Visiting a museum can be inspiring, but it doesn’t cause most people to launch a magazine. However, just over a year ago, Vermonters Adam DeMartino, a.k.a. Demo, a Burlington DJ, and graphic designer Guy Derry were at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City when “Guy saw this piece of metal that kind of looked like a claw,” recalls Demo. “So we decided to call it ‘futureclaw.’” That enigmatic name soon became the catalyst for creativity.... Read more

A new performing-arts season is upon us, and culture junkies around the region are already feeling the rush of anticipation. But given a shaky economy, record-high fuel prices and the challenges of international travel, no one could be blamed for asking the question: How long will the world’s performing artists continue to frequent small venues in the northeastern U.S.? Conversely, presenting organizations might worry whether the audiences will come out, too.... Read more

The gods doth smile upon Saturday and make fair weather o’er this blustering land! Shakespeare might have declared something like that, had he been on hand for the Strange Capers’ outdoor performance of The Taming of the Shrew last Saturday.... Read more

It’s been said that bad officials are elected by good people who do not vote. That’s exactly what graduate students in the St. Michael’s College Art in Education Program are hoping to get across with a summer mural project. In an important election year, these future teachers are thinking politics, and using an activist-art medium to present the results. Hey, it’s more fun than simply becoming notaries public.... Read more

How many times have you read a story about some traditional art turned cool that started with the declaration, “This is not your grandmother’s two-step” (or embroidery circle, or fiddling social, or whatever)? This story starts a little differently: This is your grandmother’s two-step. Your great-grandmother’s, even. So no dumping on grannies: The elder members of Vermont’s Ed Larkin Contra Dancers cut a rug like Edward Scissorhands. Respect!... Read more