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Artist Dennis Stuart
Singer Lori Silvia
Artist Beth Johnston


By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — Despite the monsoons Putnam’s first Putnam Fine Arts and Crafts Festival is likely not its last.
Economic and Community Development Director Carly DeLuca said, “Support during the downpour was immense. People who arrived during that time were there as serious shoppers, and we couldn’t be happier.”
DeLuca, who serves as town liaison to the Putnam Arts Council, said the PAC decided about a year ago to take on a new event. The PAC consists of David Sullivan, chairperson; Laura Moorehead, vice chairperson; Jamie Soroka, Beth Johnston, Karen Osbrey, Julie Reid, and Elaine Turner. “Each member brought their own expertise to the plate to create this fantastic event,” DeLuca said.
She said at any given time there were 100 people at the event.
“Based on the turn-out,” she said, “we are hoping for this to be an annual event.”
Major sponsors were the Putnam Area Foundation, the Byrnes Agency, the Last Green Valley, and Sawmill Pottery. DeLuca added, “Special thank you to Chubby Dog Coffee, Henry’s Diner, and Grace Gourmet for keeping our artists and patrons well-fed! Northeast Opportunities for Wellness ran a children’s craft program. We had incredible support from the town’s Recreation, Facilities, and Emergency Management Departments as well as the Putnam Police Department.”
She added: “I hope this event exemplifies what the Putnam Arts Council is capable of. This is a fantastic step for the arts community of Putnam. I feel very grateful to have been a part of this team.”

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