At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

Oh…my…Gosh! I am sitting here in my dining room, writing this column, exhausted, happy, still unable to believe the crowds that came to see “It’s A Wonderful Life.” The afternoon had good attendance – about 160 people. We thought a few more than that would show up for the night show, but we had no idea! We packed the theater -- - kids sitting on the floor in the front (you know, like the old days) and we put up as many chairs as fire laws would allow and still we turned away over one hundred people! It was stunning. I didn’t recognize a lot of the faces in the night audience, so I imagine they came from Scranton and Dallas and Clarks Summit. At the end, when Jimmy Stewart and the gang are singing Auld Lang Syne and the credits start to roll, the applause was thunderous. And I was in tears. As always. Every year. Trudy Fiske and her daughter Annie were sitting in front of me, in tears, laughing at the fact that they’re in tears every year. I don’t know what it is about that movie, what universal chord it strikes, but it’s simply the best. Another “best day” at the Dietrich.

So we have two really good films for you during the holidays. Chronicles of Narnia is a terrific movie. I loved it. The children are perfect, the sets and special effects are phenomenal and the story is glorious. If you and your family haven’t seen it at least once, you’re cheating yourselves of a great experience. And don’t think you’ll wait for the DVD on either movie we’re playing right now. These are both movies that need to be seen on the big screen. These are the sorts of movies that are too big, too magnificent to scale down to your living room.

And, since I’m also talking about King Kong, let me tell you that I went in to see the first twenty minutes or so last week. I thought I’d see a little bit of it so I could comment on the sets and acting etc. etc. but wouldn’t sit through the whole thing. After all, it wasn’t “my kind” of film. Hoo boy, was I ever wrong! What a great movie! I didn’t move for the next three hours! And trust me, long as it may be in actual time, in movie time it simply flashes by. It doesn’t feel like three hours at all. Every scene is necessary, every one tugs at your emotions. I remember when my mother would read “Bambi” to me and I would cry when “Man” came to the forest (“Man” was always up to no good) for then all the creatures were at his mercy. Well, Kong is a grown-up version of nature being destroyed by the greed of evil humans. Softened, of course, by the love of a beautiful and loving woman. It’s a heck of a love story! Come see it. I’m telling you, it’s deserving of every last inch of hype about it - - it’s that good.

So here we are one more time, at the most bittersweet time of the year – the Christmas holidays. How joyous to see the lights and greens and sparkle as we pay homage to the holiday. How wonderful to see family and friends who come together after long partings from each other.

And then there are the memories of Christmas past, of faces dear to us, of hearts entwined in this life, awaiting whatever comes after. It is a time when we miss those no longer with us with a fierceness we don’t feel at any other time of the year. I think of the lovely Christmases my mother and father gave Jennie and me - - so little in material things, so rich with memories of bountiful food, and love, music and good company. As each year goes by, as I age, somehow those days become clearer, more deeply embedded in my heart. I miss them all, the aunts and the uncles, the violins, the beautiful voices, the laughter and the song. How lucky I was to have known such joy so early in life. Thank you, dearest Mamma and Poppa and all the dear ones waiting for me on the other side. Every day you are missed a little more.

Merry Christmas, dear friends. And Merry Christmas to my cousin Johnny and his family - - all that’s left of the many beloved souls who once gathered round the piano at Christmases so long ago.

God bless us one and all.

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Thank you all for coming out to “It’s a Wonderful Life” and celebrating the holidays with us this past Monday. It was a great way to welcome in the festivities of this week!

Next week, artist-in-residence Amy Colley will be busy with the Dietrich’s traditional “Holiday Camp”. Over Christmas break, kids will explore art through the mediums of drawing, painting, and pottery. Amy and Steve Colley will continue with similar classes in Mixed Media for ages 5 -12 starting again in January. On Thursdays, children ages 9 -12 will learn about famous artists in Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, etc. and create their own works using a variety of materials including, clay, tempera, charcoal, pastels and more! Similar classes will be held on Fridays for five to eight year olds. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 for more information.

