arts&expressions® MAGAZINE by Elements of Design Graphic Studio, Inc.

Spring•Summer Season 2008 • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • www.arts-expressions.com

www.galleriaconnection.com • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • Winter Season 2007~08

FROM THE PUBLISHER, EDITOR and CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Photo by Linda Edmonds, Precious Memories Portraits

Dear Readers, Everyone is feeling the economic crunch. No matter what happens with our economy, I hope that the arts and arts organizations will still be supported and not dismissed. I know prices have gone up everywhere, printing costs included, but feeding and uplifting the soul is an important component to a balanced life, and that is what the Arts do, whether you are the one creating, or the one appreciating. So, in this issue, the Arts are combined with creative ideas that are meant to benefit communities. Robert Mucklow, owner of Mucklow’s Fine Jewelry in Peachtree City, starts a tradition by hosting a hand-made silver jewelry workshop for kids. The kids make a special gift for mom, and some of the proceeds are donated to Promise Place (page 6). On page 8 you will be introduced to a man with a big vision. A leading scholar of Biblical history, James “Jim” Fleming, Ed. D., conceived and developed an interactive museum, Explorations in Antiquity Center, located in LaGrange. At the center you can see, feel and even taste the world as it was in the Middle East during Biblical times. And, we have a super “Creative Camp Explosion” special feature with a wide variety of creative camps and classes ready for our kids’ summertime fun. Hope you can take some time out to enjoy some of the soul-lifting activities and events awaiting you. Happy reading!

A Southern Arc® Publication VOLUME 6 ISSUE 1 SPRING ~ SUMMER 2008 PUBLISHER ELEMENTS OF DESIGN GRAPHIC STUDIO, INC. EDITOR, CREATIVE DIRECTOR MARILYN A. HAAS GRAPHIC DESIGN MARILYN A. HAAS CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS LINDA EDMONDS, MARILYN HAAS CONTRIBUTING WRITERS / EDITORS DIANNA LOVE SNELL, ELIZABETH WEAVER, ELIZABETH A. CHEWNING, JEN KELLEY WEB DESIGNER GAYLAND CRUTCHFIELD AMBASSADORS ALEX NIDES, LINDA EDMONDS, LINDA GWALTNEY SAMANTHA BROOKS PRINTER PANAPRINT INC., BYRON PRICKETT 1.800.622.0676 All submitted photos, artwork or computer disks sent are property of arts&expressions® MAGAZINE unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. © 2008 by Elements of Design Graphic Studio, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced (including

Marilyn A. Haas President, Elements of Design Graphic Studio, Inc.

advertisements if designed by the publisher) or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any other information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher.

Front photograph of “Little Picasso” (Blake Dunckel) is from Precious Memories Portraits by Linda E. Precious Memories Portraits sponsors an annual calendar contest “The Essence of Childhood” to benefit The Community Welcome House, a women’s shelter in Coweta County. 4

Spring~Summer Season 2008 • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • www.arts-expressions.com

Printed in the United States of America.

www.arts-expressions.com FOR ADVERTISING AND INFORMATION contact us at: P. O. Box 2192; Peachtree City, Georgia, 30269

Phone: 770.486.9891 or email us at:

artsexpressions@bellsouth.net VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.arts-expressions.com

inside

SPRING ~ SUMMER 2008

contents

A Creative Summer Camp Explosion!

Silver and Promises Mucklow’s Fine Jewelry begins a tradition of the heart, Peachtree City, GA

8-9

Explorations in Antiquity Center, a concept developed by James “Jim” Fleming, Ed. D., LaGrange, GA

StarwatchKIDS: Choral instructor, Sue Jacobs, at Taylor Middle School, Griffin

14–17

SPECIAL FEATURE: A Creative Summer Camp Explosion! Creative summer camps in Atlanta and Fayette, Coweta, and Clayton counties.

D E P A R T M E N T S 4

Letter from the publisher

Table of Contents

18-19

The Writer’s Corner by Dianna Love

ActingOut by Jen Kelley

20–22

Theatre Announcements and See Do Listing (also see our website and the Events Calendar: www.galleriaconnection.com

Although a number of our contributors and featured artists may have very strong political and/or religious influences and motivation in their work, it should not be interpreted that arts&expressions® MAGAZINE promotes any single faith, denomination or political philosophy. arts&expressions® MAGAZINE firmly believes that the arts, and more importantly artistic expression, are universal phenomena that should reflect and embrace all of humanity. arts&expressions® MAGAZINE does not endorse any products or services advertised in this magazine. Views expressed in advertisements and editorials are not necessarily those of arts&expressions® MAGAZINE. Reader discretion is advised. arts&expressions® MAGAZINE welcomes editorial, article and artwork submissions, but assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of unsolicited material. arts&expressions® MAGAZINE is not responsible for the content of any article; contributing authors agree to indemnify and protect the publisher from claims or actions regarding plagiarism. arts&expressions® MAGAZINE is not responsible for statements of any advertiser nor the value or authenticity of items advertised herein. The publishers reserve the right to accept or reject any advertisement or submission at their sole discretion.

www.arts-expressions.com • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • Spring~Summer 2008

