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Attleboro, Peru city an artsy match
 Artist Donna MacLure's "Room for Two" will be one of the paintings exhibited in Peru during the cultural exchange program. MacLure will also be traveling to Peru. (Submitted photo)
Top Headlines Attleboro resident and Peru native Lucrecia Sosa organized and will lead the trip to exchange ideas on art and to bring together two places she loves, her homeland and her new land. "One of my goals has been to connect my country with the United States through Attleboro because I found great friends here," Sosa said. "I love Attleboro." Artists making the trip are to spend almost two weeks in Peru exhibiting their work in two museums and discussing it with Peruvian artists and students. One whole day will be devoted to events aimed at creating a sister-city bond between Attleboro and the city of Pueblo Libre, which is near Lima, the national capital.  "Underwater Beauty" by Donna MacLure. (Submitted photo)
"It's going to be a cultural adventure," said Sosa, who has lived in Attleboro for 12 years.Sosa works as the coordinator of volunteers for the Attleboro Arts Museum, however, the trip is not a museum-sponsored event. Formally known as the Art Ambassador Cultural Exchange Program, it was organized by Sosa with the help of the Foreign Cultural Office in Peru, the U.S. Embassy, the Fulbright Foundation in Peru, the University Catolica and Peruvian artist Yvonne Garreaud. Garreaud displayed some of her work at the Attleboro Arts Museum in 2007. The trip is financed privately by the participants. But if it's successful, future exchanges could be paid for by grants from the Fulbright Foundation, Sosa said. The art will be exhibited in museums in Lima and Cuzco. Seminars are scheduled with students at Pontisicia Universidad Catolica in Lima, she said. Karole Nicholson of Cumberland, R.I., is one of the artists making the trip. Nicholson, who works at the Community VNA in Attleboro, said she aims to garner insight into how art can bring people together. "I hope to gain a greater understanding of how art can be a unifier as far as cultures are concerned," she said. Meanwhile, Dumas and his counterpart, Mayor Rafael Santos Normand of Pueblo Libre, intend to sign a sister-city agreement that will open the door to future exchanges.  "Radiance" by Michael Evans
Peruvian artists are to come to Attleboro next year.Artists making the trip are Kerrie Bellisario, Michael Evans and Sarah Mott of Attleboro; Belinda Gabryl and Colleen Vandeventer of North Attleboro, Donna MacLure of Wrentham and Nicholson. Bellisario, an associate professor of art at Lesley University, has arranged similar exchanges with Japan and Portugal, Sosa said.
Post Your Comments ricknkim wrote on Jul 16, 2008 9:26 AM: " I think people will complain just to complain. Boredom with their own lives, they are content with throwing daggers at others - makes them feel good/important. Get a life. This trip is a non-issue and from what I can tell, a nice diplomatic move with simple bad timing. However, the mayor does need to step up and hold people accountable for the mismanagement of the ARA and downtown revitalization project. " socal1 wrote on Jul 15, 2008 7:56 AM: " kh-you're right that the trip cost the city nothing and that there is more to life than money. Unfortunately, for the Mayor, the trip just happened to come at a bad time-city working on the budget and the annoucement of job layoffs of some city employees. I'm sure this type of trip is planned months in advance and when it was planned there did not appear to be trouble on the horizon. Again, just an unfortuate timing issue. " khmass wrote on Jul 14, 2008 12:25 PM: " Some people here really need to open their minds a bit. The Mayor is using his vacation time to open a symbolic link outside the City. It isn't costing taxpayers anything. Why does this bother some people so much. There are many people who think there is more to life than money and that art is ast least as important as who is on American Idol. Art isn't elitist. " ricknkim wrote on Jun 25, 2008 9:33 AM: " How is it a political mistake? Towns and cities across the country sign sister-city agreements all the time and it is simply symbolic. Not sure what harm is being done here that is causing such an uproar and bitterness. I think it is a simple dislike of the mayor that is at issue. Life is short, stop sweating the small stuff folks. " kevin h. wrote on Jun 24, 2008 5:33 PM: " The article states,"Meanwhile, Dumas and his counterpart, Mayor Rafael Santos Normand of Pueblo Libre, intend to sign a sister-city agreement that will open the door to future exchanges." This is not a vacation. The mayor is signing an agreement as the representitive of our city. We don't need any more spread of government. This is a pure waste of time, and a political mistake. " Second Street Girl wrote on Jun 23, 2008 9:33 AM: " I know this is late but I wanted to add my two cents from Second Street. While I know it is an exciting venture in theory to set up an artistic relationship with another city in another country I am wondering is this the best time and what will Attleboro get out of the deal? What about setting up a relationship with a city hit by Hurricane Katrina? they still need help three years after the fact? Or how about the people just hit by flooding in the midwest? I'd feel better knowing that we were doing something good for the community and our souls. Now don't get me wrong I LOVE art but there are times for art and there are