Movie Magic

Although I came down with the flu over the holidays, I accomplished one very important item on my list: watch Gone with the Wind with my mom. The movie celebrated its 70th anniversary this month and I wanted to see it again (and all the great special DVD features, which did not disappoint!).

This was the first time I'd seen the movie since moving back east with my family. I had a completely different experience this time around; partly because I now recognize some of the places they mention (Bull Run, Gettysburg - where I went with my husband several years ago - when we lived in Manassas, and of course Virginia). Also, my mom shared new stories with me and her grandfather who watched the soldiers marching through Virginia (Yes, I grew up LA but my mom's family lived in Clifton Forge.)

The special features included interviews with individuals charged with digitizing the Technicolor film and in most ways, improving the quality of the film. (Right down to patterns of lace in Scarlette's white dress in the opening sequence.)

I was taken with these new types of "artists" working tirelessly to painstakingly preserve and protect this incredible treasure. I feel indebted to them for their skills, time and talent to ensure that this film and all its splendor, remains for generations to come.

Engaging New Audiences

I have this new habit. An overactive mind will do that to you.

I look at people while I'm out and about and wonder if they go to Opera Roanoke, Gallery 108, Jacksonville Center or Attic Productions.

I drive down Williamson Rd on my way into the office each day and the Roanoke Civic Center's marque says, "If you build it they will come." How can we increase the likelihood that new audiences (or existing audiences might venture to the "other side" and attend a play if they currently go to the opera) will attend an arts activity?

How do we engage audiences into our arts world? If we "build it" will they "come" not once or twice, but for years to come?

It's an age-old question and arts organizations have pondered it for years. It shows that we must continue to "build it so they will come" but must also ask the community what they want to see. (And also nudging them to step outside their comfort level.) I recently attended a meeting where the need for a cultural plan was discussed. Perhaps, as we ponder this, we can also include a community arts survey to determine the arts market (if you will). Are we "building it" but forgetting to engage the "home owners" in the project?

Let me know what you think.

Giving An Arts Experience

I've been piano-less since we moved east from Carson City, NV in 2001. As a milestone birthday approaches, I've been re-examining my life and what's really important to me. What did I discover? I really miss playing piano and the experiences that wash over me each time I "tinkle the ivories".

Note: I don't play very well at all. After almost ten (10) years without a piano, this fact has been compounded significantly. However, I can still plunk out "On A Clear Day" without too many sour notes.

By this time next week, I hope to have a new piano in my living room and as the New Year approaches, I'll be dusting off more of my old music and enjoying the experience of learning how to play and engaging myself in a creative endeavor.

A big thank you to Jim Hayden (Hayden's Music in Tanglewood Mall) for allowing me to try my hand at various pianos and educating me about the construction of pianos (They have more parts than a car!). With my purchase, I also receive FREE piano lessons and I can't wait to start. Yes, I'll even look forward to scales.

I realize this purchase is a slight diversion from Virginia GEMS (Give Experiences. Minimize Stuff.) www.myvirginiagems.com but I feel I'm still making a contribution to an experiential gift of art. Also, the piano lessons do count! (Although Hayden's provides you with 8 (eight) free lessons I know I'll need more.)

Consider an experiential gift of art, tickets to a play/concert, and yes, you can even give yourself a present. The rewards will be great; not just for you, but for your family and our local arts community.

Roanoke City Pride through the Arts

I try to read The Roanoke Times every day. I'm old fashioned and like my paper copy. So does my mom. (She lives with us in Elliston, VA.) She reads the paper first and I ask her to save articles for me; that is, those that are arts related. (Just in case I don't have time and miss some important news.)

I chastised her this weekend as I almost missed the article about The Taubman Museum of Art by Kevin Kittredge. The Taubman? Guess Again. (Saturday, December 12, 2009)

http://www.roanoke.com/extra/wb/229456

Kevin wrote about the Taubman Museum and invited readers to see comparisons to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. I encourage everyone to read Kevin's article. I teared up as I read it and felt a huge sense of pride about our arts community. We have a lot to celebrate even though times are incredibly tough.

