At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

What a winter! Has there ever been one as drab as this? You know, when it’s thirty degrees and snowing it’s wonderful outside – perfect for a walk with the hounds. But if it’s thirty-three and raining it’s just too grim. Cold and wet. Ick. I don’t know how that works exactly, but there is hardly anything more miserable than a winter rain.

And the horrendous ice has been a treat, too. Getting to my car this morning I wished I had one of those mountain climbing picks (or whatever they’re called) because I barely made it standing up. On the plus side, seeing my jerky path to the driver’s door gave the stray tuxedo cat who moved in about four months ago no end of amusement. “Ha, cat!” I said, shaking my fist at him while holding on desperately to my door handle, “Keep up that superior attitude and you’ll find yourself back in the barn down the road!” He yawned.

So, enough with the weather, already. On to the subject at hand – the movies! Have another Academy Award contender for you this week. Cormac McCarthy’s No Country For Old Men will be playing in the Murray this week. And yes, it’s true that Tom Rogler did ask for this some time ago and no, it’s not true that just because he asks for it I bring it in, but it might be true that he simply has really good taste in movies.

Cormac McCarthy is one of America’s great writers, and this film is taken almost word-for-word from the novel. It’s a tough one. Cormacc McCarthy has an apocalyptic view of the world which is reflected in his writing. No Country For Old Men is about a drug deal gone bad and a foolish choice made by a man who comes across the detritus left behind. It is violent, sad, beautifully acted and one of the best pictures of the year! Do come see it before it’s gone from theaters everywhere and the only way you can see it is on DVD. A television screen is no way to see a fine movie. You need the big screen, the sound, the aura of the theater so you can get lost in the story being told. This is worth the trip – it really is.

For the kiddies we have four matinees of the latest Veggietales movie. These are really cute, perfectly suitable for everyone and the little ones love them. G rated. Silly. Teaches good values. All the fun stuff you want in a movie for wee kidlets. Bring the kids, eat some popcorn, settle back and laugh with your children. They’ll be all growed up soon enough, and they won’t want to go with you to see talking carrots and tomatoes. So take them now, while they’re little and hold out those baby hands to be enfolded by your big old mommy hand or daddy hand and bask in their company. Then, a hundred years from now when all you have is your memories, you can look back on that brief moment when your baby looked up at you, laughing at a silly on the screen. And for that one moment you both were perfectly, flawlessly happy.

In the Evans we have The Bucket List for one more week. It’s not my kind of movie. (I have absolutely no desire to go inside a chemo ward. Been there. Done that. No fun. Uh uh.) But, if you’re a normal human being, not full of all kinds of fears and weirdnesses, you will like this movie. Everyone who has seen it has loved it. The stars are simply wonderful, full of fun and just two of the best actors on the screen today. If you’re not a nut (like me) then you will get a couple of good laughs, have a bit of a cry, and thoroughly enjoy yourself. So, come see it if you’d like a break from the bleak midwinter.

Coming next week: The Spiderwick Chronicles. Great for the kids. Scaaaaary. Shiver. Fun!!!

See you at the Dietrich.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Last week I dropped by Amy Colley’s Paint Your Art Out for Preschoolers class in the Dietrich’s Dorothy G. Sheldon Studio. For their last class of the series, students learned how to sponge paint and created their own masterpieces in primary colors. What was so interesting is that each preschooler used their own technique, one child blended all of his shaped and colors another child created a very distinct pattern. It was also great to see these little ones concentrating so hard on their projects.

Amy Colley’s All Kinds of Sculpture for Preschoolers and Mommy & Me classes start this week on Thursdays. Kids have so much fun creating 3-D art. Amy will have the little ones working with string, paper, clay and recyclables. Clay is a very popular medium for students to work with at the Dietrich. We are still taking registration for 3 - 5 year olds in either of these classes.

We would also like you to invite you to take your young children to Little People and Nature with Rebecca Lesko of the Endless Mountains Nature Center. Kids just love to learn about animals and nature. Last year little ones enjoyed learning about bats, birds, winter and rabbits. They especially enjoyed meeting a rabbit and an owl. Rebecca always prepares fun crafts, activities and stories for kids that relate to the class topic. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to learn about any of our classes or to sign up.

I also wanted to let you know what our After School Players are up to. On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, the group busily prepares for their live performance of “50 Years of Rock and Roll” at the Dietrich on Saturday, March 8th at 11 am. Besides learning about music from American Bandstand to TRL and some fun dance moves, students are learning about important historical events as well as how music is a reflection of what is going on in the world around us. We are so grateful to have Directors Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning of First Act Children’s Theater helping these middle and high school thespians prepare for this multi media musical.

