Beth Wittenberg / Rochester, NH

I am a non-traditional, contemporary, fine artist working on the Seacoast and currently living in Rochester.  I received an MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 1998 and hold degrees in Philosophy and Fine Arts.   I have exhibited my artwork throughout the United States and also in Europe. Recently I partnered with the University of Maine Farmington to develop their annual alternative arts festival, Water Bear Confabulum. I am dedicated to providing opportunities to local artists and open up my studio to the public for collaborative opportunities.

The Arts Industry Alliance and TEAM initiative may be the most influential arts organizations in the area.  Scott Ruffner and the artist advisors have set out to establish outlets and venues so that local talent can be recognized for their hard work and contribution to the Seacoast and GET PAID. I participated in TEAM's Fall Equinox Festival and had a fantastic time and was so impressed with the high level of organization and professionalism.  I wanted to create live art so that Exeter could see the happenings of a local contemporary artist. There were festival goers of all ages, and I sold a painting to an 8 yr old.  TEAM/AIA were very easy to work with, organized, and dedicated to helping independent artists. I look forward to participating in upcoming events. 

I have also worked with AIA/TEAM about the opportunity for other LBGTQ artists to accompany me to "Our True Colors", which is an LBGTQ youth conference every March at University of Connecticut. I am volunteering for AIA by presenting workshops as an arts advocate. I am presenting topics which affect under-represented youth. We can take AIA/TEAM’s model and apply it's principles to help other groups.  The LBGTQ youth conference is a great place to demonstrate this philosophy.