Issue 136: Nov - Dec 2017

THE ARTS CENTER What’s Inside: Interview with Larry Kopp New Exhibit

THE ARTS CENTER NEWSLETTER Issue 136: Nov – Dec, 2017 Courtesy of:

Upcoming Classes Artful Happy Hour Call for Artists Upcoming Events Classic Movie Nights Live Music

From the director’s desk:

Lawrence Kopp Executive Director

The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus wrote, “The only thing that is constant is change.” The intervening centuries have proven the absolute truth of Heraclitus’ insight. In this world, everything is in a constant state of flux. We cannot escape the inexorable change that surrounds, and affects, all of us as we move through life.

The corollary of Heraclitus’ statement is a truism I found that applies to all nonprofit organizations—you are either moving forward and growing, or you are regressing. Staying the same, stasis, is impossible.

We are moving into an exciting new era here at The Arts Center. With the completion of the Hansen Arts Park, we now have a trio of facilities second to none. The Arts Center “Star Building,” along with the Hansen Studio and Arts Park, give us the ability to serve our community through the arts in more ways than ever before.

In today’s world, finding the support to build, or renovate, facilities can be extremely challenging. But in many ways, the true challenge comes in the months and years that follow completion of a project. Buildings, or parks for that matter, are tangible, physical entities. What is less tangible, but infinitely more important, are the programs that these facilities support. They are the raison d’ être for the facilities’ creation, yet oftentimes after the excitement surrounding the completion of a capital project fades, support wanes as organizations go back to the “humdrum” routine of serving the community.

To me, serving others is never boring or routine—and finding new ways to better serve the community represents to me true growth. I’m excited about our new class offerings, excited about changes to our newsletter and website to better communicate our story to you, our patrons, and excited about the myriad possibilities that our incomparable facilities offer to better serve the Jamestown community.

I invite all of you to join me in embracing the challenges The Arts Center surely will face and the changes we make to continue to thrive and grow as an organization and community. Your support is absolutely crucial as we move forward together into an exciting future for the arts in our community.

NEW AT THE ARTS CENTER: The American Experience Series A big, bold country, from our founding America has unapologetically trod our own path in virtually every way imaginable, including the artistic. The American melting pot brought together cultures from across the globe, producing a unique mélange that is quintessentially our own. America celebrates creators as diverse as Leonard Bernstein, Andy Warhol, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Jack Kerouac… and while possessing widely varied talents and artistic visions, they share a common bond as Americans and an outsized influence on our country and its culture. The American Experience explores the arts in America—and the American experience—and celebrates what we uniquely share as a people and nation.

anything goes: American Popular Music & Culture in the 20th Century Mondays: Nov 13 & 27 & Dec 4 5:30 – 7:00 pm • The Arts Center presented by Larry Kopp

Broadway. Jazz. Country. Rock & Roll. The 20th Century saw the emergence of the United States not only as a “superpower,” but the emergence of a uniquely American popular music and culture that the rest of the world eagerly embraced. Join us in a class that revels in the diversity of the American experience—from the steamy streets of New Orleans, to a remote hollow in the Appalachian Mountains, to the “Great White Way” of Broadway, to Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee —as we explore our own uniquely American popular music and culture and the forces that shaped it. Class fee $50 / $40 for members. (3 Classes of 90 Minutes).

Building a more thoughtful, informed, and just world through lifelong learning.

exhibitions revolving gallery exhibitions every four to six weeks

upcoming EXHIBITS David Driesbach: Spectacles, Top Hats and Ties November 9 – December 9, 2017 Brad Bohl: Evolving Genesis December 14 – January 20, 2018 One of our exhibition goals is to give visitors exposure to a broad range of art.

This fall the contrast of experience is fundamental. The recent exhibit by Richard Martinson featured a local painter whose style can be characterized as folk art full of nostalgic images of the American West and rural life. His work is narrative and begs the viewer to wonder about the characters and scenes depicted.

