Letters from Luc: October 2023
Dear Bloomers,
Oh, fall - this time of crimson change truly captivates me. The slanted light, the misty mornings, and the feeling of suspension between all we’ve experienced in the past year and the possibilities the future holds.
Read on for brief reflections on The Bloomery Art Gallery & Meeting Place and our rebuilding along with a shortlist of news updates.
As I look back, I am called to further honor Bloom’s chapter in hosting (and closing) our Bloomery gallery space in Northampton. I am so humbled to have provided space to the nine local artists who staged exhibitions of their work at 17 New South. Many of these talented individuals were sharing solo shows for the first time - and to provide a nurturing place to do this was a privilege and honor. In tandem, we got to welcome so many of you into our space for what we heard, and what we too felt were precious, deeply needed moments of connection and kindness as we emerged into a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, and continued to witness and bear the trauma of our world’s political and social unrest and its continued effects on our communities. At the Bloomery, we witnessed what is possible when we have safer spaces to gather. We hope the Bloomery will bloom again one day in the future...
Following the Bloomery’s closure in June, I have been recuperating from burnout and working with new supports as I rebuild the systems and programs of this project around my own unique needs in parallel to the needs of the expansive community we serve here at Bloom Local - it’s slow, rewarding work. Your support as a community through this transition has meant everything for our ability to sustain and be able to create a more aligned plan for the future.
Blooming from Secret Gardens - October 2022
A solo show by Allie Martineau
As November approaches, I am thrilled to present some updates…
What’s New at Bloom Local
Website & Newsletter Refresh
BloomLocal.live now sports a fresh look & feel to match The Buzz: our new bi-monthly newsletter which will serve as a hub for community updates - make sure you’re signed up here.
2024 Community Guide Expansion
Next year’s edition of the Community Guide (formerly the “Business Guide”) will expand to include non-profit organizations and other non-business entities and individuals more substantially. We’re excited about the opportunity to share more content and updates from our nonprofit community members who serve LGBTQ+ folks with skill and pride.
New Partner Tools
This Winter, we’ll be launching a new section of our website where Bloom Local partners can access tools to submit news and events for our new community calendar. Also, a new Barter Board will also be included in the tools available to facilitate the exchange of products, services, and ideas among Bloom Local partners. Sign up to receive info about partnership here.
As we curate more avenues for our local community to intertwine and thrive in 2024 and beyond, we urge you to stay engaged via The Buzz and our social media platforms.
Wishing you a splendid remainder of the fall season.
With Gratitude,
Luc (he/they)
Owner/Operator, Bloom Local