In other cultural news, our “Quilting for Kids” classes just finished last week. The kids were all excited to make their final stitches in their quilt projects. Each student created beautiful autumn leaf quilts to celebrate the fall. One family of three children who took the class combined their leaf blocks to create a large quilt to give to their grandmother.

Peggy Lane, one of the class instructors has been teaching quilting for twenty years and has never seen a family of children combine their works into a shared quilt. Twenty years of teaching quilting! I am always amazed by the rich background many of our instructors have in their art, so I thought I would start sharing a little of Peggy’s.

She started teaching quilting when her daughters became interested in the art, but her family tradition of quilting did not start there. Peggy’s great aunt taught her how to sew when she was fourteen years old. Peggy recalled that her first quilt was similar to a crazy quilt, but she did not use fancy fabrics.

Peggy has taught hundreds of children how to quilt including her own daughters and granddaughter. She believes that you should expose children to as much as possible in the realm of the arts and culture and that passing on knowledge boosts children’s self esteem.

Besides teaching, Peggy also finds time to work on her own projects. She really enjoys designing and hand piecing very intricate quilts and incorporates her own artwork into them. Peggy says that quilting is very relaxing for her. It gives her time to think and reflect.

Peggy and the “Quilting for Kids” class will be starting a new project in January called “Friendship Stars”. Starting after school on Wednesday, January 11th, students will experience the joys of team quilting while playing our new quilting games. Team quilting is a fun way to make new friends and learn this folk art. Each student will take home his or her own quilt. Stitch one star in three lessons or create a sky full. “Quilting for Kids” is for students ages 6 and up.

Also in January, we will be starting a Mosaic class series for adults and students age 13 and up. Steve Colley, M.F.A., will teach Mosaic Design on Thursdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm starting January 12, 19, 26, and February 2. In this class, students will learn basic techniques as they create and assemble their own mosaic design using ceramic tile. In February, students will learn the process of creating ceramic murals as they design their own works using clay and plaster molds. And finally in March, students will make functional mosaics on their choice of furniture in their own unique design.

We at the Dietrich wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and joyous holiday season. Stop by and see the blockbusters King Kong and Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, marvel at the Dietrich’s holiday decorations, and do a little last minute Christmas shopping - Dietrich gift bags make the perfect gift!

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Afternoon Adventures for Girls, grades 5 - 8

Hey girl! You are a force to be reckoned with, an independent spirit. Celebrate yourself and your place in the world through interactive seminars on voice, body, culture, art and environment. Classes will be held at the Tunkhannock Middle School.

Thursdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30, April 6 from 3:30 - 5:15 pm.

Cost: Free!

Instructor: Everhart Museum Staff.

Decorative Painting, ages 13 and up

Learn decorative painting techniques while creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. Each project will be completed within one to two classes. All levels of experience welcome.

Wednesdays from noon - 3:00 pm. January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.

Cost: $15 per class plus the cost of the painting surface. Preregistration required.

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Dietrich After School Players

For grades 5 - 12. Learn the theatre arts while preparing for the play "Get a Clue!" including costuming, set design, makeup, and performing for an audience at the Dietrich. Sponsored in part by State Farm Insurance and PA Partners in the Arts.

January 9 - March 4th. Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:30 pm.

Admission is $80 for the nine-week workshop

Directors: Carl Candey and Patti Dunning, First Act Children's Theatre.

Functional Mosaics, ages 13 to adult

Students will provide their choice of furniture (end table, mirror, etc.)to enhance by using mosaic tiles in their own unique design.

Thursdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Cost: $45, includes all materials.

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Holiday Camp, ages 6 and up

Young artists will become familiar with pottery, drawing, and painting as well as famous artists in those fields in this holiday camp. Enjoy one day of camp or explore the arts in all three days. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

December 27 from 9:30 -11:00 am - Pottery. December 28 from 9:30 - 11:00 am - Drawing. December 29 from 9:30 - 11:00 am - Painting.

Admission is $15 per class or $30 for all three classes.

Instructors: Steve and Amy Colley, M.F.A., B.F.A.

