The Pulse 17.33 » August 12, 2020

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CHATTANOOGA’S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE

the hunter roars back back to school nom collective little farm house kodi lee’s a star VOLUME 17, ISSUE 33 | AUGUST 12, 2020

Social distancing is the most effective tool we have for slowing the spread of the coronavirus. And that means staying home, if you can.

Social distancing is the most effective tool we have for slowing the spread of the coronavirus. And that means Work from home. Play at home. Stay at home. staying home, if you can.

If you must go out, keep your social distance—six feet,

or twofrom arm-lengths apart.

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In between.

Work home. Play at home.

Stay at home.

It’s going take us. Ifdistance—six home really feet, is where If you musttogo out,every keep one yourof social thetwo heart is, listen to yours and do the life-saving thing. or arm-lengths apart.

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It’s going to take every one of us. If home really is where

Visit coronavirus.gov for the latest tips and information from the CDC. Visit coronavirus.gov for the latest tips and information from the CDC. the heart is, listen to yours and do the life-saving thing.

#AloneTogether #AloneTogether

TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP SLOW THE SPREAD.

Featured Inside VOLUME 17, ISSUE 33 • AUGUST 12, 2020

LONELY? EXPERIENCE THE INEFFABLE PRESENCE OF ART

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The Hunter Museum of American Art never ceased to function, but when its doors were closed during the lockdown, we all missed the ability to stand rapt in front of our favorite sculpture or painting.

BACK TO SCHOOL SAFELY

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AAA is warning drivers to be cautious as schools begin to open across the state. Normally drivers would expect to see increased foot traffic in school zones, sidewalks and crosswalks, but this year will be completely different, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

THE NOM COLLECTIVE The NOM Collective is a collection of people focused on helping their neighbors get enough to eat. They fundraise and crowdsource food and masks, and once a week, they deliver lunches, fresh fruit, water, juice and face coverings to homeless people.

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THE LITTLE FARM HOUSE

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The Creative Discovery Museum was awarded a $250,000 Museums of America grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to help fund the renovation and expansion of the Museum’s early childhood exhibit, Little Yellow House.

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THE ARTS

Presence of Art Experience the ineffable

The Hunter Museum of American Art is reopening safely, with fresh artworks on view and a wide palette of online offerings, too ...

BY JENN WEBSTER

T

he Hunter Museum of American Art never ceased to function, but when its doors were closed during the lockdown, we all missed the ability to stand rapt in front of our favorite sculpture or painting.

Already Chattanoogans and out-of-towners are flocking to the museum, enjoying the collection safely, and reporting favorably on their experience.

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“

Watching the Tennessee River flow by, guests will be able to meditate on the material cultures coming together to produce this beautifully serene installation.”

A return to the museum resembles a reunion with old friends. Pieces from the permanent collection may have been rotated on or off of display, making for delightful surprises. And there are new installations, too.

“Before the pandemic hit, we had just finished an installation by Baggs McKelvey, a local artist and educator,” says Cara McGowan, Director of Marketing and Communications for the museum.

“She created a site-specific installation in the East Art Lounge, a small gallery overlooking the river.”

Called Indigo, the site-specific installation is a response to Robert Rauschenberg’s painting Opal Reunion from the Hunter’s collection (and currently on view in Gallery 17). McKelvey uses strips of denim to create a web-like space.

“As you walk into the space, the installation is all around you,” McGowan says. “The denim was crowdsourced from families and friends who gave the artist jeans and other denim clothing they no longer wore.

“McKelvey created wide strips of denim rope from the clothing and wove them throughout the space. The work comments on the idea of our consumer culture and how we buy and discard clothes every year. It also references the history of slavery in this country with the production of cotton and dying fabrics with indigo.”

Watching the Tennessee River flow by, guests will be able to meditate on the material cultures coming together to produce this beautifully serene installation.

Indigo will be on display until spring 2021.

The F Word On Aug. 21, an exhibition called The F Word will celebrate the 100th year of women’s suffrage in the U.S. with a display of some of the museum’s pieces by women artists. Subtitled “We Mean Female,” the exhibition will incorporate art in many different mediums.

“It’s a range of work, everything from textiles and video to paintings and sculpture,” McGowan says. “Before COVID, we had launched the Year of the Female Artist, YoFA, in honor of the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage. The F Word is the centerpiece of that effort. It calls special attention to some of the gems in our permanent collection.

