Spring 2011 Newsletter

Spring 2011
The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center
Volume 9, Issue 1
Inside this issue:
The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming and Auburn
CityFest is right around the corner. This year’s festival, presented
by the Opelika-Auburn News, will be held Saturday, April 30,
from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Kiesel Park. CityFest is Auburn’s largest,
FREE outdoor arts and crafts festival for families and individuals
of all ages. Thousands of people come to CityFest to enjoy a day
filled with music, arts, food and fun! Headlining this year’s festival is the country-inspired
Weston Burt Band, a favorite to Auburn. Returning this year are the high-flying entertainers,
The Skyriders!, which is a team of incredibly talented, professional trampoline acrobats. Along
with the best entertainment, festival goers will have the opportunity to view fine arts and arts
and crafts exhibitors selling everything from paintings, pottery and prints to handmade jewelry,
sculpture and more. As children and parents stroll through the Children’s Imagination Station,
they will be impressed with this year’s wide-ranging assortment of inflatables along with
performances by Lew-e the Clown, the Bama Air Dogs and Sean Driscoll, the StoryShip. Other activities for children include the ArtFest Tent, Gamma Phi Beta carnival and My Big Green
Bus with gymnastic games and activities. Kids will line up to listen to the
musical styling of children’s entertainer Jason Ringenberg, better known
as Farmer Jason, the 2009 Emmy Award Winner for Best
Children’s
Program in the mid-south region. Music lovers will also enjoy contemporary folk singer and songwriter Dave Potts, whose humorous lyrics is a
collection of funny, southern charm. Auburn CityFest is a free, rain or
shine event. For more information about CityFest or to download a Volunteer or Fine Art/Arts and Crafts vendor application, please visit
www.auburncityfest.com. We look forward to seeing you at Auburn CityFest 2011, presented by the Opelika-Auburn News!
The 7th annual Juried Art Show will be held in conjunction with Auburn CityFest 2011. Sponsored by
Auburn Parks and Recreation, Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, the Auburn Arts Association and
Earth Fare, the Juried Art Show will feature a variety of works including painting, works on paper,
three-dimensional works (ceramics/sculpture), mixed-media and photography. The show is open to
artists 18 years or older and fine arts and arts and crafts exhibitors. Awards, selected by the award
jurors, will include: 10 cash awards and two $250 Special Awards presented by the Auburn-Opelika
Tourism Bureau. Awards will be announced the morning of Saturday, April 30 and works will be
displayed at Auburn CityFest from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Auburn Studio Project
2
What’s new with the
Auburn Arts Association
2
Auburn Area
Community Theatre
2
Instructor Spotlight
3
Arts Association
Membership Party
3
SummerNight 2011
Downtown Art Walk
3
Private Music Theory &
Performance Classes
3
Gallery
Exhibitions
"Collaboration"
New fabric works by members
of Studio 222.
Thru - March 31
Spring Invitational
Works in a variety of media by
area and regional artists.
April 4 - May 6
13th Annual Juried
Art Exhibition
A competitive exhibition open
to artists and craftpersons
residing or employed in Lee
County.
May 9 - June 24
A reception honoring participating artists will be held Friday, April 29 at the Historic Nunn-Winston
House at Kiesel Park from 6 - 8 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. To download a
juried art show application, please visit auburncityfest.com. For more information, please contact the
Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center at 501-2963.
Art Connection, Spring 2011, Page 1
The Auburn Studio Project: A Bird’s Eye View
The Auburn Studio Project, an art education program for eighth grade Auburn Junior High School
students, was held Feb. 22 - 24 at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC) and Jule
Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art (JCSM). This community-based, art education program was
sponsored by the City of Auburn Parks & Recreation Department, the JDCAC and the JCSM. “This
year’s Auburn Studio Project focused on the life and work of famed American naturalist John
James Audubon,” said Cari Philen, Art Education Specialist. “Students were able to enjoy such
activities as a nature walk with Audubon himself, a gallery discussion with local artists from the
group Studio 222, a visual arts project in which students created hand-sewn sketchbooks and a
visit from Auburn University’s Raptor Center. This year’s program was a huge success! We can’t
wait for next year!” The program focused on John James Audubon, a painter best known for The
Birds of America, a book of portraits of every bird in the United States. The program began at the
JDCAC with a performance by history performer Brian “Fox” Ellis, who introduced students to
Audubon through storytelling. The goal of this workshop was to help students bring to life the legacy of Audubon and
connect with his stories in a meaningful way. After the performance, students were divided into three group sessions that
included hand-sewn sketchbooks made of recycled materials, a gallery discussion with Studio 222 artists and a
performance workshop with Fox. Students then departed to the JCMS where they viewed A Wren by Any Other Name
exhibition, a nature walk with Fox and a demonstration by the Auburn University Raptor Center. The JDCAC would like to
thank everyone who made this year’s Auburn Studio Project such a success!
