The Buttonwood Tree

The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center, located at 605 Main Street in Middletown, CT, is a nonprofit organization with a rich history that spans over three decades. Established in 1989, the center has been a hub of artistic and cultural activities, offering a variety of programs and services to the local community and beyond. The Buttonwood Tree PAC's mission is to uplift, inspire, educate, and enrich lives through artistic and cultural programming, while supporting the creative endeavors of emerging and established artists.

The Buttonwood Tree PAC is situated in the central business district of Middletown, which allows it to contribute to the vibrancy of the area. The center offers a range of programs, including music, art, literature, poetry, and dance programs, contests, classes, online events, open microphone sessions, and partnership presentations. It also presents projects curated from outside the organization and rents space for rehearsals and events.

Goals and Objectives

The Buttonwood Tree PAC's primary goal is to provide support to local artists, amateurs, students, and others to explore their capacity for self-expression and communication. The center achieves this by offering a facility, institutional support, funding, workshops, performance/exhibit opportunities, and other artistic support. The center also aims to provide artistic, educational, and other cultural experiences and programs that are accessible, participatory, and unique, enriching and positive for audiences in the North End of Middletown, Central Connecticut, and beyond.

Another objective of the Buttonwood Tree PAC is to serve residents of the North End of Middletown by offering cultural, educational, and artistic programs, positive role models, and by creating a community/cultural drop-in center. The center also serves students by offering real-world work experience through internships and work-study opportunities, performance opportunities, and space for scholastic presentations. Moreover, the Buttonwood Tree PAC serves as an incubator of creativity and a launching pad for artistic careers, stimulating and enhancing the economy of Middletown and increasing tourism to the town.

Programs and Services

The Buttonwood Tree PAC offers a variety of programs and services, including:

• Music: The center hosts live music performances, featuring local, regional, and national artists. The music program includes various genres, such as folk, blues, jazz, rock, and world music.
• Art: The Buttonwood Tree PAC has an art gallery that showcases the works of local and regional artists. The art program includes exhibitions, art classes, and workshops for all ages and skill levels.
• Literature and Poetry: The center hosts literary events, such as book readings, poetry slams, and writing workshops. The literature and poetry program aims to promote literacy, creativity, and self-expression.
• Dance: The Buttonwood Tree PAC offers dance programs, including classes, workshops, and performances, featuring various dance styles, such as contemporary, belly, hip hop, and world dance.
• Open Mic Sessions: The center hosts open mic sessions, providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents. The open mic sessions include music, poetry, and comedy.
• Online Events: The Buttonwood Tree PAC offers online events, such as webinars, live streaming of performances, and virtual workshops, to reach a wider audience and provide access to its programs and services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Reiki with Eileen Cingarden: The center offers Reiki sessions with Eileen Cingarden, a certified Reiki master teacher, providing a holistic healing modality that promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and well-being.
• Mindfulness: The Buttonwood Tree PAC hosts mindfulness events, such as meditation sessions, mindfulness workshops, and retreats, promoting mental health and well-being.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

The Buttonwood Tree PAC is committed to creating an environment that is fully inclusive and accessible. The center welcomes people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds and strives to provide equitable access to its programs and services. The center is wheelchair accessible, and it offers assistive listening devices, large print materials, and ASL interpretation upon request.