raa newsletter summer 2015

[1] www.ruralalliancearts.com

NEW LOOK FOR COMMUNITY ART SHOWOur little community is brimming with talent. Each year RAA showcases the visual talent of our artists through the Community Art Show. This year, under the leadership of Judy Meyer, art will be shown in a new venue with fantastic cash prizes to the winners.

The piece earning Best of Show will be awarded $400. First place will earn $300, the second place award is $150 and the third place award is $100. (RAA must receive six entries per category to pay out third place).

Artwork will be displayed in Tri-State Artisans windows June 6 to June 27.

Local artists from Ripley, Franklin, Decatur, Dearborn and Switzerland Counties are encouraged to submit works in the categories of fine arts, applied arts and photography. There is a $25 entry fee per submission. The artwork is due to Tri-State Artisans, 125 E. George Street, June 6 between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

On June 18 and awards presentation will be held at the Tri-State Artisans from

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The winners will be announced at 7 p.m.

SUMMER 2015 Newslet ter | www. ru ra la l l i ancea r ts .com

Entry Requirements• Artist must be at least 18 years of age.

• Artist must be one of the following:

• A resident of Ripley, Franklin, or Decatur County in Indiana;

• A member of RAA;

• OR have donated to the RAA Art Auction in the past.

• Entry submitted must be an original.

• Artwork is limited to one entry per artist.

• Water features cannot be accepted.

• RAA has the right to refuse art deemed inappropriate.

• All participants must be willing to display artwork for the designated time frame, plus agree to transport the art to/from Tri-State Artisans.

• Pay nonrefundable Entry Fee ($25.00)

Instructions1. Complete and sign entry form.

2. Enclose $25 nonrefundable entry fee.

3. Return completed form when delivering artwork June 6th, or mail in advance to: Judy Meyer, 343 State Road 129 S, Batesville, IN 47006.

4. Each artist must deliver his/her own work to Tri-State Artisans on June 6th.

5. All artwork must be picked up on June 27th between 9-10 a.m.

Download an entry form online at

www.ruralalliancearts.com

http://www.ruralalliancearts.com







RAA Leadership turning a pageThe RAA is thrilled to announce Sarah Heppner of Oldenburg accepted the position of Executive Director beginning June 1. Sarah will replace Joan Kuhlman who is retiring after 17 years at the helm.

“I applied for the RAA Executive Director Position because I wanted to work more closely with the organization,” Sarah said. I value its mission in our community and in our schools. RAA has had and continues to have a major impact on my family.”

Sarah is married to Eric, a Batesville High School math teacher and the BHS varsity football coach. They have four daughters: Claire, 23, who now lives in NYC and works as a graphic designer; Ellen, 20, completing her sophomore year at IU majoring in math and economics; Grace, 17, a BHS junior and Sally,12, a Batesville Middle School seventh grader.

“We live in Oldenburg and love being part of the village,” Sarah said.

The busy mom, teacher and wife enjoys reading, exercising, tennis and craft projects.

“I currently work at Greensburg Jr. High School coordinating Title I and RTI (Response to Intervention). This is my third year and prior to this position I worked in the Batesville Community School Corporation for 22 years.”

Sarah said she developed a respect for RAA while a young teacher in the Batesville school system.

“I was in my early years of teaching when RAA was getting started and I have vivid memories of the Arts In Education programs,” Sarah said. “One program had volunteer parents coming into my classroom teaching my first graders about Great Paintings and Artists. I can easily recall the artistic procedure that would follow each lesson and the artists we studied.

The Arts in Education program brings artists, musicians and authors into the schools. RAA programming also supports community

events outside of classroom walls. Sarah said her family benefitted from all aspects of RAA.

“My children are artistic and have benefited from experiences in bookmaking, pottery making, attending the plays or concerts brought to our community and participating in the Prairie Fire Children's Theater,” she said.

Her daughters also participate in the Young Artist Showcases. The Young Artist Showcase is a yearly event for students in grades seven through 12 to be recognized for their achievements in music, art, drama, dance and writing.

Sarah said her eldest daughter, Claire, came back to Batesville to work with her high school art teachers as an Artist in Residence while in college two times.

Sarah will lead the RAAs 15 member Board of Directors.

