Fall/Winter 2023/2024
LEWISTON COUNCIL ON THE ARTS Marble Orchard Ghost Walk: Soldiers, Sailors & Saloons
Marble Orchard 2023 Photo by Chelsea Sears of Chelsea Modern Images
Fall & Winter Events Marble orchard ghost walk October 2023 A tribute to the edmund Fitzgerald thursday, November 2 Holiday tree lighting Friday, December 1
Thank you to our volunteers for making each event a great success! Bottom row: Stacey Adams, Paula Burko, Diane McNamara, Alice Pettersen Top row: Amy Wall, Maria Fortuna Dean (Director LCA) & Joanne Moran Not pictured: Tom Fontana and Mike Kratts (Stage crew)
“COnversations with..“ Saturday, February 24th @ 3:30 The Sewphisticate: Getting Dressed in the 1860s, with Annieliese Meck Saturday, March 16th @ 3:30 The Art of Writing Crime Fiction, with author Lissa Redmond Saturday, March 23rd @ 3:30 Uncanny Medicine; the Gothic & Public Health, with Dr. Laura Kremmel
“Cackling Anna" AKA Anna Fontana, LCA Vice President
Saturday, March 30th @ 3:30 Steeped in romance; tea & conversation, with Rom-Com author, Joelle Cullen Saturday, April 6th @ 3:30 Darkness & Light; poetry open mic, with slipstream Saturday, April 20th @ 3:30 The Magic of the Voice, with Operatic Baritone, Michael Dean Saturday, May 4th @ 3:30 Who‘s afraid of the big, bad opera? with executive director of the LCA, Maria Fortuna Dean
Helping with the lights: board member, Cindy Sanchez & volunteer Darinda Hoffman
Fall/Winter 2023/2024
Marble Orchard Ghost Walk:Soldiers, Sailors & Saloons Introducing the Marble Orchard Actors Maria Fortuna Dean Michael Dean Lewis Bean Sam Granieri Sofia Dean Michael Parrizzi Linda Silvestri Lynda La Greca
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Meet Ray Lonsdale, Photographer Ray has been photographing LCA events since 2017. He enjoys capturing anything he finds interesting, especially landscape scenes. His favorite subjects are waterfalls and ruined buildings. His work has included sports events, historical reenactments, some portraits and even background photos for local movie productions. Ray has received awards from a photo site called “Viewbug,” honorary awards at the New York State Fair, 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and honorary awards at the Erie County Fair. In 2023 he was awarded the Best of Show. He is past president and currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Twin Cities Camera Club.
Thank you, Ray, for all you do capturing our LCA events in photos!
Ray Lonsdale
Fall/Winter 2023/2024
The Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald On November 2, 2023, the Brickyard Brewing Company hosted the 10th anniversary of the Tribute to the Edmund Fitzgerald. This event is a yearly fundraiser for the Lewiston Council on the Arts, organized by local artist and Edmund Fitzgerald enthusiast, Tom Asklar. Most people only know of the Edmund Fitzgerald because of the famous ballad by Gordon Lightfoot. He memorialized the fate of the ship in his song, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, in 1976—one year after the ship went down in a storm on Lake Superior killing all 29 crewmembers. The ship was carrying a load of iron ore. It is the largest ship to sink in the Great Lakes. Why does Lewiston memorialize the Edmund Fitzgerald? According to Tom Asklar we are deeply connected to the Great Lakes—with all its triumphs and tragedies, as eventually the waters make their way to Lewiston. The story is a tragic mystery and oftentimes, tragedy inspires art. Asklar also believes that the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald is a truly American tragedy as the disaster took the lives of everyday heroes, men who lost their lives at work. The origins of the commemoration to the Edmund Fitzgerald began in Asklar’s classroom when his students created visual tributes. He then was inspired to generate small events to memorialize the sinking of the ship with family and friends. Finally, ten years ago, he was approached by the Lewiston Council on the Arts and he began holding these events every year as a fundraiser. The events have grown significantly. They now involve musicians, multimedia art memorializing the tragedy, special brewed beer, artifacts on display, a tolling of the bell 29 times in honor of the crew members and much more. Admission is $10 for the general public, or free for LCA members. This year the Mighty Fitz 5K run was also added to the event. The Lewiston Council on the Arts is grateful for Tom Asklar and everyone who made this year’s 10th anniversary a spectacular event! See you on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 7:10 pm at the BBC!
