GLEMA MAHR CENTER FOR THE ARTS

The Glema Mahr Center for the Arts hosted the artists of Cornbread & Tortillas for several days in October, fulfilling the center’s second artistic residency of the season.

October 18 through 21, the group visited all eight public elementary schools in Hopkins County, presenting a mix of all-encompassing assemblies and focused workshops on the topics of Appalachian clogging and flatfooting, Andean folk culture and instruments, and the folk dance of Mexico. Nearly 2,300 students and teachers attended or participated in the programs.

“It always feels good to have phenomenal artists from across the globe in our schools,” said Glema Center director Brad Downall. “The biggest takeaway for me, and I hope for the kids, is this: be proud of your story and where you are from, and where others are from. Being from Kentucky is an honor!”

In addition to Cornbread & Tortillas, the Glema Center presented nine ticketed events from September to December, including installments in the Chamber Music, Coffeehouse, and Family Series as well as a Hopkins County High Schools musical production and three Center Stage concerts. The center also hosted several Hopkins County Schools musical performances involving choral and band programs from four middle and high schools which were free and open to the community.