“I have plenty to learn about the detailed workings of this organization but I look forward to using technology to increase the publicity of the RAA and as a way to

communicate the mission and its offerings to a wider group of people,” she said.

“I am most excited about continuing to offer artistic education, expression and enjoyment to our community and the chance to work with current and perspective supporters of the arts,” she said. “Our community is very fortunate to have the RAA.”

Sarah Heppner is the new RAA Executive

Director. The Heppner Family: (from left

to right) Claire, Ellen, Sarah, Eric, Grace

and Sally Heppner.

Welcome new RAA Executive Director,

Sarah Heppner!




Instrumental Director RetiresRetirement is a scary thing. Our careers become so much a part of us – they define who we are and dictate how we spend our days and who we spend them with. So it is with a bit of trepidation that I leave my post as Executive Director of RAA on May 31.

Many years ago in 1999, my good friend Kathy Cooley asked me to volunteer as a board member for the Rural Alliance for the Arts. At that time I had children in the Primary and Intermediate schools and I saw first-hand the wonderful enrichment programs the RAA provides to our students. So of course I said yes and served as an RAA board member of 6 years, including a stint as President. From there I took the job of RAA Administrator, which turned into Executive Director; and the years flew by. It has been a beautiful,

exciting, wonderful ride, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve had the privilege of working with many talented musicians, artists and volunteers. I’ve made lasting friendships. And I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy and participate in all the great community events that the RAA sponsors and supports. Words cannot

express how grateful I am to have had this amazing opportunity. Thank you to each and every one of you who’ve been a part of it, especially the m a n y b o a r d members over the years – all different, all amazing. Thank you for giving freely of your time and t a l e n t s , a n d f o r placing your trust in me at the helm.

Now as I turn my attention to travel and leisure, I wish for my successor Sarah Heppner the same tremendous support that I have received over these many years. I’m not sure what retirement will bring, or even what it means, but I do

know that a piece of my heart will always belong to the RAA. I

will continue to be an RAA supporter, a loyal and dedicated friend of the arts, and a volunteer whenever needed.

Sincerely,

Joan Kuhlman

Joan Kulhlman was celebrated with an outdoor event at RAA Board Member Nancy Mullen’s backyard retreat.

Community Art ShowJune 2015Tri-State Artisans

“Fiddler on the Roof”RAA Summer Musical

June 18-20 GreensburgJune 26-27 Batesville

“Jack & the Beanstalk”Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre

July 2015

The Bellaires August 1, 2015Batesville Bash, Downtown

“A Funny Little Thing Called Love”Fall Dinner Show

Nov 7-8, 2015RomWeber Marketplace

Mark Twaina one-man humorous family-friendly show

January 30, 2016

Art AuctionFebruary 13, 2016Walhill Farm

CALENDAR OF EVENTS




From Left to Right: Event Co-Chair Anne Amrhein and Emcee Chris Lowery take a quick break; (Lower Left) Local students were instrumental in helping with all aspects of the auction. Pictured are BHS students Erin Longstreth, Ian Williamson and Garrett Yorn. (Lower Right) Amack's Well, a coffee house opening in downtown Batesville graciously donated and served samples of their fresh roasted Coffee. Pictured are Amack’s Well board members.

AUCTION FUN FACTS # ATTENDEES # CONTRIBUTORS # VOLUNTEERS $$ RAISED

325 288 85more than

$90,000

2015ART AUCTION

SILVER ANNIVERSARY




From Left to Right: Linda Richardson and Chaz Kaiser, a BMS visiting artist pose, for a photo. (Right) Event Co-Chair Anne Raver and RAA Founder Jolene Rockwood share a laugh. (Center left) Batesville Community School Corporation employees Laura Gilland, Dr. Jere Schoettmer, Jamie Straber and Patricia Johnson worked the check-in and check-out tables. (Lower Right) Mary Jon McCaig and Emcee Chris Lowery have a fun moment pulling out Jane Craig's name as the "take your pick auction winner" and John Greiwe as the "cash raffle" winner. (Lower left) Natalie Boeyink and Bob Stright from Indianapolis Jazz Duet perform.