Mucklow’s Fine Jewelry Starts a Tradition of the Heart By Elizabeth Weaver

gift of jewelry crafted from satiny silver reflects how unique and precious you are. Still, there’s nothing that you treasure more than a gift made with care by someone you love—especially your own child. In 2007, Robert Mucklow found a way to bring these things together—much to the delight of children and their mothers. He helped 131 children manipulate high-quality silver into beautiful bracelets. On Mother’s Day, the kids surprised their moms with exquisite jewelry that they’d helped to create. It was the start of a tradition that Mucklow plans to continue this year. The bracelets brought joy to the women who received them and also raised money to heal wounds through a donation to Promise Place, a private 501c3 non-profit organization that serves children and victims of domestic violence in Fayette, Spalding, Pike and Upson counties. “We presented Promise Place with a check for $1,310,” Mucklow says. “This year, we’re offering personalized stamped necklaces in addition to the bracelets and, again, $10 from each item will be donated to Promise Place.” The necklaces are made from sterling silver disks suspended on colorful rubber cords. Children can choose from a variety of stamps and personalize the disks for their mothers. Mucklow’s Fine Jewelry will have artisans on hand to help the kids design and create their masterpieces at special jewelry making workshops. All ages are welcome, but it’s important to note that each child must be accompanied by an adult. The price of the bracelets is $35 each and the necklaces cost $25—while supplies last. Last year, the workshops were very popular with parents, kids and Mucklow himself. “It’s lots of fun and just a cool thing to do, to bring love and skill together in honor of our mothers,” he says. For more information, call Mucklow’s Fine Jewelry at 770-486-3400 or visit www.mucklowsfinejewelry.com. Pictured below left: Twisted Silver and Bracelet.

Spring~Summer Season 2008 • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • www.arts-expressions.com

Pictured below right: A personalized stamped silver disk suspended on cord.

www.arts-expressions.com • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • Spring~Summer 2008

Time Travel to Please the Senses and Lift the Soul By Elizabeth Weaver

Concept Developer, James W. “Jim” Fleming, Ed. D.

Above: time tunnel

ncient history has been revived at the Explorations in Antiquity Center, located in LaGrange, GA, where you can see, feel and even taste the world as it was in the Middle East during Biblical times. The interfaith living museum gives you an intimate view of daily life when and where the three largest monotheistic religions—Judaism, Christianity and Islam—developed. The interactive museum was conceived and developed by James W. “Jim” Fleming, Ed. D., a leading scholar of Biblical history. Using his extensive knowledge and personal experiences of archeological expeditions in the Middle East, Dr. Fleming has reconstructed a range of settings with archaeological artifacts and replicas throughout. He specifically chose to recreate historical features that visitors would find interesting and educational. “We decided to highlight discoveries that had implications to better understanding certain parts of Biblical history,” Dr. Fleming explains. “We thought since most of our visitors are already familiar with many Biblical stories, the museum’s displays would likely be more interesting to visitors if they helped illustrate the stories.” Land was purchased in LaGrange in 2005 and the Center opened in June of 2006. Building it was a demanding task. Nearly 200 dump truck loads of boulders, rocks and limestone gravel were brought in from Alabama—and that was just for the desert of ancient Israel, a part of the archaeological garden. The Garden Area includes many of the features that would have dotted the ancient landscape—a well, watering troughs, stable, courtyard, four-room Israelite house, tombs, goat hair tent and altars, as well as a fig tree and seasonal plants from Biblical times. Every aspect of the Center is faithfully reconstructed based on research, including photographs and drawings in excavation reports from archeological digs in the Middle East. Due to ancient wars, earthquakes, fires or abandonment, only the bottom two or three feet of many structures remain.

Above: grape press storage cellar 8

Spring~Summer Season 2008 • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • www.arts-expressions.com

“In some cases, we didn’t recreate sites any higher than the archaeologist discovered them, as in our Time Tunnel,” says Dr. Fleming. “In other places, for example the buildings around our city gate area, we completely restored them to their original height, based on similar gate structures that were not destroyed at certain sites. Other clues came from the palace walls of the king of the conquering army, where we found reliefs of how the conquered city looked during battle.” The Time Tunnel features the ruins of four ancient houses of worship from 1500 BCE (BC) to 500 CE (AD)—Canaanite Temple, Israelite Shrine, Jewish Synagogue and Byzantine Church. The progression of column capitals that decorate the front of the Time Tunnel is the best place to see the variation of artistic and architectural styles represented in the Center. There are five different periods of columns and capitals. The first, from the Early Bronze Age, is merely a stone capital. The second is a Minoan column from the island of Crete, 1500 BC; it has a pyramid center and two cylinders on either side. The third, from 1000 BC, is called the Proto-aeolic capital from the time of the Phoenicians and the Monarchy of Israel. Its artistic style progresses from the pyramid center to a curled decorative motif on the side. It also serves as the predecessor to the Greek column, the fourth in the group, with its Ionic decorations from 500 BC. Finally, there’s a Corinthian Roman capital. “We chose a composite Corinthian capital that still had traces of the Ionic curls in it,” says Fleming. A favorite for many visitors are the two period banquet halls where they can partake in Biblical Meal Presentations. Constructed as representations of rooms discovered in Herculaneum and Pompeii, the halls feature reclining dining, the standard method at that time. A four-course meal is served that includes soup, salad, main course, dessert and a beverage. Visitor Bill Rothrock fondly remembers his Bible Study group’s Meal Presentation. “The Continued on next page.

