APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2015 YOUR INSIDE LOOK AT THE AMERICAN THEATRE AND THE CHARLES H. TAYLOR ARTS CENTER Judy Collins May 9, 8pm LOVESICK BLUES | STEEP CANYON RANGERS | AHN TRIO | NAI-NI CHEN DANCE | ARTISTS WHO TEACH | SUMMER CAMPS | 2015-16 SNEAK PEEK | JOURNEY FROM REALISM TO ABSTRACT | LIGHTHOUSE SERIES 2 DIVERSIONS April/May/June 2014 FROM THE DIRECTOR who helped him become the artist that he is today. Art Changes Lives Miss Libbie Wilson was Jim’s sixth grade teacher at John M. Most of you know James Warwick Jones either personally or Willis Elementary School in Hampton. She discovered Jim’s by reputation. For those of you who don’t, Jim is the Gallery love of art at an early age. When Jim had completed his school Manager at The Charles H. Taylor Arts Center. By day, he is assignments, she encouraged him to design, draw and paint. Jim responsible for programming the wonderful year-round art collaborated with fellow students to create murals of Homer’s exhibitions and the education programs at the Arts Center. By Iliad and Odyssey on large rolls of Kraft paper. night, he becomes James Warwick Jones, Super Artist. His resume Recognizing Jim’s raw talent and his unmistakable love of art, of numerous awards and accomplishments in art is incredible. Miss Wilson convinced Jim’s parents to enroll him in Saturday I saw him in the office recently all dressed up complete with morning painting classes taught by Hampton’s renowned artist, a fedora in tow, which is kind of out of character for him. We Jack Whitney Clifton. chatted briefly about the reason behind him dressing up that day. Admittedly, Jim’s life was changed for the better by Miss He shared that he was on his way to attend the funeral of a teacher Wilson through art education. Today, using his own award- winning artistry, his classroom art instruction and his personal interactions with artists of all ages, Jim shares the transformative power of art he discovered as a child — a tribute to Miss Wilson’s mentorship. On behalf of Hampton Arts, we thank you, Miss Wilson, for nurturing Jim’s commitment to continue your legacy of inspiring others to develop their own talent. We believe in the life changing power of art. I hope you’ll participate in our many upcoming camps and classes at the Theatre and the Arts Center. We can’t promise you’ll become an award-winning artist like Jim, but remember — Miss Wilson didn’t know that either — she just wanted him to have fun and explore his creativity. We want the same for you, too. BTW — Happy Spring! James Warwick Jones with Miss Libbie Wilson Joe Tsao, Director OUR MISSION To advance the arts and enhance the quality of life for all Hampton Roads residents and visitors by: – Educating and inspiring teachers, students and life- long learners to embrace the arts through exhibition, workshop and educational study, volunteerism and community outreach. – Providing opportunities for Hampton Roads artists to showcase and develop performing, visual and educational arts in both traditional and non-traditional formats. Plein Air Painting – Presenting unique, world-class caliber arts that appeal to a at Fort Monroe by diverse citizenry, promoting a deeper cultural awareness. Jerry Gammon DIVERSIONS April/May/June 2014 HamptonArts.net DIVERSIONS 1 InAPRIL/MAY/JUNE This 2015 Issue 1 From the Director — Joe Tsao 13 Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company — dance integrating trance, rhythmic breathing and spiral motion 3 My View from the Wings — Artistic Director Jeff Stern 17 Judy Collins — imaginative interpretations of traditional IN THE GALLERIES and contemporary folk standards 10 Hampton Arts League Open Members Exhibition — Award winners 14 Artists Who Teach Juried Exhibition 2015 — featuring artwork by art teachers from area schools 28 A Journey from Realism to Abstract and Non- Objective Art — take a journey from photo-realism to abstract 36 Poetry Inspired by Art PERFORMANCES 5 Lovesick Blues: The Life and Music of Hank Williams, Sr. — musical theatre chronicling the phases of America’s most influential singer-songwriter 7 The Steep Canyon Rangers — a sophisticated show of bluegrass music blended with humor Fairy Tale Dance Camp on page 19 9 The Ahn Trio — 21st century classical music with SUMMER AT THE THEATRE AND THE ARTS CENTER unique style 19 Camps at The American Theatre — a variety of camps and classes from dance to art to music 24 Summer Happenings at The American Theatre — some Motown music and the annual return of the Mystical Arts of Tibet 26 2015–16 Season Sneak Peek — a special preview of next season’s performances and exhibitions 40 Spring/Summer Classes — register for classes for adults and children LIGHTHOUSE SERIES 30 The Venue on 35th Series (First Sunday Evenings) 31 Phoebus Film Club Series OUR REGULAR 34 Encore — A look at the recent events at The American Theatre 35 Bravo — Images from