Sterling Silver Partners

Romeo and Juliet SponsorsAdvance Nitriding Solutions

Batesville Casket Company

Ken & Frann Camp

ETC

Gus & Nancy Hillenbrand

John & Joan Hillenbrand

Tom & Cindy Johnson

MainSource Bank

Margaret Mary Health

The Morel Company

Richard & Mary Pytelewski

Joe & Anne Raver

Jolene Rockwood

Scott & Marge Sorensen

Rhe and Scarle SponsorsLeonard & Jere Schoettmer

Bogey and Bacall SponsorsRodney & Bobbie Brandes

Countryside Realty

FCN Bank

Heartwood Manufacturing

Bob & Rae Koester

Walt & Carol Rosebrough

Peter & Elsa Soderberg

Fred and Ginger SponsorsBatesville Tool & Die

Mike & Lori Bettice

Rand & Beth Brandes,

in Honor of Rodney & Bobbie Brandes

Michael & Mary K. Cambron

Bob & Katie Ekins

Jim & Suzanne Elkins

Alan & Kathryn Freemond

Dr. Paul & Melanie Jarvis

Brad & Tina Longstreth

McDonald’s

Dr. Steve & Meg Muething

Al & Claire Sherman

Leon & Meg Smith

Erik & Lisa Tuveson

Other Cash DonationsJim & Judy Amos

Jack & Lori Barr

Curt Clawson

Comp It Pro

Tom & Carolyn Crawford

Ron & Meg Ellis

Dennis & Connie Harmeyer

Doby Hillenbrand

Mike & Cindy Kaminski

William & Kim Kelley

Arnie & Susie Kirschner

Mary Jo Mahle

Marty & Gerri McKinney

John & Cheryl Prentice

Michael & Diane Rathburn

Tudor Square Realty

Nathan & Natalie Wanstrath

Mark & Rita Wilder

RAA Auction Supporters




25th Art Auction a SuccessOn a perfect Valentine evening, more than 300 arts supporters gathered at Walhill Farm this year to celebrate and support the Rural Alliance for the Arts.

The attendees listened to host Chris Lowery, viewed more than 450 items for the silent and audible auction and raised a record amount of money.

After 25 years of hosting an arts auction, the 2015 event was the RAAs most successful and well-attended arts auction.

RAA Founder, Jolene Rockwood said it was a n ight o f pr ide in the ar ts organization.

Rockwood said 25 years ago RAA decided to host an art auction because it was a novel way to raise essential funding.

“All the other groups were doing raffles and other types of fundraisers,” she said. “So at the time it was a unique idea and the first one. After a few years, other organizations started doing auctions too, and now a lot do them, but we were the first.”

The first auction was in February of 1990 and was held in the Batesville Public Library. Jolene was President of the RAA and Amy Buckley was the first chairperson of the Auction.

“I remember that Patsy Bonafair organized the food and the board members brought appetizers and desserts,” she said. “At that time, and up until BJ Cox was chair, we only auctioned off art. I remember that it was a lot of fun,”

Rockwood attributed the successful 25th auction to the dedicated duo of event co-chairs Anne Amrhein and Anne Raver.

“They did an excellent job managing the auction, thinking outside the box and adding those touches that made a difference,” Rockwood said. “First, they were incredibly organized, and began early on to plan. Inviting past presidents, past auction chairs, past RAA board and committee members to organizational meetings was a brilliant idea, not only to gather a lot of really great ideas, but also to engage ownership in the anniversary auction among a lot of people right from the beginning.”

According to Rockwood, the co-chairs reached out to community members who once called Batesville home and were involved in the RAA when they lived here. Many of the people who have moved away have fond memories of RAA and all the services provided for their kids.

“They attracted great people to work on the auction and provided lots of gratitude and appreciation to these people,” the founder said. “In other words, everyone w h o w o r k e d o n t h e a u c t i o n f e l t appreciated. This is a wonderful skill that both of these women possess. Both of them had many years of experience in the arts, the community and the RAA and had excellent reputations. When the Annes asked someone to help, they did it!”

Rockwood said she also believes the successful event was due to the RAAs name recognition and good reputation for our great programs.

“I think the community supports the RAA Auction because people can see all the good we do in the community, especially through the arts in education programs in the schools,” she said. “These AIE programs have made a big difference and I believe have contributed to the overall excellence of the schools as seen in their high ratings in the state of Indiana.”

The 2015 anniversary auction was an emotional one for Rockwood.

