Ilene Evans as "The Wizard"
"The Great Blueness" opens to a rainbow world
Artistic Director Jude Binder with Heartwood Turtle recognize students
By Bob Weaver
Calhoun's Heartwood in the Hills lifted spirits last night with their eleventh annual December Celebration. Heartwood's Artistic Director, Jude Binder, whose never-ending enthusiasm and talent engages both her students and the audience, welcomed visitors to Heartwood.
The featured performance was "The Great Blueness," adapted from the children's book by Arnold Nobel, with Ilene Evans as "The Wizard." It filled the stage with movement and music. The story centers on the discovery of color, from a life filled with blue to the brightness of a rainbow.
From Michael Franek's engaging "Percussion Discussion" group to a moving dance number choreographed by Jude Binder "Bond Between Women," the audience shook, clapped and cheered.
The performances were highly skilled, well delivered and importantly, an audience pleaser.
Also on the program was a dance number "La Lluvia" and "Wonderful World," creative arts for children with Binder, Steve McCormick and Stephanie Curry.
Performer Ilene Evans engaged the Heartwood audience with her music, storytelling, and acting, during an opening introduction and later in "The Great Blueness." She first performed in Chicago, but is now a West Virginian, known for "Voices from the Earth" and "Creative Links."
Last night's performance concluded her week long residency at Heartwood, where she was a guest teacher in several Heartwood classes, plus visits to Pleasant Hill and Arnoldsburg schools.
Binder reminds every listener "The motivating philosophy behind all of Heartwood's work is that the arts belong to everyone, and that the artistic gift in each person deserves nurturing."
"We give all students an equal opportunity to shine," she said. Heartwood has been a shining light in rural Calhoun County since 1982.
Heartwood presented certificates of accomplishment to students who have studied at the center, aided by the Heartwood Turtle.
Guests spent the earlier part of the evening in the center's art department, viewing mask making and other projects.
Franek's "Percussion Discussion" class
One of the center's two dance troupes
The "Wonderful World" performers
Heartwood's special mask given to raffle winner
The world was blue ...
... but opens to brightness ...
 ... and a world of joy and color
| 