Above: Roman Crucifixion trees

Above: Biblical meal area

meal and the whole experience was well worth it,” he says. “We came away with a very real understanding of life back in Biblical times and it helped give depth to what we’d been studying.” Bread Making is offered in the goat hair tent so people can have a taste of how Middle East shepherds lived in antiquity. Each person is given dough to shape and while the bread cooks over a wood fire, everyone makes butter. After a traditional Hebrew blessing, the visitors eat the meal they helped to prepare. A Kids’ Dig Area, with four specially constructed archaeological pits, is available for groups of children to experience what archaeologists do and how they work. The pits are filled with real artifacts and replicas so the children can experience the thrill of discovery while learning. Dr. Fleming is motivated by more than just a passionate interest in history; he says that he finds the greatest joy in helping others experience and discover ancient history. “The real thing that keeps me going is seeing the sparkle in someone’s eye when they get it, when I see that ‘aha’ moment.” Throughout his 62 years, Dr. Fleming has earned a long list of credentials, including director of the Biblical Resources Study Center, an ecumenical organization with offices in the US and Israel, and

Above: kids dig area

founder of the World of the Bible Archaeological Museum & Pilgrim Center, which operated in Jerusalem until Spring of 2006. After earning a doctor of education degree at Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX, Dr. Fleming taught at the Institute of Holy Land Studies in Jerusalem. He currently teaches at the School for Overseas Students at Hebrew University in Israel, in addition to conducting Christianity courses for the Israeli Ministry of Tourism. His lectures are in demand around the world, especially the US, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, South America and South Africa. Dr. Fleming has led a variety of archaeological digs. His discoveries have been chronicled in Biblical Archaeology Review and he’s served on the periodical’s Editorial Advisory Board since 1980. He also leads study tours of the Holy Land and the Mediterranean. Of course, he guides tours through the Explorations in Antiquity Center. Whatever he’s doing, Dr. Fleming stays true to his purpose—to help the scriptures become alive and refreshing. “Biblical traditions are easily misunderstood,” he explains. “We need to ask what the words meant when they were written, what was the context in terms of the culture then?” Explorations in Antiquity Center PO Box 3900, LaGrange, GA 30241 • 706-885-0363

www.explorationsinantiquity.com

Open Tues. thru Sat., 10am–6pm Admission: $10-adults; $5-children

Biblical Meal Presentation: $30 for adults; $18 for children under 12. Cost includes admission to Center, tour guide, food and other extras. Allow 1-hour for the meal, 3 hours for entire visit. Bread Making Experience: $7 per person.

Call to reserve a time to bring a group to the Kids’ Dig Area or to schedule a group for a Biblical Meal Presentation. Details are available by phone or online. There are also facilities for lectures and conferences at the Center. Special presentations are scheduled throughout the year. • You can continue learning about Biblical life and times even after your visit to the Center in LaGrange by flipping your radio to 92.5FM The Bear, WEKS on Sunday mornings at 9am. Dr. Fleming and Scott Stephenson co-host a radio show, also called Explorations in Antiquity. Listeners are invited to email questions to: askjim@explorationsinantiquity.net

www.arts-expressions.com • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • Spring~Summer 2008

A modern, 48,000 square foot structure nestled in a serene valley off Lower Fayetteville Road near the city of Newnan, Georgia, this “pearl of the community” contains an elegant lobby, diverse art gallery, lecture halls, and star quality dressing rooms, all anchored by a 1000-seat state-of-the-art theater. Construction of The Centre for Performing and Visual Arts was funded by a SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) grant along with an investment by the Coweta County School System. The Centre is available for use by all the citizens of the surrounding communities with special priority being given to school system events. Several private donations add to the distinction of The Centre. One of the more notable donations

was a Steinway concert grand piano given through the New York Bank by the estate of the late Tom McKeehan, a former resident of Senoia, Georgia. The Lauren Stapaniak Foundation, created in memory of Lauren Stepaniak, former principal of Madras Middle School who lost her battle with breast cancer, donated funds to purchase string instruments to be used by Coweta County middle school students, thus enabling the instruction of string instrumental music throughout the area. Most recently, The Centre received its first piece of artwork from a major artist as the inaugural piece in what is hoped will become a large collection in residence at The Centre. Following a major art show in February, 2006, world renowned artist, Bruno Zupan, donated a watercolor, “Venice:

Spring~Summer Season 2008 • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • www.arts-expressions.com

View from Guidecca” to begin this collection. However impressive the structure and its contents may be, it is the intangibles that give inspiration to visitors of The Centre. The philosophy of The Centre is to strive to be a house of excellence an extension of the classroom no matter the age of the student. Its purpose is to provide opportunities that will expose its patrons to the arts, increase their knowledge and appreciation for multiple forms of artistic expression, and enhance the total living experience for all the people it is able to touch. Please plan to make The Centre for Performing and Visual Arts a stop on your next visit to Coweta County and Newnan, Georgia. dD

www.arts-expressions.com • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • Spring~Summer 2008

M U S I C

Experiencing the thrill and not slowing down By Elizabeth Chewning – Communications Specialist, Griffin-Spalding County School System

Pictures above: Choral instructor Sue Jacob teaches her students at Taylor Street Middle School in Griffin, Georgia.

