for the Arts at 33 Hawley, and as
a neighbor, supporter, and sometimes collaborator with Historic Northampton, I am
writing in favor of upcoming renovations to Shepherd Barn.
Historic Northampton, despite its focus on history, is not stuck in the past. The
organization successfully and admirably connects local history to present lived
experience through exhibitions, historical events, shows, musical concerts, and
gardening experiences. I have personally attended art openings and exhibits as a
community member over the years, and I have also worked with Historic Northampton
in my role as Program Director to bring participants of the Center’s ArtPlay vacation
program to engage with exhibits. I am continually impressed with the directors’ vision
and programming.
I’m very excited about the idea of turning the Shepherd Barn into a fully renovated
ADA-compliant building, and the innovative and accessible programming that would be
made possible by this grant. Thank you in advance for your support of this important
work!
All the best,
Kelly Silliman, Program Director
Northampton Center for the Arts
www.nohoarts.org, kelly@nohoarts.org