The November exhibit features the work of printmaker David Driesbach. This work is as complex as Martinson’s was simple. Driesbach’s sophisticated intaglio prints borrow common symbols from Medieval and Renaissance art that he has developed into a personal iconography. His prints are filled with chandeliers, candles, and moons; columns, arches, open windows, and other architectural spaces; as well as motifs of ties, money, eating and drinking, and bouquets of flowers. His work is also narrative and includes a set of repeated characters including policemen, couples in intimate settings, an artist selling prints, Little Orphan Annie, and the artist’s signature bespectacled man in a top hat (often representing himself ). Driesbach comes from academia, his work is built upon years of formal training and a mastery of intaglio print techniques. A respected educator, Driesbach taught for 39 years at numerous institutions retiring in 1991 from Northern Illinois University where he was appointed as the Distinguished Emeritus Professor.

Now in his mid 90’s, is still making prints in the studios at the College of DuPage.

Magicians Sabbath, David Driesbach, 1985, color lithograph The David Driesbach exhibit is sponsored by the North Dakota Art Gallery Association with support from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the National Endowment for the Arts

Right: Bison, Brad Bohl, 2014, oil on canvas Front Cover: Bull, Brad Bohl, 2017, oil on canvas

Bohl Opening Reception: December 14 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm In December, we host the work of another local artist, Brad Bohl. People are probably familiar with his family’s business, Bohl Iron Works, but unaware of Brad’s formal art training and hidden painting talent. His big, bold paintings of animals and other subjects are expressively rendered and will give the viewer yet another opportunity for comparison. His subjects have presence—whether they be bison, longhorn, or horse—and will call to you from across the gallery. The inspiration behind these paintings comes from Brad’s everyday experiences and interactions. He believes artists have been given a different set of eyes that have the ability to see everything as something that can be painted or interpreted onto canvas or other medium.

Call for Artists

Shape Shifting: Textile Challenge

We are looking for artists, seamstresses, weavers and anyone interested in fiber or fabric to participate in a textile challenge. The exhibition that will result from the “challenge” will be titled Shape Shifting which relates to requirements that the textile be one of these four shapes: 12” square, 12” diameter circle, 12” equilateral triangle, or 12” x 24” rectangle. The artwork could be a weaving, a quilt, a batik, a felted panel, a basket or other expression as long as its primary medium is the textile or fiber.

For more information and to join the challenge please register by November 1. You can download the registration form at: http://bit.ly/2gKDYR5 or visit our website for all the detials and registration information www.jamestownarts.com.

a look inside This month, we are introducing a new feature to the newsletter, interviews to help you to know our staff, instructors and volunteers better. It seemed like a good time to properly introduce Larry Kopp, for those who haven’t yet had the opportunity to meet him in person.

Tell us a little about your background, youth, and upbringing? I was born and raised in the country outside a small town called Catawissa in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It was a wonderful place to grow up, just like Mayberry in the Andy Griffith Show. I was surrounded by a wonderfully supportive family and friends, who were, and continue to be, a huge influence on my life. I started on the trombone in the fifth grade, and music quickly became the center of my life. My parents supported my music, and in the 10th grade I started studying with members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, which necessitated a 250 mile round trip drive several times a month. So I really had the best of both worlds—a small town upbringing and the opportunity to chase my musical dreams in a major city.

Where did you go to college? I attended Temple University in Philadelphia.

Temple is a major university in a large city, but the school of music is fairly small, and I more or less knew everyone majoring in music and all of the faculty. So, again, I was extremely fortunate in having the best of both worlds—the resources of a major university in large city while attending classes with excellent teachers and a fairly small number of people I knew well. I started making friends among the musicians in Philadelphia from my freshman year onward. I was playing all over the place around Philadelphia in ensembles outside of school, which led to my being able to make a living freelancing when I left school. After I got my bachelor’s degree, I could have gone to the Eastman School of Music or the Manhattan School of Music to do graduate study, but decided to stay at Temple as I was offered a full scholarship and teaching assistantship.

You served in the military also?

Yes! After freelancing for a few years and living the life of a starving artist, I decided I wanted to do something a bit more adventurous as well as serve my country. So, I enlisted as an infantryman in the Army and was off to beautiful Fort Benning, Georgia. I ended up going to Officer Candidate School and was a paratrooper most of my time in the Army. I served with the Airborne, Air Assault and Special Operations units (some of the best in the military). I loved serving my country, and I loved the people I served with. I learned so much about management and leadership—I use those skills every day.

