Category Archives: Performing Arts

Virginia Senate and House of Delegates Commend Wolf Trap for 40 Years of Service to the Community and the Nation

Posted by on November 3, 2011 1 comment

Virginia Senate and House of Delegates Commend Wolf Trap for 40 Years of Service to the Community and the Nation











Wolf Trap is recognized by the Virginia State Senate and House of Delegates on its 40th anniversary.


Vienna, VA (Vocus/PRWEB) February 01, 2011

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announced today that the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates passed a resolution commending the Foundation and celebrating its 40th anniversary. In a center aisle presentation attended by Wolf Trap Foundation President and CEO Terrence Jones, and Director of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, Karen Pittleman, the House and Senate for the Commonwealth of Virginia, unanimously passed a joint resolution, noting the important cultural contributions Wolf Trap has provided to the community over the past four decades.

Wolf Trap was founded by Catherine Filene Shouse, who at the age of 75 donated 100 acres of her Vienna, Virginia farmland to the United States government. Wolf Trap Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service, is recognized for its many contributions to the Commonwealth and the nation during the past 40 years since the opening of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. Ms. Shouse donated the land so that the broadest possible audience could enjoy high quality arts and education programs in a natural, majestic setting. That goal remains at the center of Wolf Trap’s mission today.

The Resolution formally acknowledges Wolf Trap’s devotion to presenting and creating excellent and innovative performing arts programs for the enrichment, education, and enjoyment of diverse audiences and participants, for the past 40 years. The Resolution was introduced in the Senate by Senator Janet Howell (D-Reston) and in the House by Delegate Barbara Comstock, (R-McLean).

“It was an honor to introduce this resolution to celebrate Wolf Trap’s 40th anniversary and its unique contributions as the nation’s only National Park for the Performing Arts,” stated Delegate Comstock. “Through theatrical and educational programs, musical performances, and programs for diverse audiences of all ages, Wolf Trap has been instrumental in providing a wide array of cultural experiences to our area and the rest of the nation. For over 25 years my family and I have enjoyed Wolf Trap as a vibrant part of our community. I’m so proud to support Wolf Trap and have this national treasure in my district.”

Recognizing that Wolf Trap is a model partnership between the National Park Service and the private nonprofit Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, Senator Howell praised Wolf Trap’s national reach, but added, “As Virginians, we consider Wolf Trap to be our institution.”

Citing Wolf Trap’s economic impact and its statewide service to education, Howell stated, “this organization epitomizes the familiar slogan: “The Arts Build Community.”

Wolf Trap will celebrate its 40th anniversary with nearly 300 special events and performances throughout the year. This spring and summer, the Foundation will present several new artistic works, including its second, original opera, The Inspector and two new dance commissions, among other performances. The annual Wolf Trap Ball on September 17, 2011 will be dedicated to this special anniversary and the organization’s renowned history.

“It is an honor for The Foundation to be recognized by the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates for this important anniversary for Wolf Trap,” said Jones. “With the support from our legislators and our partners at the National Park Service, as well as our loyal patrons, donors, Wolf Trap Board members and staff, the Foundation has been able to enrich the lives of more than 20 million people through critical performing arts and education programs. We are privileged to carry out the mission of Wolf Trap’s founder and continue to serve people of all ages in our community and beyond.”

About The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts

The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded by Catherine Filene Shouse (1896-1994), produces and presents a full range of performance and education programs in the Greater Washington area, as well as nationally and internationally. Wolf Trap features three performance venues, the outdoor Filene Center and Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, both located at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and The Barns at Wolf Trap, located down the road from the park and adjacent to the Center for Education at Wolf Trap. In partnership with the National Park Service, the 7,028-seat Filene Center annually showcases an extensive list of diverse artists, ranging from pop, country, folk, and blues to classical music, dance, and theater, as well as multimedia presentations, from May through September. The Barns operates year round, and during the summer months is home to the GRAMMY-nominated Wolf Trap Opera Company, one of America’s outstanding resident ensemble programs for young opera singers. Wolf Trap’s education programs include the nationally acclaimed Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts, Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, a diverse array of arts education classes, scholarships, and a nationally recognized internship program that was included in Bloomberg BusinessWeek’s 2009 List of “Best Places to Intern.” As part of its ongoing commitment to protect and preserve the environment, Wolf Trap offers metro access and is a founding member of the Green Music Group. Terrence D. Jones is president and CEO of the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts.

Contact:

Melissa Chotiner, (703) 255-4096 or melissac(at)wolftrap(dot)org

Lisa LaCamera, (703) 255-1997 or lisal(at)wolftrap(dot)org

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Bay Area Industrial Arts School Gets Fired Up for Burning Man 2011

Posted by on August 31, 2011 1 comment

Bay Area Industrial Arts School Gets Fired Up for Burning Man 2011











Fire hula hoop demonstration by Lauren Guajardo. Photo: Christa Curtin


San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) August 03, 2011

The Crucible, host of the annual Fire Arts Festival, is making it fun and easy for Burners and newcomers to take care of those last-minute Burning Man needs at “Fireside Lounge: Playa Bound.” This interactive open house will be held on Friday, August 19, 2011 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at 1260 7th Street in Oakland.

