About Us
We are a cross-border collaborative dedicated to Culture, Creativity & Community.
Our mission is to foster connections and inspire innovation across the Vermont and Canadian border. By bringing together diverse perspectives and talents, we aim to enrich our communities and create a lasting impact.
Through our events, collaborations, artists and outreach, we strive to:
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Celebrate the richness of different cultures
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Nurture the creative spirit
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Build strong and inclusive communities
We believe that by working together, we can create a world where everyone feels connected, valued, and empowered.
Join us in building a vibrant scene together!
CanUSA 360 Arts was founded in 2024 and acts as a 501(c)3 non-profit under Newport Downtown Development.
Meet The steering committee
Maire Folan, MS RDN
Borderline Entertainment Representative
Maire directs UVM Extension’s Community Nutrition Education Department, overseeing programs to educate Vermonters on healthy eating and family wellness. Andy Bouchard, Maire's husband, operates the Barrage, a music venue hosting concerts in the warmer months. Maire is invested in seeing the arts and culture thrive in our area and enjoys hopping the border to visit Canada’s arts scene as well.
Chris Planetta
Borderline Players Representative
Chris Planetta is Founder and President of the Borderline Players, the theatre company in residence at the historic Haskell Opera House. He has been a theatre fan since grade school when his mother would bring him and his sisters to live productions. Chris has participated in all areas of theatre- on stage, behind the scenes, set construction and as an audience member.
Lynn Rublee
Coordinator for CanUSA 360 Arts Collaborative
Lynn is a seasoned art educator who has taught ages 6 through 60 both domestically and abroad. She also has numerous years of experience as a coordinator for community art programs and events in NYC, Burlington, and Stowe, VT. Lynn loves to collaborate with others and embraces other cultures and people of all kinds.
harvey stevens
Town of Stanstead Representative
Harvey Stevens serves as a Municipal Councillor for the Town of Stanstead. He is active with the local farmer's market and produces blueberries, apples and maple syrup on his own farm. Harvey retired in 2020 as Director of International Business Development in the hardwoods components industry.
Molly Stone
Catamount Arts & VT Arts Council Zone Representative
Molly Stone is the Artistic Director for Catamount Arts in St. Johnsbury, VT. She oversees all of Catamount's live performances including the curation, booking, and producing of concerts in numerous venues. Molly is also a consultant and/or partner on live performance projects in both Vermont and New Hampshire. She serves as the Northeast Kingdom Zone Agent for the Vermont Arts Council’s Creative Network.
Brett Thayer
Greater Barton Arts Representative
Bret Thayer is a portrait artist and current member of the Greater Barton Arts Special Advisor Committee.
He is also President of the Crystal Lake Falls Historical Association. As a recent transplant to Barton, VT, he is dedicated to building community in multiple ways.
Rick Ufford-chase
Director of Newport Downtown Development
Rick Ufford-Chase has thirty-five years of experience as a non-profit entrepreneur and director. He became director of NDD in 2020 bringing the community together in multiple ways. Rick engages and empowers others to invest in building Newport and creating a vibrant environment. He also serves on the Newport City Council.
Felicia updyke
Associate Director of Newport Downtown Development
Felicia has been in the music management industry for the past 5 years along with being very involved in her community. She has served as a volunteer on the NDD Events Committee and with the NEK Rainbow Coalition. Her efforts have been instrumental in creating synergy to build community and engage others. She is now bringing her talents to serve the community as the Associate Director of NDD.