What happened next? After 11 years in the Army, I decided I wanted to get back into music. The orchestra in Altoona, Pennsylvania took a chance on me and hired me as their Executive Director. That led to the next chapter in my life, leading arts organizations, primarily professional orchestras. It’s a logical progression if you think about it. I can use my understanding of the arts and the management and leadership skills I learned as an officer in the Army.

Are you married? I am a widower. My beautiful wife, Anne, passed from cancer a little over four years ago. I still miss her terribly.

What are your hobbies and interests? What do you do outside of work? Physical fitness has always been a big part of my life. With the units I served within the Army, being in top physical condition was a job requirement and could literally save your life. There is a good chance that after work you will find me exercising at Anytime Fitness. My other love, and the diametric opposite, is my love of reading and learning. I am always reading four or five books at any given time (mostly on religion) but some literature as well. I love to learn new things, and I love books that make me think. Finally, I am a Russian Orthodox Christian and have been very involved in the church, singing and helping serve at the altar. I always say I am the oldest altar boy in the world.

What are your plans for The Arts Center? The Arts Center has a proud history of service to our community. I want to continue the programs that have done so much for Jamestown; and, at the same time, implement new programs that reach new community members. The Arts Center has been fantastic in visual arts programming. I think there is a need for programs in the other arts and the humanities as well. I hope to have as many in our community involved with The Arts Center as possible. We exist to serve; with greater participation we are better accomplishing our mission.

upcoming classes providing opportunities for artistic development and exploration Creative opportunities for adults & teens

More details and registration online at: www.jamestownarts.com/classes

fiber arts workshop: Nuno Felt Scarf with Myra Olson Saturday, November 4th from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Hansen Arts Studio

In this introductory class learn how to combine alpaca, merino, silk, and other fibers into a beautiful hand felted scarf with Myra from Prairie Comforts. You will be surprised how lightweight these scarves are and oh, how soft! The perfect choice to wear all year-round. All supplies will be provided and include your choice of a silk scarf, and all of the merino, alpaca, silk and other fibers/ yarns necessary to design the scarf.

Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a sack lunch. Class fee $150 / $140 for members (includes $95 in supplies).

Intermediate knitting with Myra Olson Mondays: November 6 – 20 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm • Hansen Arts Studio

Hand-knitted socks are the most comfy socks you will ever wear, especially those that you’ve made to fit your very own feet! In the class participants will learn several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques, including: knitting in the round on double point needles, heel shaping, and the Kitchener stitch, to create a wonderful pair of hand knit socks. Participants should have basic knitting skills and beginning knitting class or equivalent is required before taking this class. Class fee $90 / $80 for members.

Ceramics workshop with Michael Dietz Mondays: November 6 – 27 from 6:30-8:30 pm • Hansen Arts Studio

Participants with all levels of experience explore clay in a supportive atmosphere. Learn a variety of hand building skills with an emphasis on creativity and having fun. Students are encouraged to explore their own ideas and projects. And may choose to make pieces on the potter’s wheel or hand build. Class fee includes 25 pounds of clay, glazes, and kiln firing. Class size is limited. Class fee $95 / $85 for members.

color blocked holiday cards with Nicole Gagner Wednesday, November 29 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm • Hansen Arts Studio

Learn to make beautiful cards for any season with a creative color blocked collage technique. They also are great as gift tags or as a gift on their own! This class is at the introductory level and all materials will be provided. Class fee $25 / $15 for members.

Pop art class with Nicole Gagner Wednesday, December 6 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm • Hansen Arts Studio

Get inspired by the bold pop art of Roy Lichtenstein and imitate the unique look of Benday dots with bubble wrap while simultaneously learning printmaking techniques.

This class is at the introductory level. Class fee $25 / $15 for members.

Intro to Calligraphy - Brush Lettering/Pointed Pen with Anne Kaese Saturday, December 16th from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm Hansen Arts Studio In this beginner class, you will learn the art of brush lettering using a brush pen and a paint brush. Learn how to create the modern brush lettering calligraphy style and how to take a sketched concept to finished product, using different watercolor techniques, blending colors and working with upper and lowercase letters to help you find your own brush lettering style. At the end of the class, you will leave with unique skills that turn your words into beautiful art. Each student will take home a brush lettering pen and brush, lettering guide worksheets and some practice pieces that we will do together in class. Class fee $105 / $95 for members.

