Time To TELLABRATE!

Who among us has not at some point been an oral storyteller?  It may have happened sitting at the dinner table relating an incident or an encounter of the day.  It may be grandma telling her grandchildren about her five mile walk through the snow to school.  Or perhaps, it is making up a bedtime story on the spot to get your child to sleep.  The point is we have all engaged in this art form – perhaps without even realizing it.

Well, once upon a time before radio, tv, facebook, and twitter and even before ‘writing and the printing press, telling stories was the only way cultures had to pass down their history, educate their people, teach the rules.  It is perhaps the most enduring method of communications we have ever known.’ (John Tedstrom)  This ancient tradition of oral storytelling is perhaps the most personal and intimate form of storytelling.  Both the teller and the listener are actively engaged in the process, which is constantly evolving.  According to the National Storytelling Network storytelling is described as the interactive art of using words and actions to reveal the elements and images of a story while encouraging the listener’s imagination.  It is interactive involving a two-way relationship between the teller and the listener.  It encourages the active imagination of the listener.  As a listener you create vivid, multi-sensory images, actions, characters and events.  The flexibility of oral storytelling extends to the teller.  “Each teller will bring their own personality and character to the story.  Some tellers consider anything outside the simple telling as extraneous while other storytellers choose to enhance their telling of the tale with the addition of visual and audio tools, specific actions and creative strategies and devices.” (Wikipedia)

Every November, thousands of tellers and listeners gather on every continent (except Antarctica) to celebrate the joys of storytelling in an event trade-marked as TELLABRATION!  TELLABRATION! originator J. G. Pinkerton envisioned this international event as a means of building community support for storytelling. In 1988 the event was launched by the Connecticut Storytelling Center in six locations across the state. A great success, TELLABRATION! extended to several other states the following year, and then, in 1990, expanded nationwide under the umbrella of the National Storytelling Network and then spread into the international arena.

Connecticut’s Tellabration! 2013 will be happening in conjunction with the world-wide event.  Connecticut Storytellers have a month-long list of activities and events to bring this ancient art to all of us.  Connecitcut’s Tellabration! will bring together the area’s most celebrated storytellers to delight, captivate, and mesmerize audiences with their tales.  For a listing of events or to find one happening in your area visit their calendar.  An interesting side note is that one of Connecticut’s Storytellers was the first storyteller ever to audition for America’s Got Talent.  Most of the November events are designed for children and families.  There are some that are for adults only.  So join in the tellabration and hear some wonderful stories by some of Connecticut’s most accomplished tellers!
The Connecticut Storytelling Center was founded in 1984, to build upon the success of the annual Storytelling Festival.  The organization is based at Connecticut College in New London and it strives to provide the means for people of all ages to experience stories as a means of expression and communication, as a tool for thinking, reflecting, teaching and learning, and as a catalyst for change.  To learn more about them and the many ways that they outreach to the citizenry of CT visit their website.

Snapshots!

"Funny and bittersweet, Snapshots brings into focus all the wonders and frustrations of trusting your heart and believing your memories." Drama Desk Award nominee Karen Mason and Tony Award nominee Mark Jacoby lead the cast of the fall 2013 production of Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook at Goodspeed's Norma Terris Theatre.  The production opens October 24 and runs through November 17.

Snapshots tells the story of Sue, who is about to leave Dan, her husband of about twenty years. As Sue retrieves some items from the attic, Dan unexpectedly comes home early. Before Sue can tell Dan that their marriage is over, they come across some photographs that stir up memories from their past, which then comes alive in front of them. The circumstances and emotions associated with each picture play out as the couple watches two sets of their younger selves, school-aged Danny and Susie, and young adults Daniel and Susan.

Few musicals could boast a stronger score than Snapshots.  This romantic comedy blends some of the best-loved music from composer Stephen Schwartz’s Broadway shows (Wicked, Pippin, Godspell, The Baker’s Wife) with some of his lesser known gems.  Featuring fresh lyrics and orchestrations, the couple discovers the humorous twists of how love united them and why life has pushed them apart. Every couple will see themselves in Snapshots!  For tickets click here.

