encore editor's note
From the Editor On Aug. 27, Encore Magazine received a 2017 Community Arts Award
from the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, humbly joining the ranks of many amazing folks who work hard to promote our area’s rich arts culture. As much as the current staff and contributors would like to take credit for this honor, it’s an award that recognizes 45 years of Encore’s commitment to promoting and highlighting the arts in the greater Kalamazoo area. Many may not know that an intention to focus on the local arts scene was the genesis of Encore. Encore was developed in 1972 by Phil Schubert as a program guide for performances at the recently opened Miller Auditorium. It grew into a full-fledged community magazine that highlighted not only the arts, but the personalities and organizations that make this area unique. We are very proud to continue Schubert’s vision and tradition. Encore is a bit of a rarity. It’s not often in communities of comparable size that you’ll find a monthly magazine of Encore’s quality and breadth. Recognition of the critical role Encore plays in keeping our community informed, enlightened and entertained has been reinforced by the continuing support we receive from our loyal advertisers and readers, to whom we are eternally grateful. I often tell people that finding stories for Encore is the easy part and that the hard part is deciding which stories to print. That goes for our local arts community — we can’t possibly publish enough about the many wonderful things they are doing. And as long as they keep making art, we'll keep doing our best to tell you all about it.
Marie Lee DeMENT AND MARQUARDT, PLC A law firm focusing on estate planning, estate settlement, and the transfer of wealth.
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