Fireside Lounge is a quarterly open house that features a small set of The Crucible’s departments and resident talent to members and the public. The August 19 event will spotlight the Fire Performance, Textiles, Hot Wheels and Kinetics departments, who will host demonstrations and an art show that showcases a sample of their amazing work.

A number of Burning Man alumni, or Burners, will be on hand to help guests prepare for the “playa,” the area in the desert that plays host to Burning Man. Tamo Design, Miss Velvet Cream, Miranda Caroligne, Silver Lucy Design and other tried-and-true fashion experts will give tips on proper Burning Man attire.

Participants are also encouraged to bring their not-yet-spectacular hats, coats, skirts, dresses, boots and bikes and make them fanciful and ready for the playa. The Crucible’s Textiles and Kinetics departments will show guests how with items like Cool Neon’s electroluminescent wire.

In addition to all the preparatory activities, the Bay Area metal fabrication shop will invite participants to explore their Kinetics art gallery, which is filled with art that moves, dances, blinks, beeps and even makes cocktails.

Guests can also check out the Hot Wheels Department’s display of bicycles, which includes bicycles guests can purchase for use on the playa. Completed art bikes from a few young resident artists will also be on display.

Several of these young artists learned bike-building skills to prepare them for the Black Rock Arts Foundation (BRAF) Bike Bridge project. They will be on hand to tell guests more about the community Bike Bridge project.

And while everyone is shopping and crafting, the Fire Performance Department will perform daring fire stunts, strikingly accented by large bursts of fire from The Crucible’s custom-made stage poofers.

All ages are welcome. There is a $ 10 cover charge due at the door for non-members. Each guest will be eligible to enter a drawing for a chance to win a free Crucible class.

Discounts on Crucible class tuitions will be made available to attendees who register for a class at the event. New students will receive 20% off class tuition, and Crucible members will receive 25% off class tuition. Guests may also apply their $ 10 cover charge towards the cost of the class.

For more information about The Crucible’s Fireside Lounge: Playa Bound, Bay Area kids activities, or art classes and workshops, call (510) 250-3687 or find them on the web at thecrucible.org.

About The Crucible

The Crucible is an educational facility that offers Bay Area art classes in the fine and industrial arts to people at all skill levels and original Bay Area team building events. What started in 1999 in a 6,000 square-foot warehouse in Berkeley has now grown to a 56,000 square-foot building in the heart of West Oakland.

The Crucible offers instruction in industrial and fine art for every level from beginning and intermediate to advanced levels in formats ranging from three-hour tasters to ten-week programs. Prices vary by course and duration. Class fees include tuition, studio fees, materials, tool access and safety training. There are no shopping lists for supplies or hidden costs.

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ArtSFest Announces First Multi-Genre Arts Exposition Call-for-Entries for May 2004 “Celebration of the Arts”

Posted by on July 24, 2011 1 comment

ArtSFest Announces First Multi-Genre Arts Exposition
Call-for-Entries for May 2004 “Celebration of the Arts”











(PRWEB) January 28, 2004

ArtSFest is calling on all Bay Area artists, performers, art organizations, arts presenters, and venues to participate in the May 2004 event. The upcoming celebration will showcase works from the street to the elite including 11 artistic genres. ArtSFest will select 100 exhibitions, performances and art happenings throughout the Bay Area from entries received by February 20, 2004.

“We are curating a dynamic arts celebration ranging from poetry to pastries and Bach to hip-hop,” said ArtSFest Director Brad Nye. “ArtSFest 2004 will celebrate creativity, diversity and the great cultural fabric of the Bay Area through this annual Celebration of the Arts.”

ArtSFest will provide a place for the arts community to connect with marketing, technology and administrative resources. The first of these programs is through a monthly networking forum, which will start February 5 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

Submission Information

Artists, performers, art organizations, arts presenters and venues can submit entries within 11 genres including: visual arts, performing arts, music, dance, literary arts, film, fashion, design, technology arts, culinary arts and environmental arts. A juried selection process will ensure a diverse and innovative array of entrants into the exposition. All entrants must exhibit/perform in the Bay Area. Individual artists and performers are encouraged to align with a particular arts organization and/or venue to submit entries. For entry instructions, selection guidelines and to enter online, please visit http://www.ArtSFest2004.com.

About ArtsFest

ArtSFest is a non-profit membership organization that celebrates, markets and advances the arts throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. ArtSFest provides year-round resources and professional development programs to improve marketing, technology adoption, management and fundraising capabilities of Bay Area arts organizations. ArtSFest members – artists, performers, art patrons, arts organizations, civic agencies and businesses – form a collaborative network that unites creativity, community, and commerce. ArtSFest also produces key arts industry events, including ArtSFest 2004, an annual multi-genre “Celebration of the Arts”, and ArtSFest CONNECT, a monthly forum for the arts community.                

For more information, visit http://www.ArtSFest2004.com.