For almost 30 years, The Norma Terris Theatre has been Goodspeed’s home for developing fresh, innovative, and original new musicals. These new works have been developed right here in Chester before they’ve moved on to other theatres. Because this is a developmental theatre, the show can change on a day-to-day basis. New scenes are added, songs are moved, costumes are changed, dialogue is tweaked - all based on audience response and feedback.  Be a part of the process and be among the first to enjoy the Broadway hits of tomorrow.

Never Judge a Book By Its Cover?

 Illustration: Jennifer Thermes

We have all heard that saying.  Yet, in the world of children's books, the cover is the first thing that grabs our attention and makes us want to look inside.  For the next two months eight award-winning children’s book artists from the New Haven area, in collaboration with the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, have curated an exhibition of their work, with an eye toward revealing the fascinating process of creating original work for young readers. The exhibition, THE ART OF PICTURE BOOKS: CREATIVE PROCESS IN VISUAL STORYTELLING, features the work of Doe Boyle, Frank W. Dormer, Deborah Freedman, Lynn Reiser, Sanna Stanley, Marcela Staudenmaier, Jennifer Thermes, and Nancy Elizabeth Wallace. Following an opening reception on the evening of November 7, the exhibition runs from November 8, 2013, through January 3, 2014. Several of these illustrators are winners of the Tassy Walden Awards competition and others are founders of this juried competition.

In this exhibition, the eight diverse authors and illustrators, working in a variety of media, have pooled talents to showcase the many inventive ways that artists reach the imaginations of children. Each artist will present work that illuminates a single aspect of developing a picture book that creatively melds words and pictures into a seamless unit. Long a literary staple as well as a first introduction to the dramatic and engaging world of art, picture books are a memorable element of childhood, carefully designed to entertain and/or educate audiences of eager listeners and emergent readers.  The creation of such a finely balanced work of art requires a particular magic, and these seven illustrators will unveil the precision and intuition that goes into every picture story.

Illustration: Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, for instance, uses found and recycled materials to create the striking and colorful cut-paper collages that are the trademark of her nearly thirty picture books. Her portion of the exhibition invites viewers to look at swatches of her recycled materials and find them in her illustrations. Once-upon-a-time architect Deborah Freedman, who now builds new worlds in children’s books, will display works that showcase her drawing and watercolor techniques, used to fabulous effect in such early-childhood tales as Scribble (Knopf, 2007), Blue Chicken (Viking, 2011), and The Story of Fish and Snail (Viking, 2013). The secret to her success is a modern-day piece of equipment: a scanner, which she uses to combine separately created images done in pencil and watercolor.  Old-school techniques can be found in the work of printmaker Sanna Stanley, who collected mental images of the Congo during her own childhood there. She will display the many-layered effects of the delicately etched and hand-painted chine collé prints she has made for such African tales as Monkey for Sale, Monkey Sunday (Farrar, Straus, and Giroux), and The Rains Are Coming (Greenwillow).

Illustration: Lynn Reiser

To delightful effect in more than two dozen books that capture the essence of childhood, Lynn Reiser uses materials found in most households: Post-it Notes, Sharpie markers, Wite-Out, Scotch Magic tape, scissors, and watercolors. At the exhibition, visitors will see that, with these ubiquitous materials, Reiser can draw a puppy—lots of puppies—more charmingly than one might imagine is possible.  Ordinary ink and watercolors are also the media of Frank Dormer, whose many books feature engaging characters that children can’t resist. Among his latest books is The Obstinate Pen (Henry Holt, 2012), which tells the tale of a decidedly extraordinary fountain pen that has a mind of its own. Jennifer Thermes, also the author of stories about such inanimate objects as a house and a pair of shoes, has recently illustrated the picture books The Iciest, Diciest, Scariest Sled Ride Ever! by Rebecca Rule; Helen Keller’s Best Friend Belle by Holly M. Barry; and There Are No Moose On This Island! by Stephanie Calmenson. Jennifer loves the variety of creating art in both black & white and color, using pencil and watercolor paint, and she intends to show how she relies on frequent re-sketching to develop her books. Says Thermes, “Sketching is my way of problem-solving and thinking through the issues unique to each story.”

