May 2007 Issue
Hocking College Artistic Ingenuity
Focus on the Arts
Artistic revival
Nelsonville's art scene offers a broad range of visual-, culinary- and performing-arts experiences
Art on the Square
Nelsonville's galleries and events draw visitors, enhance the community's quality of life and enrich the education of Hocking College students.
Festive Spirit
Hocking College and Nelsonville roll out the welcome mat with a full schedule of family-oriented community, music and art events.
Celebrating County Pottery
The heritage of art pottery lives in southeast Ohio.
Boundless Creativity
Arts, history and culture take many forms in Southeast Ohio, from historical interpretation to geotourism to enjoyment of the culinary arts.
Art of Living History
Online Gallery Premieres
Artistic revival
Nelsonville's art scene offers a broad range of visual-, culinary- and performing-arts experiences.
Many communities are looking to art as a means of bringing foot traffic back into once-thriving downtown areas. Southeastern Ohio is no exception.
What's different in Nelsonville and the developing downtown arts district in the New England-style Public Square is the educational component that bridges more than the meandering Hocking River - the stream that provides a geographic separation between the college and community. Art programs offered by Hocking College are a natural link with the community (and region) and feed back into economic development.
From galleries where art classes are held, to the century-old Stuart's Opera House where actors and musicians perform, to the upscale Rhapsody Music and Fine Dining where edible art is consumed, art is being learned and experienced in its broadest context along the Public Square and throughout the community.
There is one Hocking College project that has no geographical boundaries and, in fact, crosses the Atlantic Ocean to encompass a college in the British Isles. It's called the Godspell Crossover Project and involves music and theater students and faculty from Hocking College and Havering College in London, England, who share their parts on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. The play opened in Her Majesty's Theater in London's West End Theater District in April. The entire cast and crew come back to Nelsonville and appear on stage at Stuart's Opera House on Nelsonville's Public Square May 17–19.
The Crossover project is the dream Victor Pisano, dean of Theater Arts and Entertainment at Hocking College. His credentials include producing the critically acclaimed PBS series, "Three Sovereigns for Sarah," based on the Salem witch trials. Pisano also produces "Godspell." Havering's Peter Dayson, a 30-year veteran of the London theater, is the show's director.
Hocking College students Chris Martin, Winston Bartley and Bobby Loyd are "Godspell" cast members appearing in the popular musical based on the gospel according to St. Matthew.
Becky Prater, Hocking's instructor for the stage manager course, is the production's stage manager and is assisted by several Hocking College students. Megan Eberly is assistant stage manager; J.V. (Jimmy) Crosno is the assistant director and Dustin Goldsberry and Jeremy Hayes are production technicians.
Dr. Roxanne DuVivier is a Hocking College senior vice president and she believes this production is the country's truly first authentic crossover - in which actors play the same roles in a joint production on both sides of the ocean.
"A lot of educational institutions spend time developing talent. Hocking College recognizes talent, but we also spend a lot of time allowing students to develop the business sense that enables artists to be successful. Victor's personal coaching of our students, as well as his knowledge and use of intellectual property as it pertains to artists, is invaluable," DuVivier says. "Art is business and it is important we develop it as such. Students need to experience the behind-the-scenes skills of business management, marketing and sales as they relate to art and music production, as well as the technical side of productions such as lighting, costumes, make-up and management."
A black box theater and a production studio at Washington Hall in Nelsonville are where music and theater students apply technical, production and stage skills.
Art on the Square
Nelsonville's galleries and events draw visitors, enhance the community's quality of life and enrich the education of Hocking College students.
Ann Judy owns Starbrick Clay Fine Arts Gallery on Nelsonville's Public Square. The gallery is a cooperative and Judy was the first artist to break away from Foothills Art School and go out on her own. Visitors will always find her trademark pottery, something decorated with the familiar six-point star brick emblem that is borrowed from the original star brick design created here in the 1800s and utilized worldwide and locally in streets, sidewalks and squares. But the gallery offers an array of utilitarian art - bowls, platters, pitchers, etc., as well as decorative artistic pieces.