“I had feelings of gratitude for the hundreds of people over the years who love the arts and worked hard with little recognition to selflessly bring culture and happiness to the residents of one small town in Indiana. It really does take a community to accomplish something this great.”

In partnership with Shannon Kramer of Miss Shannon’s Studio, RAA will offer a summer vocal camp July 13-17. The camp will be held at Miss Shannon’s Studio in Batesville, 13 Boehringer St. A recital will be offered July 17.

The camp includes private lessons, masterclasses and interactive lectures on topics such as: vocal techniques, stage craft, how to practice and stage combat. The camp is open to ages 11 and up.

The camp will feature instruction by Jonathan Stinson, an opera singer and composer. Stinson has appeared with opera companies throughout the country, including the Cincinnati Opera. Mr. Stinson made his international debut in Cortona, Italy in 2010, singing the title role of Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Stinson teaches voice and acting at The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam in Potsdam, NY. A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory and Indiana University, Stinson is in the final stages of completing his Doctorate of Musical Art degree at the University of Cincinnati — College Conservatory of Music.

Only 40 students will be accepted into the class. Students must audition with one song of classical or musical theater.

The fee is $100 for RAA members and $125 for non-members (this includes a one year RAA membership). The deadline for scheduling an audition date is July 3. Registrations are also due July 3. Registrations may be turned into Miss Shannon at the studio during business hours. (Summer hours 9a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday).

For more information contact Shannon Kramer at 812-212-6498 or [email protected].

SUMMER VOCAL CAMP



mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


BATESVILLE INTERMEDIATEBatesville Intermediate School wrapped up the 2015 school year with zumba and a cartoonist thanks to Arts in Education funding from RAA. Batesville’s Laura Ault presented Zumba music and dance for BIS students.

Cartoonist Steve Harpster met with BIS third graders. Steve Harpster is a freelance illustrator working in Columbus, OH. Harpster has illustrated over 100 books for kids. He now travels all over the country and does online visits all over the world teaching kids how to draw using numbers and letters. Harpster wants to show kids they have the power to draw, create, and imagine their own worlds and stories. Each student will receive a signed copy of one of his books.

PLANNING 2016 ARTS IN EDUCATIONRAA Board Member Rachael Berkemeier is arranging for author Mac Barnett to visit Batesville Primary School, Batesville Intermediate School & SLS in November. Mac Barnett is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 18 books for children. The books include two Caldecott-Honor-winning collaborations with Jon Klassen: Sam & Dave Dig a Hole and Extra Yarn, which also won the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award and the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award. He writes the Brixton Brothers series of mystery novels and, with Jory John, The Terrible Two. He lives in Berkeley.

Students may recognize the story of the Brixton Brothers as one of the books was a Young Hoosier Book Award nominee.

Rachael has written a VISION Fund grant application to help cover the cost of the event.

ARTS IN EDUCATION UPDATE




RAA’s Arts in Education Fund provides programs involving literary, musical, performance and hands-on art in the Batesville public schools, St. Louis and Oldenburg Academy.




Batesville HighJohn Bramblitt, Sightless painter

Holly Childress, printmaking

Julie Moore, ceramicist and potter

Mike Mullen, author

John Sante, videographer

Guest conductor

Letitia Bajuyo, 3-D and ceramics

Donald Poper, 2D and charcoal

Batesville Middle Hosted a Young Author's Day with Toma the MIME

Author/Illustrator, Nick Bruel, visited with 6th grade

Local artist Chaz Kaiser made copper, glass, and wood lanterns with industrial art students

Holly Childress, printmaking

New gyil and dashiki costumes purchased for the afterschool Gyil Ensemble

Guest conductor

African dance troupe

Kelly Ritchie, blues guitarist

Cincinnati Brass

Batesville IntermediateAuthor/Illustrator Nick Bruel

Sightless painter John Bramblitt

Civil war reenactment

Young Author's Day with Toma the MIME

Dramatic presentation of "Twas the Night Before Christmas"

Batesville PrimaryAuthor/Illustrator Nick Bruel


Clayworks with potter Don Edwards

Ben Franklin theatrical presentation

Clay artist worked with K students to create fish

Zumba with local artist

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park led interactive workshops with each class and performed Bird Brain

The Fourth Wall hybrid arts ensemble combined art, music and dance

George Seurat traveling art exhibit

A Tribute to Seuss featuring the magic of reading

St. LouisAuthor/Illustrator Nick Bruel visited

Robin Pease performed Native American stories


Sancocho Dance Troup taught the Chancleta dance from Cuba to 6-8 grades in combination with Spanish and music classes

Traveling art exhibit of Pablo Picasso

Oldenburg AcademyMaster classes with professional artists are offered in three areas of orchestra, voice, and art programming.