Marcela Staudenmaier, who spearheaded this exhibition, also begins with detailed pencil sketches, but then she cuts out all the elements of the composition from sheets of colored paper. She curls, bends, scores, folds, and overlaps these paper pieces to create the illusion of depth. When she is happy with the results, she glues down the pieces. Once this three-dimensional collage is ready, she takes a photo that becomes the final illustration.

In words and pictures mounted in the Crosby Gallery and on the corridor walls of the Arts Council, each illustrator will reveal the special balance that sets picture books apart from all other works of literature. A work-in-process from children’s book author Doe Boyle will also appear on these walls, revealing how writers choose every word in a manuscript with exacting precision, in hopes that a visual artist will bring the bare-bones text to life in surprising ways. 

All picture-book readers--families, students, teachers, librarians, illustrators, and writers—are invited to attend the opening of the exhibition on Thursday, November 7, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Sumner
McKnight Crosby, Jr. Gallery, 2nd floor, at 70 Audubon Street in New Haven. Refreshments will be served, and R. J. Julia Booksellers of Madison will provide books for sale; the illustrators will be happy to sign books. A limited number of original illustrations or prints may also be available for purchase. The exhibition will also be open to the public during regular office hours of the Council, from Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. No fee is charged to attend either the opening reception or to view the exhibit at any other time. Group visits can be arranged, by advance appointment, by calling the Council at 203.772.2788.

Press Release from Arts Council of Greater New Haven

APPLY NOW - YOUNG ARTS FOUNDATION

 APPLY NOW!!

YoungArts provides emerging artists (ages 15-18 or grades 10-12) with life-changing experiences with renowned mentors, access to significant scholarships, national recognition, and other opportunities throughout their careers to help ensure that the nation’s most outstanding young artists are encouraged to pursue careers in the arts. Support is offered in ten artistic disciplines: cinematic arts, dance, design, jazz, music, photography, theater, visual arts, voice and writing.

To date, YoungArts has honored more than 17,000 young artists with over $6 million in monetary awards; facilitated in excess of $150 million in college scholarship opportunities; and enabled its participants to work with master teachers who are among the most distinguished artists in the world, such as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Jacques d'Amboise, Plácido Domingo, Bill T. Jones, Quincy Jones and Martin Scorsese. In addition, YoungArts serves as the exclusive nominating agency for the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, the country's highest honor for young artists.  

YoungArts alumni who have gone on to become leading professionals in their fields include actresses Vanessa Williams, Viola Davis, and Kerry Washington; four-time Tony Award nominee Raúl Esparza; CEO of American Ballet Theatre Rachel Moore; recording artists Nicki Minaj and Chris Young; musicians Terence Blanchard, Eric Owens, and Jennifer Koh; choreographer Desmond Richardson; visual artist Hernan Bas; and internationally acclaimed multimedia artist Doug Aitken.

By applying to the YoungArts program winners are eligible for:

• Up to $10,000 monetary award (total awarded each year is over $500,000)
• Exclusive eligibility for recognition as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts
• Master classes with world-renowned artists
• Access to scholarships, career opportunities and professional contacts

Every year up to 700 students are selected from up to 10,000 applicants from across the country as national winners.  Winners have the opportunity to attend YoungArts programs and partake in master classes with internationally renowned artists, workshops, interdisciplinary activities, performances and exhibitions. In addition, all YoungArts Winners join the ranks of our 17,000 YoungArts alumni, many of whom have gone to the top universities and conservatories across the country and/or have become leading professionals in their fields.

Recognition Levels

Merit: Receive a Certificate of Achievement, a Recommendation Letter and possible invitation to participate in regional programs.   High School receives engraved trophy for display.

Honorable Mention:  Receive a $250 award, a Certificate of Achievement, a Recommendation Letter, and possible invitation to participate in regional programs. High School receives engraved trophy for display.