Starbrick also hosts Starbrick Clay National, a bi-annual exhibit of contemporary artwork created by nationally known artists. "It's a way to bring the work of top artists here. The exhibit not only draws attention for this gallery but for the Historic Square Arts District and Final Fridays," Judy says.
Final Fridays, now in its fourth year, is her brainchild. "The problem is this activity is almost too successful. People know about Final Fridays (the last Friday of every month except December) when shops and galleries stay open late to feature special art activities, but the 20-some galleries and shops around the Square need foot traffic at other times, too. It's always difficult to get people to maintain regular hours, but we have a good core of shops and galleries that are open Wednesday through Saturday," Judy adds.
Of course, it's also not unusual to knock at her gallery door and be greeted by Judy or a student from one of her Arts Marketing and Design classes she teaches for Hocking College.
The gallery is her first love, but teaching is a close second, particularly at Hocking College where, she says, students directly out of high school are intermingled with nontraditional thirtysomethings.
"It is amazing the learning that goes on and it isn't limited to what they're taught as part of course curriculum. A big part of what these students learn is about life. It's an exchange of ideas and thoughts as well as techniques and subtleties of art," she says.
Judy isn't the only artist from the Historic Square Arts District who works with Hocking College Arts Marketing and Design students. They also take classes with artists Jennifer L'Heureux of Nelsonville Pottery & Art Supply, Aaron Smith of Majestic Gallery, Chris Eaton of 2C Studio and Suzanne Oldham and Mike Walker, both from Foothills. Susan Corbett is a flame worker (flame work is a glass-art technique) who recently joined the Hocking College Arts Marketing and Design staff. Bonnie Proudfoot is a warm- and cold-glass artist who recently discovered the art of slumped glass (a type of bent glass). Her approach is that art must be original for an artist to succeed, and she leads by example from the Foothills glass studio.
Foothills Art School fits well within the Historic Square Arts District, since it was founded not only to provide artist training but also to make an economic development contribution to students and to the region.
The Mechem Gallery, named for the family who originally owned the West Columbus Street building, is another learning experience for students, who manage and operate the gallery. "In fall and winter quarters, second-year students run the gallery, and in spring quarter first-year students take over," says Mark Hackworth, coordinator of the Arts Marketing and Design program. "I'm there to advise them, but the gallery is really in their hands. They learn as they create strategies to make the gallery look good and entice buyers in to purchase their art," says Hackworth
Some businesses whose primary focus is outside the realm of art have found ways to fit the art theme. Steve Roley of Hocking Hills Travel and Ben Bohl, director of International Field Studies, share an office space on the Square where Outback Gallery is located. "If art is what brings people to the Public Square, we're part of it. The art we offer here relates to travel and the nature theme - tribal masks from Africa, pottery from Peru, and wood, clay, and metal sculptures from Asia, the Caribbean and pieces from local artists," Roley says.
A life-size papier-mâché cow greets visitors to Leslie Lilly's Foundation for Appalachian Ohio office. Most of the art displayed here is from Lilly's private collection, which she rotates in and out, but her exhibits always highlight Appalachian artists.
Hackworth sees the presence of Hocking College and others who support the arts movement as a commitment to community revitalization.
"Like Foothills, the Arts Marketing and Design program was developed with the arts community in mind. We're finding that faith goes a long way in bridging development and commitment. The fruits of those efforts planted by the college, the Baird Brothers Company Foundation, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and the Ohio Arts Council are paying off," says Hackworth. "The important thing to remember is that it won't happen overnight. We're making progress and people are recognizing Nelsonville and the Historic Square Arts District as an arts destination. That's another goal."
Festive Spirit
Hocking College and Nelsonville roll out the welcome mat with a full schedule of family-oriented community, music and art events.
From early May through the end of August, special events begin to pop up along Nelsonville's Public Square and on the campus of Hocking College. Festivals and events have long been recognized as ways of sharing culture and heritage, but they are also celebrations - gatherings that bring people together.
