June 25, the Fredericksburg-Este Association Artist Exchange reception

The Fredericksburg Visitor Center on Caroline Street developed a decidedly Italian accent on June 25, as the Fred-Este members gathered for the Exchange Artist reception, complete with Italian wines and assorted nibbles. The members were also treated to over 30 photos and posters from our Italian sister city! The photographer, none other than our own Sue Henderson, mounted both a joint exhibit and a solo show in Este during the most recent Artist Exchange visit, in April 2026.

Joined by her co-artist exchange partner, Ray Dempsey, the duo offered words of gratitude and praise to the group for the honor of being selected for the fifth Artist Exchange. Both expounded on the joys of simply being in Este, and also on the supportive and enthusiastic reception that our Este friends extended. From help with both exhibits, and great organization for the concert that they performed, the Este hosts were universally welcoming. Sue on vocals and Ray on keyboard offered classics from early 20^th Century popular music, in what is called The Great American Songbook. Beloved tunes from composers such as Rogers and Hart, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and Cole Porter were received by the Este audience with bravado and applause, including a standing ovation!

Those who contributed to the Exchange were eligible for the thank-you drawing. Three folks won their choice of photographs from the Este show, and the grand prize, a performance by Sue and Ray at the event of the winner’s designation, was won by Mary Katherine Greenlaw!

Ray and Sue also performed a brief selection of their program, and a full performance of the concert is upcoming for Este members! It’s a part of their thank-you to the Fred-Este organization for the joy of being Artist Exchange Honorees.

The Artist Exchange program, a signature event for our organization, is a key element in promoting cultural understanding. By sharing artistic points of view, and by hosting visiting artists, members in both countries gain a deeper understanding of national character, heritage, and perspective—central goals in our sister city relationship.

Grazie to all who supported and participated!

 Please mark your calendars:

September 17: the Nepalese lecture in the Cultural Quilt series. Dr Lekh Nath Adhikari of the Kathmandu sister city will speak. His topic:  From Monarchy to Republic: Nepal’s 250-year Journey and  Its Partnership with the United States. 6:30, at the Downtown Library.

October 29: All-member event to celebrate The Cultural Quilt Program, 6:00 PM, Downtown Library. All sister city members will join in marking the conclusion to yet another joint sister city endeavor. Each sister city will bring easy-serve food, and members are encouraged to wear traditional dress. More details to come!

November 12: The Great American Songbook concert, by Sue Henderson and Ray Dempsey, will be presented as a thank-you to sister city members. Downtown Library Theater. More details to follow!