Because of the scale of some of the pieces, we don’t put them on view that often.”

Local performing artists will also take part in The F Word, which will run through the end of 2020.

The Hunter Online While the community is eager to see the Hunter in person again, many people may not yet feel safe going out—or may be ready to take their experience of art to the next level. Luckily, the Hunter has been enhancing its online offerings during the pandemic, McGowan says.

“When we closed our doors, we knew we wanted to be able to continue to connect people to artwork,” she says. “In some ways, it felt like connecting with something beautiful and thought-provoking was even more important during the time everyone was sheltering in place. We created a new section of our website, Virtual Hunter, which is

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still available and is expanding all the time.”

From the bottom of the museum’s home page, visitors of all ages can navigate to art activities, coloring pages, even images from the permanent collection to use as a unique Zoom background.

For those looking for a deeper dive, lectures, videos and articles are available, including Noel Anderson’s powerful Blak Origin Movement lecture and dozens more.

Still, as McGowan says, “There is something really that you can’t replicate in terms of standing in front of an original artwork. There’s something unique and powerful about looking at a creation face to face.”

Visiting Safely People returning to the Hunter will notice changes to promote their safety and that of staff and volunteers. Masks are required for all patrons age five and older, and recommended for those age two to five.

“We came up with comprehensive guidelines to create as safe an experience as possible,” McGowan says. “We have increased our cleaning.

We encourage physical distancing in galleries with fun, artistic signage. We’re also encouraging online ticketing to create a more touchless experience.”

Visit the Hunter Book tickets online at huntermuseum.org/visit Hours: Monday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday: Noon–5 p.m.

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“Seated Fiture” from the F Word exhibit

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SPOTLIGHT

School

Going back to

Extra caution required for motorists as schools open throughout the region...

BY MEGAN COOPER

A

AA is warning drivers to be cautious as schools begin to open across the state. Normally drivers would expect to see increased foot traffic in school zones, sidewalks and crosswalks, but this year will be completely different, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.”

With a mix of in-school and remote learning, motorists could find increased pedestrian traffic in neighborhoods as many students transition to remote and virtual learning options.

“Back to school season looks a little different this year, but it’s still important for motorists to be vigilant and keep safety top of mind,“ said AAA’s Megan Cooper.

“Traditional school zone activity could move closer to home for many and we are urging drivers to remain alert and expect increased foot and bicycle traffic at all times throughout the day.”

TIPS FOR DRIVERS • Slow down and be vigilant in school zones.

Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.

Some school districts may be staggering bus schedules to keep students safely socially distanced. This means that school zones may be active for longer or active at unexpected times. If a school zone or bus stop is on your commute be extra cautious at all times.

• Expect children in neighborhoods throughout the day.

With more students learning from home, whether through homeschooling or virtual learning, children may be playing outside or taking a recess break throughout the day. Treat neighborhoods as school zones by reducing your speed and watching for children near the road.

• Come to a complete stop.

Research shows that more than onethird of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.

• Eliminate distractions.

Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing. And children can be quick, crossing the road unexpectedly or emerging suddenly between parked cars.

• Watch for bicycles.

Children on bicycles are often inexperienced, unsteady and unpredictable.

Slow down and allow at least three feet of passing distance between your vehicle and a bicyclist. If your child rides a bicycle to school or around the neighborhood, require that they wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet on every ride.

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PEOPLE & PLACES

Hamilton County Teacher To Participate In Internationally Renowned Dance Institute

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essica Laliberte Bowman, a Chattanooga choreographer and teacher for Hamilton County Schools, is one of 21 artists selected internationally to join Curriculum in Motion Institute, a yearlong professional development program for choreographers at Jacob's Pillow.

Motivated by a desire to make new dances with young artists, Bowman co-developed the Student Choreography Project at Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts (CCA), where she is on dance faculty.

Jacob's Pillow is one of the field's most prestigious professional dance training centers and has been recognized as a 'hub and mecca of dancing' in TIME Magazine and 'the dance center of the nation' in The New York Times. Jacob's Pillow is a national historic landmark, recipient of the National Medal of Arts, and home to America's longest-running international dance festival.

"I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to work with the CIM Institute," said Bowman. "To work with Jacob's Pillow truly is a dream realized as a choreographer and dance educator, and I cannot wait to deepen my practice, broaden my skill set and share what I learn with my students and community."

The Curriculum in Motion Institute is a highly specialized professional development experience for choreographers that examines and explores how dance makers are essential artistic, civic, and community partners in a COVID-19 world and beyond.