What’s new
with…
We encourage all of you to become involved in
Auburn’s art community this year and to participate
in our upcoming events.
Auburn CityFest
Stop by the Auburn Arts Association (AAA) booth
at Auburn CityFest to learn more about their
upcoming events, exhibitions, programs and
volunteer opportunities.
Jazz and Blues Fest
The AAA is hosting their 4th annual Jazz and Blues
Festival on Friday, May 20 from 6 - 11 p.m. at
Pebble Hill. The event serves as a fundraiser for
the AAA.
13th Annual Juried Art Exhibition
The exhibition will be held May 9 - June 24 at the
JDCAC and is open to artists and craftpersons in
Lee County. Applications are available at the
JDCAC.
SummerNight Downtown Art Walk
This event, sponsored by the AAA, will be held
Friday, June 17 in downtown Auburn from 6 - 9:30
p.m.
“Love, Sex and the
I.R.S.”
The Auburn Area Community Theatre continues their 8th
season with “Love, Sex and the I.R.S.,” a hilarious comedy
at the JDCAC. In the play, out-of-work musicians Jon and
Leslie are bachelor roommates. To save money, Jon has
been filing their taxes listing them as married. Now the
I.R.S. has come to investigate! They must convince Mr.
Spinner that Leslie is the woman of the house, and
convince the landlord there’s not a woman in the house.
Throw in a surprise visit from a mother-in-law, a cheating
fiancé, and an ex-girlfriend demanding answers, and you
have an amusing comedy of confusion.
Performance dates: May 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 7 p.m.
May 15 and 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8
for students and seniors. For reservations, call 334-3322552 or e-mail [email protected].
For more information about AAA activities and
membership, please call 887-2832 or e-mail us at
[email protected].
Art Connection, Spring 2011, Page 2
Rhon and Joyce
Jenkins
Rhon and Joyce Jenkins went to their
first dance at their alma mater Florida
State University in 1963 and it was a
disaster. It wasn’t for another 25 years
that they would dance again. Rhon and
Joyce have been married for 47 years.
Rhon majored in aerospace engineering while Joyce studied
nursing. Rhon’s career brought them to Auburn in 1972,
where he worked for Ampex. Rhon taught aerospace
engineering at Auburn University for more than 20 years while
Joyce taught nursing. They both retired in 2004. After moving
to Auburn, the Jenkins’ decided to try dancing again and
began taking square and round dancing classes with the
Village Squares Club. Later, they began taking ballroom
dance lessons at the Dean Road Recreation Center under the
direction of Don and Barbara Large, who started the Starlite
Dance Club. Students then became the teachers when the
Large’s retired. Once the JDCAC opened, Rhon and Joyce
began teaching social ballroom dance classes and additional
dances such as the Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing, Rumba, Cha-Cha,
Ballroom Slow Dance and the Mambo. Currently, the Jenkins’
teach Intermediate Social Ballroom Dance, which is for those
who know the basics of ballroom dance. They also teach the
ever so popular Dance at Your Wedding Class/Ballroom
Dance “Crash Course,” which is for engaged couples who
want to learn to dance to “their song.” For more information
about dance classes, please call the JDCAC at 501-2963.
AAA Membership Event
The AAA would like to thank all those who attended their
membership event held Saturday, Jan. 15 at the JDCAC. The
free event welcomed more than 150 new and returning
members of the AAA. Guests listened to the music styling of
the band, Pangea, and enjoyed great food, art bingo and the
art exhibition, “From A - Z.” The AAA looks forward to seeing
you at upcoming events, programs and art exhibitions!
Summer Art Camps are now available to view online at
www.auburnalabama.org/arts. For more information,
please contact the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center
at 501-2963.
Want to enjoy an evening of
art, music and entertainment in
downtown Auburn? Mark your
calendar for the 5th annual
SummerNight Downtown Art
Walk sponsored by the AAA,
JDCAC and Auburn Downtown
Merchants. The event will be
held on Friday, June 17 from
6 - 9:30 p.m. Artists are
encouraged to exhibit and sell
their work while merchants are
welcome to offer coupons and activities to invite
the community into their businesses. Come and
join us for a night of family-friendly fun and enjoy a
summer night by dining, shopping and relaxing
with live music. We are excited to announce that
Aubie and Miss Auburn will make an appearance
at the event! If you wish to participate as an artist
or downtown business, applications are available
at www.auburnalabama.org/arts. For more information, please contact the JDCAC at 501-2963.
Private Music
Theory &
Performance
Classes
Emery Kidd is now offering private Music Theory and
Performance classes for all ages at the JDCAC this
spring. Classes are for children who are interested in
guitar, bass guitar, piano, and drum set lessons that
focus on music theory and performance. There are
lessons available for beginners and for advanced
musicians who would like to learn advanced techniques
and ear training. Emery is a graduate of the Alabama
School of Fine Arts, UAB’s Music Department and has
more than 10 years experience as a working musician
and private instruction. Emery toured Japan with the
Birmingham Youth Jazz Ensemble and toured Germany
and Spain with the Voices of Discipleship, an
international gospel group. For more information and to
schedule a class, please call Emery at 205-218-8498 or
email him at [email protected].