Thank you Kevin for seeing the Taubman with "brand new - and in some ways, newly appreciative - eyes". Does every one need to go to Spain so they can come back with "new eyes"? Perhaps. But for now, ponder Kevin's reflections and see if you see our arts community with "new eyes" too.

Join us. The view really is spectacular!

Roanoke City Art Show

I'm very excited to blog today about the Roanoke City Art Show because it reminds me of the time that I was in the Juried Student Show at Radford University. Long story short, it was the first time I had ever been in a show and my work wasn't even that impressive - if you ask me. I had done a drawing of three fish changing into seaweed and guess what...I won the purchase award! Isn't that cool? So now my work is part of the permanent collection at Radford University and I even had the piece featured in my Exit Show.

But here I am blabbing on about myself when I should be telling you about the City Art Show! It's coming up this week - opening night is this THURSDAY the 1st. Be there - at Center in the Square - we're on the second floor - so now you know where...Well that answers the question of why I'm a poet and not a rapper.

Well I guess if I want you to attend, I'd better give you a little more info. As I said, the opening night is Thursday and the show will run October 2nd to November 8th. Gallery hours are 11 AM to 4 PM - and again, we're on the 2nd floor of Center in the Square. Look for our black and white City Art Show poster as well as our red and white Arts Council posters.

I hope to see you all there, I'll probably be the one with the camera!

Annual Meeting and The Count Down

Thanks to all of you who came out and supported us at our Annual Meeting on Tuesday night. We had a wonderful time seeing the Betty Branch exhibit and especially had fun listening to Carol Dalhouse talk about the Art Council's beginnings. While I was busy snapping photos, Ron B. was out in the audience, formulating what would later become a post on his blog. We really appreciate all you bloggers out there and all the work you do in the means of spreading the word. If you are a blogger and write about us sometime, be sure to email a link to me at msmith@theartscouncil.org.

For those of you who were not in attendance at the Annual Meeting SHAME on you.

...Just kidding. We prefer to look to the future rather than play fire and brimstone and we earnestly hope you'll join us for some of our upcoming events:

• 40+40 Fest will run October 1st to November 9 and will include innumerous events, shows, and other fun things to attend. Be sure to pick up a copy of the 40+40 booklet around town or download it here.
• Roanoke City Art Show - Opening night is October 1st and the show runs Thursday - Saturday 11am-4pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm.
• Run for the Arts - The race will begin on October 17 at 9 AM, quickly followed by the beginning of the walk at 9:15 AM. Make sure to register by October 7th to save $10 and recieve a t-shirt!

Be sure to visit our website for more information on how to register and get tickets for the Roanoke Arts Festival!

~Meagan Smith
Marketing Director
The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge

Roanoke Arts Festival

Hello you faithful readers!

First off, let me introduce myself for I am not the Laura Rawlings you know and love. My name is Meagan Smith and I am the new Marketing Director here at The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge. I've worked here just over a month and have been given the task of really charging up our outreach. But enough about me! You're reading this to find out what great DEALS I have for YOU, right?

...Right. And what a great deal it is! Now I'm sure you all are fans of the 4040fest on Facebook or regular visitors to 4040fest.com and therefore already know what I'm talking about.

For the first week of October, you can purchase a Roanoke Arts Festival City Soul! ticket. At this point I'm sure you're expecting me to say what event the ticket is for - but that is where you would be mislead. This ticket not only gets you to one event, but 5! Not to mention the 1/2 price admission to The Taubman Museum of Art and other free events.

For only $57.50, you'll enjoy: Studio Roanoke Soul of the Studio, Southwest Va Ballet - Ties, Event Zone's Big Lick Blues Festival, Christian McBride at the Jefferson Center, and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra's Opening Night. That's nothing to shake a stick at (I'm so bad with sayings, did I get it right?).

To purchase a ticket, pick up the phone and call 342-5790 ext 4 or visit our site.

Thanks for reading, hope to hear from you soon!

PS: Make sure to check us out in Mike Allen's blog!

Roanoke Police Department and The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge

The Star City Harbinger has posted an important story about an amazing example of how the arts and local law enforcement are working together through Roanoke Youth Arts Connection.