The Institute, led by Curriculum in Motion Co-Founder, Celeste Miller, and Founding Artists Kimberli Boyd and Michael Richter. Curriculum in Motion uses body-based practices and uses an approach that embraces dance as an accessible, complex system of physical, mental, emotional, creative, and spiritual knowledge rooted in bodybased intelligence.

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It directly supports the work of dance makers in K-12 classrooms, museums, and after-school programs. Institute participants gain access to a meaningful network and may apply to join the esteemed roster of Curriculum in Motion Artists.

"Being a part of this intimate cohort of artists from as far away as Mumbai, India, and from cities across the United States, I am excited to represent Hamilton County Schools and the state of Tennessee," Bowman added. "I believe that equitable access to the arts is a powerful vehicle for building community."

Bowman holds a Bachelor's in Dance from Columbia College Chicago and has spent 15 years collaborating with community organizations. She is recognized for having a unique ability to see obstacles as stepping-stones that helps her build community.

The last five years of her career have focused on teaching dance standards through interdisciplinary arts and literacy, writing curriculum, and presenting her work at conferences for artists and educators. Bowman served on the Board of Directors for the TN Association of Dance for a decade and most recently sat on the Arts Advisory Focus Group for the TN Department of Education's re-opening guidelines for Arts Education.

Over the next 12 months, Mrs. Bowman looks forward to diving deeper into the creative process, cultivating relationships with new colleagues, and forging new partnerships in the Chattanooga community. In July of 2021, she will travel to Jacob's Pillow in Becket, Massachusetts, to present her Curriculum in Motion Institute Capstone Project.

Jessica Laliberte Bowman AUGUST 12, 2020

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COMMUNITY

Great Deeds Small hands doing

The NOM Collective is just what it sounds like—a collection of people focused on helping their neighbors get enough to eat...

BY JENN WEBSTER

D

uring the pandemic, we’ve all been getting our noms on…I mean, maybe a little too much? (I’m donating pants now that I can no longer button.) But this may be a case of “count your blessings,” because for some of our neighbors, ample, healthy food has been hard to come by. Enter the NOM Collective.

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Though small, the group is mighty. In the space of just a few months, they’ve delivered more than 1,000 meals and 200 face coverings, plus hundreds of bags of fresh fruit,” The NOM Collective is just what it sounds like—a collection of people focused on helping their neighbors get enough to eat. They fundraise and crowdsource food and masks, and once a week, they deliver lunches, fresh fruit, water, juice and face coverings to homeless people and folks living in low-income housing.

Though small, the group is mighty. In the space of just a few months, they’ve delivered more than 1,000 meals and 200 face coverings, plus hundreds of bags of fresh fruit, according to Dominik Heinrici, lecturer in the English Department at UTC, who founded the NOM Collective this May. “I know the name is a bit silly,” he writes, “but I organize our food runs on Facebook, and I needed a name quickly. I admit I was inspired by the ever-popular Cookie Monster.”

Heinrici may have been on to something, because the memorable moniker keeps the group front-and-center in many people’s minds. The NOM Collective now boasts seven active members plus a wide range of donors, including generous contributors from his home country of Austria.

The concept for the NOM Collective came out of Heinrici’s work with UTC’s Read 2 Achieve program, he says. Three years ago, when the class chose to focus on racial justice, Heinrici asked local authorities from the Black community to participate as guest speakers. In this way, he

met Chris Sands, a pastor at Olivet Baptist Church, and Troy Rogers, Chattanooga’s public safety director, sparking ongoing friendships.

“When I saw on Facebook that Troy was bringing food to those in need every single day, I asked myself what I could do to contribute,” Heinrici writes. “I started with preparing 20 lunch bags every week and dropping them off. After some time, Troy asked me to join his endeavor, so one thing led to the other.”

The NOM Collective links Heinrici’s group of seven friends to a larger network of community giving, which provides direction and support.

“My friends in the larger operation, which is organized by leaders in the Black community, have distributed more than 17,000 meals at this time,” he writes. “It was really important to me to be invited into the community and to take directions from someone more familiar with Chattanooga than I am.

“At first, I was a bit uncomfortable about doing this interview, because I really don’t want to toot my own horn. However, there is one thing I learned during the last three months. Even if I can’t change anything monumental, every little bit makes a difference. When I started with 20 meals a week, it felt really insufficient to me, but then I realized that 20 people would not go hungry for one day. I think we very often get de-

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terred from trying to change things by following the narrative that whatever we could do would be insufficient. Change what you can, don’t despair over things that are not in your control.”