Tonight will be our first book discussion for Wyoming County Reads at 7:00 pm at the Tunkhannock Public Library. I can’t wait to hear other people’s opinions about Pride and Prejudice. And please join us on Sunday, February 10th from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at Father Nallin Hall as we learn to contra dance (the American form of the dancing the characters do in Pride & Prejudice). There will be live music and caller Bob Nicholson will lead us through the steps of contra dancing. No experience or partner is required for this communal style folk dance. Refreshments will be provided.

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

3-D Madness, ages 9 - 12

Students will learn how to sculpt with an assortment of mediums including clay, string, paper, cardboard, etc. while learning about artists Pablo Picasso and Joseph Cornell.

Thursdays, February 14, 21, 28, March 6 from 4;00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

After School Players

Students will learn all about theater arts as they prepare for the musical "50 Years of Rock 'n Roll: American Bandstand to TRL". Students will also provide input for the show and learn choreography. No experience is required!

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:30 pm, January 7 - March 8

Admission: Free

Instructors: Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning, First Act Children's Theatre

All About Printmaking, ages 5 -12

Students will learn about printmaking while creating their own etchings, monoprints and lithographs.

Ages 5-8: Fridays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Ages 9-12: Thursdays, March 13, 20, 27, April 3 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructors: Amy Colley and Steve Colley.

All About Printmaking, ages 5 -12 - Mehoopany Outreach Studio

Students will learn about printmaking and create their own etchings, monoprints, and lithographs at the Mehoopany Outreach Studio.

Wednesdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

All Kinds of Sculpture for Mommy & Me, ages 3 & 4

Create all kinds of sculpture using an assortment of media including string, paper, clay and recyclables with your mom, dad or grandparents.

Thursdays, February 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10:30 - 11:15 am.

Admission: $30.

Instructor: Amy Colley

Basketry Workshop - A Wearable Pouch

Students ages 16 and up will create a small basket of hand pounded black ash wood splints and various natural basketry materials such as cedar bark, elm bark, or birch bark. The basket is small enough to wear as a woven pendant. Preparation of natural basketry materials will also be covered.

Saturday, February 23 from 9:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $80, materials included.

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Basketry Workshop - Create a Berry Basket

Students ages 16 and up will create a small open berry basket of hand pounded back ash wood splints. The basket features a square check weave base. Besides learning basketry techniques, students will learn how to prepare black ash wood splints. No experience is required.

Saturday, April 5 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $80, materials included.

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Basketry Workshop - Twig Plant Tower

Learn what goes into harvesting and creating unique rustic twig towers for use as plant supports in the garden. The towers are great to use for climbing plantss such as morning glories, ivy or runner beans. They can be placed in large clay pots for teppe shaped topiaries or set in the landscape to provide dimension. In the winter the structures can be decorated with lights to enhance the winter garden.

Saturday, March 1 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $80, materials included.

Instructor: Susi Nuss

Decorative Painting, ages 16 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques while creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. Preregistration required. Call 570-996-1500 to sign up.

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm. February 13, 20, 27, March 12, 19, 26, and April 16, 23, 30.

Admission: $20/class plus the cost of painting surfaces

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Exploring Color for ages 3 - 5

Little ones will learn about color by creating works of art and by playing theater games.

Thursdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27 from 10:30 - 11:30 am.

Admission: $30

Instructors: Amy Colley & Michaela Moore

Fun and Feathers, for grades K - 6

Flock to the Dietrich this March to experience the wonderful world of birds! Based on the Everhart's exhibit, "Flocks & Feathers", learn about birds, their habitat, and their connections to us through art, writing and science. Birds are the inspiration for masks, prints, origami and even paintings on eggs!

Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: Free

Instructor: Everhart Museum Staff

Intergenerational Quilting, ages 13 and up

The Wool Workshop - Think warm and woolly this winter. Learn quilting techniques as you experiment with wools, weaves and other textiles. Examine vintage quilts and recapture the sensibility of quilts of old.

Wednesdays through March 26 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Admission: $6 per class, materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane and Terry Keller.

Jewelry Making - Glass Fusing, ages 16 and up - Filled

This class will be a very basic introduction to the process of small piece fused glass work. Each student will create a fused glass item which will be finished, polished, and wire wrapped.

