Rotary Club of Elkins receives Arts Center update
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Rachel Nestor, marketing specialist for The Arts Center addressed the Rotary Club of Elkins, giving the group an update on the Center's upcoming activities.
The Arts Center was established in 2000 when a group of community members came together. The group was able to purchase the former St. Brendan's Catholic Church which was built in 1928 and, after renovation, opened the Center in 2001. The mission of the Arts Center is to enhance the cultural and economic life of our region by providing facilities and arts programming that will entertain, educate and inspire all our citizens.
The Arts Center was established in 2000 when a group of community members came together. The group was able to purchase the former St. Brendan's Catholic Church which was built in 1928 and, after renovation, opened the Center in 2001. During the renovations, the nave of the church was left untouched to preserve the historical nature of the paintings which include real gold.
The mission of the Arts Center is to enhance the cultural and economic life of our region by providing facilities and arts programming that will entertain, educate and inspire all our citizens. "We do that through classes, events, concerts and fundraisers. We are a welcoming and inclusive home where everyone is welcome and they are encouraged to create, explore and discover the value of art," said Nestor.
Recently, the Center offered a class in Pysanky, a Ukrainian egg dying technique that uses beeswax to create a dye resistant pattern. Maggie Rudy also offered an Imaginary Story Scroll class. Around the holidays, the afterschool arts class created their own ornaments.
There are a number of upcoming events scheduled at the Center including:
• Open Mic Poetry Night – April 11, from 6-8 p.m.
• The Randolph County Student Art Exhibit Art Shapes Randolph County runs through April 16 [Great Hall]
• The Elkins High School Seniors Art Exhibit EHS: Seniors in the Making runs through April 16 [Maxwell Gallery]
• The D&E Student Art Exhibit Runs through April 16 [Great Hall - gray panels]
• The 24th Annual Gala Exhibition will be held on Friday, April 25 from 5:30-10 p.m.. Ticket are $60 per person, $100 per couple. Tickets can be purchased on the Center's website or at the door the night of the event.
Brown Bag Concerts are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from Noon - 1 P.M. The April 16 concert will feature Katy McClain, Mary Smakula, Chris Siler and Richard McClain.
Souvenirs - Michael Doig Solo Exhibition will be held April 25 through June 6. [Tickets to the Gala are required to attend the opening reception]
The gallery is generally open from 10 a.m.. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday but is dependent upon the availability of volunteers. A full list of events can be found at The Arts Center's website, www.randolpharts.org or by calling 304.637.2355.
There are many ways the public can support The Arts Center. Advocating for the arts in the community, helping spread the word about Center events, volunteering and attending events and making financial contributions are all ways community members can ensure the continued success of the Center and all of the programs it offers. "Even if you're not an artist or not involved in it, there are a lot of ways you can support us. Do some research, figure out why art is good for you and people enjoy it so much. Help spread the word about events we have coming up, classes or opportunities for artists at the Arts Center. We're always looking for volunteers to extend our pool. We really couldn't do what we do without our volunteers," said Nestor. "Attend events and classes, even if it's something you think you're not interested in, you may get there and and find a whole new world. Donations of money or items such as tablecloths or old art supplies you don't need any more are welcome."
The gallery is generally open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday but is dependent upon the availability of volunteers. A full list of events can be found at The Arts Center's website, www.randolpharts.org or by calling 304-637- 2355.
Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change -- across the globe, in their communities, and in themselves. Visit www.Rotary.org to learn more about Rotary International, visit the club's Facebook page -- Rotary Club of Elkins -- or contact club president Tammie Rizzio at tammierizzio@gmail.com for more information about the Rotary Club of Elkins.