The NOM Collective, an eclectic bunch of scholars and role-playing gamers, may sound like an unusual cadre of humanitarian workers. But Heinrici says it all makes sense. The NOM Collective gives its members a real-world chance to “fight for the greater good,” just as a paladin would do in in a Dungeons & Dragons game.

Get Your NOM On If you need access to fresh food, the NOM Collective starts their weekly delivery run at the James A. Henry Elementary School, then stops at nearby housing projects, the tent city on 11th Street, and the Community Kitchen before finishing their route at the tent city near Workman on Rossville Boulevard, Heinrici says. Since they may run out of food, they rotate their route to ensure everyone has a chance to get their fair share.

They also practice extensive sanitiz-

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ing along their way, attempting to keep the community as safe as possible during COVID-19.

In the future, Heinrici says, the NOM Collective hopes to add hygiene articles to their delivery routes and perhaps to expand to two runs every week. They’re also looking to build sustainability so they can continue their mission even as members encounter job loss or quarantine.

“At the moment, I am very scared about the prospect of an eviction crisis in the near future, which would make an already hard situation even much, much harder,” Heinrici says.

We may feel like there’s not much we can do to keep our Chattanooga neighbors from going hungry, but in fact, any one of us can keep one neighbor from missing one meal. Put those efforts together and you get a group like the NOM Collective. An RPG player would certainly find Tolkien’s words resonant: “Such is the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere.”

To learn more, contact Dominik Heinrici at dominik-heinrici@utc.edu.

PIC T U R E H U N G E R.

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LEARN MORE AT IAMHUNGERINAMERICA.ORG

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GIVING BACK

Be The Change Youth Initiative Inspires Youth to Help Kids in Tennessee

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ydney Guerrette, founder of Be The Change Youth Initiative, has traveled the United States encouraging youth to serve their communities. Through a partnership with Songbirds Foundation, Guerrette is combining her love for music and empowering youth as she rallies them to help raise $10,000 for the Songbirds Foundation’s Guitars for Kids Program.

In 2016, for her 15th birthday, Sydney wanted to grant the wish of a child through Make-A-Wish America. Unable to raise the money on her own, she asked her friends to help through the simple act of doing the things they love.

Four years later, the 18-year-old has traveled across the country encouraging youth to use their gifts and talents to help others.

Through the simple acts of painting, reading, and building Legos, they have raised almost $50,000 for various organizations, including Make-A-Wish America, Hands and Feet Project, and To Write Love on Her Arms.

As part of her current partnership with Songbirds Foundation, Guerrette is combining two of her passions: music and kids.

“I have two passions in life: creating music and encouraging kids to use their gifts to serve their communities. Right now, more than ever, I’m committed to empowering youth to see how important their voices are and how, when we work together, we can create a positive change in the world,” said Guerrette.

“Our partnership with Songbirds Foundation is even more important because the gift of music has had a profound impact on our family. My brother Brayden’s struggle with depression and suicidal ideation was such a dark time for our family, but music helped him process his thoughts and communicate his pain. It was such an important part of his

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healing process and one of the reasons we want to support Guitars for Kids.”

Songbirds Foundation’s Guitars for Kids program was created to restore and revive the school music experience, providing students with the basic fundamentals and a diverse range of playing styles and techniques.

Students also develop their social-emotional capacity as they learn to work through social, health, and life issues with certified music therapists. While working in groups, students create friendships and establish musical bonds with other players. This type of group interaction is essential for kids who have experienced bullying or have atypical developments such as autism, Down syndrome, or Asperger’s.

“Over the past five years we have seen hundreds of kids grow through music and overcome some major life obstacles,” reports Reed Caldwell, Executive Director of Songbirds Foundation. “We are so proud to be able to provide a robust musical education to students all over the state. It is super cool to see kids like Sydney and Brayden deciding to give back and help us accomplish our goals.”

You can catch Sydney and Brayden performing at Chattanooga Unite every Saturday from 4-6 pm. (Tennessee Riverpark at 4301 Amnicola Hwy). For more information on the Fundraising Initiative visit bethechangeyi.com/songbirds

Sydney Guerrette and young friends

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DOWNTOWN

Farm House Building the Little

The Creative Discovery Musuem, long one of the most popular attractions to residents and visitors alike, is expanding thanks to a generous grant...