“To experience the thrill that comes from performing with others in front of an audience – that is what I want my students to experience,” says Ms. Sue Jacob, choral instructor at Taylor Street Middle School in Griffin, Georgia. She has facilitated that “thrill” for thousands of students over the years. With 29 years of experience, this veteran teacher could retire. However, she loves what she is doing, and she plans to keep teaching and making a difference with music in the lives of students. After completing her undergraduate education at the University of Evansville and her masters at Purdue University, both in Indiana, Ms. Jacob came to the Griffin-Spalding County School System. She has guided her students to numerous superior and excellent ratings at Georgia Music Educators Association festivals and multiple other contests in locations such as Orlando and New York City. Her middle school choir has even performed the national anthem for an Atlanta Braves Sunday afternoon game at Turner Field. Just as she encourages her students to seek self-improvement, she eagerly pursues continuing education opportunities – another sign that she is not slowing down. A member of American Choral Directors Association, she believes that self-improvement is a vital part of being an educator. “I hope that my music instruction teaches children to be independent, life-long musicians. It’s my goal to have taught them selfdiscipline and teamwork.” “I enjoy teaching music because I get to develop a working relationship with my students over several years. We become a family in my classroom. This allows me to maintain high expectations for them.” Several members of her classroom family have gone on to be professionals in the field. Former students include Richard Stelling, a member of the Beatles tribute band The Return, and DeAnn Whalen, a successful country and bluegrass fiddle player in Nashville, Tennessee. To sum up how Ms. Jacob feels about music, one only needs to look at her favorite quote by American musician Garrison Keillor: “To be caught up with other people in a moment of grace… Like geese flying in formation, Like a tree full of birds that suddenly rise up and wheel off toward the west, Like a school of fish – The beauty of music, the beauty of being with the others, To be beautiful in just the same way that all of them are beautiful, That’s the gorgeous thing about music.”

Spring~Summer Season 2008 • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • www.arts-expressions.com

www.arts-expressions.com • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • Spring~Summer 2008

CREATIVE SUMMER CAMPS 2008 FEATURE

Camps and classes are ready for summertime fun and creative expression! Jo in th e AT L ANT A W O R K S HO P P L AY ER S for the ARTISTIC ADVENTUR E OF A LIFETIME! 2008 Camp Sessions

Students age 7–18 come from 5 continents to study with Internationally-known Instructors and Audition for Top Casting Directors and Talent Agents from Television, Film, and Broadway! Beginner through Professional levels. Study areas:

• Contemporary Theatre • Classical Theatre • Improv •

• Musical Theatre • On-Camera Acting • Stage Combat •

• Dance (Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Step/Rhythm, African, Swing, Hip Hop, Choreography) • Circus Arts • Acrobatics • • Special FX Make-Up • Video Production •

“Destiny”

Performing Arts Summer Camp 2008!

• Session #1 Day Camp June 2-6 Ages 7-17 • Session #2 Day Camp June 9-13 Ages 7-17 • Session #3 Residential Camp June 15-20 Ages 8-18 • Session #4 Residential Camp June 22-27 Ages 8-18 • APS (Advanced Production Session) July 6-19 Ages 11-18 • Session #6 Performing Arts Adventure Day Camp July 21-25 Ages 5-11 • Session #7 Performing Arts Adventure Day Camp July 28-August 1 Ages 5-11 Session 6 at The Studio of the Arts in Alpharetta. All other sessions at Oglethorpe University. Contact AWP to request to be on their mailing list.

www.AtlantaWorkshopPlayers.com • 770-998-8111

Shows, Recreational Activities & Explosive Fun!

The Georgia Youth Ballet’s Summer Intensive

SUMMERFEST June 2 - 20, 2008 Information: 770.716.9858 www.gyb.us

SUMMERFEST Georgia Youth Ballet Summer Intensive

SUMMERFEST Weekly Classes

Randi Lancaster and Jonsie Pollock, Co-Directors Magdalena Maury, Founding Director

Children’s Program Ages 8-10; 10am-11:30am every Monday-Friday

Summerfest is Georgia Youth Ballet's annual Summer Intensive Dance Program for children 8 and up, featuring weekly classes conducted by renowned national and international instructors, capped off with the impressive Summerfest Performance as the camp finale.

Intermediate Program Ages 11-13; 10am-4pm every Monday-Friday

Instructors: Foye Dubose, Alabama Dance Theatre; Maria Chapman, Pacific Northwest Ballet; Katie Gebler, Alabama Ballet; and Magda Aunon, Fort Lauderdale Ballet Classique 14

Email us at awplayers@aol.com or give us a call at 770-998-8111.

Spring~Summer Season 2008 • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • www.arts-expressions.com

Advanced Pre-Professional Program Ages 14 and up; 10am-4pm every Monday-Friday Summerfest Performance* Friday, June 20 *To be in the final performance, participants must attend at least two weeks of classes.

Georgia Youth Ballet is a regional dance company serving dancers from ten metro Atlanta counties. GYB was created by Magdalena Maury, who has been teaching ballet for more than 35 years. GYB is now owned by Randi Lancaster, a Maury protégé and former professional dancer with Alabama Ballet. Like Maury, Ms. Lancaster strives to give her students the best possible dance education and exposes her students to master teachers from all over the world. Past teachers have included: Finis Jhung, Elie Lazar, Laura Alonso, Vladimir Issaev, Jessica Mylene, Magda Aunon, Magaly Suarez, Webster Smith, Thom Clower, and many others. Check www.gyb.us for more information about these programs and our July program, Tiaras and Tutus (for ages 5-7), or call The Studio at (770) 716-9858.

CREATIVE SUMMER CAMPS 2008 FEATURE

Summer Classes June 2 – June 6 Monday – Friday Beginning Acting Class 15 years old and under 12 noon to 2 p.m. Beginning Model Class 12 years old and up 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Inquire about other upcoming classes and photo shoots with epiphani, inc.!