Tom Asklar with one of his paintings depicting the Edmund Fitzgerald.
The Mighty Fitz 5 K Run will take place on Saturday, November 9th at 2:00 pm beginning at the BBC.
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Fall/Winter 2023/2024
Tree Lighting December 1, 2023 Photos by Chelsea Sears of Chelsea Modern Images
Fall/Winter 2023/2024 Conversations with... Join us for a series of programs as we explore the world of the arts and celebrate artists and their work.
Saturday, March 16th @ 3:30
These programs will take place at the Red Brick Schoolhouse located at 145 N. 4th Street Lewiston, NY
“The Art of Writing Crime Fiction“ with Lissa Redmond
$10 per person. 15% off for LCA members.
Local crime fiction author, Lissa Redmond, will share the story of how she went from a career in law enforcement serving with the Buffalo Police Department to published mystery author.
Saturday, February 24th @ 3:30 “The Sewphisticate; Getting Dressed in the 1860s” with Anneliese Meck From corsets to cage crinolines, petticoats and parasols, learn about the many layers that ladies were wearing in the mid-nineteenth century with public historian and dressmaker, Anneliese Meck. Anneliese will discuss what it took to be fashionable, while getting dressed in a historical reproduction of an 1860s ensemble, complete with the proper undergarments, day dress, and accessories.
Anneliese Meck is a public historian and content creator, specializing in historical costume construction, living history, and textile arts. She has worked at the Genesee Country Village & Museum since 2014; and is a graduate of Kent State University, where she majored in costumes and textiles.
Lissa Marie Redmond was born and raised in Western New York. Lissa writes the Cold Case Investigation series. Catch Your Death is her latest installment in the series. Her standalone thriller, The Secrets They Left Behind, is also available in print, eBook, and audio. A Derringer Award nominated short story author, her short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies, Down & Out: The Magazine, and Mystery Tribune.
Check out Lissa’s website at https://lissamarieredmond.com/
Fall/Winter 2023/2024
Saturday, March 23rd at 3:30 pm
Saturday, March 30th @ 3:30 pm
“Uncanny Medicine; The Gothic and Public Health“ with Dr. Laura Kremmel
“Steeped in Romance; Tea and Conversation” with Rom-Com author, Joelle Cullen
We've become familiar with the relationship between horror and medicine over the last few years as the ongoing COVID pandemic has highlighted fear of disease but also occasionally of cure. This talk will show that this relationship isn't new. In fact, horror and medicine have long relied on one another to help us understand experiences of illness, injury, and health.
Spend an afternoon immersing yourself in “What’s Handed Down,” the story of Emilia Graham, a concert pianist, grieving the recent death of her mother, finding love and solving old mysteries in the quaint village of Berkingsley, England.
Dr.Laura Kremmel
Joelle will discuss researching and writing her book and possibly inspire the writer in you to bloom in the form of your own love story.
Author, Joelle Cullen
Check out Joelle’s author website at www.joellecullen.com
Fall/Winter 2023/2024
Saturday, April 6th at 3:30
Saturday, April 20th @ 3:30
“Darkness & Light; open mic poetry reading” with Slipstream
“The Magic of the Voice”
On Monday, April 8th the solar eclipse willbring darkness to Lewiston. Share your poetry following the theme of “darkness and light” at our open mic event. This event will be led by the editors of Slipstream poetry journal-WNY’s longest running poetry journal.
Bob Borgatti
Michael Dean, operatic bass baritone, recording artist, member of the Voice Faculty at UCLA and consultant for UCLA Otolaryngology in the UCLA Medical Center, discusses and demonstrates the anatomy, science and art of singing.
Dan Sicoli
Livio Farallo The co-editors of Slipstream
Michael Dean
Photos Around Lewiston Check out this photo from Lewiston's past. St. George’s Eastern Orthodox Church women prepared Greek and Lebonese pastries for the Lewiston Outdoor Art Festival, 1971.
“Mrs. Robert Mokhiber, Mrs. Robert Fadel & Mrs. Thomas Baia”
Source: Niagara Falls Gazette August 4, 1971
Fall/Winter 2023/2024
Saturday, May 4th @ 3:30 “Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Opera? “ Maria Fortuna Dean, Executive Director of the LCA, introduces this art form that has fascinated audiences for centuries. “Opera is when a guy gets stabbed in the back and, instead of bleeding, he sings.”