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Vocus©Copyright 1997-

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Wolf Trap?s 40th Anniversary Season Features the Debut of Bright Eyes; M. Ward; Plus Nine Additional Performances Announced Today; Ninety Summer Shows Booked to Date

Posted by on July 8, 2011 1 comment

Wolf Trap’s 40th Anniversary Season Features the Debut of Bright Eyes; M. Ward; Plus Nine Additional Performances Announced Today;
Ninety Summer Shows Booked to Date











Vienna, VA. (Vocus/PRWEB) March 15, 2011

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announces 10 new summer performances at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, featuring an exciting triple bill and Wolf Trap debut of the re-emergent Bright Eyes, alongside M. Ward of She & Him, and California folk-rockers, Dawes. Additional just-announced performances represent several of the biggest names in pop, bluegrass, classic rock, and jazz-fusion. With one final announcement pending on April 11, Wolf Trap’s summer 2011 season is nearing completion, with 90 individual performances announced to-date from the finest touring acts of yesterday and today.

Old Friends…Fresh Performances

Wolf Trap welcomes back Béla Fleck & The Original Flecktones for their first tour in over three years, featuring founding member Howard Levy on horns alongside Béla Fleck, Futureman, and Victor Wooten. Joining the Flecktones is the old-timey string band, Carolina Chocolate Drops, and notable clawhammer banjoist and world music/bluegrass innovator, Abigail Washburn. After a whirlwind experience on tour with Robert Plant in support of their T-Bone Burnett produced album, Raising Sand, Alison Krauss—the most awarded female artist in music history–returns to Wolf Trap with her band Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas for an evening of masterful American bluegrass. Wolf Trap is also proud to present Elvis Costello & The Imposters at the Filene Center for the first time since 2006.

Movie Magic!

Full-length films and clips set to live music are becoming exceedingly popular at Wolf Trap, and there are TWO in today’s announcement! Rounding out the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO@Wolf Trap) schedule is Disney in Concert, Magical Music from the Movies featuring audio and video selections from The Little Mermaid, The Jungle Book, Mary Poppins, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Aladdin, Pirates of the Carribean, The Lion King, and more. As an encore to the 2010 Filene Center run of The Sound of Music, Wolf Trap presents Sing-A-Long Sound of Music, featuring the original film and lyrics on huge screens both in-house and on the lawn, and an interactive sing-a-long experience.

Classic Pop, Rock, and Country for All Ages

Wolf Trap has more legendary pop, rock and country in store for attendees of all ages and varying musical interests. The Indigo Girls return to Wolf Trap coming off of their national Lilith Fair tour; Daryl Hall & John Oates arrive for their Do What You Want, Be What You Are Tour 2011; Bruce Springsteen-adored Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes alongside the Smithereens debut on the Filene Center stage, and the legendary Emmylou Harris once again graces the stage with her soulful alt-country ballads.

Continuing with efforts to present accessible and affordable arts experiences to the broadest possible audience, Wolf Trap offers tickets as low as $ 4; continues to allow patrons to bring their own food and beverages into the park; and provides public transportation and free parking for all shows at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.

Tickets for Wolf Trap’s 2011 performances can be purchased via the Wolf Trap Box Office located at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts at 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, Virginia; by calling 1 (877) WOLFTRAP; or online at http://www.wolftrap.org. For more information, please call Wolf Trap at (703) 255-1868.

About The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts

The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded by Catherine Filene Shouse (1896-1994), produces and presents a full range of performance and education programs in the Greater Washington area, as well as nationally and internationally. Wolf Trap features three performance venues, the outdoor Filene Center and Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, both located at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and The Barns at Wolf Trap, located down the road from the park and adjacent to the Center for Education at Wolf Trap. In partnership with the National Park Service, the 7,028-seat Filene Center annually showcases an extensive list of diverse artists, ranging from pop, country, folk, and blues to classical music, dance, and theater, as well as multimedia presentations, from May through September. The Barns operates year round, and during the summer months is home to the GRAMMY-nominated Wolf Trap Opera Company, one of America’s outstanding resident ensemble programs for young opera singers. Wolf Trap’s education programs include the nationally acclaimed Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts, Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, a diverse array of arts education classes, scholarships, and a nationally recognized internship program that was included in Bloomberg BusinessWeek’s 2009 List of “Best Places to Intern.” As part of its ongoing commitment to protect and preserve the environment, Wolf Trap offers metro access and is a founding member of the Green Music Group. Terrence D. Jones is president and CEO of the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts.

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Vocus©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Wolf Trap Announces 70 Family Friendly Performances at Children?s Theatre-in-the-Woods, Featuring a New $8 Day Pass for Two Shows

Posted by on June 29, 2011 1 comment

Wolf Trap Announces 70 Family Friendly Performances at Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, Featuring a New $ 8 Day Pass for Two Shows











Wolf Trap’s Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods features 70 family friendly performances and just introduced a new $ 8 day pass this season so patrons can see two shows for the price of one. Credit to Robert Llewellyn.


Vienna, VA (PRWEB) May 18, 2011

The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announces its 2011 Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods season featuring 70 family friendly performances, and a new $ 8 day pass that allows patrons to see two shows for the price of one. Located in the unique enchanted setting of America’s only National Park for the Performing Arts, Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods is nestled in a shady grove amidst 117 rolling acres, where families can bring their own picnics and enjoy performances specially designed for children in kindergarten through sixth grade.