About Us

Michele Lynch, President

We are a model management company that represents models, actors, singers and dancers and place them with agencies around the world. We represent talent and book for local, regional and national recognition. epiphani, inc. offers classes in improv, modeling, intermediate & advanced acting, voice & diction and much much more.

epiphani, inc. • Heritage Station • 118 Palmetto Rd. Suite E • Tyrone, GA 30290

www.arts-expressions.com • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • Spring~Summer 2008

CREATIVE SUMMER CAMPS 2008 FEATURE

Ad page 8

FCFT's Popular Summer Production Camp 2008 Ages: 8 to 15 years • June 20-28 (No camp on Sunday, June 22) Fee: $250.00 Time: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily Performance: Sat., June 28 at 5:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. Campers will attend a week long camp and be immersed in all things theatrical. Campers will audition for roles, be cast in the show, learn songs, dances and lines, create costumes and sets, experience stage makeup and take part in daily selfesteem building and creative theatrical games and exercises. Camp will conclude with two presentations of the 30-minute production of the 1-act musical "The Adventures of Hansel and Gretel." Camp is limited to only 26 participants and space fills up very quickly! Pre-registration is required. A deposit of $125.00 is due at time of registration with the remaining $125.00 due on first day of camp.

For ages 7 through 13 • Two-Week Session July 7-18; weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; $300. Performance presented Friday, July 18, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Matinee, July 19, 2:00 p.m. Exploring the ARTS! This is not your typical camp! Taught by the director of Fayette-Coweta Family Theatre, Inc., let your child explore the theatre as they participate in daily sessions of Art-Dance-Music-Acting. Children will be afforded the opportunity to create works of art, learn what it means to be stage left, etc., project their voices on stage, basics of music performance and dance during this two-week camp. All supplies will be furnished for the student. (Students will also participate in traditional camp activities during the day.)

This drama camp is held at the Fayette Family YMCA • 215 Huiet Rd., Fayetteville

Camp is held at the FCFT Warehouse, 177 Fulton Court, Peachtree City. The performance will be at the Family Family YMCA.

To register call: 770-599-0051 or visit www.fcft.net/Shops 16

Spring~Summer Season 2008 • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • www.arts-expressions.com

For information and registration call: 770-719-9622

CREATIVE SUMMER CAMPS 2008 FEATURE

Camps are week long and will run from June 23–27 (Registration due by June 1st) and July 21–25 (Registration due by July 1st)

Children’s Program • Ages 7-9 years Monday–Friday, 10:00am-12:00pm

Evolving Pointe Ensemble is a non-profit dance company serving Fayette County and the metro Atlanta area. This is a day camp designed to provide intensive training in Classical Ballet, Modern, Hip-Hop, and Tap. Our professional instructors are highly dedicated and will work with students on accomplishing their personal dance goals. Guest Instructors to include Peter Poulos and Peter Swan. Others to be announced.

Intermediate Program • Ages 10-13 years Monday–Friday, 10:00am-4:00pm *By Audition or Placement Only*

Now Registering! For more information about any of these programs please call Dance Contempra’s Centre for Dance Education at (770) 631-0460 or visit www.dancecontempra.com

Advanced Program • Ages 14 and up Monday–Friday, 10:00am-4:00pm *By Audition or Placement Only*

303 Kelly Drive, Suite 12, Peachtree City Call Dance Contempra’s Centre for Dance Education at (770) 631-0460 or visit www.dancecontempra.com

Prima Ballerina Camp • Ages 3-6 years will run in the June camp only.

Summer Kids Camp 2008

June 9 - 14 • June16-21 • June 23-28 July 7-12 • July 14-19 • July 21-26 • It’s time to plan for summer fun. Camp is suitable for children ages 5-12. Great for first time actors and old pros! The fundamentals of acting are stressed in this one week “drama boot camp” using stage games and exercises. The young actors will: Learn methods to create believable characters; Play theater games; Enhance their stage presence; Paint sets; Improve their voice projection; Explore their imagination; Work together as a group; Create a stage performance! Camp is available in either a HALF DAY 9 - 12:30

Ad page 24

for $100, ($80 for a sibling or 2nd week of camp) or FULL DAY 9-5pm for $175. ($150 for a sibling or 2nd week of camp) Price includes: Costumes, Props, Friday afternoon pizza party, Souvenir t-shirt, Snacks, Free Admission to final performance for family and friends. (Full day campers will bring their own lunch.) To register for camp: Go to www.newnantheatre.com and send email to nctc@numail.org with child’s name and age, parent’s contact information. and whether you want a half day or full day. Payment can be made by check or credit card on the first day of camp. Or mail a check to: NTC, PO Box 275, Newnan Ga 30264 Newnan Theatre’s drama camp is under the directorship of Laurel Alford. For more information please call Laurel at 678-677-1510.

Creative Summer Camps 2008 • Alpha Listing Arts Clayton

Phone: 770.473.5775

Atlanta Workshop Players

Phone: 770.998.8111

Carousel of Dance Arts

Phone: 678.817.9327

epiphani models & talent

Phone: 678.364.9099

Evolving Point Ensemble

Phone: 770.631.0460

Fayette-Coweta Family Theatre

Phone: 770.599.0051

Fayette Family YMCA

Phone: 770.719.9622

Georgia Youth Ballet

Phone: 770.716.9858

Newnan Theatre Company

Phone: 678.677.1510

The Legacy Theatre

Phone: 404.895.1473

(Please see additional camp information from the Peachtree Recreation Department on page 23.) www.arts-expressions.com • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • Spring~Summer 2008

WRITER’S CORNER From the Southern Arc

R Aw ITA Wi ard nne r

with Dianna Love, a RITA award-winning author

Break Into Fiction™ …what it takes to break in today

ublishing is changing faster today than it did twenty, ten or even five years ago. But you have to do more than “stay up on the trends.” In fact, chasing a trend is not the way to get published. You’ve heard it before, but I’ll share the best way to get published: Write a great story about interesting characters that battle adversity and triumph over adversity so the reader can cheer for the main character. Write a story about something that moves “you” that you feel passionate about. Write a story in your own words and style – your voice. Sound simple? Of course, not. Sound possible? Absolutely. As a relatively new author, I’ve read stacks of resource material, spent hundreds of hours in workshops both live and online, read within and outside of my genres, talked to agents and editors. I know what it feels like to write, revise, write and revise to get a contract. And how difficult it is to stay published.

