me arts ed

“A Tale of the Vienna Woods” written by arts educator and clay sculptor Cheryl Herr-Rains

For about 20 years the Vienna Historical Society located in the town of Vienna, population about 500, has been putting on original plays. Six years ago Gardiner Area High School art teacher, Cheryl Herr-Rains tried her hand at writing the play. This year Cheryl wrote “A Tale of the Vienna Woods” which is her version of “Little Red Riding Hood” and will be performed this Thursday, July 23rd and Friday, July 24th, 7:30 and Saturday, July 25th, 2:00 and 7:30 at the Vienna Union Hall.

“A Tale of the Vienna Woods” is the story of a girl who seeks fame, fortune and appreciation. The initial goal of the Red-cloaked Rosetta (Courtney Gilman) is simply to get to Gramma’s Rome cottage, but first, as the Narrator (Libby Harville) describes, she must journey through the deep, dark, dangerous Vienna Woods.

The way is filled with dastardly villains, impossible tasks, songs, dancing trees and fun adventures. Rosetta is guided by a mysterious and eccentric fairy (Muffy Floyd) intent on preserving the natural woodlands. They meet a developer, Mr. DeWolf (Dick Waddell), ably assisted by the hunch-backed Smiley (Alan Harville). Discovered along the trail is a smelly, lost woodsman (Chris Crocker) who turns out not to be who you think he is. Will Rosetta choose the traditional romantic ending?

This is Courtney’s 11th year in the VHS plays, or since she was five. Trees are portrayed by Don Peterson, Dodie Thompson, Quimby Robinson, Cheryl Herr-Rains, and Megan Burnham. The play is directed by Beverly Shaw, choreographed by Kathy Sterns, and accompanied on piano by Maisie Libby.

The second show of the evening is “Bobby Booney’s Tonic” written by Beverly Wright Smith and directed by Judy Dunn.

Admission for both plays is $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12. Please contact Cheryl if you have questions @ cherrrains@sad11.k12.me.us

2009 MLTI Summer Institute

There is still room available if you’d like to attend the summer Maine Learning Technology Institute in Castine, July 29-31, 2009, Maine Maritime Academy.

Supper Keynote! Terrific Presentations! Many technology educators who are wonderful teachers will be present to help you with your ideas and to plant seeds for new ideas using technology.

The cost is $65 per person that covers your registration, room and food. All you need to do is to get to Castine for a great learning opportunity. Please click here for registration.

What makes the arts ‘essential’? Let me draw you a picture written by Ben Donenberg, Artistic Director of Shakespeare Festival/LA

I believe the ARTS are ESSENTIAL to a basic education for all students!! What do you think? I have always felt strongly that when the arts are being considered because of economic reasons that instead of eliminating arts programs they should be added. Now, more than ever young people need the learning opportunities that arts programs offer to succeeding in the 21st century.

When I came across this article it grabbed me, made me want to respond and share it with all of you. I hope you’ll take a few minutes and read it and make a comment to let us know what you believe.

I assume if you are reading this blog that you are among the lucky ones… you know that the arts are an essential part of your adult life. Some of you are visual artists, musicians, dancers, actors and/or writers. Some of you attend performances, visit museums and/or gallery’s. Some of you are arts teachers and probably all of you appreciate the arts.

Do you think the arts are under threat? Do you think the arts are essential? If you are not sure, read the article and hear the story of a teenager who without the arts may not have been able to process or understand what was happening as she saw the darkness of the night sky sprinkled with stars.

To read the article please click here.