New Italian language classes!
Ciao! An introduction to Italian language and culture
--Robert Benchley
Grammar, pronunciation and communication, delivered in 10 entertaining and educational 90minute sessions by Dr. Linda Silvestri (University at Buffalo, Niagara University) and Manola DeMunda (Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo). Saturdays, February 17, 24 March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 April 6, 13, and 20 from 1:30 to 3:00 Classes will be held at the Red Brick Schoolhouse $200 for ten 90-minute sessions. 15% off total cost for LCA members. $25 additional charge for the book.
Maria Fortuna Dean
Email artstaff@artcouncil.org or call (716) 754-0166 for details.
We appreciate our volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering email artstaff@artcouncil.org for details.
Fall/Winter 2023/2024
Attention Artists! Applications for the Lewiston Art Festival 2024 are open on ZAPP:
Read all the details and apply by clicking here: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=12162 If you do not already have a free account with ZAPP, you can create one by clicking on the blue “sign up” button in the upper right-hand corner of the page. Important Dates April 1 : Application deadline May 1 : Artists notified of jury decisions July 15 : Final date to withdraw without forfeiture of booth fee Note: Application fees are not refunded if applicant withdraws Aug 10 : Day 1 of the Festival Aug. 11 : Day 2 of the Festival
Fall/Winter 2023/2024
History Corner Look for the history of the Lewiston Council on the Arts in each issue! “Die Stierer” Austrian Choir On Thursday, October 15th, 1970, the LCA sponsored a choral event at Niagara Wheatfield High School presenting “Die Stierer,” an Austrian all-male choir from Graz, Austria. The men, led by Friedrich Werbanschitz, were all music students and performed traditional German and Austrian folksongs, liturgical and classical pieces, including Schubert’s German mass. Their itinerary included performances in Washington, D. C., Boston and Montclair, New Jersey.
to our sponsors! Platinum
TOWN OF LEWISTON VILLAGE OF LEWISTON NIAGARA FALLS BRIDGE COMMISSION MODERN DISPOSAL
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AMD ENVIRONMENTAL ARTS SERVICES INC ART PARK COUNTY OF NIAGARA
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We are grateful for those who have chosen to honor their loved ones with a memorial donation to the Lewiston Council on the Arts in support of the programs the LCA provides to our community. Joanne and Frank Collins Charitable Foundation The family of Cynthia Budge The Kellick family in honor of Roland Rosati
1ST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, LEWISTON, NY KEYBANK MOUNT ST MARY'S HOSPITAL (CATHOLIC HEALTH) RALPH C. WILSON, JR. ARTS & CULTURE INITIATIVE SEVENSON ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC TIN PAN ALLEY DIMINO’S LEWISTON TOPS
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BRICKYARD BREWING COMPANY ELDERWOOD AT WHEATFIELD GALLO COAL FIRE KITCHEN KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL RACE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS ROTARY INTERNATIONAL UNITED WAY
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Become a Member of the Lewiston Council on the Arts
Fall/Winter 2023/2024
Basic Membership Benefits EVERY membership receives:
● 15% of all our ticketed events and classes ● 15% of all LCA merchandise
● Subscription to our seasonal newsletter and members only email communications– be the first to hear LCA news and read about local artists and history ● Free admission to the Tribute to the Edmund Fitzgerald ● OUR HEARTFELT GRATITUDE!! Students ($25) receive
● Basic membership Benefits Art Friends ($50) receive
● Basic membership Benefits ○
Art Lovers ($100) receive All of the above PLUS Personal invitations to exclusive special events & select behind-the-scenes tours LCA 2024 Art Festival Tote Bag (Pick up at Art Festival LCA table) Discount toward Art Festival applications for artists Entry into raffle for signed, framed art piece by Art Festival Featured Artist
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Silver Patrons ($250) receive All of the above PLUS 2 tickets to the Opera Gala at the Castellani Art Museum ($150 value)
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Gold Patrons ($500) receive All of the above PLUS LCA Wine and Charcuterie Tote for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Concert 2 tickets to the Ghostwalk
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Fall/Winter 2023/2024
