North Country Arts Council Expanding Cultural Opportunities in the North Country Maryanne Larrata February 2010 Newsletter Laurie Mann Bistro 108 Art Gallery Is Now Volume 2, Issue 1 Hope Marshall a Permanent Fixture. Ron McGregor Annette Miller Upcoming Meetings Several pieces by local artists are Kari Robertson North Country Art Council being featured at the eatery. Jana Seiders February 11, 2010 Julie Shoemaker 6:00-7:00pm Old Watertown Room of the Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library Watertown, NY Strategic Planning Committee TBA Summer Arts Festival February 4, 2010 6:00-7:00pm Old Watertown Room of the Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library Watertown, NY Fundraising and Grants Committee February 18, 2010 6:00pm The Paddock Coffee Shop Paddock Arcade Marketing Committee TBA Writers’ Guild Meeting Tuesday, February16, 2010 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM NCAC 2010 Board of Directors Old Watertown Room of the Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library Watertown, NY The North Country Arts Council of Watertown announces its board of directors for the 2010 fiscal year. Check out North Country Arts Council online… … At our website http://www.nnyart.org/ … On Facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/W Jana Seider’s Goldfinches on Macaw Feather is just atertown-NY/North-Country-Arts- one of the pieces on display at the Bistro 108 gallery Council/103567430347?sid=8ac1899cb0c720fe 37d2197e769cf11a&ref=search The second rotation of the Bistro 108 … On MySpace Permanent Exhibit has started. It will run … On LinkedIn http://www.myspace.com/northcountryart February 1thru March 31, 2010. http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2036832 Works on exhibit by: &trk=hb_side_g (Left to right front row) Janelle G. Cathie Ellsworth Bossuot, Jessica A. Renzi, Kari S. Leslie Deil Beale Robertson (President), Craig S. Thornton, Danny Fennel Cecilia M. Thompson (Secretary). Penny Flick Virginia Hansen Bob Hedden North Country Arts Council 2 (Top row – left to right) Andrea C. Pedrick, Alicia C. Kohler, Anita D. Prather Harvell, Ernest L. Scribner (Treasurer), Laura J. Oakes (Vice President), Cathy J. Stenfeldt, Hope A. Marshall, George D. Stadalski. NCAC meets the second Thursday of every month at the Flower Memorial Library in downtown Watertown. The NCAC mission is to create and promote the arts in the community and to expand cultural opportunities in the North Country. There are currently 112 members. For more information go to www.nnyart.org. (Also a board member but not pictured: Hope Marston and Elizabeth Smith). Statement of Support for Development of Arts Programming By Kari S. Robertson The Arts meets us where we are. Whether we are involved as beginners or professionals, young or old, our humanity is expressed in and through The Arts. Cultures, communities and eras are influenced by The Arts. In turn, The Arts have always reflected the truths of humanity. When you think about it, we actually evaluate and purchase art every day, in our movie, book, clothing, and iPod selections. Art is involved somehow in nearly every aspect of life, and is core to what it means to be human. Educational and community arts programs that are well planned and implemented operate with this understanding. They offer opportunities for participants to develop creative ability, self-confidence, analytical thinking skills and work ethic. Last August, US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan noted that the arts “can help students become tenacious, team-oriented problem solvers who are confident and able to think creatively”. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act defines the arts as a core subject, so it should be a small step to recognize that our communities should do the same. It is important to note that high schools with higher access to arts education have higher graduation rates. Whether in school or through community opportunities, involvement in the arts is a foundation not a frill. The North Country Arts Council mARTini Mixer was a Success The first North Country Arts Council mARTini Mixer at the Paddock Club in Watertown on Thursday, January 21, 2010 started at 7pm and continued well into the evening. Members came and shared good conversation and a specially designed "mARTini" courtesy of the Paddock Club. The event was a “Thank You” to the members for joining and helping to reinvigorate the North Country Arts Council. The continued support and encouragement of our members made us successful in promoting the Arts in the North Country in 2009. Here’s to another year of expanding cultural opportunities in Northern New York! NCAC Supports Efforts of ARTS DAY in Albany Leaders of the North Country Arts Council (NCAC) will show their support for the arts and attend ARTS DAY in Albany, NY on February 24th. Those attending ARTS DAY include: Cathy J. Stenfeldt (Board Member), Laura J. Oakes (Vice President), Kari S. Robertson (President). ARTS DAY in Albany is organized by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYS Arts) they are the driving force behind ARTS DAY. On February 24th arts leaders from around the state will converge on Albany to speak to lawmakers about the importance of protecting