Roanoke Youth Arts Connections partners the Roanoke Police Department, The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge, the City of Roanoke's Public Art Program, area youth and local artists. Youth, that might otherwise be engaged in disconstructive activities during the summer months, will be redirected (and employed so they're learning job/life skills) through mural activities. The first mural will be located in an interior wall of Center in the Square's parking garage on Campbell Ave.

I should have included information about Roanoke Youth Arts Connection in my commentary to The Roanoke Times about the "Must See TV" event and regret the ommission.

Thank you to Hank Bostwick for contacting me and for posting this story!

http://starcityharbinger.com/?p=6359

The Arts and Communication

The arts community in Roanoke continues to provide me with opportunities to, as Socrates encouraged, examine my life and my personal philosophy. These past weeks have been filled with learning and awareness opportunities that challenge my own personal status quo as it relates to my world and my community.


I learned during a recent opening at Dialogue Gallery that I still have a ways to go in appreciating and understanding contemporary art.


I learned how Studio Roanoke is blurring the lines between real life and the actual set for their upcoming play "Ant Farm." I am sort of old-school that way and like my "fourth wall" clearly delineated, but it's good to push comfort zones.


I learned how electrical engineering and the arts intersect in the creation of new software programs while talking to a local software developer during the NewVA Corridor Technology Council annual meeting at the Hotel Roanoke.


I learned that the Columbine tragedy affected me more than I realized as I read Wally Lamb's epic novel "The Hour I First Believed."


And yes, I learned that I watch too much TV.


I knew of the "Must See TV" event, but was out of town serving on a grant panel for the Virginia Commission for the Arts. I could not foresee what would happen, but prior to the activity, it made me pause and reflect on my TV viewing habits.


The arts do that and I am grateful for their ability to remind me of what's important, where I fit in the scheme of things, why it's important to take a chance and connect to someone or something that is out of my comfort zone and, first and foremost, to stop for a moment and breath in life.


Yes, life is sometimes messy, catching us off-guard and making us think in new and challenging ways.


I learned that we must lend an extra hand to those organizations and individuals that might not quite get what we're all about, how the arts are really more about the communication that most often takes place between individuals trying to make sense of their world and where they fit in. This includes reaching across the aisles and inviting the non-usual suspects into our world, such as local government, law enforcement, religious organizations and youth groups.


I learned that The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge has work to do in regard to promoting and raising awareness about the arts in communicating different ideas, engaging the community in thoughtful and rigorous dialogues and encouraging the community to support the arts.


I think the participants in the "Must See TV" event also learned valuable lessons, as did our police force. I hope we can all continue to learn from this experience and from future activities that allow us to connect to each other in new ways, while pushing us to talk about difficult issues.

The arts are the vehicle in which to engage in these dialogues. Perhaps the unexpected will allow us to learn more about ourselves, not just today, but continuously as we experience the world together.

Impressions from an Audience Participant

We came to make to share our stories and plead our cases. Our audiences? Roanoke County's Board of Supervisors. I didn't envy them; having to sit there and listen to programs and activities that probably won't receive funding.

As audiences go, they were very quiet and listened attentively. They said "thank you" after each presentation and I knew they felt badly about the "buzzer" that sounded when we went over the time limit. We understood why they did it. We'd still be there, talking about what we give back to the community each and every day, and hoping to be more persuasive than the next organization waiting in the wings.

I found myself rooting for each and every organization; not just the arts and cultural groups, although I did give our member organizations a "thumbs up" and "high five" to those whose eyes found mine as they walked out the door or back to their seats. It's tough to get up there every year and if nothing else, I wanted them to know that I understand and appreciate what they're going through. Maybe they might do the same for me next time; that is, when they go back to A-Z and not Z-A (The Arts Council was second to the last in our presentation and plea for funding.)

I wanted to provide a personal testimony for the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce and their program for small business owners. We are a recent participant in their consulting services and Tom Tanner was incredibly helpful. I know we are just one of hundreds of organizations he has helped throughout the years.

Then we heard from Richard Wells and Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway. He talked about Gov Kaine's 400 acre conservation easement program, how the Friends are planting trees and the importance of raising awareness about this national treasure that's literally right in our backyards.

