Artist Collaboration Seeks to Enrich Lives
The soft swoosh of paint brushes, the clinking of glass pieces, the hum of sewing machines and tools being used on the studio table. The laughter bubbles as artists work together to make what they love best, art. For decades, the St. Louis Chapter of the Women’s Caucus for Art has been an organization focusing on enriching lives through the arts. Now, the members have worked side by side, blending their respective mediums, to create one of a kind pieces to display at the St. Peters Community and Arts Center.
Established and emerging artists of every age group have worked for months in this collaboration effort. Some established artists have paired with younger artists, mentoring them, as well as learning a few new techniques themselves. “This is not just another show for us,” said long time St. Louis WCA member Virginia Dragschutz. “This is an effort to unite with each other and our community. We want our art to connect with people.” That is why the organization chose the St. Peters Community Arts Center as their venue. “St. Charles is experiencing a growth in the arts, and we are seeing more lives being enriched by this,” said Dragschutz. The Center focuses on art through educational programs for children and adults as well as showcases an expansive gallery for art exhibits.
The exhibit is entitled “1+1=3”. Each collaborative piece will be displayed in conjunction with one artwork by the contributing artists giving visitors the opportunity to see how the individual artists incorporated their medium into the collaborative work as well as their personal artistic styles. “The concept of this show originated because we want our members, our artists, to be enriched by one another, to really unite as a group by working with one another,” said St. Louis WCA Vice President, Lisa Becker. The show will open at the St. Peters Community and Arts Center located at 1035 St. Peters Howell Rd. on April 4th with a reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The artworks will be on display through May 5th and include works in clay, glass, fiber, paint, photography, and mixed media. Gallery hours are Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 9a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Center is closed on Sunday.
The Saint Louis Chapter of the Women’s Caucus for Art is a local chapter of a national organization focusing on recognition, advocacy, and inclusion in the arts. The STL-WCA organization hosts a national biennial Contemporary Women Artists Exhibition, participates in local events that enact awareness and change in the community, as well as supports the rights of women and the rights of all people. On a national level, the WCA offers scholarship opportunities for students, grants for women artists, a system of networking that extends coast to coast, and exhibition opportunities. Membership is open to all. For more information, please visit, www.stl-wca.org. or contact St. Louis WCA Vice President, Lisa Becker at 314-581-3748.
|
|
Youth Choir Members
Sound Off in Kansas City
| |
Members of the St. Charles County Youth Choir are sharing their talents beyond the area and, in fact, beyond Missouri. After recording solo auditions to compete with singers from seven states, thirteen members of the SCCYC were selected to perform with divisional honor choirs sponsored by the Southwest Division of the American Choral Directors Association (SWACDA). The singers prepared challenging music in Latin, Russian, French, and German and recently returned from Kansas City where they rehearsed several days with internationally-recognized directors and performed in the newly-refurbished music hall.
Ten members from St. Charles County Youth Choir were chosen for the 5th, 6th and 7th Grade honor choir, one for the 8th to 10th grade Boys’ Choir, and two for the 8th to 10th Grade Girls’ Choir. Singer Annie Schaeffer said, “SWACDA was an awesome and life-changing experience. I learned so much about how to sing from my heart. I also got to meet other girls from other states who are passionate about music. One of the things I most enjoyed about our trip was that I got to learn the new languages, especially Russian, and learn to express them as easily as I would English.”
Tresa Jo Wilson, director, commented, “These young performers learned some difficult music, but they learned so much more from the responsibility of preparing, forming bonds of friendship with other musicians, and working with different directors. I am extremely proud of how well our choir was represented on the divisional level, and our singers’ preparation and attitudes were complimented by many people.”
For more information about the St. Charles County Youth Choir, contact Tresa Jo Wilson at 314.323.5213 or info@sccyouthchoir.org.
|
|
Vocal Contest Draws Large Numbers of Singers
Over 400 singers gathered on the campus of St. Charles Community College on March 1st to participate in a music contest for elementary choirs and for middle school choirs, soloists, and small ensembles. This was the first year for the event which was sponsored by the St. Charles County Youth Choir in cooperation with the Vocal Music Department from the college. Each entry was evaluated by music professionals and participants received comments and ratings. Those earning “II” Excellent and “I” Superior scores were awarded certificates and ribbons.
Participating entries were from Castlio Elementary, Central Elementary, Daniel Boone Elementary, Ft. Zumwalt North Middle, Ft. Zumwalt South Middle, Ft. Zumwalt West Middle, Pike County Middle School, St. Patrick School, and the St. Charles County Youth Choir.
|
|
Audition Dates Set for SCC Youth Choir
The St. Charles County Youth Choir will hold auditions for the 2008-2009 season. Tryouts are open to young people who like to sing and who will enter grades 4 to 12 next school year.
This is a program of talented young people who perform three major concerts locally and participate in various other music offerings. The choir rehearses once a week during the traditional school year and provides challenging musical experiences that are age and ability appropriate. The SCCYC performs many styles including sacred and secular pieces, music of master composers, folk song arrangements, and multicultural works.
Auditions will be held May 17, 19 and 21 and are scheduled by appointment. Request forms may be downloaded at www.sccyouthchoir.org . Audition request form, teacher recommendation, and $5 audition fee should be submitted by May 1. The website gives details about what will take place during the audition.
For individual questions, contact Tresa Jo Wilson, director, at info@sccyouthchoir.org or (314) 323.5213.
|
|