Along the way I met another new author – Mary Buckham – who has gone through pretty much the same process. We joined forces and developed a program called the Break Into FictionTM Template Teaching Series that is Simple Steps to Complex Novels (to be released in 2009 by Adams Media). We pulled from all the information gained over the past years to create a CharacterDriven Plotting method we now offer in private retreats across the country (www.BreakIntoFiction.com). The Plotting of a novel too often intimidates, overwhelms and defeats a lot of writers, both new and those who have been at it awhile. Many published authors battle their way through plotting each book then revising several times for an editor, unable to find or fix plot holes prior to sending in their contracted book. We’re always going to revise, but trust me when I tell you that it’s much easier to do general revisions (foreshadow this incident, tighten character motivation, more emotion here…) than to do Continued on next page.

Spring~Summer Season 2008 • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • www.arts-expressions.com

Continued from page 18.

reconstructive surgery on your story (cut chapter ten, pacing too slow in middle, plot looses focus two-thirds way through…). In a recent Plotting Retreat, we had a diverse classroom of attendees from all over the country. One new writer was working on her first book, another unpublished had written several over ten years, many had written at least one book and two attendees were multi-published mass market authors. What this tells you is plotting never gets easier. At least, it hadn’t until now. Mary and I used our analytical skills to take a closer look at the one part of the writing process that has bogged down writers of all levels. You don’t magically become proficient at plotting once you sell and everyone expects more from you are published. Finding an efficient way to pull all your loose ideas on a story into a comprehensive plan is crucial to being productive. These are comments from students: “Thank you for explaining plotting in plain English! All of a sudden the light bulb went off and it was so bright I thought it might splinter all over the room. I truly enjoyed your presentation and your templates are invaluable.” ~~ Nancy Kay "I used to think I was good at plotting -- but this past (retreat) weekend made me realize I've been guilty of a more complicated version of the 'one damned thing after another' plot. I'm stunned at how well an entire story arc came together in just two days. I'm eager, now, to apply the templates to the books I've been revising for -- mm -- ever, I think. I suspect I'll discover I've been revising the wrong bits for the wrong reasons all this time." ~~ Marcella Burnard So what makes Break Into FictionTM so compelling and

A c t ingO in gO UT UT

Lately I’ve been fielding a lot of questions regarding the various ‘acting’ programs in town that ask you to pay top dollar and offer a variety of services for a weekend ‘seminar’. Is this a scam? Is it something I recommend? Is it worth it? My answer is not as cut and dry as I usually tend to be. Is it a scam? It all depends. Are you getting what Jen Kelley was promised? If you answer yes, then it is not a scam. Do I recommend it? Is it ‘worth it”? That is debatable and again the question falls back on you and your expectations. If you’re hoping that by paying thousands of dollars your kid will be the next Dakota Fanning, well, then I would suggest that your expectations are not reasonable and you will be probably be disappointed. If you were going to participate in the seminars, gather information and get face time with top industry professionals, then I would say your paying for knowledge and a unique experience. Is this the only way to get this kind of information? No. But consider this: You fly out to LA. You stay

innovative? We’ve approached writing from the point of the new writer as opposed to the author who has penned fifty books. That isn’t to say experience doesn’t count – just the opposite. Once you can create a story with all the components necessary then you’re better armed to analyze the work of best selling authors who all write differently. Here are three questions from one of our template on Characters: 1) Is this character content with their world? Why or why not? 2) What does this character value most in life and why? 3) Does this character have an extreme opinion opinion or belief? If so what and how does this affect the character’s decision making and everyday life? If you can answer questions like these, you can plot your book and/or find holes in your plot. As I said, it’s not easy to write an engaging book that is marketable, but it is definitely possible with the right tools and a passion for story. To be alerted once the publisher has a release date for our Break Into FictionTM book, send an email to BreakIntoFiction@yahoo.com For articles and more information on how to plot a book in 2 days, go to our website at www.BreakIntoFiction.com No matter what, keep writing! Dianna To find out more about Dianna Love (RITA Award-winning author Dianna Love Snell) and win books for your Book Club stop by her website at www.AuthorDiannaLove.com •

Industry Workshops: Scam or Glam? in a hotel for a week. You rent a car. You eat out for every meal. How much is that going to run you? Plus how many appointments will you really get – even with the help of your agent? I bet the cost will be far more than a weekend seminar. Either way, it’s a gamble. But it’s all about expectations. Find out what they offer for the money. Then determine if you can afford it. If you can’t afford it, don’t take out a second mortgage on the to do it. But if you have the money to invest (and it should be looked at as an investment) then look at what they offer, and decide for yourself if it’s worth it to you. Ask around for advice if you’re unsure. There are many ways to skin a cat (this isn’t a term I don’t particularly like being the cat lover that I am but you get my point). Jen Kelley has been a talent agent in both Los Angeles and Atlanta for the past 12 years. She is co-author of “The Actor’s Guide for Kids.” www.theactorsguide.com; and a writer and producer for “Sketchworks,” a sketch comedy group. For information and schedules: www.sketchworkscomedy.com • www.arts-expressions.com • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • Spring~Summer 2008