The Hockhocking Festival, formerly the Hockhocking Folk Festival, is May 18–20 and is Nelsonville's first official event of the '07 season.
Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Guy Clark is Saturday's headline concert performer. Todd Snider takes center stage on Friday night, the opening show of the three-day festival. Other musicians performing throughout the weekend include The Reverend Payton's Big Damn Band, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Neil Jacobs, Born Old, Furnace Mountain Band, Kendra Ward & Bob Bence, Rattletrap String Band, Hunger Mountain Boys, Everybody Fields, Michael Hurley, Devon Sproule, Back Porch Swing Band, Princes of Hollywood, Adam Torres, McGovern Brothers, and Woody Pines & the Lonesome Two.
Ohio's officially sanctioned Flat Pick Guitar and Claw Hammer Banjo competitions will be held, and an old-time fiddle contest and a liars/storytelling competition are all part of Saturday's schedule.
The Hockhocking Festival takes its name from the early translation of the Delaware word "Haukhaukien," meaning bottleneck, and refers to the narrow, winding Hocking River that is located within a stone's throw of Robbins Crossing on the campus of Hocking College where the festival is held. It's a celebration of music, heritage and art, set against the backdrop of the little settlement of mostly authentic log cabins where Interpretive History students and townspeople portray early settlers.
The Hockhocking Festival has been expanded to a three-day event with a live bluegrass performance on Sunday that will be broadcast on D28+5 on WOUB Radio. (www.hockhockingfest.com)
"Oohs" and "ahhs" follow the skyward light displays during Thunder in the Valley, Athens County's official July 4th fireworks celebration, and the largest boom-blast in Southeastern Ohio. From blankets and lawn chairs lining the grassy hillside along the front of Light Hall and Oakley Hall on the Hocking College campus, fireworks fans enjoy this perfect family-fun event.
Many ride the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway shuttle between the depot in Nelsonville and the campus for this Independence Day extravaganza. The fireworks display is synchronized with music that is broadcast locally over the college's low-frequency radio station WLCI, 97.5. Thunder in the Valley is the culmination of months of planning by the Nelsonville Fire Department and steering committee of townspeople. The event is generously supported by local merchants. (www.thunderinthevalley.org)
The International Bowhunter Organization's Triple Crown of Bowhunting, July 6–8, is the final leg of the national championship, and the Bowhunters Challenge is the local event. This is a unique family-oriented sport where archery enthusiasts take part in two separate events held simultaneously on the Hocking College campus. The competitions attract shooters of all ages and of varying skill levels. Although this is not necessarily a spectator's sport, those who want to see what's going on are invited to visit the practice range and watch as shooters warm up, or pick a comfortable spot near the Youth Shoot competition. (www.ibo.net)
The Nelsonville Art and Music Festival on Saturday, July 14, is the annual summer fundraiser for Stuart's Opera House. The Squirrel Nut Zippers is the headline band. Erin McKeown will perform and Brave Combo, one of the greatest bands to come out of Texas, returns for the second year. The event originated on the Public Square before relocating to the banks of the Hocking River and the natural amphitheater carved out between the river bank and the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway depot.
Displays and demonstrations by local and regional artisans encourage visitors to participate by creating their own art. The Nelsonville Art and Music Festival is where visitors find great music and regional food specialties. It's where family and friends come together for an afternoon and evening of fun and festivities. (www.stuartsoperahouse.org)
When an event sustains itself over five decades it's safe to say something happened that gave it a fresh appeal. The Parade of the Hills began in 1957 and is one of the area's longest-running and most successful festivals. A few years ago a group of thirtysomethings took over planning of this annual event. With them came new blood and the event was reborn. It was also shortened to four days, Wednesday through Saturday, and this year will be held August 15–18.
Three distinctly different parades on different evenings, a variety of activities appealing to a broad age range, and themed events catering to families have made what was old new again.