BY KYRSTIN HILL

T

he Creative Discovery Museum has been awarded a $250,000 Museums of America grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to help fund the renovation and expansion of the Museum’s early childhood exhibit, Little Yellow House.

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“

Access to high-quality, early-learning experiences for children birth to five is necessary for success in Kindergarten and long-term education.”

The IMLS grant funds will directly support the Ignite Discovery: Creating the New CDM capital campaign that launched in January.

CDM was one of 109 museums to be awarded the Museums of America grant nationally.

The Ignite Discovery renovation will transform the iconic Little Yellow House exhibit into the Little Farm House, doubling the size of the early childhood exhibit. From an expanded space for crawlers to the new barn and farm, the Little Farm House will offer a variety of opportunities for pretend play which is critical for social and cognitive development in children.

Research shows that more than 90 percent of brain growth occurs in the first five to six years of life. Access to high-quality, early-learning experiences for children birth to five is necessary for success in Kindergarten and long-term education. As the region’s leading expert in experiential education, CDM provides a child-centric experience that features hands-on educational activities, stimulates the senses and grows a child’s mind.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant from IMLS,” said executive director Henry Schulson. “Little Yellow House is one of our most popular exhibits for families with young children. Expanding the space will help us further our commitment to early learning, provide the building blocks for healthy brain development and increase the intellectual and social capacity of the children in our community and beyond.”

“As pillars of our communities, libraries and

museums bring people together by providing important programs, services and collections.

These institutions are trusted spaces where people can learn, explore and grow,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “IMLS is proud to support their initiatives through our grants as they educate and enhance their communities.”

CDM received several large contributions to Ignite Discovery during its 14-week closure: $200,000 from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, $100,000 from the City of Chattanooga, $60,000 from Southface Good Use and $50,000 from the George R. Johnson Family Foundation.

“The support of our community during these difficult times has been tremendous,” said Schulson. “Despite taking a significant financial hit due to our spring closure, we are looking forward to a positive, and newly renovated, future.”

Due to COVID-19, the campaign was temporarily suspended, but will be officially re-ignited in September. The Museum and its investors are undertaking a $10 million dollar campaign to fund comprehensive renovations of its 43,000 square foot facility.

The initiative is centered on three goals: to ensure CDM remains a leader in experiential learning, a gathering place for all children and a gateway to a vibrant downtown Chattanooga. Over $6.7 million has been raised to date. The exhibit renovations are slated to be finished in 2021.

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NEWS & NOTES

6th Annual Wildlife and Landscape Photo Contest Taking Submissions

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ennessee Wildlife Federation, one of the largest and oldest nonprofits dedicated to conserving the state’s wildlife and natural resources, is now accepting photo submissions for its 6th annual Tennessee wildlife and landscape photo contest.

Photographers are encouraged to submit up to 20 of their best images of Tennessee’s wildlife and landscapes. Submissions can be made from Aug. 1 through Aug. 31 at tnwf. org/PhotoContest.

A panel of judges will select the best photos to be featured in the Federation’s 2021 calendar and across the Federation’s digital platforms. Winners will also receive a variety of prizes including gift cards, Federation apparel, a custom-built birdhouse, and Patagonia duffle bag.

“We look forward to the photo contest every

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year at the Federation,” said Kendall McCarter, chief development officer for Tennessee Wildlife Federation. “Tennessee has some of the most breathtaking landscapes and wildlife for photographers--both amateur and professional--to capture and the Federation enjoys spotlighting their work throughout their year.”

The deadline to submit photos is 11:59 p.m. CT Aug. 31. Voting for the People’s Choice winner will be open for the public on Sept. 4.

For more information and official contest rules visit tnwf.org/PhotoContest.

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center Celebrates Arts In Nature The beauty in nature has been an inspiration for art throughout humanity. Beautiful photographs, paintings, sculptures and other mediums have attempted to capture what naturally occurs throughout the world.

A big part of natural science is collecting and preserving specimens to study and archive for future use. In the plant community, these archives are known as herbariums.

In these herbariums, scientists store preserved specimens and seeds to create

an accurate archive of living organisms.

Join our “Botanist in the Attic,” Zach Irick, for a day of art in nature. During this program, you will go out into the field and select plant specimens to add to the herbarium collection.

Zach will demonstrate how to properly prepare and press the specimens. Once the specimens are pressed, participants will frame their pressed plants for wall art.