Finalist:  Receive an invitation to our annual YoungArts Week, held in January, for final adjudication to determine award designation (Gold $10,000, Silver $5000, Level 1 $3000, Level 2 $1500, Level 3 $1000), a Certificate of Achievement, a Recommendation Letter and possible invitation to participate in regional programs. High School receives engraved trophy for display.

Approximately 170 Finalists spanning ten disciplines, converge in Miami for YoungArts Week each January. Finalists continue to be adjudicated during YoungArts Week while participating in master classes, performances, exhibitions, and interdisciplinary sessions. Finalists who are graduating high school seniors and meet all eligibility requirements, also have the opportunity to be nominated by YoungArts to the U.S. Presidential Scholars Commission and possibly selected as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts. If selected, they are invited to participate in National Recognition Week in Washington, D.C. where they will participate in a medal ceremony and have the opportunity to showcase their work in a performance at the Kennedy Center or an exhibition and presentation at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art.

To apply to YoungArts you must meet the requirements, complete an online application, pay a $35 (non-refundable) application fee (per category; fee waivers are available) and submit an online audition portfolio. Students may apply to more than one discipline/category.

Deadline for submission (of both application and audition portfolio) is October, 18, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). If an application is not complete by the deadline, it will not be reviewed.

Citizens or legal residents of the United States or U.S. Territories who are age 15-18 on December 1, 2013, or in grades 10-12, may apply. International students who are studying in the U.S. on a student visa are eligible to apply.  YoungArts reserves the right to extend eligibility on a case by case basis provided the applicant’s birthdate falls within 90 days before or after the designated guidelines.

Each of our 10 disciplines (cinematic arts, dance, design arts, jazz, music, photography, theater, visual arts, voice, and writing) has specific requirements for the audition portfolio. Once you open the application, a drop down list of available disciplines and categories will be available to you. Please review these requirements carefully.

Joyful Noise Concert Series Opens With Thomas Pandolfi

Photo Courtesy of Lisa-Marie Mazzucco

First Congregational Church of Guilford hosts the first concert in the annual Joyful Noise series on Sunday, October 20 featuring world renowned pianist Thomas Pandolfi.

The young American pianist THOMAS PANDOLFI is an exciting virtuoso who, with each passing season, is becoming more and more sought after by audiences worldwide, and showered with superlatives by critics for his passionate artistry and amazing technique. His orchestral appearances often feature not only the belove masterpiece concerti by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Liszt, but also the equally brilliant ones by Paderewski, Rubinstein and Moszkowski. Additionally in the "Pops" genre, Thomas is considered a leading interpreter of the works of George Gershwin. Thomas' career has already included performances with such European orchestras as The George Enescu Philharmonic, The Cluj Philharmonic, The Oltenia Philharmonic (Craiova), The Moravian Philharmonic, The National Philharmonic of the Republic of Moldova, and The Aberystwyth Symphony in Wales, as well as the American symphony orchestras of Mississippi, Cedar Rapids, Asheville, Princeton, San Angelo, York, Fairfax, Northbrook, Great Falls, and Owensboro to name but a few. He has collaborated with such conductors as Dimitru Goia, Sabin Pautza, Emil Seigbert Maxim, Peter Schmelzer, Mihail Agafita, Grigori Moseico, David Russell Hulme, Murry Sidlin, Michael Luxner, Andreas Delfs, Christian Tiemeyer, Ron Spigelman, William Kushner, Nicholas Palmer, William Hudson, Kirk Muspratt, Kim Allen Kluge, Robert Hart Baker, Crafton Beck, Lawrence Rapchak,
Gordon Johnson, Philip Bauman, Anthony Maiello and Vincent Zito.

This is a return engagement for Mr. Pandolfi to the beautiful sanctuary of the First Congregational Church in Guilford.  The Sunday, October 20 concert is at 4pm.  Admission is free but free-will donations will be received to support the Myrtha Licht Music Fund.