Mondays, March 3 and 10 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $60, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making - Metal Working, ages 16 and up

Students will learn how to use a jewelers saw, how to do basic metal cutting, filing and polishing. Each students will create a pendant.

Monday, March 17 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $50, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Jewelry Making -Easy Beading, ages 16 and up

Have fun learning three beading styles. Basic loom beading, peyote, and beading on fabric will be demonstrated. All materials and equipment will be supplied.

Monday, March 24 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Admission: $25, materials provided.

Instructor: Esther Harmatz

Little People & Nature - Series 1, ages 2 1/2 to 4

Rebecca Lesko of the Endless Mountains Nature Center will teach us about:When Winter Comes - Where do some of the animals go in the winter? What animals can we still see? Children will learn the answers to these questions through songs, stories, puppets and crafts.Bunny Hop - What do wild bunnies eat? Where do they live? How do they hide? Learn why domestic rabbits don't make good pets for children, and meet a rescued rabbit.Going Batty - What makes a bat a bat? Can you see bats in the winter? Dress like a bat? make a puppet, listen to a story, sing a song, and pretend to be a bat. Learn about the only flying mammal.Feeder Flutter - We've gone to the birds! Meet a live bird. Make a bird feeder to take home. Explore the discovery stations, feathers, puppets and stories.

Wednesdays, February 13, 20, 27 from 10 -11 am.

Cost: $25, children should be accompanied by an adult

Instructor: Rebecca Lesko, Endless Mountains Nature Center

Memoir Writing for all ages

It's never to early or too late to begin writing about your personal memories. Learn to craft them into stories to be enjoyed by family and friendsin this class for novice and experienced writers of all ages.

Tuesdays through March 4 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Admission: Free

Instructor: Ann Vitale

Open Studio for Painting, Drawing & Pottery

Students of all ages and levels of experience will have the opportunity to work at their own pace and with the medium of their choice.

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Session 2 - February 5, 12, 19, 26. Session 3 - March 4, 11, 18, 25.

Admission: $15 per class or $50 for four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Pottery & Sculpture, ages 13 to adult

This class is designed for students of all levels of experience. Students will work on pottery wheels and learn hand-building and sculpture techniques.

Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Session 2 - February 4, 11, 18, 25. Session 3 - March 3, 10, 17, 24.

Admission: $50, materials provided.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

Sunshine & Shadow/ Trip Around the World - Learn about these two quilts and the people who made them as you learn quilting techniques. Blend the best of both designs into one quilt. Explore the use of color to make a unique and bold design.

Wednesdays through March 26 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $6/class, materials provided.

Instructors: Peggy Lane, Ingrid Rogler and Terry Keller.

Spanish for Children

Through listening and active participation in "hands-on" activities and games, children will gain comfort with the sound of the Spanish language, enabling a smooth transition into speech. A dynamic method of instruction based on the Natural Approach and Total Physical Response methods will be used to focus on functional language skills.

Grades 1-3: Mondays through February 25 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission: $30, scholarships available.

Instructor: Victoria Romero

Spanish for Professionals

This class is designed to acquaint students with a working knowledge of grammar and communication necessary for professionals in the fields of business and finance, social services and teaching to better communicate with Hispanic members of the community in the course of their daily work.

Mondays through February 25 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm.

Admission: $50

Instructor: Victoria Romero

Trash to Treasures, age 5 -12

Learn how to create recycled art including 3-D art sculptures and relief sculptures at the Mehoopany Outreach Studio.

Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructor: Steve Colley

Trash to Treasures, ages 5 -12

Learn how to create recycled art including 3-D sculptures & relief sculptures.

Ages 5 - 8: Fridays, February 8, 15, 22, 29 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Ages 9 -12: Thursdays, January 17, 24, 31, February 7 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Admission: $35.

Instructors: Amy Colley and Steve Colley

Writers' Group

Come and read your work or listen and be inspired. Learn the craft of writing as you write. All genres and levels of writing are welcome.

Thursdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Meetings are ongoing.

Admission is free.

group format - no instructor

Yoga for You

This class will teach and reinforce the basic yoga poses (asanas)which gently stretch and strengthen the body. Attention will be given to breathing and alignment in postures. Call 570-996-1500 to confirm dates. Please bring yoga mat or beach towel.

Wednesdays, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Call 570-996-1500 for class dates.

Cost: $10 per lesson. Children are free.

Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor: Melissa Russo