The 2011 schedule features a diverse array of performance genres including ballet, puppetry, folk music, rock, hip hop, captivating storytelling and opera, among others. Long-time returning favorites like Dinorock and Friends, Robbie Schaefer, and SteveSongs, as well as several new artists including Monumental Brass Quintet, Recess Monkey, and Secret Agent 23 Skidoo will have families dancing, laughing, singing and clapping all summer long.

The Wolf Trap Opera Company also returns to Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods the week of August 2 – 6, offering children a hilarious introduction to opera. Stories and characters are created on the spot as audience members participate in a “Mad Libs” style interactive game. Instant Opera is performed by members of the Wolf Trap Opera Company Studio Artists who perform throughout the summer at The Barns at Wolf Trap and for one performance at The Filene Center.

In recognition of Wolf Trap’s 40th anniversary season, a special week of performances has been planned by Wolf Trap Teaching Artists to celebrate 30 years with the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts! During the week of August 9 – 13, Wolf Trap Teaching Artists, featuring African drummers, storytellers, musicians, and dancers take the stage each day for this once-in-a-lifetime gathering led by local treasure and nationally recognized artist John “Kinderman” Taylor.

Wolf Trap Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods is perfect for birthday parties, play groups, day camps and family outings. Groups of 10 or more save $ 1 off each ticket. For group ticket information contact the Wolf Trap Group Sales Office at (703) 255-1851.

Wolf Trap’s 2011 Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods Season

June 28 –July 2

10:00 a.m. – City Dance – The Dreaming Tree

11:00 a.m. – Music with Milkshake – featuring the Milkshake Trio

July 5–9

10:00 a.m. – Hobey Ford’s Golden Rod Puppets – The Ant and the    Grasshopper, and more!

11:00 a.m. – Robbie Schaefer – Songs for Kids Like Us

July 12–16    10:00 a.m. – Baba Jamal Koram – Under the Griot’s Tree: Stories of Wonder and Wisdom

11:00 a.m. – Steve Roslonek – SteveSongs

July 19–23         

10:00 a.m. – Bob Brown Puppets – Teddy Bear Picnic

11:00 a.m. – Recess Monkey – Flying Kid-driven Dance Songs About Superheroes

July 26–30         

10:00 a.m. – Maryland Youth Ballet – Caroline Goes to the Seashore

11:00 a.m. –Monumental Brass Quintet – Textures and Brass

August 2-6        

10:00 a.m. – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

11:00 a.m. – Wolf Trap Opera Company – Instant Opera!

August 10-14        

10:00 a.m. – Dinorock and Friends at the Dew Drop Inn

11:15 a.m. – Kinderman and Friends – Celebrating 30 Years of Imagination and Learning

Tickets to Theatre-in-the-Woods performances are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 1(877) WOLFTRAP, online at http://www.wolftrap.org/TITW, or at the Filene Center Box Office at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. Arrangements may be made in advance for special-needs accessibility by calling the National Park Service at (703) 255-1827. Tickets are required for all performances for adults and children ages 3 and up. Advance purchase is recommended as performances often sell out. Groups of 10 or more should contact the Wolf Trap Group Sales Office at (703) 255-1851.

*For potential changes to the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods schedule, please always refer back to http://www.wolftrap.org/titw

About The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts

The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded by Catherine Filene Shouse (1896-1994), produces and presents a full range of performance and education programs in the Greater Washington area, as well as nationally and internationally. Wolf Trap features three performance venues, the outdoor Filene Center and Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, both located at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and The Barns at Wolf Trap, located down the road from the park and adjacent to the Center for Education at Wolf Trap. In partnership with the National Park Service, The 7,028-seat Filene Center annually showcases an extensive list of diverse artists, ranging from pop, country, folk, and blues to classical music, dance, and theater, as well as multimedia presentations from May through September. The Barns operates year round, and during the summer months is home to the GRAMMY-nominated Wolf Trap Opera Company, one of America’s outstanding resident ensemble programs for young opera singers. Wolf Trap’s education programs include the nationally acclaimed Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts, Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, a diverse array of arts education classes, scholarships, and a nationally recognized internship program that was included in Bloomberg BusinessWeek’s 2009 List of “Best Places to Intern.” As part of its ongoing commitment to protect and preserve the environment, Wolf Trap offers metro access and is a founding member of the Green Music Group. Terrence D. Jones is president and CEO of the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts.

Visit the Wolf Trap Web site at http://www.wolftrap.org for more information.

