As we see the end of The Bushnell's 2008-2009 season rapidly approaching, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year. Our country has seen a lot of change, and has endured - and is still enduring - difficult economic times. However, it is in times like these that many people are drawn to the arts - whether it be a musical, visual art show, concert, dance performance, or something else - for comfort, inspiration, hope and escape. In hard times, people embrace things of true value, and we believe that a life rich in culture and the arts is one of the most valuable things in the world.

What have the arts meant to you this past year? What have been the highlights for you? Do you make the arts a big part of your life - and how? And most importantly, why?

Oprah Winfrey presents The Color Purple at The Bushnell this week - this soul-stirring musical is based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, and was nominated for 11 Tony Awards. Have you seen The Color Purple here at The Bushnell? Let us know what you thought of the show!

Please join The Bushnell as we host a free public forum for Hartford's iQuilt project on June 24 at 5 p.m. The iQuilt is envisaged as a loose grid from the Capitol to the River, and aims to weave together Hartford's key cultural sites and institutions around the theme of cultural innovations. Architect Douglas Suisman will present his preliminary vision for the iQuilt and be available to receive public comments and ideas. If you have questions about this exciting project, please call (860) 987-5929 or email iquilt@bushnell.org. We hope to see you there!