More to come... NEW Opera Gala Concert at the Castellani Art Gallery June 1, 2024, 7pm Produced by the LCA in collaboration with Niagara Opera, conducted by Brent Chancellor. Followed by a delicious meet the artists reception on the beautiful Castellani portico. Free Outdoor Concerts Music Mondays at the Gazebo–six concerts, Bands TBA, July 1- August 5 Summer of ‘69 in Academy Park July 12 Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in Academy Park July 27 58th Annual Lewiston Art Festival August 10 & 11 Two days of art, music, dance, Chalk Walk, Indigenous Experience, food, friends and fun Marble Orchard Ghost Walks–TBA in October Lewiston’s murderous, mysterious and musical past comes alive in this spooky street theater production Tribute to the Edmund Fitzgerald Wednesday, November 6, 2024 @ 7:10 pm at the BBC Mighty Fitz 5 K Run Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the BBC A perennial favorite as we gather to celebrate our shared Great Lakes heritage Village of Lewiston Tree Lighting “We’re living in a Hallmark movie!” exclaimed one attendee this year. Ring in the holiday season in Academy Park with an old-fashioned celebration with music, dancing, a sing-along and special holiday guests
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Fall/Winter 2023/2024
In loving memory of Theresa A. Thomas 1942-2024 “In 1969 Theresa and a small, dedicated group of volunteers assumed the responsibility for the Lewiston Art Festival from the Lewiston Business and Professional Association. This small group of volunteers were responsible for the creation/incorporation of the Lewiston Council on the Arts and the continuation of the Lewiston Art Festival. Theresa was active in this group, holding positions of President and Director of the board as well as chairman of the Art Festival. Theresa was also an accomplished artist in oil painting.” Our sincerest condolences to the Thomas family.
Greetings from the LCA staff and the Board of Directors! Executive Director: Maria Fortuna Dean Outreach Coordinator: Michelle Kratts Administrative Assistant: Susanne Shivery-Hake Board of Directors: Sue Brown (treasurer), Anna Fontana (board vice president), Marian Granfield, Tod Kniazuk (board president), Gene Kulbago, Patricia MacDonald, Ed Millar, Cindy Sanchez and Chelsea Sears (secretary)
Welcome Susanne! The LCA is delighted to welcome Susanne Shivery-Hake on board as our new Administrative Assistant!
Photo credit Raymond Lonsdale
Thank you for a great year!
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Fall/Winter 2023/2024
From the Executive Director, Maria Fortuna Dean It’s been a wonderful year! Thank you to everyone who has participated in our programming, donated, volunteered and encouraged the LCA in our mission of advocating for the arts and connecting our community through art, music, theater, culture and history. 2023 brought many opportunities to gather together and enjoy the magic of music outdoors on a summer night: The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra played to record crowds in Academy Park The Summer of 69 was a fantastic evening of music and memories Music Mondays had six memorable concerts of jazz, blues and rock under the stars Thousands of community members and visitors came into our village for the annual Lewiston Art Festival. More than 200 artists, musicians and performers came from near and far to be a part of Lewiston’s annual celebration of creativity and skill. Our expanded Indigenous Experience and reinvigorated Chalk Walk were among everyone’s favorite parts of the two-day event! This year’s Ghost Walk brought history to life with all-new tales from Lewiston’s rich past, in an exciting new storytelling format complete with music, lights and sound.
“Everything was right – organized/supported/thought-out - from the guides with flashlights, to the easy moving from place to place, to the wonderful, polished performances of each player and great learning experience of each story. From zero, I’m about to do research on the Queenston Battle,the Cibola Burning, the Arsenic murders…Bravo to all–we loved it and will for sure be there next year.’ ~ Dick Pierce and Bam Butler, Youngstown The Edmund Fitzgerald Tribute celebrated 10 years of learning and connecting through our history as a community on the waters of the Great Lakes. For the first time, the LCA produced the Village of Lewiston Tree Lighting Ceremony in Academy Park. We joined forces with Lewiston Beautification, Stanek Electric and so many others from our Village to ring in the Holiday Season. It has been so heartwarming for me to come back home, reconnect with old friends–and make new ones! I’m truly looking forward to all the New Year will bring, including our exciting new series of “Conversations with…” and our Opera Gala at the Castellani Art Museum. Our 2024 Membership Drive is coming soon! Please consider becoming an LCA member in 2024 and supporting the arts in our community! Every donation, large or small, helps to keep the arts thriving in Lewiston, and makes our Village a more vibrant place for residents and visitors alike. With our best wishes for the New Year! Maria Fortuna Dean and the LCA Staff and Board of Directors
Maria