Mayor Kahn read a proclamation at MoCo Arts to congratulate C.A.K.E. on it’s 25th anniversary, and encourage all residents to support this program by attending its performances, sharing its transformative stories, and championing the arts as a vital part of our vibrant community. For 25 remarkable years, Creative Arts at Keene, or C.A.K.E., has presented a 4-week summer program for the greater Keene-area youth inspiring them to discover self-expression in the arts. Founded in 2000 by Marty Hennum based on her young artistic experiences, CAKE has become a recognized for artistic exploration, even earning recognition from the National Endowment for the Arts. The summer staff, of 36 counselors and interns, led by Program and Artistic Director Laura Carbonneau, is comprised of staff who themselves have CAKE camper experience and possess a desire to mentor children through artistic expression. C.A.K.E. provides diverse avenues for creative expression through acting, writing, film, music, dance, technical design, visual art, and cooking, demonstrated in daily noontime shows, C.A.K.E. Mixes and the grand C.A.K.E. Extravaganza and Productions. These events celebrate the talent and creative output of its campers. The program instills in children the confidence to explore their own creative talents by providing a safe space to try new things, forge friendships and collaborate on producing new things. C.A.K.E. significantly contributes to the health, well-being and development of our youth and brings vibrant energy to Keene every July. C.A.K.E. has fostered a multi-generational legacy, with many of its thousands of former campers now enrolling their own children, highlighting the enduring impact and cherished memories it creates. C.A.K.E. and MOCO have contributed to the amazingly rich local performing and visual arts resources that regularly inspire and entertain the entire Monadnock region, its residents and visitors. C.A.K.E. remains accessible to all, thanks to the generous support of local charitable foundations, businesses, and individuals, awarding up to $21,000 in tuition assistance, scholarships, and discounts.
