News has been spreading quickly in the network, but in case you haven't heard, we have a big transition coming up. After more than seven years with us, associate editor Kyle V. Hiller is transitioning away from his work at BSR to pursue a new era. His last official day will be July 31, but he'll stick around in an advisory capacity for me until our new team member starts this fall. I hope you'll join me in sending Kyle every good wish for the future. Fortunately, he'll still be part of the BSR community.
We're sad to see him go, and BSR will not be the same without him, but change also brings new ideas and opportunities. 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for BSR, and this editorial evolution will be part of it. We're looking for our next associate editor, and applications are open through July 12. Check out the job listing and feel free to share in your networks. Applications are already rolling in! We're proud that so many people in our community are eager to work with us, and we look forward to evaluating many excellent candidates.
On to this week's stories. We're finally reviewing the major new dual show at PAFA and the PMA in honor of the Semiquincentennial, A Nation of Artists. K.A. McFadden says it gave her lots to reflect on, including whether creativity is inextricably bound up in our freedom. Krista Mar reviews a notable new work from composer Andrea Clearfield and multidisciplinary artist Cookie Diorio (she says the narrative could be stronger in a historical sense, but it's promising and impressive). I saw this myself before its very short run concluded on June 20. I hope it's mounted again; if it is, run to get your tickets. And our executive director Neil, who sometimes gets behind the keyboard himself, has a lovely new essay about what he found out when he started taking his toddler to a local music class.
Tomorrow, we have lots more coming your way, including Kyle's weekend picks, a roundup of 250th-themed events throughout July, and a story about fireworks.
Alaina Johns
BSR editor-in-chief
