September 7, 2017 Volume 8 Issue 5
LOOK! ART IS EVERYWHERE!
AKRON AREA ARTS LEAGUE
September 7, 2017 Volume 8 Issue 5
LOOK! ART IS EVERYWHERE!
AKRON AREA ARTS LEAGUE
Swan Song
My goodness how time flies. Just over 10 years ago the
moving van pulled into Akron. My family consisted of
a husband, Don, who was at that time on a cane, and
two old cats, Kitty Kat and Mr. Tail. What an exciting
adventure this has been. We moved from Decatur, IL, a
city of 90,000; but, Akron had everything we needed
except an art group. So, in 2008 the Akron Fourth of
July Celebration had an ART SHOW. That group of art-
ists’ began the Akron Area Arts League.
Rhoda asked me to tell about some of the most exciting
accomplishments. First, we helped organize a communi-
ty wide festival celebrating the Hispanic culture. One of the things I liked about Ak-
ron was its diversity. That was the first time I experience corn on the cob served the
Hispanic way. Yummy! Another was seeing the beautiful downtown park come
alive with people and music for listening and…dancing! The July 4th Art Show has
gotten bigger and better. I remember one of our first judges exclaiming how he was
so surprised because he wasn’t expecting to see such quality works! And, working
with the Fulton County Library, Rochester branch to finally have a gallery wall
where these talented artists could display. Introducing Murder Mystery Dinners to
the area was a realized vision. Plus, all the memories of children creating and being
pleased with what they had produce. Oh, and honoring the “Artist of the Year”, rec-
ognizing talented people for their work in helping to make this area a better place in
which to live has been a real joy. All in all it has been an exciting and fulfilling way
to spend 10 years!
I’ve lost my family and so it is time to move on to other adventures. Sarasota, FL
called my name. My only child, Nathan and his family live there. Plus, the area is
alive with the arts and all I have to do is go and enjoy! I have already joined the
Jazz club! The church I will attend is alive with wonderful music as well as good
solid preaching. It has many outreach programs so I’m sure I’ll
get involved somewhere.
To all of you, thanks for the memories of good times, new
friends and all the while CELEBRATING THE ARTS!!
What a joy to have been a part of all this. I know the seeds that
have been planted will grow and multiply thanks to the
enthusiasm of the new leadership.
Page 2 AKRON AREA ARTS LEAGUE
Writer’s Group:
Honor’s Reception:
September 27th, 2017 will be our Honor’s reception and AAAL
has chosen to honor Maria Kelsay as the artist of the year.
Maria is a retired English and Drama teacher from Rochester
High School. She is very active in our arts community as she is
serving on the Rochester Times theatre board to bring
restoration to the building and eventually live theatre to the
area. She has also been teaching Improvisational workshops at
the HeARTy in Kewanna. Maria is a member of the AAAL
Writers’ Group and is busy writing a Murder Mystery play based
on an actual 1875 murder case in Rochester. This play will
be produced October 24th-26th in the Fulton County Court House
and will benefit the Fulton County Library. Whenever someone
needs an actress Maria’s name comes to the forefront. She was recently involved in the
Genealogy Group’s presentation in the IOOF Cemetery. It will be an honor to have such
a talented woman as the artist of the year!
We will also be honoring Karen Camp for founding the AAAL and faithfully
serving as the director for 10 years. Please bring a card for Karen to show your
appreciation and wish her luck on her new endeavors. Also come and celebrate as
we welcome our new director, Rhoda Kiesow. The celebration starts at 6:00pm at
the beautiful Akron community center. Hors d’ oeuvres will be served, so in order
to prepare adequately, please RSVP with Rhoda Kiesow by Monday, September
25, 2017. Her number is 316-312-3774 (text or call) or send an email to
[email protected]. You may also RSVP on our Facebook page, Akron
Area Arts League under events. Members and non-members are welcome to come
and enjoy the evening!
Writers’ Group meets every second Thursday of the month.
The next scheduled meeting is for September 12th at the
Akron Library. The writing prompt this month is:
“Days of September” or anything else you wish.
Page 3 VOLUME 8 ISSUE 5
The Friday evening (September 15th) before the annual
Trail of Courage on Saturday, September 16th and Sun-
day, September 17th , there will be a very special free program at 7:30 pm inside the
museum. You will see the featured works of photographer Sharon Hoogstraten in an ex-
hibit like none you’ve never seen before. Sharon is a member of the Citizen Potawato-
mi Nation and has photographed many Potawatomi in full regalia. This exhibit will
feature many of these beautiful, colorful scenes as transparent images. They will be
hung from the ceiling and measure 8’ tall by 18’ long. You will be able to walk
through them but still see the image. Most unusual! Plus, she will have others on can-
vas that are 4 x 7. Sharon lives in Chicago and has been named the honored Potawato-
mi for the Trail of Courage. Don’t miss this truly amazing program.
Kewanna Fall Festival is September 29th, 30th and October 1st. This annual free festival
will feature the “Great American Family Circus” daily, “The Carla Wallenda Family
Aerial Show and much more. The AAAL is cosponsoring the Johnny Bergin blues band
from the Chicago area at the park pavilion, if you want to check them out.
Area Festivals:
Do you want to take
an epic adventure? If
you are going to be in
the Elkhart, Goshen
and Middlebury area,
check out the incredi-
ble life-size sculptures
by Seward Johnson.
You can find them along the Heritage Trail
now until October 20th, 2017. A map and more information can be
found on the website at epicartadventures.com or
amishcountry.org.
