Did you know the Arts Alliance in Hudson provides adults and children in 25 local communities with everything from theater groups, a community band, performances, lessons, and more?

Like many parents, Jan Patterson felt there needed to be more cultural programming in her children's Hudson school. Realizing that people often learn best through art, she volunteered as the cultural coordinator for the Hudson Public Schools.

Patterson, along with other parents and teachers, brought cultural offerings to the Hudson school system, with the goal that the kindergarten center and the three elementary schools could have common experiences that they would remember when they got to middle school.

The group made a commitment to integrate the arts in schools and every day community life. That was in 1988. Today, the group has evolved into a successful non-profit arts agency, the Arts Alliance, which continues to serve the Hudson schools, but also youth and adults in 25 surrounding communities.

"If you had asked me 20 years ago if I thought Jan Patterson's vision for the Arts Alliance would be truly successful, I would say, eh ... in Hudson?" says Sarah Cressy, who was a founding director of the Arts Alliance and whose 13-year-old daughter, Kate, participates in the programs.

"There were a lot of doubting Thomases, but Jan Patterson had a high amount of perseverance and commitment," she says. "Today the Alliance is an effective and efficient organization, so definitely kudos to her. We're very fortunate to have such a strong arts presence in our community."

Patterson is quick to point out that the organization could not offer such high-quality and affordable performances, art shows, and drama and music opportunities without their collaborative partnership with the Hudson public schools.

Up with Arts

Susan Alatalo, publicist for the Arts Alliance, also praises Patterson for sticking with her vision through all these years. "A lot of people find Jan inspiring not only to begin something as fine as this, but to consistently keep at it as times change," she says. "She must adapt to and keep up with different trends."

With the motto, "Up with Arts," the Arts Alliance has moved into each new decade with a rich variety of arts and arts education programs which include:

Arts Afterschool. This program provides classes, such as band lessons, for Hudson elementary and middle school students. It is where 13-year-old Kate Murphy of Hudson developed a love for music through her study of the flute since the 4th grade This year, Kate won spots in two prestigious groups: the Jr. Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble and the Youth Rep Orchestra at New England Conservatory.

The Community Arts Series offers performances for families and adults such as top-notch musicians and dance companies. The performers often visit area schools, providing children with enriching, educational arts experiences. "We think it's wonderful that people don't have to travel far to enjoy a good concert or exhibit," says Patterson.

The Community River's Edge Chorale provides opportunities for adults and high school students who love to sing. Arts Alliance Program Director, Barbara Worrest, enjoyed a memorable experience when she sang with both of her children, Sarah, 23, and Peter, 19, at the Yesue Memorial Concert in June. Worrest credits the Arts Alliance for guiding her children to pursue their passions. After years of performing with the Arts Alliance theater programs, Sarah is now majoring in theater at Tisch School of the Arts at NYU and is active leading the Arts Alliance theater programs today.

The Chorale, led by musical director Paul Johnson, meets on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. starting Oct. 10 in the Hudson High Choral Room. A Holiday concert will be presented at Hudson High School, tentatively scheduled for Dec. 8.

Creative Theater Workshop is for youth in grades 6 to 12. In the spring, they spend several days a week learning about and rehearsing a Shakespearian comedy. The program, which takes place in Marlborough, culminates in an evening performance that is open to the public. No tryouts are needed and students from all area communities are invited.

Focus on Kids! offers performances during school vacation week. Shows are packed with audience participation and are often preceded or followed by a workshop.

The Pro Musica Youth Chorus helps children and youth in grades 3 through 12 learn and perform music under the direction of Jan Patterson. Rehearsals take place Monday evenings at Hudson High School. Thirteen-year-old Hadley Juster of Stow has learned a lot in the chorus about developing her voice. Her mother, Lynne Juster, credits Patterson. "She does a lot more to make it all happen than people realize."

The River's Edge Community Band is open to adults and experienced students in 8th grade and up who play woodwind, brass, and percussion. Peter Worrest, age 19, studied clarinet with the Arts Alliance since fourth grade. When his busy academic schedule did not allow for him to participate in the High School band, Peter was able to continue clarinet playing with the River's Edge Community Band. Over 40 talented musicians from area communities comprise this talented ensemble. Rehearsals take place Thursday evenings at Hudson High School.

The River's Edge Players, a new Community Theater group formed in the summer of 2006, will be performingGodspell on Aug. 3, 4, & 5.

The Saturday Morning Discovery Series offers free family performances in Marlborough with some of the best entertainers in New England and beyond, including magicians, musicians, mimes, jugglers, and more.

The Summer Drama Workshop is one of the most popular Arts Alliance programs providing acting, singing, dancing, and theater production for children and adults. Children entering grades 1 to 5 perform for family and friends, while youth in grades 6 to 12 and college present high-quality public performances.

Lynne Juster has two daughters, Hadley, age 12, and Justine, age 8, who participate in the program. She says, "It's an exceptional program, the best in the area. The children are exposed to wonderful people with different backgrounds."

Visual Arts hosts three annual art exhibits: Members, Photo and Fall Juried, to allow the community to enjoy the enormous talent of local artists while giving those artists another venue in which to display their work. Another exhibit, Art in the Hall, changes quarterly, featuring the work of a single artist, adult or youth, at Hudson Town Hall.

More information about how you can participate in and register for any of these programs can be found at www.upwitharts.org.

You're Invited

The Arts Alliance invites the community to get more involved with their agency. Patterson elaborates, "There are always opportunities to become involved or to volunteer. Or if you have a skill that you'd like to share, it's often a very nice match. We do need continually growing support to do what we do."

Currently, the Arts Alliance is managed by a dedicated staff of five, a board of directors, and wonderful volunteers. They receive support from earned program income, corporate and business contributions, foundation grants, and public support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Hudson Cultural Council, Marlborough Cultural Council, Town of Hudson, and City of Marlborough.

The Alliance is also supported by over 350 members who receive discounts to various performances, a newsletter, an opportunity to link a Web Site to the Arts Alliance site, and a venue to display, perform, or promote work. More importantly, members belong to a network of other like-minded people and get the satisfaction that comes from supporting the arts.

"Hudson is a very exciting town," says Patterson "It's really fun to create something in your own backyard that benefits so many people. The arts are such an important, positive part of life for a community."

Carrie Wattu is a freelance writer living in West Boylston.