The Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center is launching a fund to support the Olson VT Artists Series, honoring Lance Olson, the center’s retiring executive director.

“Lance has left us with an inspiring legacy of supporting and nurturing regional talent,” said Lisa Hagerty, a member of the board of Spruce Peak Arts. “We named the series in his honor to recognize what he has built and we’ve launched a fund to which each of us has contributed to ensure that this vision is sustained for years to come.”

In 2013, Olson launched the Peak VT artists Series to celebrate local talent, giving more than 50 Vermont artists a chance to perform at the world-class Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center.

Stowe jazz singer Audrey Bernstein was the first Peak VT artist to perform.

“The experience basically transformed my career,” Bernstein said. “The opportunity to perform in this kind of venue and the support I received were absolutely transformative. Spruce Peak Arts is a real talent incubator. I’m incredibly grateful for the chance they took on me and the impact it has had on my career.”

In Olson’s honor, the PeakVT series has been renamed as the Olson VT Artists Series.

Upcoming events:

• Northern Third Piano Quartet, Saturday, Sept. 9, 8, p.m., an Olson VT Artist.

• The Matisse Jazz Project with Christopher Bakriges and Gwen Laster with hands-on art making for all ages during the performance sponsored by the Helen Day Arts Center on Saturday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m.

• Myra Flynn & Band, Saturday, Sept. 30, 8 p.m., an Olson VT Artist.

• Manhattan Short Film Festival, Sunday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m., and Thursday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.

• Dave Keller’s Soul Revue, Saturday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m., an Olson VT Artist.

• Vermont Philharmonic Opera Gala Concert, Saturday, Oct. 14, 8 p.m., an Olson VT Artist.

• Joe Davidian Trio, Saturday, Oct. 21, 8 p.m., an Olson VT Artist

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