At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

So! We’re bringing in yet another Golden Globe winner for you this coming week – another one sure to nail an Oscar or two. Syriana, George Clooney’s complex and suspenseful film about the oil industry and the Middle East, will start on Friday. I understand, from people who have seen it, that it takes two showings to really understand what is happening in it - - it’s quick moving and intricate. One man told me you come out sort of shaking your head but with lots to think about. We are trying to bring you all the films that will shine at the Oscars (as we do every year) so we’re very glad the film companies let up split screen Syriana with Walk The Line.

We are holding Walk The Line for one more week because it has done so well. I finally saw it last week, and I loved it. It’s such a beautiful film about pain and loss and finally, love’s redemption. The final scene where he has made a peace of sorts with his father is deeply moving. And the music is foot-stomping fine! Of course, no matter what a mess his personal life may have been, Johnny Cash is a true American music legend. His music speaks to us all, but particularly to the lost and the weary, the sinners and the hope-to-be-saved. When his record producer tells him that he can’t record at Folsom Prison because he has a Christian audience and they won’t approve of him performing for a bunch of murderers and rapists, he says “Then they’re not very good Christians, are they?” He was a man of courage and conviction even if he did sometimes falter on his path.

We have Brokeback Mountain for one more week. To bring it in we had to make a two week deal and I’m actually glad we did. It opened poorly on Friday night so I thought it was going to be a real dud. (You simply never know what film is going to be a hit or going to crash.) But Saturday night it began to find its footing and by Sunday it was doing as well as Walk The Line. Art films are never big moneymakers for us (the big-bucks movies include Scooby-Doo and The Santa Clause) but we are very proud of the quality of the films we bring here and Brokeback is not only a beautiful film but is going to be in contention for a number of Academy Awards.

I do want to address some of the phone calls (four to be exact) and one letter (unsigned) scolding us for bringing it in. The letter threatened to pull all support from the Dietrich if we didn’t pull the film immediately. First, let me say, I truly am sorry if a film comes in here that anyone finds offensive. That isn’t our prime objective, believe me. But different people have different tastes in film, and it’s not fair to insist that your personal taste be given top priority. Secondly, if you are mad at someone, don’t be mad at the Dietrich theater. The theater doesn’t book the films, I do. That is solely my responsibility. So you can be mad at me, but don’t take it out on the Dietrich.

People have stopped me to say thanks for showing it. Over three hundred people have seen it so far and the reaction is positive. All I can say to the people who are so angry is that I assume you haven’t seen it. Come see it and then we can discuss what you liked or didn’t like. But condemning a film without seeing it reminds me of my father-in-law many years ago. If he so much as saw an olive he’d go on this long riff about how disgusting they were. When we’d ask him if he’d ever eaten one (it was such fun to do that) he’d yell hell no, he hadn’t! Because he hated them, that’s why!

And remember, too, that many churches, mainstream and otherwise, accept gays and lesbians in their congregations lovingly and wholeheartedly. But I don’t know of any church that condones adultery or drug addiction. And yet I haven’t gotten a single complaint about Walk The Line - - a story about a serial adulterer and drug addict. (But oh my, the music can break your heart!)

See you at the Dietrich!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

What a week of movies we are having! The two biggest Golden Globe winners are now showing at the Dietrich – Walk the Line and Brokeback Mountain.
I have already seen Walk the Line a few times (It’s a favorite of mine!) I am very impressed with Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon’s portrayals of Johnny Cash and June Carter. I also can’t believe that they did all of their own singing! We will have Walk the Line through Thursday, so stop by and see it. This is a movie you must see on the big screen; don’t wait for the DVD to come out!

We also have a new exhibit at the Dietrich this month featuring the artwork of Ed Parkinson, Fred Lawrenson and Dr. Mel Wolk. Dr. Wolk’s work with photography is amazing. In “Timeless Metamorphosis”, Mel features the clock in front of Dietrich. Somehow the clock faces in that colorful piece look 3-D. A larger collection of Fred Lawrenson and Ed Parkinson’s work is currently on display at the Lizza Fine Art Studios on Bridge Street in Tunkhannock. Ed Parkinson’s watercolor nature landscapes capture the beauty of northern Pennsylvania. Margie, our Program Director, especially likes the fall colors in some of his autumn paintings. And Fred Lawrenson’s acrylic pieces are so intricate. We enjoyed reading the descriptions of Fred’s paintings at the Meet the Artist Reception at the Lizza Fine Art Studios on January 15th.

In February, we will have a great Saturday Series program for children and families. On Saturday, February 11th, at 11:00 am, Mary Baker will return to the Dietrich with your favorite stories and songs and will be accompanied by children’s author, Isabel Wilner. Isabel, now a permanent Tunkhannock resident, will tell “The Magic Umbrella” and other of her favorites from around the world. A few of the books Isabel authored include “B is for Bethlehem”, “The Baby’s Game Book”, and “The Poetry Troupe”. Admission to “Stories & Songs with Mary Baker & Isabel Wilner” is free and is sponsored by State Farm Insurance.

And please take part in Tunkhannock Public Library’s and the Dietrich’s “Wyoming County Reads: One County, One Book, One Movie” project. Pick up your free copy of “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding and come out for our first book discussion. Dr. Warren Bareiss, a Communications Instructor at Penn State Hazleton will lead this first discussion next Wednesday, February 1 at 7:00 pm at the Tunkhannock Public Library. Refreshments will be provided and admission is free.

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.

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 from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Classes are ongoing.

$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 from 10:00 am -11:00 am. Classes are ongoing

Admission is $10 per class.

Instructor: Mary Frances Giordano, certified Hatha yoga instructor