Contact:

Melissa Chotiner, (703) 255-4096 or melissac(at)wolftrap(dot)org

Graham Binder, (703) 255-1917 grahamb(at)wolftrap(dot)org

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Vocus©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Synapse Arts Collecive presents… “hush”

Posted by on June 21, 2011 1 comment

Synapse Arts Collecive presents… “hush”










Chicago, IL (PRWEB) September 25, 2004 -

2 Synapse Arts Collective presents hush, an exploration of silence through experimental choreography, multi-media presentation, and fine art. The entire evening will take place in complete silence. The performances will take place at Links Hall, located near Wrigley Field at 3435 N. Sheffield Avenue, and will start at 8pm. Tickets are $ 5 at the door. Ticket Reservations can be made by calling 773-281-0824. Synapse Arts Collective (S.A.C.) is a multi-media arts organization founded by Rachel Damon and Bethany Betzler. hush will be the group’s debut event. Funding for hush is supported in part by the Albert P. Weissman Scholarship Fund and by individual donors.

The performance will take place in a gallery-like setting in which audience members will be free to wander around the space and sit among the performers. Several performance pieces will take place at once and visual art will be projected and available for viewing at all times. The performance will feature dance and movement conception by Rachel Damon, Bethany Betzler, and Margaret Morris. Other performers include: Joan Arreguin, Nikki DiGioia, Suzy Grant, Mera Kelley-Yurdin, and Lindsay Skarbek. Multi-media presentation and all photography included in performance and marketing has been conceived and created by Kristin Helfrich. Sculpture artist Adam Kampmeyer is contributing two of his mobile works that will hang in the space. Damon, Betzler, Helfrich, Morris and Kampmeyer have collaborated to create a visual and performance experience that provokes curiosity, compassion and humor when considering the complex facets of silence, noise, and communication. The performances will take place in complete silence, and audience members will be instructed to withhold all verbal communication. Incidental noises (such as sneezing, coughing, etc.) are permitted and laughing is encouraged when appropriate. ASL communication is welcome, and many parts of the evening have been inspired by or have included ASL interpretation.

Rachel Damon and Bethany Betzler founded S.A.C. just earlier this year. S.A.C. also includes Kristin Helfrich and Production Manager Brad Norris. Synapse Arts Collective is made up of a group of Columbia College (Chicago) students with diverse talents and interests who were looking to bridge the gap from the academic setting to creating professional work. Executive Director Rachel Damon approached the other founders of the group and asked that they work with her to create an evening of artistic work exploring experiences with silence. S.A.C. was founded to house the production of hush. Synapse Arts Collective encompasses movement experimentation, theater, photography, visual art, creative writing, and stage design. S.A.C. seeks to produce events that are centered on a specific theme or idea. Each event aims to reach a specific group and, subsequently, raise public consciousness.

Links Hall is an intimate performance space for independent dance and theater. This year marks Links Hall’s 25th anniversary. The Links Hall performance Series supports local, national and international artists in their development and in artistic exchange with local and national peers. The mission of Links Hall is to maintain a facility for the development and presentation of experimental, multidisciplinary and multicultural performing arts and to foster an environment that encourages artistic innovation.

hush will take place Sept. 30, Oct. 1-2 at 8pm at Links Hall. Links Hall is located at 3435 N. Sheffield. Tickets are $ 5 at the door. For ticket reservations and directions to Links Hall, please call 773-281-0824. Refreshments will be served. For more information about Synapse Arts Collective and the debut of hush, please contact Bethany Betzler at 312-649-5697 or bjb3782@aol.com

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







500 Clown Frankenstein Winds Down the 2010-11 A&I Season

Posted by on June 19, 2011 1 comment

500 Clown Frankenstein Winds Down the 2010-11 A&I Season

Edwardsville, Ill. (PRWEB) May 18, 2011

The exciting antics of 500 Clown Frankenstein, an improvisational theater troupe from Chicago that the New York Times called “ribald and exhilarating,” will close the 2010-11 season for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Arts & Issues series June 4 at the theater in SIUE’s Katherine Dunham Hall.

For more than a quarter of a century, SIUE’s Arts & Issues series has brought great performers and distinguished speakers to Southwestern Illinois. 500 Clown, which is being presented in conjunction with the 2011 Xfest at SIUE, will appear onstage at 7:30 p.m. that Saturday. Xfest, a collection of improvisational theater events, is sponsored by the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance.

The official media sponsors for Arts & Issues are the Edwardsville Intelligencer and KWMU-FM, while the series official hotel sponsor is Hampton Inn and Suites.

Arts & Issues Director Grant Andree said audiences are in for a treat with the quirky 500 Clown Frankenstein. “Improvisational theater can involve many aspects of theater,” Andree said. “In addition to a story line, there are moments of creative movement, dance and an air of uncertainty about how the evening will evolve.

“500 Clown Frankenstein promises to deliver a great evening of entertainment,” he said. “Moving between planned elements and improvisation, this performance will leave its audiences excitedly uncertain as to what is and what is not planned.”

In each show, an innovatively designed set piece (with hi- and low-tech mechanics) propels clowns into extreme physical behavior and rough-style acrobatics. Comic mayhem will be served abundantly to the Arts & Issues audience as our three clowns embark on a madcap journey to construct Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory.

Stymied by elaborate and exaggerated period costumes, the clowns execute acrobatic feats in an extended battle with an unruly table and finally face a devastating climax when one clown is forced to play the role of the creature and suffer abuse and abandonment.