A pr i l Production: The Encounter of Juan Bobo and Pedro Animal Theatre: Center for Puppetry Arts Dates, Times: April 1-6 Tues - Fri: 10 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, 1 and 3 p.m. Location: 1404 Spring St. at 18th Midtown, Atlanta Information: 404-873-3391; see our ad page 24 Concert: Dates, Times: Location: Information:

Russell Malone Quartet April 4; 8:15 p.m. Spivey Hall, Morrow, GA 678-466-4200; see our ad this page

Production: Cinderella Della Circus by Jon Ludwig Theatre: Center for Puppetry Arts Dates, Times: April 10 - June 22 Shows Tuesday through Sunday recommended for ages 4 and up Location: 1404 Spring St. at 18th Midtown, Atlanta Information: 404-873-3391; see our ad page 24 Event: The Georgia Renaissance Festival Dates, Times: Eight Festive Weekends, April 12 through June 1 Saturdays and Sundays including Memorial Day; 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open Rain or Shine Location: Fairburn (just minutes from Atlanta on I-85 at Exit 61 Information: 770-964-8575; see our ad page 23 Sign-Up:

Early Bird Sign Up for Camp McIntosh, Teen Camp and Camp MacAttackular and receive discount Peachtree City Recreation Department Sponsor: Dates, Times: from April 14 through April 18 Location: Shakerag Knoll, 191 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City Information: 770-631-2542; see our ad page 23 Production: The Spitfire Grill Theatre: The Legacy Theatre Dates, Times: April 18 - May 11 Friday-Saturday 8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun.: 3 p.m. Location: 1175 Senoia Road, Tyrone, GA 30290 Information: 404-895-1473 Culinary: Sponsor Dates, Times: Location: Information:

Taste of Newnan Newnan Main Street April 17; 5 to 8 p.m. Newnan Square 770-253-8283

Events are subject to change! See our website and view listings by category. www.galleriaconnection.com 20

Spring~Summer Season 2008 • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • www.arts-expressions.com

Exhibit: Sponsor Dates, Times: Location: Information:

Spring Art Walk Newnan Main Street April 18; 5 to 8 p.m. Newnan Square Merchants 770-253-8283 ; see our ad page 5

Class:

The Art of Musical Theatre Auditioning High School Musical Theatre: Fayette-Coweta Family Theatre Dates, Times: April 18 or April 19; 5 to 8 p.m. (pre-registration required). Information: 770-599-0051 or www.fcft.net/Shops See our ad page 21 Concert: Sponsor Dates, Times: Location: Information:

Our Favorite Songs Carroll County Community Chorus April 18; 7:30 p.m. Carrollton Cultural Arts Center 770-838-1083

Auditions: High School Musical Theatre: Fayette-Coweta Family Theatre Dates, Times: April 19; Ages 10-12 at 10:30 a.m. (ensemble roles_ Ages 13 to adults at 2 p.m. (ensemble & principle roles. Call backs Sunday, April 20, 2-4 p.m. Information: 770-599-0051 or www.fcft.net/aud See our ad page 21 Event: Sponsor: Dates, Times: Location:

Spring Yard and Garden Show Peachtree City Recreation Department Saturday April 19; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shakerag Knoll, 191 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City Information: 770-631-2542; see our ad page 23 Production: Jesus Christ Superstar Theatre: Acting Up, Griffin First United Methodist Drama Team Dates, Times: April 25 & 26; 7 p.m. April 27; 2 p.m. Location: Griffin Auditorium, 324 East Taylor St. Griffin, GA Information: 770-228-3020; see our ad page 20 Performance: Southern Crescent Symphony Orchestra Dates, Times: April 26, 7:30 p.m. Location: Clayton County Schools Performing Arts Center 2530 Mt. Zion Pkwy., Jonesboro Information: 770.389.1625 Workshop:

Kids Create a Silver Bracelet for Mom Donations will be made to Promise Place Dates, Times: April 26 and 27 Mucklow’s Fine Jewelry Location: 1103 Crosstown Court, Peachtree City Information: 770-486-3400; see our story page 6 Event:

A Writer’s Vision Quest: Tapping into your Native Spirit Writers conference Sponsor Village of Indian Springs Dates, Times: April 25 - 27 Indian Springs, GA Location: Information: 1-800-352-7212; see our ad page 13 Concert: Dates, Times: Location: Information:

Cherish The Ladies April 26; 8:15 p.m. Spivey Hall, Morrow, GA 678-466-4200; see our ad this page

Third in the Sander’s Family saga returns with plenty of old-fashioned music!

