News
Celebrate the Arts continues at Cochise College Benson Center
 |
| Show stealers: The Duane Reilley Quartet performs before an enthusiastic audience Saturday at Cochise College Benson Center. At left, the St. David High School's culinary arts class provided eats on opening day of the weeklong event. (Photo courtesy Sharon Gilman.) |
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
A celebration week aimed at honoring the arts from painting to music and dance kicked off Saturday at Cochise College Benson Center, where the Duane Reilley Quartet stole the show.
Sharon Gilman, president of Cochise College Benson Center, said it was a good idea to team up with the San Pedro River Arts Council to host the first-ever "Celebrate the Arts" week.
On Saturday, the weeklong celebration started with an opening reception and keynote speaker Dr. J.D. Rottweiler, president of the college.
Rottweiler was followed by a culinary arts presentation, and the Duane Reilley Quartet capped off the night.
Gilman said when Sylvia Burnside approached her about hosting an annual event, she thought it was a great idea.
"She came to us a year ago with this idea of hosting an expo at the college, because it is a great location," Gilman said. "We offer a variety of lifelong learning classes, and it made sense to continue our efforts. This is a very ambitious program with a wide variety of classes and shows that cover all aspects of the arts."
Gilman said opening weekend of the event, which will continue through Saturday, March 20, was somewhat of a learning experience that will help in planning for next year.
On Monday, the learning continued with local artist and instructor Ron Fritts speaking during a brown bag lecture.
The award-winning Benson artist shared his method for engaging and nurturing creativity in every individual.
To a handful of guests, Fritts stressed that creativity is not genetic, that it is in all of us.
"I encourage everyone to take part in creative activity," he said. "To eliminate the efforts of other lesser creatures undermines the essence of creativity. Einstein didn't just snap his fingers and say here's relativity. It took time."
To celebrate creativity of all ages, the college is also hosting several art projects aimed at area youth.
On Tuesday they held a vegetable stamps and printing class.
For the remainder of this week, starting on Wednesday, the event will offer a variety of classes from beading, a crochet workshop, to creative writing and papermaking.
Visitors can also enjoy the art show on display, which boasts paintings and works by artists from throughout Southern Arizona.
The San Pedro Arts Council is continually working to bring art to the area.
Led by Burnside, the council has begun featuring local artists on a monthly basis at City Hall in Benson, and has plans to expand efforts in the future.
Celebrate the Arts
Wednesday, March 17: Beading with Stella Bennett from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by crochet workshop with Dianne Mulkey during the day. The Benson Barbershoppers, with The Minstrels, will offer up full-bodied, foot-stomping Irish sing-along music from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 18: Howard Bandy gives his workshop on turning manuscript into a book, from 10 a.m. to noon. Paper making takes place at the same time, as well as a creative writing workshop from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the afternoon. Gareth MacKenzie, the famous Celtic bard, performs in costume, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, March 19: Events include a demonstration of the encaustic process from 10 a.m. to noon. Author Nancy Turner from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nancy Turner, author of several books on early American life will discuss the books and sign them.
Saturday, March 20: Weeklong event finale with a mixer/award presentation ceremony for art and photography show winners at 5 p.m., topped by Mariachi Aztlan de Pueblo High School, under direction of John Contreras, performing Mariachi classics from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
A celebration week aimed at honoring the arts from painting to music and dance kicked off Saturday at Cochise College Benson Center, where the Duane Reilley Quartet stole the show.
Sharon Gilman, president of Cochise College Benson Center, said it was a good idea to team up with the San Pedro River Arts Council to host the first-ever "Celebrate the Arts" week.
On Saturday, the weeklong celebration started with an opening reception and keynote speaker Dr. J.D. Rottweiler, president of the college.
Rottweiler was followed by a culinary arts presentation, and the Duane Reilley Quartet capped off the night.
Gilman said when Sylvia Burnside approached her about hosting an annual event, she thought it was a great idea.
"She came to us a year ago with this idea of hosting an expo at the college, because it is a great location," Gilman said. "We offer a variety of lifelong learning classes, and it made sense to continue our efforts. This is a very ambitious program with a wide variety of classes and shows that cover all aspects of the arts."
Gilman said opening weekend of the event, which will continue through Saturday, March 20, was somewhat of a learning experience that will help in planning for next year.
On Monday, the learning continued with local artist and instructor Ron Fritts speaking during a brown bag lecture.
The award-winning Benson artist shared his method for engaging and nurturing creativity in every individual.
To a handful of guests, Fritts stressed that creativity is not genetic, that it is in all of us.
"I encourage everyone to take part in creative activity," he said. "To eliminate the efforts of other lesser creatures undermines the essence of creativity. Einstein didn't just snap his fingers and say here's relativity. It took time."
To celebrate creativity of all ages, the college is also hosting several art projects aimed at area youth.
On Tuesday they held a vegetable stamps and printing class.
For the remainder of this week, starting on Wednesday, the event will offer a variety of classes from beading, a crochet workshop, to creative writing and papermaking.
Visitors can also enjoy the art show on display, which boasts paintings and works by artists from throughout Southern Arizona.
The San Pedro Arts Council is continually working to bring art to the area.
Led by Burnside, the council has begun featuring local artists on a monthly basis at City Hall in Benson, and has plans to expand efforts in the future.
Celebrate the Arts
Wednesday, March 17: Beading with Stella Bennett from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by crochet workshop with Dianne Mulkey during the day. The Benson Barbershoppers, with The Minstrels, will offer up full-bodied, foot-stomping Irish sing-along music from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 18: Howard Bandy gives his workshop on turning manuscript into a book, from 10 a.m. to noon. Paper making takes place at the same time, as well as a creative writing workshop from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the afternoon. Gareth MacKenzie, the famous Celtic bard, performs in costume, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, March 19: Events include a demonstration of the encaustic process from 10 a.m. to noon. Author Nancy Turner from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nancy Turner, author of several books on early American life will discuss the books and sign them.
Saturday, March 20: Weeklong event finale with a mixer/award presentation ceremony for art and photography show winners at 5 p.m., topped by Mariachi Aztlan de Pueblo High School, under direction of John Contreras, performing Mariachi classics from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Copyright © 2012 - San Pedro Valley News-Sun