For more information, call (618) 650-5194. For additional information about the series and to buy tickets, call (618) 650-5774. More information and tickets are available through the Web site: artsandissues.com. To speak with Grant Andree, call (618) 650-2626.

EDITORS: The 2010-11 Arts & Issues photos suitable for print are available at http://www.siue.edu/artsandissues/PhotoIndex.shtml

Arts & Issues is a series of distinguished speakers and performers that supports the academic mission of the University. Students meet and discuss issues with renowned speakers in workshops, dinners, receptions and classes. Students in music, theater and dance work directly with visiting artists in master classes. Arts & Issues also gives students opportunities to gain experience in special events production, administration, fundraising and development.

SIUE offers the advantages of a small, liberal arts college with the low tuition rates of a state university. Our emphasis on undergraduate education, complemented by faculty research, creates practical applications for student learning. Located in the second most populated area of the state, this Illinois university draws students from all 102 Illinois counties, 42 states and 50 nations.

The SIUE College of Arts and Sciences combines foundational education with diverse and highly-specialized coursework. Faculty help students explore diversity of ideas, experiences and people while learning to think and live as fulfilled, productive members of a global society. The College offers 44 degree programs in the arts, humanities and social and natural sciences.

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Vocus©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

VSA arts Awards Fellowships for Teaching Artists with Disabilities

Posted by on June 19, 2011 1 comment

VSA arts Awards Fellowships for Teaching Artists with Disabilities












Washington, DC (Vocus) September 25, 2009

VSA arts announces its 2009-2010 Teaching Artist Fellows: Kemlyn Tan Bappe of Mount Pleasant, Iowa; Tom Harmon of Terry, Mississippi; Richard Jenkins of Cambridge, Massachusetts; Marquetta Johnson of Decatur, Georgia; and Sharon Leary of Geneseo, New York. The premier fellowship for teaching artists with disabilities in the nation, the award provides networking support for the artists and professional development opportunities, including a week-long intensive workshop in Washington, D.C. from August 10-14.

“Through the Teaching Artist Fellowship program, teaching artists bring their creative projects – from comics to quilts, from paintings to ceramics – to classrooms around the country,” remarks VSA arts President Soula Antoniou. “During their fellowships, these five teaching artists have the opportunity to grow as educators, and their students have the opportunity to engage in artistic expression.”

These new awardees join a growing cadre of VSA arts Teaching Artist Fellows who are collectively expanding the voice of disability and advancing the nation’s educational goals. VSA arts selected the Teaching Artist Fellows for their artistic merit and prior artistic and educational experience.


Bappe, a visual artist originally from Singapore, is artistic director for Galleria Imago Dei. In addition to creating batik style paintings, she also teaches workshops with World of Difference, an inter-cultural youth organization. Bappe has dyslexia.
Harmon is a multi-media artist who paints in watercolor, acrylics and oils, and who sculpts in clay. For eight years, Harmon, who is deaf, has been the Senior Artist in Residence for the VSA arts of Mississippi Community Art Group, where he teaches a weekly art class for adults with disabilities.
Jenkins has published work as a visual artist, cartoonist, and illustrator for a variety of sources – including a teacher’s manual, a children’s book, graphic novels, and magazines – and he has also exhibited his artwork in regional museums and galleries. Jenkins, who is hearing impaired, has trained educators in arts integration and inclusion.
Johnson creates hand-dyed textiles, quilts, and collectibles, and she is highly active in Atlanta community arts programs. Johnson, who is paraplegic, is currently a teaching artist with VSA arts of Georgia.
Leary, a potter and teaching artist, specializes in functional high-fired pottery that combines elements of American and Asian ceramic traditions. Her ceramic work provides a creative activity for pain management of her chronic acute migraines, as well as an artistic vehicle for expression. Leary works primarily with elementary school students on arts integrated lessons that animate core academics with motivational arts activities.
VSA arts’ Teaching Artist Fellowship program identifies, engages, and supports teaching artists with disabilities in the visual and performing arts. VSA arts recognizes that teaching artists provide the creativity, guidance, and motivation necessary to allow all students, particularly students with disabilities, to achieve high standards. Artists with disabilities also serve as role models to demonstrate the importance of diversity, expression, and inclusive learning in the classroom. The program, now in its third year, is supported in part by the U.S. Department of Education and the Dana Foundation. For more information about the Teaching Artist Fellowship program, please visit http://www.vsarts.org or call (202) 628-2800.

About VSA arts

VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded 35 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. VSA arts provides educators, parents, and artists with resources and the tools to support arts programming in schools and communities. VSA arts showcases the accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year 7 million people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in 54 countries around the world. VSA arts is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For more information about VSA arts, visit http://www.vsarts.org .

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VSA Start with the Arts Festival

Posted by on June 19, 2011 1 comment

VSA Start with the Arts Festival











Photo: Margot Schulman

Washington, DC (PRWEB) May 10, 2011

For family-friendly fun, come to the VSA Start with the Arts Festival at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, May 21–22. This free event engages children of all ages and abilities in hands-on art experiences and performances, from dancing to painting to acting and more!

Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum

8th and F Streets, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004

When: Saturday & Sunday, May 21–22

11:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

What: Performances include: ILL-Abilities, a unique dance crew offering a high-energy performance that encourages audience participation; Jadoo, featuring Joshua Routh, who uses masks, mime, and amazing stunts to become a magician, chef, clown, and more; Company d, a nationally recognized dance company featuring young adults with Down syndrome; and Michael “Blindcat” McIntire, who performs an eclectic blend of traditional and original bluegrass.

Hands-on art activities for young artists include:

•Music All Around: From a variety of everyday materials, create percussion instruments and start your own band.

•Spontaneous Creation: The Art of Improvisation: Discover the art of creating characters and scenes using resources from the museum’s permanent collection.

•Two Leaves from the Tree of Dreams: Using recycled materials, contribute to a public work of art by creating symbols of what is important to you. Of the two “symbol” leaves designed, one will stay with the public art piece and one can be taken home.

•Moving to the Rhythm: Exploring Creative Movement and Music: Explore creative movement, the joy of motion, and the freedom of expression. Improve balance, coordination, and rhythm through dance.

•Artist Trading Cards: Using a variety of mixed media collage techniques, create miniature works of art.

In addition, May 19–21, the Smithsonian Institution’s Discovery Theater will feature daily performances by performing artists with disabilities. Find out more at vsarts.org/swta.

About VSA

VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, was founded more than 35 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to provide arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities and increase access to the arts for all. With 52 international affiliates and a network of nationwide affiliates, VSA is changing perceptions about people with disabilities around the world. Each year, 7 million people of all ages and abilities participate in VSA programs, which cover all artistic genres. VSA is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, visit vsarts.org.

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Business for the Arts Announces 2011 Award Winners: John D. McKellar, O.C., Simon Foster, Bullas Travel, Enbridge Inc., Hougen Group of Companies and Sun Life Financial

Posted by on June 19, 2011 1 comment

Business for the Arts Announces 2011 Award Winners: John D. McKellar, O.C., Simon Foster, Bullas Travel, Enbridge Inc., Hougen Group of Companies and Sun Life Financial










Toronto, Ontario (PRWEB) May 26, 2011

Today, Business for the Arts (BftA) gathers at an elegant cocktail reception, hosted by BMO Financial Group, for the unveiling of the annual roster of winners of six BftA Awards for contributions to the arts. John D. McKellar, C.M., Q.C., J.D., is the 21st recipient of the prestigious Edmund C. Bovey Award for lifetime achievement in arts leadership. Simon Foster receives the Arnold Edinborough Award for arts contributions by a person under 40 years of age. The Globe and Mail Business for the Arts Partnership Awards are presented to Bullas Travel (Waterloo, ON), Enbridge Inc. (Calgary, AB), Hougen Group of Companies (Whitehorse, YK), and Sun Life Financial (Toronto, ON). The reception is hosted by BMO Financial Group with ceremonies conducted by Dr. James D. Fleck, O.C., Chairman of BftA and Nichole Anderson, President and CEO of BftA. The winners will be feted at the 33rd Annual Business for the Arts Awards Gala at the Carlu, in Toronto, on October 6th, 2011.

Learning of his Bovey accolade, McKellar, Partner Emeritus at WeirFoulds LLP, says, “It is a great honour for me to receive this award, especially so because I knew Ed Bovey and greatly admired what he was able to do for the arts. I also know many of the previous recipients and their accomplishments so I’m delighted to be considered worthy of joining them as winner of this award.”

Named after the first Chairman of Business for the Arts, an accomplished business leader and arts philanthropist, The Edmund C. Bovey Award honours a business professional who has demonstrated a lifetime of significant support and/or leadership in arts and culture in Canada. This leadership may have affected a diversity of arts organizations in the community or be demonstrated by a longstanding commitment to one particular organization. This prestigious award has been given out 20 times to date and includes the following winners: Gail Asper, O.C., O.M. (2010), A. Charles Baillie, O.C. (2009), Hon. Henry N. R. (Hal) Jackman, O.C., O.Ont. (2008), Donald K. Johnson, O.C. (2007).

2011 Bovey laureate, McKellar, is at once lawyer, volunteer and impresario and has made pivotal contributions to public service activities related to performing arts. McKellar’s extensive curriculum vitae speaks to the enormous respect he has garnered in the legal community, and his more than five decades of active advising, counseling, support and volunteerism in the arts, speak to his profound and lasting love of the arts. His current volunteer portfolio is impressive: Chair of Toronto Arts Council, Chair of Young Centre for the Arts, Vice-President of Ontario Arts Council Foundation and Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, Director of numerous boards (including St. Lawrence Centre of the Arts, Off-Centre Music, Glenn Gould Foundation, Tarragon Theatre).

Named after the first President of Business for the Arts, The Arnold Edinborough Award recognizes a business professional under 40 who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and volunteerism in the arts. Criteria include leadership activities, time commitment, business expertise, and organizational achievement within the arts and culture sector. Founded in 2007, award winners to date include: Mélanie Joly (2010), Marcello Cabezas (2009), and Claudia Moore (2008).