arts funding. More information about ARTS DAY can be found on the internet at www.nysarts.org/Advocacy2010/ADVOC ACY_HQ_2010/homepage.html. Planning has Begun for the Summer Arts Festival 2010 We have new partners this year. Our theme of See It-Do It-Take It Home offers everyone entertainment, demonstrations, educational opportunities and fine art. Email our event coordinator at ncacsummerartsfest@nnyart.org to reserve a vendor spot for NCAC Summer Arts Festival. This event is made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts (http://www.nysca.org/) Decentralization Program, administered in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council (http://www.slcartscouncil.org/). www.nnyart.org North Country Arts Council 3 The Little Theatre of Watertown is Presenting the Work of a Local Playwright and NCAC Board Member What happens when your heating bill grows and grows until it becomes a monster and takes over your entire life? "The High Cost of Heating" is a full length absurd comedy that is both terrifying and hysterical as it explores the plight of a middle-class, middle-aged couple who face the ultimate crisis, their American dream turning into a nightmare. Craig Thornton is a native of the North Country. A graduate of both Indian River High School and Jefferson Community College, Craig furthered his education at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts (BFA), The American Film Institute and just recently received a MFA from Goddard College. His plays have been produced in New York City, Los Angeles and upstate New York. The Los Angeles Production of Happy Birthday, Tina Marie was hailed as brilliant and witty by the LA Times, and was published in a permanent collection of plays in the Central Los Angeles Library honoring the best produced plays of the year. The Sweet Life was a finalist in several contests and had its world premiere at the Lake Ontario Playhouse, in Sackets Harbor, NY 2006. What We Hold Onto was a finalist for the Eugene O’Neil Theater Conference and has had readings in Syracuse, NY and Los Angeles. Most recently he won first prize in the ACC 10 minute play contest, for Man on Television. He has published articles, and a book. He currently works for WWNYTV, Watertown, NY, both as a broadcast technician and as the Arts and Entertainment Editor. You can see more of Craig’s work on March 14, 2010 in Rochester, NY. The NCAC Writer’s Guild is Growing The North Country Arts Council’s Writers’ Guild has a meeting planned for Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 6:00pm. We invite writers (published or not yet published) from throughout the North Country to attend. Writer’s Guild Meetings will be free to the public, though membership in the North Country Arts Council is the only requirement for membership in the Writers’ Guild. We have just finished up our guidelines for critiques and we will begin reviewing member’s works this meeting. North Country Arts Council Writer’s Guild Meeting Old Watertown Room of the Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library Watertown, NY Tuesday, September 16, 2010 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM If you are interested, or know anyone who would be, please forward this information to them. For general information contact George Stadalski at (315) 783-9003 or via e-mail at marketingandpublicity@nnyart.org Local Chorus Records CD The Northern Blend Chorus, a local acapella vocal music group, recorded a CD this February. This ensemble is made of women from all over the North Country who love to sing harmony. Accomplished performers, they compete in the Harmony Incorporated International competition and consistently place in the top five. They are currently ranked in second place throughout the entire organization throughout the United States and Canada. Every October the Northern Blend sponsors the Acapella Invitational called "Sing Fling". Quartets from the chorus also sing all around the community for Valentine's Day. Look for the Northern Blend's first CD to be available in April. For more information on the Northern Blend, visit http://northernblendchorus.homestead.com/ www.nnyart.org North Country Arts Council 4 North Country Arts Council has been Awarded an Arts Decentralization Grant On Saturday, January 23, an Awards Celebration for Community Arts Grant recipients was held the St. Lawrence County Arts Council, 51 Market St. in Potsdam, NY for organizations who have been awarded Arts Decentralization Grants. The North Country Arts Council was awarded $1,500 to be used for costs associated with the upcoming Summer Arts Festival in 2010. Suzy McBroom, the St. Lawrence County Arts Council’s Grant Coordinator is shown presenting the award to Kari Robertson, President of the North Country Arts Council. Community Arts Grants are awarded annually for public arts and cultural projects in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. These grants are administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council, with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) – Decentralization Program. Special thanks go out to Cathy Stenfeldt, North Country Arts Council Board Member, for her work in making this award possible. The Summer Arts Festival 2010 will include opportunities