CREATIVE FUN FOR grades K – 4 Fun with Fiber with Myra Olson Saturday, Nov 11 & Dec 9 from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm The Arts Center Classroom

Participants in grades K – 4 can join us the 2nd Saturday of each month to explore various crafts in the world of fiber. Students will engage in the full “farm to fiber” experience. We will learn about fiber producing animals, dye wool, learn how to spin the wool on a drop spindle, learn to weave, do wet felting and needle felting projects and knit and crochet. Class fee $15 / $10 for members per session.

an artful happy hour meet people. mix drinks. make art.

Create your own masterpiece... or close anyway. Join us after work for a creatively good time. 5:30 – 7:00 pm in the Hansen Arts Studio. All materials provided. $10. RSVP required: info@jamestownarts.com November 8th – Coasters with Linda Roesch December 13th – Printed Gift Wrap with Nicole Gagner

Getting to Know Our Artist in Residence: linda roesch Linda’s Background: I am primarily a watercolor and acrylic artist. I enjoy traveling, and experiences from travelling, which are often referenced in my work. I also enjoy working with rescue animals. My bright and colorful animal paintings are a favorite at art festivals throughout the Midwest where I sell my artwork professionally.

Teaching Philosophy: Whether we consider ourselves ‘artists’ or ‘can’t draw a stick figure,’ we all use art every day to help us interpret our world. Understanding how the elements of design interact to create aesthetically appealing compositions can increase the amount of pleasure we feel doing even the most mundane of activities. By learning to incorporate the basic principals of design in all areas of our lives, we perform at higher levels in all that we do.

Jamestown Residency: My time spent in Jamestown (as Artist in Residence) has been filled with positive experiences that I will never forget and continue to grow from. I completed my first teaching residency at Gussner Elementary last spring. Since then, I have enjoyed teaching art at Washington, Louis L’Amour, and St. John’s. I have been able to build from the lessons that Bonnie Tressler and I developed during our mentorship program last spring, and alter them for use during other residencies in other towns. I will be forever thankful to The Arts Center for sponsoring the Artist In Residence program as it is such a great resource to the schools. I am also thankful to have had access to the artist mentorship program prior to my residencies created by The Arts Center with grant support from the North Dakota Council on the Arts. Learn more about Linda and view her artworks at: www.thesketchingspot.com.

Above: Goldfish, Linda Roesch, 2017, watercolor on paper

Uniquely Jamestown The Arts Center and Our Community Just as every person born is a unique individual, so every city and community throughout the country can boast of being distinctly, uniquely unlike any other. The happenstance of history that brings together people at a certain place and time to form communities ensures that no two will be alike.

Jamestown is unique not only for the individuals of which it is comprised, but also for their remarkable accomplishments. Jamestown has a proud history; one of the accomplishments in which our city can take the most pride is our very own Arts Center. No other rural community of our size can boast of having a center for the arts with the same world-class facilities offering such a breadth, and depth, of programming. Since its formation over five decades ago by a handful of visionaries, The Arts Center has brought the beauty and passion of the arts to generations of area residents.

The Arts Center has been able to thrive and grow over the past 53 years because of visionary leadership and the exceptional support and generosity of our community. It is truly a testament to Jamestown that such an extraordinary, and unique, organization is recognized by so many as being integral to the health, growth, and quality of life of our community.

And as we come to the end of 2017, we need your support more than ever before! With only 14% of our income coming from government sources, your generosity is crucial in not only maintaining our current activities, but also allowing us to creatively, and judiciously, work to expand our unique programs that do immeasurable good for our community.

Would you consider a gift to our Annual Appeal in November, or perhaps an end of year gift in December?

We need your help to continue providing irreplaceable arts programming for our community, maintaining a five-decade legacy of unique artistic excellence and support for all Jamestown area residents

upcoming events creative opportunities to break up your routine

Buffalo City Photo Club The local band of photo enthusiasts will be meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Hansen Arts Studio.

Topics are focused primarily for DSLR camera users.

November 14 - Night Photography with Justin Prim December 12 - Gear Talk and Q&A group discussion

Open Mic Night November 30 & December 28 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm Poets, writers, musicians, comedians, solos, duos—all performers are welcome to share your talent with the community at our monthly open mic night. Limit your piece to 10 minutes. P.A. system, bass amp, guitar amp and music stands are provided. Facilitated by musician Steve Kuykendall.