2011 Arnold Edinborough Award winner, Foster, is described as a volunteer’s volunteer. Though his volunteer activities began in his early youth, it is his last decade as Co-Founder and Chairman of Framework which has made the biggest impact to date. Framework is a national group focused on delivering high quality volunteer engagement events. Timeraiser is their program which connects young professionals with emerging artists and raises volunteer hours, while their Civic Footprint program helps people to plan and track civic engagement. Under Foster’s leadership, Framework has raised 73,500 volunteer hours, engaged 6,500 Canadians to pick up a cause, invested over $ 389,000 in the careers of emerging artists, and worked with over 395 charities and nonprofit organizations.

Foster, SVP Digital Publishing and Business Development of GlassBOX Media, says about earning the Arnold award, “The Arnold Edinborough award is wonderful recognition of the success achieved in launching Framework and growing Canada’s Timeraiser program. I’m deeply gratified that my contribution has benefited so many artists and artist organizations, and encouraged thousands of Canadians to pick up a cause.”

The Globe and Mail Business for the Arts Partnership Awards consist of four categories recognizing businesses that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to arts and culture in Canada.

Best Entrepreneurial Partnership recognizes a business that has sparked a creative idea and made it happen. The award winner will have taken an entrepreneurial approach to partnering with the arts and realized a challenging project or goal which had not been tried before. Hougen Group of Companies wins this nomination for the creation of a 4,500 sq. ft. purpose-built arts space called Arts Underground, in Whitehorse, YK, which is the permanent home of Yukon Art Society and the Yukon Art Centre. Beyond the actual creation of the site which is dedicated to exploration, teaching and presentation of visual arts and culture, Hougen Group provides a rent and utility free lease agreement, which amounts to a $ 1M commitment.

Rolf Hougen, O.C., President of Hougen Group of Companies, says, “The Arts Underground has become very important to the development of the Yukon. We were pleased to make a meaningful contribution that provides space for artists to show their art, for the Yukon Arts Society to hold classes and workshops in many art forms, and for the history of the Yukon to be displayed in the Hougen Heritage Gallery.”

Most Effective Corporate Program recognizes a business that has implemented an in-depth, comprehensive program to foster the arts and culture sector in Canada, while meeting corporate objectives. Enbridge Inc. receives this award to commend its deep and long-standing partnership with the National Arts Center Foundation, which began in the late 1990’s when Enbridge came on board to help NAC fulfill its mandate to bring more performing arts to Canadians.

D’Arcy Levesque, Vice President, Public and Government Affairs, Enbridge Inc., says, “Enbridge is proud to have partnered with the National Arts Centre for over a decade, and to have contributed to the NAC’s success in championing our country’s artists, students and educators. Our support is rooted in our strongly held belief that arts and culture are critical to the health and vitality of communities across Canada, making them better places to live.”

Most Innovative Marketing Sponsorship recognizes an innovative partnership with the arts where both the business partner and the arts organization benefit from a unique marketing venture. The Toronto Public Library Foundation nominated Sun Life Financial for the creation of the Sun Life Financial Museum and Arts Pass (MAP) program. With just a library card, families in priority neighbourhoods can check a MAP out of the library to experience Toronto’s cultural treasures for free. Since the program’s inception, over 200,000 passes have been borrowed, and over 300,000 Torontonians have visited the 18 participating cultural institutions.

Tom Bogart, Executive Vice-President of Sun Life Financial, says, “The arts greatly enrich the communities in which we live and work. Increasing access to the arts enhances the lives of those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to be exposed to the arts to the same extent, and this in turn provides significant benefits to all of us.”

Small Business Partnership recognizes a business with fewer than 50 employees that has entered into a partnership with the arts. This year’s recipient, Bullas Travel, in Kitchener-Waterloo, developed a partnership with Drayton Entertainment to create the Drayton Entertainment Travel Club, which takes theatre patrons around the world on exciting trips featuring customized activities, superb dining, and exclusive excursions, with entertainment provided by Drayton’s very own theatre company.

Robert Bullas, Bullas Travel Inc., says, “Over the years, Bullas Travel has had the pleasure of taking the Drayton Entertainment Travel Club all over the world on some fabulous theatrical adventures. We have enjoyed so many wonderful memories together and we are delighted to be part of such a meaningful partnership to promote the arts.”

The jury also gave three awards of distinction to Creeds Dry Cleaning, for over $ 1M free dry cleaning for the National Ballet of Canada; Enwave, for a wrapped glass installation at Harbourfront Centre by Canadian artist Sarah Hall; and, Sun Life Financial, for Culture Days which launched in 700 communities across Canada in its first year.

For more information about Business for the Arts Awards, including detailed biographies and partnership descriptions, please visit: http://www.businessforthearts.org

Business for the Arts, founded in 1974, is Canada’s only national group of business members dedicated to increasing the quantity and quality of partnerships between business and the arts through a cohesive set of programs that foster and promote business leadership in the arts, facilitate funding relationships, and connect businesses to the arts for funding, volunteering, and workshops. For more information, please visit http://www.businessforthearts.org


For media information, please contact:

Melony Jamieson: 416-518-6355 or melony(at)getitdone(dot)ca

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Vocus©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.