The festival is set up in and around Nelsonville's Public Square, where multiple stages host a variety of musical entertainment. Main Stage performers include Dwight Lennox and his big band/Motown sound on Wednesday, while Thursday offers the '60s sounds of Phil Dirt and the Dozers, Friday evening presents Elvis Presley tunes performed by tribute artist Dwight Icenhower, and Saturday brings '80s music by Chase.
Visitors will find amusement rides, a food court filled with local favorites, a theme park for children, an art walk focusing on the creative work of area artists, a pie competition and auction, the Ohio State Old Time Fiddlers Contest at Stuart's Opera House, and competitions for Little Miss and Miss Parade of the Hills. (www.paradeofthehills.org)
Celebrating County Pottery
The heritage of art pottery lives in southeast Ohio.
When the National Geographic Society released its "Geotourism Map: Discover Appalachia," the only listing for Perry County was the National Ceramic Museum and Heritage Center between Roseville and Crooksville. Dale Hague, coordinator of the Museum's Pottery Guild, said the map brought traffic to the center, but its full impact hasn't yet been realized.
"The map created traffic for us and people are realizing that we're more than a static museum. Sure, we have exhibits relating to the clay industry, both pottery and brick making, but the important thing is that people are learning they can also come here and have a pottery experience. They can actually leave with something they've created and that's what sets us apart," Hague said.
As a potter, Hague understands the challenges facing the pottery industry. "Look at the potteries that are left in Perry County - what do they all have in common? With the exception of Petroware, which makes industrial ceramic products, the rest are all art focused. Even Ludowici Celedon in New Lexington that manufactures custom roof tile [creates] a form of art," he said. "We've simply got to look more to art and find that higher market niche we're all seeking."
One project that unites three clay-belt counties is the Weller Vase in Place project. These 7-foot tall vases are located in Athens, Perry and Muskingum counties, and each has been decorated by an area artist. To date, 40 vases have been placed and Hague has completed the construction of all 100 vases.
The Pottery Festival that alternates between Crooksville and Roseville returns this year to Crooksville July 12–15. A summer student intern at the National Ceramic Museum and Heritage Center will help organize and host Museum activities such as "Do Raku" and slip casting, and the Hull Pottery Society will curate a Hull Pottery exhibit at the Museum.
Boundless Creativity
Arts, history and culture take many forms in Southeast Ohio, from historical interpretation to geotourism to enjoyment of the culinary arts.
Artistic Conversations
by john winnenberg
The Little Cities of Black Diamonds is the name given many years ago to the villages and towns formed along the hillsides and riverbanks in southern Perry, northern Athens, eastern Hocking and western Morgan counties. These areas share a common heritage in the Hocking Valley Coal Boom Era (1870–1925). For over 50 years, these communities, which opened along the rail lines after the Civil War, were deeply rooted in the extraction industries of coal, oil, clay and iron. Immigrant miners and other laborers worked hard to fuel the industrial revolution that pushed through the country, also playing nationally significant roles in the nation's early labor union movement.
The prosperity ended almost as abruptly as it began. The rugged hills of the Little Cities region were stripped of trees and the streams were polluted with acid mine drainage. Much of the area was purchased by the federal government during the 1930s through the end of the 20th century to create Ohio's only national forest, the Wayne National Forest. These areas are embarking on a journey of recovery based on their rich history, art-emphasized tourism and the regenerating natural environment.
The Little Cities of Black Diamonds Council adopted the National Geographic Society's geotourism principles that focus on "destination stewardship." Geotourism is defined as "tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents."
Public "winter conversations" held in January and February of this year indicate that geotourism is perhaps the best strategy for slowly rebuilding the economy here, bringing together artists, historians and nature enthusiasts in a blend of activity and stewardship that create a special sense of place. Guided tours, Creation Vacation Artisan Workshops and a variety of cultural events are available in an area that is considering changing its name to "Little Cities of the Forest" based on today's realities. Hocking College is a strong partner with the Little Cities region, training interpreters and engaging ecotourism students in hands-on field experiences in the region.