The Sanders Family is back in an all-new comedy by the creators of Smoke on the Mountain and Sanders Family Christmas! It's October, 1945. The war is over and America's years of prosperity are just beginning. But there's another kind of rite of passage at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church --- the Reverend Mervin Oglethorpe is giving his last service. The Reverend has been called to preach in Texas and he's already bought a 10-gallon hat and is preparing to ride into the sunset with his wife June (who is eight months pregnant).Tomorrow morning, June's brother Dennis will take over as the congregation's new pastor. Join the Sanders Family as they send Mervin and June off in style with twenty-five fabulous Bluegrass and Gospel favorites. The Main Street Players, 115 North Hill Street, Griffin, brings the comedy “Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming” to the stage May 1-18, 2008: Thursdays-Saturdays @ 7:30PM; Sundays at 3:00PM. Reserved Seat Tickets are $20. Senior Tickets are $15. Student Tickets are $10. Groups of ten or more receive a 10% discount. For tickets & information please call 770-229-9916

This program is supported in part by Primerica and The Ingram Foundation.

www.mainstreetplayers.org www.arts-expressions.com • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • Spring~Summer 2008

May Festival: Sponsor

Indian Spring Fest Butts County Historical Society & Butts County Chamber of Commerce Dates, Times: May 3; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: 1807 Hwy. 42 South, Indian Springs, GA Information: 770-775-4839 Production: The Spitfire Grill Theatre: The Legacy Theatre Dates, Times: April 18 - May 11 Friday-Saturday 8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun.: 3 p.m. Location: 1175 Senoia Road, Tyrone, GA 30290 Information: 404-895-1473 Production: Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming Theatre: The Main Street Players Dates, Times: May 1 - May 18 Thurs. thru Sat., 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 3 p.m. Location: 115 Hill Street, Griffin 30223 Information: 770-229-9916; see our ad page 21 Workshop:

Kids Create a Silver Bracelet for Mom Donations will be made to Promise Place Dates, Times: May 3 and 4 Location: Mucklow’s Fine Jewelry 1103 Crosstown Court, Peachtree City Information: 770-486-3400; see our story page 6 Concert: Creedence Clearwater Revisted Dates, Times: May 3 Location: Villages Amphitheater 301 Lafayette Ave., Fayetteville Information: 770-719-4173; see our ad page 2 Buffet Mother’s Day Buffet Dates, Times: May 11, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Reservations Recommended) Location: City Cafe and Bakery 215 Glynn Street, Fayetteville Information: 770-461-6800; see our ad page 11 Dinner Concert: Music With Friends Dates, Times: May 15, 6:30 p.m. (Reservations Only) Location: City Cafe and Bakery 215 Glynn Street, Fayetteville Information: 770-461-6800; see our ad page 11 Event: Sponsor: Dates, Times: Location: Information:

10th Annual Memorial Day Celebration Peachtree City Recreation Department May 26 191 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City 770-631-2542; see our ad page 23

Spotlight Concert - The Swingin’ Medallions Dates, Times: May 31 Villages Amphitheater Location: 301 Lafayette Ave., Fayetteville Information: 770-719-4173; see our ad page 2

Events are subject to change! Production: Cinderella Della Circus by Jon Ludwig Theatre: Center for Puppetry Arts Dates, Times: through June 22 Shows Tuesday through Sunday recommended for ages 4 and up Location: 1404 Spring St. at 18th Midtown, Atlanta Information: 404-873-3391; see our ad page 24

See our websit and view listings by category. www.galleriaconnection.com

Jun e Display Sponsor: Dates, Times: Location: Information:

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall The City of McDonough June 12 - June 16 Heritage Park, McDonough 770-898-3196; see our ad this page

Performance: High School Musical Theatre: Fayette-Coweta Family Theatre Dates, Times: June 18 - 7:30 p.m.; June 19 & 20 - 7:30 p.m. June 21 & 22 - 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Location: F. A. Sams Auditiorium, Fayetteville Information: 770-251-7611 or www.fcft.net/HSN See our ad page 21 Culinary A Culinary Voyage through Europe Dates, Times: Wed., June 25 to Sat., June 28 Wed., July 30 to Sat., August 2 Location: City Cafe and Bakery 215 Glynn Street, Fayetteville Information: 770-461-6800; see our ad page 11 Concert: Little Anthony & The Imperials Dates, Times: June 14 Location: Villages Amphitheater 301 Lafayette Ave., Fayetteville Information: 770-719-4173; see our ad page 2 Production: Cinderella Della Circus by Jon Ludwig Theatre: Center for Puppetry Arts Dates, Times: through June 22 Shows Tuesday through Sunday recommended for ages 4 and up Location: 1404 Spring St. at 18th. Midtown, Atlanta Information: 404-873-3391; see our ad page 24 Concert: Atlanta Rhythm Section Dates, Times: July 12 Villages Amphitheater Location: 301 Lafayette Ave., Fayetteville Information: 770-719-4173; see our ad page 2

A Creative Summer Camp Explosion! See pages 14 to 17 for June & July camps!

Concert:

Event: The Georgia Renaissance Festival Dates, Times: Eight Festive Weekends, through June 1 Saturdays and Sundays including Memorial Day; 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open Rain or Shine Location: Fairburn (just minutes from Atlanta on I-85 at Exit 61 Information: 770-964-8575; see our ad page 23 22

The Traveling Wall is coming to McDonough. This 300 foot long memorial is a 3/5 scale of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, DC. It was created so that those who may never be able to visit the Wall in Washington DC, will have the opportunity for expressing love and gratitude for the tremendous sacrifices made during the Vietnam War. McDonough is located 20 miles south of Atlanta on Interstate 75. Go East at exits 216, 218, or 221.

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be on display in Heritage Park, McDonough June 12 – June 16. For information call 770-898-3196.

Spring~Summer Season 2008 • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • www.arts-expressions.com

www.arts-expressions.com • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • Spring~Summer 2008

By Carrie Runnals

Photo highlights finished front yard with added bench for detail, along with a dry stack wall and slate chip path.

For more information, visit the website at www.classiclandscapesga.com or call 770-713-3277 26

Spring~Summer Season 2008 • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • www.arts-expressions.com

www.arts-expressions.com • arts&expressions® MAGAZINE • Spring~Summer 2008