"In December" brings masks, costumes, dance and music together
Artistic Director Jude Binder expresses her reverence
It was, as always, a joyous, entertaining, moving and energy filled
celebration Saturday evening at Heartwood in the Hills, Calhoun's center for
creativity and the arts, which "Celebrates the artist in every person."
Standing room only at Saturday's community
celebration
The center was filled to the brim with spectators, supporters and community
residents, who clapped, cheered, laughed and sang along with the evening's
program.
It was a genuine treat with attention shining brightly on young people who
come to Heartwood to broaden their artistic abilities. Heartwood's Artistic
Director Jude Binder and staff nurture the best in them, a dedicated effort to
make a difference in their lives, and the lives of adults who also come to the
center.
Heartwood nurtures the best in kids (and adults)
Binder said Saturday night was the ninth "December Celebration" presented
to the community, with Heartwood planning on a grand celebration for its
20th anniversary next year.
Saturday night's program included a segment from "Field of Flowers" called
"Breaking Bread," a production developed by the center around domestic
violence, music by Ethel Caffie-Austin and lyrics by Jude Binder, with music
performed by the Field of Flowers Chorus.
Heartwood's dance teams performed to music by Pierre Moerlen, in addition
to a slide presentation which featured participants in Heartwood
programs.
Kids participated in a visual arts presentation "The Bright Yellow Rope" by
John Houston, featuring guitarist Harry Beall and his guitar class.
The grand finale "In December," displayed past and new masks and
costumes created at Heartwood, performed to the music of Ravel, followed
by "Reverence" performed by the dance teams to the music of Alexandre
Borodin.
Perhaps, the most enjoyable part of the evening was the recognition given to
participants in Heartwood's programs, with the cooperation of Heartwood's
turtle, who was assisted this year (to speed up things) - the hare.
The turtle, the hare and Jude have fun with drawings and
recognition's
The turtle pauses to remember Barbara Anderson "Barbara's
Room"
Heartwood's 2001 funders include Ann M. Martin Foundation, Appalachian
Community Fund, Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, Cranium,
Calhoun County FRN, the National Endowment for the Arts, Lights On!,
Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, West Virginia Commission on the
Arts, West Virginia Division of Culture and History - and the generosity of
many individual donors.
A character from "In December"
Heartwood creates masks and costumes
Dancers in "Reverence"
We are grateful to you....
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