for the community to make art, watch artists work, enjoy performances, and purchase works of art for sale. This event drew about 1000 people last year and is expected to be even bigger this year. Hope to see you there! For more information call Cecilia at 777- 3385 or see the website at: www.nnyart.org Little Theatre of Watertown is Hosting An evening of One Act Plays 5 great short plays in one night. Dates: March 5, 6 and 7th. Friday and Saturday shows at 7:00 p.m. Sunday at 1:30 Location: Trinity Church, Sherman Street, Watertown NY Price: $10 for adults, no reservations required Shows: Flowers by Sherman Ward Save by Craig Thornton Fin and Euba by Audrey Cefaly Dearth of a Salesman by Albi Gorn Drugs are bad by Jonathan Rand Volunteers Are Still Needed Here is a list of the Committees, and Committee Chairpersons, that we currently have operating: Summer Arts Festival: Cecilia Thompson ncacsummerartsfest@nnyart.org Fall Fine Art Show: TBA Farmers’ Market-SAT: Kathy Mereand kmereand@yahoo.com Farmers’ Market-WED: Cathy Stenfeldt boardofdirectors5@nnyart.org Arts Resource/Directory: Jessica Renzi jessrenzi@gmail.com Strategic Planning: Ernest Scribner ernest.scribner@gmail.com Membership: Cathy Stenfeldt boardofdirectors5@nnyart.org Space: Ernest Scribner ernest.scribner@gmail.com Marketing: George Stadalski marketingandpublicity@nnyart.org Website: Laura Oakes vicepresident@nnyart.org Fundraising and Grants: Janelle G. Bossuot janelle.bossuot@yahoo.com We are working on building a volunteer pool of talented North Country Arts Council members. If you are interested in helping with any of the upcoming events or want to help with the operation of the Arts Council, send me a message and tell me how you want to become involved. If you have a special skill, we can link you with a NCAC project that will allow you to utilize your particular gift. George Stadalski North Country Arts Council Marketing Committee Member P.O. Box 32 Watertown, NY 13601 (315) 783-9003 marketingandpublicity@nnyart.org Fiction to Film Screening/Reading/Discussion Series Drama/Comedy/Thrillers Tuesdays and Thursdays in March 2010 6:00 PM — Community Room, Flower Memorial Library, 229 Washington Street, Watertown Fiction to film is an opportunity for film and fiction enthusiasts to explore cinematic adaptation from short fiction. On Tuesday the film will be screened and on Thursday a directed, open discussion will be facilitated by Craig Thornton regarding the adaptation from the language medium to the visual medium. What is intrinsically cinematic in the story? Why do some short stories work well as full length films? You can attend one or all four screenings or discussions. All the Short stories will be available to for reading before the screenings at the Flower Memorial Library, beginning February 16th . www.nnyart.org North Country Arts Council 5 Schedule: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) dir. By David Fincher Based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald Screening Tuesday March 2nd Discussion Thursday March 4th The Birds (1963) dir. By Alfred Hitchcock Based on the short story by Daphne Du Maurier Screening Tuesday March 9th Discussion Thursday March 11th Bringing Up Baby (1938) dir. By Howard Hawks Based on the short story by Hagar Wilde Screening Tuesday March 16th Discussion Thursday March 18th Away From Her (2006) dir. Sarah Polley Based on the short story “The Bear Came Over the Mountain” by Alice Munro Screening, Tuesday March 23rd Discussion Thursday March 25th For More Information, Call the Library at 785-7701 Journalists and Photographers Wanted Would you like to write an article about the Arts in Northern New York? Have you taken pictures of Art events that took place in the North Country? If so, then we could use your help. We are trying to expand the newsletter to include more than just North Country Arts Council news. We want to include stories about the Arts all over the North Country. All articles or photos will remain property of the author or photographer; we only ask that they be previously unpublished works. All submissions must be Arts related, contain no offensive language or pornographic material and be original works. Entries will be used based on the relevance of the content and space available. Send submissions to marketingandpublicity@nnyart.org. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: • President: Kari Robertson president@nnyart.org • Vice President: Laura Oakes vicepresident@nnyart.org • Secretary: Cecilia Thompson secretary@nnyart.org • Treasurer: Ernest Scribner ernest.scribner@gmail.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS: • Alicia Kohler TBA • Andrea Pedrick boardofdirectors3@nnyart.org • Anita Prather Harvell 8boardofdirector@nnyart.org • Craig Thornton cthornton@wwnytv.net • Elizabeth Smith esmith@watertowncsd.org • Hope Marshall 7boardofdirector@nnyart.org • Hope Marston hopemar7@twcny.rr.com • Cathy Stenfeldt boardofdirectors5@nnyart.org • Janelle Bossuot janelle.bossuot@yahoo.com • Jessica Renzi jessrenzi@gmail.com • George Stadalski marketingandpublicity@nnyart.org Proud Member of http://www.publicsquare.com/ www.nnyart.org North Country Arts Council North Country Arts Council Place P.O. Box 32 Postage Watertown, NY 13601 Here www.nnyart.org