the HAL Opening Reception Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company on page 13 37 Volunteer Spotlight — featuring intern Joe Reilly 2 DIVERSIONS April/May/June 2015 THE HAMPTON ARTS FOUNDATION JOE TSAO, DIRECTOR NANCY LAWSON ALLEN, PRESIDENT Terri Vander Vennet Duncan Garnett, Vice President Assistant Director (Finance Kenneth M. Krakaur, Treasurer and Administration) Nancy Adams My View Kevin Spence Ann Marie Batten Assistant Director Margaret Blake (Operations and Events) Cindy Cutler Jeff Stern Dr. Charrita Danley from the Wings Artistic Director Nancy Eason James Warwick Jones Dr. Robert E. Howard BY THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Gallery Manager Steve Hussell Bessie Crotts Bud Longo Box Office Manager Roxanne Lopez-Brown Angela McPherson The Hon. John Miller “Hi. Do you work here?” Marketing Manager The Hon. Ross A. Mugler “Hi. Yes, I do.” Sandra Sanders Donna Palmer “This is my first time here.” Changeover & Debbie Scott Housekeeping Manager The Hon. Joseph H. Spencer, II That is the most frequent conversation I’ve had with patrons Matt Shufflebarger Ann Templeman at The American Theatre this season (followed closely by, Food and Beverage Manager Jim Thompson “where’s the bathroom?”). As the 14/15 season presents its final Rich Best Susan Van Sloten Production Manager Joe Tsao performances and exhibitions in the months ahead, I think those conversations will be the lasting memory I’ll take into the DIVERSIONS HAMPTON COMMISSION future. We’ve enjoyed numerous sell-out performances and truly A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION ON THE ARTS Enjoyed by more than 60,000 readers remarkable art exhibitions this season, but increasing the level of NANCY EASON, CHAIRPERSON per issue. community participation with Hampton Arts, while welcoming Patrice Billingsly DESIGNED BY Lynda Burke Mellen Street Creative so many new patrons, fills me with pride. I thank you for making The Hon. Linda Curtis PRINTED BY this season so spectacular. Now, let’s look at what’s to come in the Jim Dees Carter Printing next few months and the next full season. Joshua Head Our stage will welcome performances featuring a tribute The Hon. Billy Hobbs Gaylene Kanoyton ADVERTISING to Hank Williams, Sr., Nai-Ni Chen’s world renowned dance Jackie Merritt We offer many effective solutions company, and the virtuosity of the The Ahn Trio. I am particularly Buena Reese to promote your business or looking forward to welcoming the Steep Canyon Rangers and the Deborah Reese events. For information on Gail Rehmert sponsorship opportunities, incomparable Judy Collins to Hampton. At The Charles H. Olga Ruffin including advertising in our Taylor Arts Center, we’ll (once again) showcase our talented arts printed publications and online educators in our exhibition, Artists Who Teach. James Warwick THE CHARLES H. TAYLOR platforms, contact Stephanie ARTS CENTER Morris, [email protected], Jones has planned a fascinating exhibition to conclude our season, BOARD OF TRUSTEES 757-315-4019. A Journey through Realism to Abstract and Non-Objective Art; this DEBBIE SCOTT, PRESIDENT group exhibition will visually illustrate the many ways artists Richard M. Bagley, Jr. Pearl Braxton express their personal vision, feelings, ideas and sensibilities. The Hon. Douglas E. Miller On the horizon? Summer, and the 15/16 season. You’ll Dr. Linda Shifflette find a full list of our summer camps in this issue along with a The Hon. Christopher W. Hutton registration form. Camp registration is already underway, so make sure to reserve your choices today, from drama to drawing, there is something for everyone. We’ve also included a sneak-peek at the Hampton Arts 15/16 Season, listing just a few of the many artists, performances and exhibitions in the full season we’ll be unveiling this summer. So much to look back on, so much more to come, and it wouldn’t be possible without you. Whether you are new to us, or have been a supporter from the very beginning, I thank you for choosing Hampton Arts this season. See you soon! ON THE COVER: Judy Collins See story p. 17 HamptonArts.net DIVERSIONS 3 4 DIVERSIONS April/May/June 2015 The centerpiece performance of the production is the uncanny incarnation of Hank Williams by Robbie Limon. Limon has the wiry frame and onstage charisma that evokes the late singer. While not merely an impersonation, Limon sings with same soulful wail and is able to connect the words and music to the listener. — STAGE VIEW, WASHINGTON, D.C. Lovesick Blues THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF HANK WILLIAMS, SR. Lovesick Blues is a 90-minute musical theatre event which to record but missed the opportunity due to his untimely death. chronicles the significant phases of America’s most influential Costume changes illustrate the evolution of Williams’ career from singer-songwriter as he drives his promising career to an early end.