Summer In America: Best Places to Go

July 12, 2013

Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona

Welcome to American Mosaic from VOA Learning English.

I’m Kelly Jean Kelly.

On the show today, we play more hit summer songs.

We also learn about the best places in America to visit during the summer.

But first, we go to a small town in Maryland that is supporting its local artists.

Seed Project

A small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland has become a patron, or supporter, of the arts. The community hopes its effort will permit local artists more creative freedom. Avi Arditti tells how.

Vicco von Voss has been making furniture from reclaimed woods for 20 years.

“When I get a tree that has been blown over by a hurricane or strictly taken down by a tree company, I have the opportunity to give this tree a second life.”

Mr. von Voss is known for creating beautiful and useful pieces.

“Part of my philosophy is that if it took a tree 80 years to grow, I need to build something that will last for that same duration.”

The artist formed that philosophy when he lived in a 10-square-meter home he had built near Chestertown, Maryland.

“I grew to understand and love nature. But it wasn’t just loving nature, it was observing the real subtleties of the land, of the trees. And with that, I thought I’ve got to become a steward of nature.”