Delphi Opera House, 109 S. Washington Street, Delphi Indiana:
Nashville Songwriter’s Round III will be performing on September 16th . The show
starts at 7:30pm. This group plays rock, alternative, folk and country plus some story
telling. A fish fry is happening at the Union Center (1\2 a block away) that evening from
4 – 7pm if you want to arrive early for dinner.
On September 22nd, 2017, Mary Flower will perform. The show starts at 7:30pm. She
plays acoustic – blues, guitar and vocal style music.
Events Out of Our Area
Page 4 AKRON AREA ARTS LEAGUE Akron Area Arts League PO Box 702 Akron, IN 46910
Acoustic jam session is every third Friday of the month in the Akron
Community Center. The next scheduled jam is September 15th. You are
encouraged to bring your acoustic instrument to play. If you don’t play an instrument,
bring a friend and come listen! Coffee and punch will be served. If you would like,
bring a snack to share.
Jam:
The Midwest Museum of American Art,
Elkhart is calling for artists for the 39th Elkhart
Juried Regional all medium competition. Entries are accepted Sept. 9th-23rd. The opening
reception is October 6th from 7-9pm and the show will run to Dec. 3rd. For the prospectus
go to: www.midwestmuseum.us
Clark Gallery, Honeywell Center 2017 Photography Show, Sept. 30th - Nov. 8th. Entries
accepted Monday, Sept. 25th from 11 am-2 pm. Go to: www.honeywellcenter.org or
call: 260 272 1410 for guidelines and entry forms.
Opportunities to Exhibit:
Workshops:
Geneva Center, right outside of Rochester off of old 31:
Braxton Eikenberry will be leading a strained glass workshop. The classes start on Monday,
October 16th through Thursday, October 19th until noon. It is 4 days and 3 nights with ten
meals included. Contact Cathy Adley for more information
574-223-6915 or email:[email protected]
AAAL member Diana Tesler has a one-woman
show “Passages” in Link Gallery, Winger Hall, and
Manchester University.
A reception is schedule for Sunday, September
17th from 2- 4pm. The building is located right
across East Street from the Student Union
where Jim Scott has an exhibit in the second
floor Gallery.
Member News:
Page 5 AKRON AREA ARTS LEAGUE
Akron Area Arts League PO Box 702 Akron, IN 46910
The photography group
meets every third Tuesday
of the month from
6 – 7:45pm at the Rochester library, in meeting room A. The next
scheduled meeting will be September 19th. This month the
suggested print topics are fruits\vegetables and hats. You may
also bring other prints to share.
Photography Group:
Gallery G, Switzer Union:
Jim Scott, “Remembrances” now through September 11th.
Honeywell Center, Clark Gallery:
Beginning August 30th-September 24th, “The Next Generation” is a display of art by
talented High School and College students.
Photo Show, September 30th through November 8th.
MoonTree Studios, Donaldson:
“Garden of Vessels: Exploration of Clay Art”, opening reception Saturday, August 26th,
1-3 pm through October 7th.
Area Visual Arts:
The Akron Library is currently showing
a Retrospective Photography Exhibit of the late
AAAL member Don Drone. Stop in during regular library hours. The Fulton County
Public Library, Rochester will feature Peru artist J.O. Buffington and his Plein air painting
buddies beginning September 5th.
Library Exhibits:
The Ole Olson Memorial Theater in Peru has announced its
2017-2018 season.
“Nunsense II”, Dinner and show, Sept. 28th at 6 pm, Sept. 29th , 30th, Oct. 6th-7th at 7:30 pm
and Oct. 1st & 8th at 2 pm.
“A Christmas Carol”, Nov. 30th, Dec.1st -3rd & Dec 8th-10th.
“Five Women Wearing the Same Dress”, Feb. 22nd-25th, March 2nd-4th.
“Bleacher Bums”, April 26th-29th, May 4th-6th.
Cost: Still only $35 for all four shows! Get tickets by calling 765-472-3680.
Ivy Tech Community College, 425 Main Street, Peru:
“Sherlock Holmes-In Love” will feature Ole Olsen alumni in this production written by Bob
Bryan. Sept. 15th & 16th at 7:30 pm and Sept. 17th at 2 pm. For more information call
765-472-3680.
Area Theater:
Page 6 AKRON AREA ARTS LEAGUE
Akron Area Arts League PO Box 702 Akron, IN 46910
Wild Rose Moon, 115 Main Street Plymouth:
Open Mic nights are scheduled from 7-9:30 pm the first and third Wednesdays of each
month. Musicians, singers, comedians poets and dramatic readings are all welcome. Open
acoustic jam sessions are held on the second Wednesday of each month and all music gen-
res and skill levels are welcome. These evenings are free of charge and refreshments are
served.
Mollie B. Moon and Riely O’Conner. Saturday, September 16th at 8pm.
Harpeth Rising – Wild Rose Moon radio hour. Friday, September 29th at 8pm.
Honeywell Center in Wabash: September:
8th - Larry Gatlin and the Blackwood Quartet. Tickets $20- $75.
9th - Paul Anka. Tickets $49-$100.
22nd, 23rd and 24th (this show 2pm)- The Addams Family
29th – Travis Tritt.
All shows 7:30pm unless specified. Prices vary. For more information visit the website
honeywellcenter.org then events & shows or call 260-563-1102
Area Music & Theaters:
Look! Art is Everywhere!
New Contact Info:
Rhoda Kiesow
P.O. Box 752 Rochester, IN. 46975
316-312-3774
Visit our website: www.AkronAreaArts.com
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