Reader’s Theater November 28 (no meeting in Dec) from 7:00 – 9:00 pm Do you enjoy the drama of theater, but don’t like the spotlight?

Then Reader’s Theater is for you! Join this lively bunch for the dramatic reading of original scripts the fourth Tuesday of every month at in the Hansen Arts Studio. What is your favorite script?

Feel free to suggest a good read. For more information, contact: Dina Laskowski at dlaskows@jc.edu or 701-269-9111

Wood carving with the local Woodchippers Our local group of wood carving aficionados the Woodchippers meet each Thursday of the month (except for Holiday weeks) from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Hansen Arts Studio. They love to share their knowledge. Any skill and interest level is welcome to participate. They may even be willing to lend you a chisel.

The events listed above are FREE and open to the public.

A full schedule of upcoming events can be found at: www.jamestownarts.com

Classics of the Silver Screen The finest movies from the golden age of Hollywood, in state of the art digital, on the big screen at The Arts Center. These movies, like fine wines, truly get better with age. Come in and enjoy the classics.

Citizen Kane Saturday, November 4th at 2:00 pm Orson Wells’ masterpiece, it is considered by many to be the greatest film of all time. Modeled on the life of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, Citizen Kane broke ground in myriad ways in the art of cinematography and tells a tragic, engrossing and timeless tale.

The Philadelphia Story Saturday, November 25th at 2:00 pm With Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn and James Stewart starring together in a romantic comedy, what could be better? Nothing, as it ranked by many critics as the finest romantic comedy of all time! Witty, sophisticated and fast-moving, a true classic and a comedic showcase for three legends of the silver screen.

On the Waterfront Saturday, December 2nd at 2:00 pm One of the finest crime dramas to ever come out of Hollywood! Marlon Brando, starring in one of the roles that made him a legend, is a longshoreman who turns into a witness against the local mob boss—the very man who destroyed his once promising boxing career.

These events are free and open to the public.

Refreshments and popcorn will be available for a small donation.

Bolder shades of blue concert Thursday, December 7th, 7:00 pm at The Arts Center 115 2nd Street SW, Jamestown, ND Tickets at the door: $15 / $10 for Arts Center members & students or at www.jamestownarts.com

Join us for an album release concert featuring: alex Mendenall “Into the Hinterland” Wednesday, November 29th 7:00 pm at The Arts Center 115 2nd Street SW, Jamestown Tickets at the door: $10 / $5 for Arts Center members & students or at: www.jamestownarts.com Alex Mendenall describes himself as an indie soul songwriter based out of Lansing, MI. He has a new album out titled, “Into the Hinterland” and is currently touring across the country. The new album features a deep dive into soul, folk, lounge, and Latin inspired jazz.

Alex plays an eclectic mix of soul, folk, funk, and jazz; and supports his guitar and vocals with dynamic foot percussion. His music is high energy and features carefully crafted wordplay, and soulful chord progressions. He has toured the US extensively and has worked with nationally touring acts like Tyler Hilton, Ryan Cabrera, Hayley Kiyoko, and Young Rising Sons. Take a listen at: http://bit.ly/2ynhBvc

special specialthanks thanks business members: Ave Maria Village, Bank Forward, Dakota Brands, Int’l Inc., Downtown Dental, Dr. Timothy H. Sinner, D.D.S., Edward Jones - Smyth, Farmers Union Insurance, First Community Credit Union, Heritage Centre of Jamestown, Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC), Lifetime Vision Source, Scott’s Electric, Zimmerman’s Furniture

special thanks to: Rock star volunteers Sharon Vixo, Judy Martini, Elsie Weber, Maris Thompson, Nadine Kainz, Laurel Haroldson, and Aloha Kercher for volunteering in the office. Roen Lawn Service for help in the Hansen Arts Park. Alan Lindberg for art books donated in honor of Genevieve Doyle. Juanita Veil, Marlene Langbenn, and Carolgene Wolf for donating art supplies.

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OFFICE: 115 2nd Street SW, Jamestown HOURS: Mon – Fri, 9 am – 5 pm and Sat, 10 am – 2 pm

The Arts Center activities are supported in part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Arts Center is participating in ArtsLab, a program of Arts Midwest.