Intergenerational Quilting, for all ages

"Interlocking Boxes" - Learn the tricks of discovering new patterns inside this intriguing design. Family members can collect these charming 6" blocks and stitch them into one memorable quilt.

Wednesdays, January 11 - March 29 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Peggy Lane

Introduction to Sign Language

Learn the manual alphabet and some basic signs. For ages 8 to adult.

Tuesdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Admission is $30.

Instructor provided by the Scranton School for the Deaf

Jewelry for Kids, ages 8 and up

Make a necklace and bracelet, one jute and one on wire - large selection of beads to choose from.

Tuesday, March 14th from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Cost: $9, includes all materials.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Mixed Media, ages 5 - 8

A new artist will be introduced each week as students learn about famous artists in Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, etc. and create their own works using a variety of materials including clay, tempera, charcoal, ,pastels, etc.

Fridays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Session 1 - January 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3; Session 2 - February 10, 17, 24, March 3; Session 3 - March 10, 17, 24, 31.

Cost: $30 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Mixed Media, ages 9 -12

A new artist will be introduced each week as students learn about famous artists in Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, etc. and create their own works using a variety of materials including clay, tempra, charcoal, pastels etc.

Thursdays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Session 1 - January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2. Session 2 - February 9, 16, 23, March 2. Session 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

Cost: $30 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Mommy & Me Mixed Media

For ages 3 and 4. Young artists and their moms, dads, or grandparents will create works of art using an assortment of materials, including clay, tempera, watercolor and collage.

Fridays, 10:30 - 11:15 am, Session 1 - February 3, 10, 17, 24; Session 2 - March 3, 10, 17, 24.

Cost: $25 for each series of 4 classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Mosaic Design, ages 13 to adult

Learn basic techniques as you create and assemble your own mosaic design using ceramic tiles.

Thursdays, January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2.

Cost: $45, includes all materials.

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Mosaic Murals, ages 13 to adult

Students will learn the process of creating ceramic murals as they design their own original works using clay and plaster molds.

Thursdays, February 9, 16, 23, March 2 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Cost: $45, includes all materials.

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

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 medium of their choice with instructor Steve Colley. A model will be provided for an additional fee if the group chooses.

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Session 1 - Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31; Session 2 - Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; Session 3 - March 7, 14, 21, 28.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Painting on Glass

Paint a spring bouquet on a vase. All levels of experience welcome. For students ages 13 to adult.

Wednesday, March 1 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

Cost: $17, all materials included.

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

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 1 - Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30. Session 2 - Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 3 - March 6, 13, 20, 27.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Preschool Art, ages 4 and 5

Preschool students will be introduced to a famous artist each week as they explore a variety of materials such as clay, tempera, watercolors, collage, etc.

Thursdays, noon - 12:45 pm, Session 1 - January 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2; Session 2 - February 9, 16, 23, March 3. Session 3 - March 9, 16, 23, 30.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Pull the Strings, grades 4 - 6

Lights! Camera! Action! Go behind the scenes, write an original play and create a cast of puppet characters for a puppet performance in the Dietrich's very own theater.

Tuesdays, March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.

Admission is free!

Everhart Museum Staff

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up

"Friendship Star" - Experience the joys of team quilting while playing our new quilting games. Each student will take home their own quilt. Stitch one star in three lessons or stitch a sky full.

Wednesdays, January 11 to March 29 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler, Gloria Eastwood, Terri Keller, Mary Louise Dodge

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. Meeting are ongoing.

Admission is free.

group format - no instructor

Yoga for You

Accomodations will be made for beginners, experienced practitioners, and those with special needs. 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.

Instructor: Melissa Russo: Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor

Yoga for You at Night!

Accomodations will be made for beginners, experienced practitioners, and those with special needs. Call 570-996-1500 to confirm dates. Please bring yoga mat or beach towel.

Mondays through December from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

$10 per class

Instructor: Mary Frances Giodano, certified Hatha yoga instructor

Yoga for You -Saturdays

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

Saturdays through December from 10:00 am -11:00 am

Admission is $10 per class.

Instructor: Mary Frances Giordano, certified Hatha yoga instructor