There was the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Southwest Virginia Ballet, Center in the Square, Opera Roanoke and other usual arts and cultural suspects. All of which made their cases for programs and activities that help our economy, contribute to the necessity of life (a colleague recently told me that he was no longer happy with the term "contribute to the quality of life and felt arts and culture were necessities. I agree with him; hence my new phrase and mantra) and help area students succeed.

Perhaps there's a place for all of us. I encourage the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors to find a way for all of us to garner their support. If you can't honor our full requests, that's okay. Please know that any support is greatly appreciated and helps us leverage other/outside funding streams back into our communities.

We all have really tough jobs, but we love them dearly or we wouldn't be here. However, Roanoke County Supervisors have the toughest jobs right now. Let's support them and know that they must make difficult choices, but this is no reflection on the work we are doing. It's just the world we live in right now.

The Arts as Community Threads

They come with smiles and sighs.

Many have had tough days; a run-in on the playground, a past due book report or a late night spent with mom at work. They aren't aware of the closing of Mill Mountain Theatre or the education woes taking place in the City. All they know is that for the next 90 minutes, they will participate in something referred to "Minds in Motion" or "theatre classes" led by really animated and high energy individuals that speak a different language than what they hear during school.

Two weeks ago, our Artist Services and Arts Education Director, Rhonda Hale, was frantic with last minute planning for an upcoming exhibition with local artists. Her challenge? She also needed to attend a rehearsal for TEAM XL at Fishburn Elementary. I was longing for a break from grant proposals and said, "I'll go!" TEAM XL, part of Richmond Ballet's Minds in Motion program, consists of about 35 students who have shown an aptitude and special interest in the high-energy dance program. These 4th graders meet each week with Pedro Szalay, Artistic Director of Southwest Virginia and the only credentialed Minds in Motion instructor in our region, while learning self-discipline, self-confidence, coordination and collaboration. Yes, all of these very important life skills, while learning really fun choreography with Mr. Pedro.

My job? I took roll and made sure they had their name tags. Their job? Rehearsing last week's dance steps, getting their friends up to speed if they'd missed last week's rehearsal, re-working steps and learning the new steps; all in preparation for the performance in April. I was struck by the seamless nature of their learning (and what amazing dancers they'd become in five months with no previous experience), their focused attentions (there were hardly any discipline issues) and support for one another. As soon as they came, they were gone and off to their families, baby sitters or possibly other activities.

The arts are alive in our communities each and every day. I bet that at any given moment, there is someone creating something that will cause us to stop, reflect, learn about ourselves and connect with one another. For these 4th grade students, these creative exercises might be the only "smiles" they receive and/or give during the course of their day.

Ginger Poole, Education Director for Mill Mountain Theatre, greets different students each day outside our office, which parallels the lobby area for Waldron Stage. Their excitement as they wait for her to usher them into the theatre reverberates off the windows and into our offices. They practice their dance steps, rehearse their lines and eagerly await her direction. I envy their innocence about the economic challenges that face us every day, but am so glad that our community is blessed with dedicated artists who share their love of creative expression and joy for life. As I listen to them learn songs from George M! and You're A Good Man Charlie Brown, I am so glad that the arts are alive and well in our community. Sure, donations are down, ticket sales might not be what they should be and the news about lay-offs and firings abound, but there is hope and they come in the smiling, and sighing, faces, hearts and minds in our young people.

On their behave, thank you Mr. Pedro and Ms. Poole and the countless others who offer their talents, passion and diversions to a better time and place that awaits us all.

Mill Mountain Theatre - Why Professional Theatre is Important to the Roanoke Valley

I have a confession to make. I should love all the arts equally, but theatre is my first love. It all started with The Music Man at Downey Civic Light Opera in Southern California. When Harold Hill came down the center aisle with the Downey High School Marching Band on his heels, I was hooked. When they held auditions for OKLAHOMA!, my mother drove me to the theatre where I sang 16 bars of “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” and demonstrated my ability to perform several box steps in succession. Amazingly enough, I was cast in the chorus and from there, would begin my love affair with theatre, which continues today with my current status as a season ticket holder to Mill Mountain Theatre (MMT) and the Broadway in Roanoke series.

