When Reiken, who lives on Potash Hill Road, published his first novel last year, he included many references to the arts center and the town. The evolution of the place really did carve out some of the essence of the town. The group, which calls itself the Potash Community of the Arts, is in the early stages of development. There are 12 members, ranging in age from 18 to 64, who live in six homes they own, and share 55 acres of open space. Members say they hope to expand to 24 residents.
All members have individual career pursuits in the arts and sciences.
As a community, they do yard work, hold weekly potluck dinners, celebrate each other's birthdays and assemble for monthly meetings. Judy Moore, who grew up in Conway, lived in Chicago for 37 years before recently settling at Potash Community. It was the kind of feeling I was looking for. Potash Community Webber says there is a big difference between the two arts communities. He says many locals remember times when the Cummington Community of the Arts had absentee directors.