Merging historic and natural assets with a growing cultural arts scene such as Nelsonville's and scattered locations throughout the region is particularly attractive to locals and visitors who wish to "make place" rather than "take place" as part of their life experience.
Edible Art
Fine dining and fine arts go hand in hand. Visitors who find their way to Nelsonville's Historic Square Arts District are also discovering Rhapsody Music and Fine Dining. The upscale restaurant is owned and operated by Hocking College and is a capstone experience for culinary arts and hotel restaurant management students.
Like the artists whose work is exhibited around the Public Square, students who spend time at Rhapsody are creating edible art that is consumed by patrons from near and far.
"We're gaining a great reputation for fine food and excellent service. Most who come to Rhapsody have no idea that it is almost totally run by students," observes Hocking College President John Light. He attributes this to managing chef Doug Weber.
"Not only has Doug been successful in mentoring his students but he's conveyed the message that all who enter Rhapsody are part of their educational experience. It's a valuable lesson they're learning."
It was Dr. Light and Tom Lambrecht, dean of Hocking College's School of Hospitality, who recognized the need to add an upscale restaurant component to their options. Both also saw a benefit for the community.
"We're a typical college town when it comes to food options," says Dr. Light. "It's easy to find plenty of pizza and fast food but what we didn't have was a fine-dining restaurant. It began making more and more sense that Hocking College, with its award-winning Culinary Arts program and hospitality program that is widely recognized as one of the best, should introduce fine dining along the Historic Square Arts District."
This month Rhapsody begins its third year. "We really looked at Rhapsody as both an opportunity and a challenge," says Lambrecht. "We recognized the need for a capstone experience beyond what they get at the Inn at Hocking College, the facility that is undergoing a major renovation and construction."
The new addition will include a high-tech demonstration lab, a baking lab, meat-cutting area and classrooms. The Inn's exterior and lobby will also be significantly altered.
"It's important that our students have the best classrooms and labs we can offer; they are only as good as the education they receive," Dr. Light says.
Some students also take advantage of travel-abroad opportunities with Rosmini Culinary Institute in Northern Italy. Their experience allows them to expand their cooking skills to include more Italian dishes and participate in an Italian language immersion course.
Art of Living History
Board the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway for a ride along the rails and get a special treat - a visit to Robbins Crossing, the little settlement of mostly authentic log cabins at the eastern edge of Hocking College's campus. Passengers get to interact with community volunteers and interpretive services students from Hocking College, who are dressed in period costumes and are"residents" of Robbins Crossing each weekend from May through the end of October.
Several homes, a general store, a one-room school and the shops where a cooper and a blacksmith tend to the chores at hand are a sampling of what's found at Robbins Crossing. Norm Fox, the site's manager, says students have researched local history before weaving the message they share.
It is not by coincidence that the hours of operation for the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway and the times Robbins Crossing is open are nearly a perfect match, since Robbins Crossing is a regular stop for the train.
Larry Blake, marketing director for HVSRY, says his volunteers have added a couple of additional special rides throughout the off-season."The Santa Special in December is always a favorite and we're now offering rides that include an Easter egg hunt on Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend," Blake notes.
For train information, call 800/967-7834 or 740/753-9531. Learn more about Robbins Crossing by calling 877/462-5464.
Online Gallery Premieres
A new retail Web site, www.artofohio.com, is promoting the sale of Ohio artwork and providing increased visibility to artists. Art of Ohio is a service project of the Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet), based in Athens. Photographs of artists' creations are uploaded to Art of Ohio where people all over the United States can view and purchase the artists' work.
Many of the artists found along Nelsonville's Historic Square Arts District have visibility on the Art of Ohio Web site. If an artist has his or her own Web site, Art of Ohio links to it as well as the gallery's site. Gallery exhibits and artists are constantly promoted through www.artofohio.com and various other media. There are plans for Annual Art of Ohio Exhibits to be held at different venues throughout the region.
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