times to just do what's right. " Informed wrote on Jun 20, 2008 4:19 PM: " Image is eveything! Kevin has been a master at disguising his shortcomings by attending numerous events and being friendly to one and all. A political ally should have advised him to skip this trip at this time. People are struggling to put food on their family's table and gas in their cars, while the cost of city servies continues to skyrocket. This is NOT THE TIME to be making this trip. People will forget that he paid for this trip out of his own pocket. He will someday regret his decision and the attitude of "let them eat cake!" " ricknkim wrote on Jun 18, 2008 10:14 AM: " Realist - could you please expand upon your pot-shot of "ways to drive successful businesses from their downtown in favor of expresso shops & condos"? Your comment comes across as conveying their is currently a vibrant downtown with a lot of successful businesses. The downtown is dead - bringing in condos, coffee bars, restaurants will attract young crowds, new tax revenue, etc. " socal1 wrote on Jun 18, 2008 6:30 AM: " Historically, it would appear that during tough times, such as these, people want access and answers to and from their government/official more than during the good times. It only makes it worse for everyone, more so for the government/official, if the people are ignored. Being ignored, at times, is worse than being lied to. I know that sometimes I get more upset when I am intentionally ignored than if I am lied to. I commend Councilwoman Allard for using all forums available to communicate with the public. So Ms. Allard, thank you for taking the time to respond. " Kim Allard wrote on Jun 17, 2008 11:36 PM: " Sideline: I disagree I am elected by the residents of this City and it is my job to answer questions. You may feel I am my own worst enemy and that is fine I say I am doing my job! " sideline wrote on Jun 17, 2008 10:02 PM: " Kim why do you respond to these iditos who have too much time on their hands. You are your own worst enemy. As for Mayor Taxmore, I hope it his last term. " jose21 wrote on Jun 17, 2008 9:21 PM: " Nto to many idiots make it as far as Mayor Dumas has at such a young age. Maybe if you read past the title of the story you'd know this was privately funded. The mayor can take a trip, who cares if it's considered a vacation or not. I could careless how many vacation or sick days the guy takes, it doesn't matter. " goodboy02062 wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:42 PM: " All great commentary here, I don't agree with it all but I strongly disagree with Henrietta. Mayor Dumas is far from an idiot. If you knew him you would know that. In fact, he is an extremely intelligent man with the City's best interest at heart. We are blessed to have him and it is unfortunate that people like Henrietta are so ill-informed. I think it is Henrietta who might be the idiot! " socal1 wrote on Jun 17, 2008 6:41 PM: " Councilwoman Allard-I do believe that the Mayor has the City's best interest at heart. Unfortunately, any person who holds a political office long enough will become a source of scorn and ridicule-warranted or not. It is the nature of the beast. " Kim Allard wrote on Jun 17, 2008 6:24 PM: " Social1: I do read these articles and answer any questions I can from a concerned resident. I will not participate in any negative attacks on anyone. I will state my opinion in response to you..yes I did make that statement regarding Mayor Robbins do I believe that statement now applies to the current Mayor absolutely NOT! This trip isn't a vacation it is a cultural exchange and no city money is being used it does state that in the article. the current Mayor holds open office hours for all residents every month. He is still connected to the residents. As for myself I have always wanted what is best for the City no matter who I support or who supports me. I make my decisions based on the greater good. " socal1 wrote on Jun 17, 2008 5:53 PM: " When I read this article this morning I could only imagine the reaction from the "usual" suspects-myself included. My imagination wasn't very far off. Councilwoman Allard (since I see you have read the article and responded), I believe that you are a supporter of the Mayor and you may have his and the City's best interest at heart-just for the record and at the possiblity of heckling, I voted twice for the Mayor. I suggest that you have him read an article that was written by Jim Hand and printed in the Sun, which, if memory serves me correctly, I found on your website. The title of the article is "Robbin's latest term was her toughest?". In the article you are quoted as saying "I think she has been in office for a long while and she has forgotten to deal with all these little groups". Your quote was in response to a statement that "she (Robbins) no loger listened to residents' concerns...). You are not the only person quoted in the aricle who was critical of Mayor Robbins. Could your past quote regarding our former Mayor apply to our current Mayor? " mmarcia wrote on Jun 17, 2008 4:07 PM: " If this is a vacation, call it a vacation. If this is a business trip, the Mayor owes the citizens of Attleboro a good, solid, logical explanation. Which they'll never get, so to all you Attleboreans - thanks for paying for the Mayor's vacation. " Kim Allard wrote on Jun 17, 2008 3:46 PM: " Attlebrockton: I am not certain if any new business has signed on. We get this information during ARA updates to the Council. At this time I am certain one business has perhaps 2. I