Oct 28, 2008 — The Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts returned to the North Country earlier this month as part of a "Cultural Blueprints" tour across the state. The public forum in Potsdam brought together arts professionals, economic development and tourism experts, and community leaders to identify strategies and opportunities for the arts to serve as a catalyst for cultural, economic, and community development. Heather Hitchens visited the region a year ago, shortly after taking the leadership post at NYSCA. Todd Moe sat down with her this month to talk about the importance of the arts and economic development during an economic downturn.