Arts in Education

sponsored by RAA




Fiddler on the Roof “If I were a rich man…” will be the tune of the summer.

RAA is thrilled to announce a collaboration with Greensburg’s Tree County Players to present the hit Fiddler on the Roof. The performances will be held June 18-20 in Greensburg and June 26-27 in Batesville.

The story of Fiddler on the Roof centers on the Tevye Family, a Jewish family living in the town of Anatevka, in the Russian Empire, in 1905. Tevye is poor but a hard worker. He and his wife have five daughters and cannot afford dowries for them. According to tradition, they must rely on the village matchmaker to find husbands for their daughters. The daughters have a different goal and wish to marry for love.

Therese Zins is the director/producer of the local production. Dance professional Lydia Woodword is the choreographer and Sue Menefeel, a retired music teacher will be the vocal coach. Experienced conductor Jim Boyd is the orchestra conductor and Karla Ariens the pianist.

This collaboration requires the efforts and talents of the entire community. “We invite anyone who would like to be involved to volunteer,” Dr. Chris Ault, an organizer said. “There’s always lots to do backstage. We’re looking forward to meeting you!”

The group is in need of a trombonist, string base player and a violist.

Construction workers and painters are needed to help with sets.

Musical Theater Camp comes to townJack and his Beanstalk will be growing this summer in Batesvi l le thanks to a col laborat ion between Prair ie Fire Children’s Theater and RAA.

The show will be the subject of this summer’s week-long summer theater camp.

Practices will take place at the Batesville High School Auditorium July 20 through 24. The performances will be held Friday, July 24 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 25 at 2 p.m.

Participation is free for RAA member families and $25 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. See registration form on opposite page.

RAA membership must be current for children to register. Registration forms must be postmarked by July 7 and will not be processed if membership has lapsed. Mailing in the membership fee and the r e g i s t r a t i o n f o r m t o g e t h e r i s recommended.

As a gift to the community, this year’s performance will be $5 for adults. Children will be admitted free.

TREE COUNTY PLAYERS PROUDLY PRESENTS

Greensburg Junior High School

June 18 and 19, 2015 - 7:00 pm June 20, 2015 - 2:00 pm

Batesville High School

June 26, 2015 - 7:00 pm June 27, 2015 - 2:00 pm

TICKETS: $10 Adults $5 Age 18 and under

For advance reserved seat tickets call (812) 528-5289 Remaining seats available at the door beginning one hour before the performance

Presented with support from Rural Alliance for the Arts

Fiddler on the Roof is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019.

Tickets are on sale NOW! Buy early for best seats. All seats are reserved.

812-528-5289

Tickets are on sale NOW!

Greensburg Junior High School

June 18 and 19, 2015 - 7:00 p.m. June 20, 2015 - 2:00 p.m.

Batesville High School

June 26, 2015 - 7:00 p.m. June 27, 2015 - 2:00 p.m.

TICKETS: $10 Adults $5 Age 18 and under

For advance reserved seat tickets call (812) 528-5289

Remaining seats available at the door beginning one hour before

the performance

Presented by Tree County Players and Rural Alliance for

the Arts



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Empire




ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

High school band instruments are expensive to keep clean and maintain. Rural Alliance for the Arts generously donated $1,675 that was split between music programs at Batesville High School, Batesville Middle School and Oldenburg Academy for just that purpose during each of the schools' Spring Band Concerts.

Special thanks to our sponsors:

PRST STDU.S. Postage

PAIDBatesville, INPermit #12

Above: Board members Anne Raver and Anne Amrhein; Joan Kuhlman, outgoing RAA Executive Director; Eric Stauffer, BHS Music Teacher and Band Director.

Left: Anne Amrhein, RAA Board Member; Kris Wampler, Oldenburg Academy Orchestra Director and head of the Fine Arts Department; Joan Kuhlman, outgoing RAA Executive Director..

raa newsletter summer 2015

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