When I heard the news about MMT, it hit me really hard. I had watched as our community welcomed new and exciting theatre offerings including Studio Roanoke and Roanoke Children’s Theatre, while also marveling at the rich and varied community and college theatre scene. As I read and listen to the community’s dialogue about MMT and professional theatre, I would like to add my thoughts as a relative newcomer to Roanoke, but someone who has walked in all kinds of theatre “shoes”. That is, as an actor, as a current member of Actor’s Equity, as a director and participant in community and college productions and as a consumer.

Is there a place for professional theatre in Roanoke? I certainly hope so. I know MMT is examining this question and others as they determine next steps. I also know that a community task force has been assembled to ask pointed questions about the causes related to MMT’s current situation and what their future role might be within the community. Evaluation/assessment from within (by both the Board and staff) and community/audience feedback/input are extremely worthwhile endeavors. I hope that MMT (and all arts/cultural organizations for that matter) realize the importance of evaluation and assessment in all programmatic areas. Our funders ask for this in grant applications, but more importantly, how else do we know if what we are doing is relevant and aligned with our mission and goals? (I must confess that when I attended MMT productions, I wondered why there were no exit surveys or volunteers conducting one-on-one interviews before the show or at intermission. As I worked past 5:00 p.m. in our offices, which line the lobby area for the Waldron Stage, and saw audiences wait for Driving Miss Daisy, I wondered what made them come to this final show and help it achieve its “Sold Out” status? Was it just because the theatre was possibly closing? Or was this show a sign of what audiences wanted to see? Why were they there and what might cause them to come back?)

Instead of asking if there’s a place for professional theatre in Roanoke, the question should be, how does professional theatre support community theatre, college/University theatre, experimental theatre, children’s theatre, area playwrights, audiences, area businesses and other cultural organizations? As I began my theatrical career, I was surrounded by individuals with different goals and aspirations. Some wanted to pursue a career in professional theatre, while others participated in community theatre as a creative and social outlet. Community theatre was my training ground, helped me gain experience (and credits on my resume) and started my professional career. Should all theatres be non-professional? I don’t think it’s an “either or” scenario. I am the biggest proponent and supporter of community theatre, but we must not forget what professional theatre provides with paying jobs for actors, directors, playwrights, and set-designers who in turn live, work and invest in our communities. In addition, theatre audiences vary in their viewing expectations, just as concert goers and art collectors will support and enjoy both the novice and professional musician and visual artist. MMT is an important part of what the market will support. Let’s give them a chance to reconnect to their market, which will not compete with, but support and even strengthen other theatre groups, cultural organizations and area businesses.

As our region's cultural offerings grow, including Studio Roanoke, Roanoke Children’s Theatre and Virginia Tech’s new experimental theatre project and Arts Initiative, MMT with its professional theatre status, instead of hiring out-of-state actors, should provide a vehicle for Equity Actors to live, work and invest in the Roanoke Valley. The current situation may not support this ideal, but envisioning where we might be in the next 5-10 years is crucial in our current dialogues. The presence of professional theatre also challenges all participants to strive for the best they can offer. It is the terminus degree in the process. As we expand our offerings for area children and teens, University students and opportunities for the community to experience and support a wide range of theatre experiences, MMT could be intrinsically linked to each and every effort; while ensuring our region’s cultural Mecca status includes professional theatre. In addition, MMT is and should remain part of our region’s cultural claim to fame, which includes the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Opera Roanoke, Center in the Square and the Taubman Museum of Art. Yes, there are many others, but these really are the Fab Five, as it were for Roanoke Valley’s arts and cultural organizations.

I’m rooting for MMT; as an actor, as an audience member and as Executive Director of The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge, of which MMT is a member. However, I am also rooting for MMT as an important part of what makes the Roanoke Valley such a unique and amazing place to live. We need you, MMT, and understand that you need to rethink the way you do business. As you discover your new business model and how you contribute to the arts on a professional level, remember that whatever the outcome, you must continue to reflect, support and evolve around the community you serve. Also, don’t forget to connect with all of your stakeholders, including audiences, as you chart your course today and for your future.

Please save me a seat for your next act. I can’t wait for the curtain to rise once again.