Following a performance of MacDowell's D Minor Piano Concerto with The George Enescu Philharmonic, The Bucharest Cultural Observer lauded Pandolfi's "virtuosity, beautiful touch, sensitivity and broad scope...logica phrasing and expressive percussiveness...a soloist whom we would like to hear again." Of Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Asheville Symphony, The Asheville Citizen-Times remarked, "Pandolfi is a standout among today's young pianists, demonstrating a great technician's grace, finesse and polish...his virtuosity and strength might have had some believing that Liszt himself had taken over the keyboard. Equally popular as a recitalist, Pandolfi has appeared in concert halls nationwide. The Washington Post has described him as "an artist who is master of both the grand gesture and the sensual line. Pandolfi possesses first-rate technical skills, an unerring comma and of phrasing, a quicksilver touch and cunning legerdemain when it comes to pedaling...etched with calm and crystal clarity...outstanding." New York Concert Review has characterized Pandolfi's interpretations as containing "high level pianism and tasteful, diversified musica ideas...crystalline texture and deft coloration... charm and bracing elan."

While the 2008-09 season marked Thomas' debut recitals in Canada, Germany and China, the 2009-10 season highlighted his debut in London, as well as return engagements throughout Eastern Europe, and concerts both a recitalist and soloist with orchestras across the United States. Pandolfi released his 6th CD album during the 2010-11 season, and returned to China in August of 2011 for his second tour of that country. Additionally, he made his recital debut in Toronto during the 2011-12 season, as well as stepped in on 48 hour notice to perform the Rachmaninov Second Piano Concerto for The Alexandria Symphony's closing concert of that season. Last season, he performed a highly successful and acclaimed 15 state recital tour across the United States. Audiences during 2013-14 will enjoy his artistry in New York, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, Iowa, Connecticut, Montana, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Florida, Washington, DC, Illinois, Utah, and North Carolina. Thomas will also be making his debut with the Dubuque Symphony on Gala Opening Night in Gershwin's Concerto in F, and his debut with The National Philharmonic at The Strathmore Music Center in Richard Strauss' Burleske for Piano & Orchestra for their closing concert of the season. He will also be guest soloist with Symphonicity on their Gal Opening in Rodrigo's "Heroic" Piano Concerto, the St. Augustine Orchestra in the Grieg Piano Concerto, and the Wilson Symphony in the Grieg as well.

A graduate of The Juilliard School, Pandolfi earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees as a scholarship student.

College Hosts Opening Reception for Exhibition by Famed Illustrator Tim O’Brien

 Illustration by Tim O'Brien

The College is hosting an opening reception for a new exhibition by acclaimed illustrator and portrait painter Tim O’Brien, on Friday, Oct. 11. His exhibit, “Portraits and Illustrations: A Retrospective,” will be on show in the College’s Chauncey Stillman Gallery through Jan. 11, 2014.  The reception is free and open to the public from 6 to 8 p.m.  All are welcome.

O’Brien’s detailed and imaginative illustrations have been published most notably on the cover of TIME Magazine, as well as magazines such as Rolling Stone, Fortune, Esquire, Business Week, Playboy and the New York Times, to name only a few.  His illustrations have been published by every major book publisher, and include the book covers of the popular young adult trilogy, The Hunger Games.  In 2006, the U.S. Postal Service issued two postage stamps, Judy Garland and Hattie McDaniel, both created by O’Brien.

Currently a professor at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, O’Brien lectures frequently across the country.  His numerous speaking engagements have included the Norman Rockwell Museum, the Society of Illustrators, Syracuse University, School of Visual Arts, Pratt Institute, Rhode Island School of Design, and California College of the Arts.

On Friday, Oct. 18, O’Brien will be giving an “Inside My Studio” lecture at Lyme Academy College.  A reception will be held at 6 p.m. before O’Brien speaks from 7 to 8 p.m.  Reservations are required at $10 per person or $35 for the series of four lectures.  Reservations should be made by contacting Ann de Selding at 860.434.3571 ext. 117 or adeselding@lymeacademy.edu.  Read more

O’Brien has received multiple awards and recognitions including ones from the Society of Illustrators in New York and Los Angeles, Graphis Inc., Print Magazine, Communication Arts Magazine, the Society of Publication Designers, American Illustration, and the Art Director’s Club.  He has over a dozen painting in the collection of the National Gallery, Washington, DC, and is a winner of the prestigious Hamilton King Award from the Society of Illustrators.

