Check out these upcoming BugbeeTalks, with some incredible local artists who will be visiting to discuss their lives and work. On Wednesday the 12th, Tony Luckino (who is also the instructor for this year’s new senior clay-making classes) will be presenting a lively discussion of his journey from a fulfilling career in interior design in Boston to becoming a ceramic artist, teacher, and invaluable community member of CraftStudies.

Now picture yourself in August, 1940. England is at war. In the quiet university town of Oxford, a young father fears an imminent German invasion. An opportunity suddenly arrives to send his wife and twin children to safety in America. He believes he must take it. This is the scene for author Felicity Vaughan Swayze’s book, War Torn. This is a deeply personal and compelling story, beautifully told. Join Felicity on April 19th as she discusses her book and finds the answer to some deep questions.

Wednesday the 26th, artist Kathleen Peters will be here to share a bit of her personal story, and how the artwork helped her transform some of the darkness she tasted into beauty. She has spent over a decade studying the intersection of suffering, faith, and the arts. Her work is meant to create safe public spaces throughout the Upper Valley, in the hopes of building connection and relationship, and to give a sense of value and dignity.

Ever wonder what goes on in White River Junction’s Center for Cartoon Studies? Join us on Wednesday, May 3 to meet Tillie Walden. She is a cartoonist and illustrator of 8 original graphic novels, including the LA Times Book-Prize winner, Spinner. She is a graduate of our town’s Center for Cartoon Studies, and will be appointed Vermont’s fifth Cartoonist Laureate on Thursday, April 13, 2023. What an honor! She lives in Norwich with her wife, who is also a cartoonist, and her two cats.

All BugbeeTalks start at 1:00 at Bugbee Senior Center. For a complete listing of upcoming talks and presentations, click here.

Tony Luckino and Kathleen Peter’s events are presented in partnership with CraftStudies, and are made possible with a grant from AARP Vermont. Thank you both!