| The last day of 2025. It’s been quite the year, and we are all bracing for what comes next in various ways. Yet, looking at the photos of the ebullient Artists-in-Residence we hosted this year, we are inspired by the potential and possibility for the future. Reflecting back, we have had an outstanding year at Millay Arts in so many ways. We garnered new support, we brought new awareness of what we do/why we do it/who we do it for, we presented novel and fun events. We practiced “radical hospitality” so that our Artists-in-Residence felt safe and cared for, in a space and place that, while welcoming, was not known, away from the comforts of home. There are many things for us to be joyful and proud of, but two stand out. ~ Our historic 1926 Barn (some believe the source of Millay’s magic) is now powered by solar panels and a heat pump. Cool in the summer, warm in the winter, we are so very grateful to the revolutionary Frankenthaler Foundation Climate Initiative that has allowed us to enlarge our vision to include shepherding our land in addition to nurturing the creative spark. ~ As in the past two years, five of our brilliant alumni received (with Millay Arts as fiscal agent) NYState Council for the Arts Individual Artist grants for singular projects that will take final shape in 2026. We are more than delighted to share that, since 2019, Millay Arts has assisted 17 alumni — across the disciplines — raising $172,000 in direct support to artists. These compelling projects showcase the breadth and depth of our alumni, whose dedicated practice continues to inform arts- and culture-makers worldwide, and whose captivating works offer comfort, challenge and unending inspiration. It is difficult to imagine life without artists and their ideas. Our depth of gratitude to the NYState Council for the Arts is immense. ~ 2026 marks our 53rd year. Looking ahead, the essential triad of creativity, community and collaboration continues to lead us. We are looking forward to our first-ever Visual Arts Alumni group exhibition in May at Time Space Limited in Hudson. For Millay Arts’ candle to continue to burn brightly, especially with the decreases in funding on both a Federal and State level, we rely on you more than ever. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENUINE INTEREST & GENEROUS SUPPORT. IT COUNTS. ARS LONGA, VITA BREVIS. Happy New Year from all of us at Millay Arts.  |