Art Connection, Spring 2011, Page 3
Check out what’s new at the JDCAC!
www.auburnalabama.org/arts
Phone: (334) 501-2963
Auburn, AL 36830
307 S. Dean Rd.
Mailing Address:
The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center
222 E. Drake Ave. Auburn, AL 36830
Arts and Crafts
Advanced Studio: (16 years & older) Drawing and painting students will work
with the elements of art to create unique works.
Private Art Lessons: (6 years & older) Artist and educator Laurie Brenden
offers private and semi-private art lessons. These lessons are available by
appointment only.
Smart Arts: (2-4 years) Creative arts with a literature connection. Let the love
of reading shine as your tot embraces art each week through painting, creative
drama and beginning math and sciences.
Kids’ Can Draw! Intermediate Drawing: (8-12 years) Learn how to draw with
pencils by taking this course. Covers texture, shading and perspective.
Fantasy Drawing: Incredible Creatures: (12-15 years) Learn how to draw
fantastic creatures using Jessica Peffer’s “Dragon Art Fantasy Characters”
book as a guide.
Oils, Acrylics, & Mixed Media: (All ages) Class taught by studio artist Pat
Langston. Oil, acrylic, and mixed media techniques to suit the individual
student. From beginners to advanced painters.
Multicultural Art: Native Americans: (6-8 years) Learn about Native American Indians by creating arts and crafts inspired by their culture. Students will
explore creativity and imagination while making fun projects including totem
poles, shields, masks and more.
Art for Homeschoolers: (Group 1: 5-9 years; Group 2: 10-18 years) This
program allows homeschooled children an opportunity to explore various art
techniques while learning about famous artists.
Your Craft Projects: (All ages) Bring whatever project you are working on
(knit, crochet, smock, and more) and enjoy the company of others with similar
interests. No instruction or charge.
Open Studio: (Adults) Bring your own drawing, painting and art supplies. No
instruction or charge.
Music
Band Instrument Lessons: (8 years - Adult) Private, half-hour, weekly lessons
taught by certified band director Janet Sanders.
Mommy and Me Music Class: (6 months-4 years) Come dance and sing with
your tot or preschooler! We will be singing, dancing and playing instruments.
Dance
Practice Dance!: (12 years & older) Line dances start each day at 8 a.m.
Students will learn a different dance each week.
Intermediate Line Dancing: (Adults) Steps and patterns will be taught and
then reviewed by practicing with appropriate music
Dance at Your Wedding Class/Ballroom Dance “Crash Course”: (Adult)
Engaged couples can learn to dance to “their song,” or couples who are
planning to attend a special event where dancing is featured.
Lindy Wednesday: (Teens & Adults) For those who have some dance
experience and want to practice the Lindy Hop and other swing dance styles.
Auburn University Swing Dance Association: (Teens & Adults) Free swing
dance lessons! Dance to the sounds of classic big band and neo-swing music.
No experience needed.
Square Dance with the Village Squares: (Teen to Adult) Professional
instruction in mainstream square dancing will be alternated with regular
dancing.
Square Dance with Auburn Allemanders: (18 years & older) Learn to square
dance for fun, fitness and fellowship. Singles and couples welcome!
Tribal Fusion Bellydance-Regular and Advanced: (Adults) Learn the basics
of belly dancing with instructor Seraphina. Comfortable dress and water
suggested. Yoga mats optional.
Intermediate Social Ballroom Dance: (18 years & older) Dance instruction for
those who already know some basics of ballroom dance.
Open Ballroom Practice: (Adults) Come and practice ballroom dance in a fun
and encouraging environment. Coordinators are experienced ballroom dancers.
Salsa!: (Teen-Adults) Come and learn beginning and advanced techniques of
this spicy Latin dance.
Argentine Tango: (Adults) Two courses available: 6 week beginners and
advanced beginner/intermediate course. Will cover posture, partner frame,
basic vocabulary and navigating.
Theater
ACT II: (Grades 3-5) Come be a part of our play! This class will learn the
fundamentals of acting and put on a performance.
ACT III: (Grades 6-12) Come learn essential acting skills while being part of a
performance.
Unique Activities
English as a Second Language-Level I & IV: (18 years and older) Learn
basic, intermediate and advanced grammar in a fun and encouraging
environment!
French for Adults: (6 & under) In this session you will learn about famous
French authors and artists. You will practice your speaking skills.
Spanish for Kids: (6 & under) Expose children to a foreign language.
Caregivers will learn Spanish nursery rhymes and translations of familiar
English Songs.
To register, contact the Dean Road Recreation Center at 501-2930.