Limited to nine people.

Event is outside; social distancing requirements apply.

Back Alley Seeking Actors for “The Night of the Living Dead” Back Alley Productions invites you to audition for our upcoming production of Night of the Living Dead, set for Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Auditions will be held online using Zoom. A link to online auditions forms and the Zoom room can be found at BAPshows.com/auditions.

Performances will be held at the Mars Theatre, streaming live to an online audition. Performances are Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and 31 at 7:30 p.m. and midnight.

Based on the 1968 American horror film of the same name, Back Alley Productions is bringing George A. Romero’s definitive zombie apocalypse to life. The story follows seven people trapped in a rural farm house in western Pennsylvania and details a night of survival.

“We had selected The Night of the Living Dead last year before the world turned upside down,” Director Christopher Smith said. “But the themes of the story are poignant for our time. It’s not just a mindless zombie flick. Romero was surprisingly introspective about society, ignorance, race relations,

what isolation does to the psyche, the fear of the other, and how fear can keep you alive, but can also lead to some of the worst in humanity.”

Locked inside, and under constant assault from an enlarging group of cannibalistic undead ghouls, our survivors must do their best to last the night. As the stress of the monsters wears everyone to their mental breaking points they find that the true threat might be inside themselves.

AUGUST 12, 2020

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MUSIC

Kodi Lee

StarNight welcomes

The singer-songwriting savant America fell in love with on America’s Got Talent headlines a special evening to support Siskin Children’s Institute...

BY SHANNON YORK

S

iskin Children’s Institute is excited to announce the 58 Annual StarNight. This year’s event will feature inspiring stories, amazing families, strong kids, and a private, one-time-only, performance by Kodi Lee, American singer-songwriter savant, pianist, and winner of America’s Got Talent Season 14.

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“

Born with optic nerve hypoplasia, surviving a life-saving surgery at five days old and being diagnosed with autism at an early age has never stopped Kodi from reaching for his dreams.”

StarNight 2020 will be live on Saturday, September 26 at 7 pm. Kodi Lee, winner of America’s Got Talent Season 14 on NBC, is a 22-year old blind, autistic musical prodigious savant. He is one of only approximately 25 people in the world today who possesses these extraordinary abilities.

Kodi’s amazing gift lies within his musical expression, perfect pitch, and passion for all forms of music. His audio photographic memory gives him the ability to recall music he hears after only one listen.

Born with optic nerve hypoplasia, surviving a life-saving surgery at five days old and being diagnosed with autism at an early age has never stopped Kodi from reaching for his dreams.

Kodi continues to pursue his musical career and his dream is to be a “rock star” performing for thousands of fans. Any opportunity Kodi has to perform is a good day for him.

The bigger, more energetic the audience, the more he loves to shine.

Kodi currently performs at a variety of events including charity galas like StarNight, corporate events and wineries around the world. Recently he was invited to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City. His musical repertoire ranges from rock to jazz, to R & B, and pop.

Additionally, his mastery of the classics such as Bach, Chopin, Mozart, and the list goes on. He literally has a library of songs in his mind that would rival any jukebox, but he

doesn’t stop there. He recently has picked up tap dancing and he continues to amaze with his musical expression through dance and vocalization.

Kodi’s story, his inspirational determination, and indomitable spirit to overcome all obstacles have been featured in Orange County Register, Los Angeles Times, numerous broadcast television features, and documentaries.

He also shares his gift to help bring awareness to autism and many other charitable organizations like Siskin Children’s Institute.

StarNight guests will enjoy a unique, virtual spin on StarNight. They will get to meet some of our families, hear their stories, and see how Siskin Children’s Institute is helping children reach their dreams and achieve their goals.

Hosted by Alison Lebovitz, host of The A List with Alison Lebovitz on WTCI-TV PBS, guests will also hear from Tina, Kodi Lee’s mom, and learn more about their journey and what inspired her to introduce Kodi to music.

The evening will be wrapped up by a private, one-time-only, performance by Kodi Lee. Guest will also enjoy a special StarNight 2020 Gift Package that may include wine, dinner gift cards, gourmet chocolates, selection of imported cheeses, complimentary keep sakes, and more. To learn more about individual tickets and sponsorships visit the website.

Reserve your tickets now to support Siskin Children’s Institute and the children and families they serve. Visit siskin.org/starnightkids.

AUGUST 12, 2020

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