appreciate that you find this an easier way of getting information however work doesn't allow me to always answer so please feel free to email me at any time at councilorallard@comcast.net and I will try and answer whatever questions you may have. " gingersnap wrote on Jun 17, 2008 2:40 PM: " I've heard that Peru is nice this time of year =) " attlebrockton wrote on Jun 17, 2008 1:02 PM: " Thanks Kim, I also was wondering if anyone has committed to the new industrial park ,signed any letter of intent etc? This is why more effecient than going to a council meeting. I do drink but not cans bottle Jose ,what do you think I'm an animal. " Kim Allard wrote on Jun 17, 2008 12:07 PM: " attlebrockton: We have not received the HUD report yet but have heard it will be in by the end of the week. " realist wrote on Jun 17, 2008 11:42 AM: " To goodboy02062 -- Art is a funny thing. I've often thought that some of stuff that passes for art from other cultures could be their equivalent of a velvet Elvis. If someone created a beer can pyramid with imported containers in the MoMA in NYC people would fawn over it. Art is not a universal but rather a cultural and personal experience. Oh and I don't drink beer. " jose21 wrote on Jun 17, 2008 11:28 AM: " Realist - first thing I'd do is appoint you head of the zoo (if I had that power?). Don't stop at the lion, name them all. " goodboy02062 wrote on Jun 17, 2008 11:21 AM: " I think the only concept of art that kevin h, realist, attlebrockton and a few others on this blog can relate to is stacking a pile of beer cans up as they go through them! " realist wrote on Jun 17, 2008 11:02 AM: " To jose21, if you're going to be in charge can we give the white lion a better name than one from a second tier condom? Something like "Snowpuff McFluffymane"? No, I won't let this go. " attlebrockton wrote on Jun 17, 2008 10:57 AM: " Thanks Kim, Can you tell me if the HUD report came back yet .The one the ARA had been either misfiled or misunderstood. " Kim Allard wrote on Jun 17, 2008 10:49 AM: " attlebrockton: You are correct I do read these however I can't help with that question. " jose21 wrote on Jun 17, 2008 10:34 AM: " yes attleborobrockton, I'll be running the show. First thing on my list is to line your street with fancy lamp posts and lay sod in the front yard of everyone in Attleboro, except for Kevin's.... " Henrietta wrote on Jun 17, 2008 10:22 AM: " I understand why Mayor Dumas has so many enemies, he's an idiot. Problem is, in the last election, he was the smartest and most qualified running. Perhaps in the next election, Attleboro will find an intelligent person to run and we can be without this man. I doubt it, though, look at our school system. " attlebrockton wrote on Jun 17, 2008 9:57 AM: " alternative one ,can the Mayor. who is in charge when the Mayor leaves ,can we stage a coup? Jose are you running the show? " SKEPTIC wrote on Jun 17, 2008 9:56 AM: " People have put forth other solutions. Such as work to attract real jobs to the city and forget the latte shoppe mentality of a condo filled downtown. I know Balfour and TI are gone forever, but they could be working to attract businesses looking to relocate to the area. If this is a vacation, I hope the mayor has fun and learns a lot. As long as no public money gets spent except for the occasional phone call to check up on things at home. " ricknkim wrote on Jun 17, 2008 9:42 AM: " I think some of you have your heads in the sand regarding this trip and the ARA. A lot of typewriter manufactures put their heads down and ignored the beat of progress playing in the wind ... for some reason those darn computers caught on and the typewriter manufacturers are where???? Progress and improvement takes effort and new ideas. If the trip were taxpayer financed I would agree as to bad timing. However, it is privately funded. Believe it or not, a vibrant art scene in a community leads to more pedestrians, visitors, jobs, etc. It is not "the answer" but a small piece of the puzzle. Stop complaining and put forth some alternative ideas otherwise you are just part of the problems, not the solution. " jose21 wrote on Jun 17, 2008 9:41 AM: " Exactly why does eveyone have an issue with this? You're worried about his vacation time? " jose21 wrote on Jun 17, 2008 9:29 AM: " Mr. Mayor, enjoy the trip. Sounds like a great time. " attlebrockton wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:37 AM: " "I hope to gain a greater understanding of how art can be a unifier as far as cultures are concerned," she said This is the biggest bunch of crap ,this is what Obama admin will be like ..feel good crap & taxes on steroids! " attlebrockton wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:35 AM: " how do you remove a sitting Mayor? Ms. allard reads this can she give us any ideas? This guy has got to be a aloof bafoon or a complete idiot! Even if this trip was planned a yr ago ,sometimes discretion is called for.I do agree with Kevin H. the ARA should go as well . " kevin h. wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:25 AM: " IF you go, do not come back. Take the ARA with you. "It's going to be a cultural adventure," No, it's called vacation, or in this case pure B*llsh*t. " realist wrote on Jun 17, 2008 8:19 AM: " I hope the mayor has put in for vacation time and does not consider this "work". Unless of course the people of Pueblo Libre are looking for ways to drive successful businesses from their downtown in favor of espresso shops and condos. " or
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