The Tim O’Brien exhibition, “Portraits and Illustrations: A Retrospective” runs from its opening on Oct. 11 through Jan. 11, 2014. The gallery is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information about the exhibition or the College, contact Olwen Logan, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at 860-434-3571, ext. 135 or ologan@lymeacademy.edu

Select Group of Fine Artists and Artisans to Exhibit at the 2013 Autumn Arts Festival

                                                                       The Woman                  Juanita-La Marchanta

Paintings by Armida Espaillat

Celebrate Columbus Day Weekend, October 12-13, 2013 at The Arts Center Killingworth’s FREE Autumn Arts Festival located on the Madison Town Green, Madison, Connecticut, (Boston Post Rd./Rte. 1 and Copse Rd.). This annual Shoreline event showcases dozens of fine artists and crafters with a choice few opening their private Shoreline studios to the visiting public. This year, the Festival offers returning favorites as well as new artists from various locations throughout Connecticut as well New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Artists include representational and abstract painters, photographers, printmakers, sculptors, potters and ceramicists, jewelry designers, as well as fine artisans working with glass, mixed media, fabric, and wood.

“This event is a one of the best ways to enjoy a beautiful fall weekend on the Shoreline of Connecticut,” notes Barbara Nair, Executive Director of the Arts Center Killingworth. Meeting and interacting with prominent and emerging artists while having the opportunity to collect fine art and high-end crafts, has been drawing new and, of course, returning visitors year after year. For artists, their work is exposed to a host of people who become buyers or even long-term collectors. “For instance,” Nair adds “one collector has told me that the Festival affords her the opportunity to collect a set of high-end, one-of-a-kind porcelain dinnerware over time to fit her budget.”

The Festival comes alive not only with the visual arts, but also with gourmet food options and musical performances by the JazzMan Duo and singer, songwriter and bandleader Mark Rosenberg. On the Green – itself a New England destination surrounded by both historic buildings and important modern sculpture – each visitor is given a complimentary and colorful Weekend Event Program containing valuable background information and photos of every participating artist.

“We’re almost at the ten-year anniversary of the event and it’s amazing to see how unique each year is,” Nair adds. “We’ve taken a big step forward at the Festival this year. In the past we focused more on local, Shoreline artists. Now, while many of the public’s favorites are back, there are also many new artists who were personally invited to participate based on the quality of their work. This ensures the high-quality of the work exhibited.”

Several Shoreline studios are also open to the visiting public this weekend including painters and a fashion designer. Due to the popularity and visibility of the Green, artists who have shown out of their studios in the past have requested to exhibit on the Green. Nair notes, “We love our studio artists, so we are thrilled that some are with us on the Green. But those who chose to show out of their studios this year afford the public a real treat as they may have work that does not transfer easily to such a public location like the Green.” Read more.

The Arts Center Killingworth’s Autumn Arts Festival is Saturday, October 12 (9:30am-5:30pm) and Sunday, October 13 (Noon-5:30pm). The Center's website, www.artscenterkillingworth.org, contains up-to-date information, a gallery of participating artists and a newly-released video showcasing the event. The Arts Festival is a great opportunity for adults to become more involved in the arts community on the Shoreline by volunteering during the event, and for teens to earn community service hours. For local businesses there are multiple advertising and event sponsorships levels available.

The Arts Center Killingworth is a nonprofit 501(c)3 art organization focused on the development and presentation of the visual and performing arts on the Shoreline of Connecticut. The Center supports artists by organizing exhibits and concerts and offers classes, camps and workshops for children, teens and adults, as well as ongoing volunteer opportunities to the public and advertising options for local and regional businesses.

For information call (860) 663-5593 or email artscenterkillingworth@gmail.com. Connect with us at www.artscenterkillingworth.org, facebook.com/artscenterkillingworth, twitter.com/arts_center_ct, and pinterest.com/artscenterct.