with support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs
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July 2007 Newsletter
The Depot Center for the Arts The mission of the Clinton County Arts Council (CCAC) is to promote, encourage and economically support the arts, artists and the cultural heritage of Clinton County. Phone:
989.224.2429
Hours
of operation:
MAKING TRACKS “Restoring the Sault Ste. Marie is a very viable project,” said Ed McManus, Chief Conservator for the National Air & Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institute, who was in St. Johns July 8 – 10 to assess the collections of CCAC through a grant received from the Conservation Assessment Program. Mr. McManus assessed the art and railroad collections, as well as the three historic rail cars. Ed McManus assessing the Sault Ste. Marie
Mr. McManus’ major recommendation on how to proceed with the rail cars is to first stabilize them by making repairs to the undercarriages, the roofs and the siding and by providing a protective finish to the exterior of the cars. After the cars have been stabilized, detailed work can be done on the interiors, especially the Sault Ste. Marie, which is the 1902 sleeper car. He was pleased to see that so much of that car was still intact and in such good condition. The major funding required for these projects will be sought through federal grants, with the help of information from the assessment report Mr. McManus files. NEW ERA NEWS As a result of the community enthusiasm raised by the New Era Conference on March 24, a New Era committee has been formed in St. Johns. The group, chaired by Keith Mino, is made up of representatives from businesses, service clubs, the arts, education and government. The focus is to serve as a coordinating committee for the many initiatives developing in town, with an eye towards preparing our community for Rails to Trails. The Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee Trail is expected to bring many people through town in a few years. Connected to the New Era initiative was a visit on April 29 by 8 people from western Ireland. They came to Michigan to talk about rural economic initiatives and to see what is happening in our state. Their tour included a visit to St. Johns, where a reception was held at the Depot Gallery, followed by a tour of the rail cars. Their leader, Sister Maureen, made some very encouraging remarks about the efforts CCAC is making to create a cultural tourist destination.
Sister Maureen (right) talks with Jeanette Huard. Mary Ann Ellickson (far left) interacts with other Irish guests. WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS Meet Jon and Elaine Rise:
When Jon and Elaine moved to St. Johns in 1991, they turned to the Clinton County Arts Council to find artwork for their beautiful historic house. Within a year, Director Kaye Pilmore had asked Jon to serve on the CCAC Board of Directors, which he has served on ever since. Jon has been the treasurer, vice president and president of the board over the years, and continues to be an active board member. Although Elaine devotes hours of volunteer time to her passion, the Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum, she also supports Jon in a variety of activities on behalf of CCAC. They are both committed to the development of the Clinton Northern Railway Museum, and have done more than their share of cleaning and painting the Ann Arbor Crew Car to prepare it for exhibit. Elaine said that she and Jon have grown in their knowledge and appreciation of art through their interaction with both Kaye Pilmore and CCAC’s current director, Elaine Twichell. Elaine Rise added that the Gallery is an excellent place to buy unique gifts. PURE ARTISTRY
Mid-Michigan Festival Orchestra Aug. 1 – CELTIC – Freshwater with Nellie Schrantz Aug. 8 - VARIETY – Premium Blend and Bill Brown’s Sidekicks Band Aug. 15 – VARIETY – Silo Singers and The Trommaters Aug. 22 - CLASSIC ROCK – Flashback with John Kelly and Melissa Ingells Aug. 29 – SWING – Ray Kamalay and his Red Hot Peppers COMING EVENTS AT THE DEPOT Dances of the Sun, July 5 – August 12An all-media exhibit of CCAC member artists expresses the play of light and reflected light. RAILROAD DAYS at the Depot
Thou Art, August 15 – September 22 This exhibit will be a collection of spiritual art. Watch for the Old US 27 Motor Tour through downtown St. Johns, Aug 23, 9:00 – 11:00am – the Depot will be open. First Sunday, Sept. 9, 1:00 – 3:00 pm The Depot Gallery exhibit, Thou Art, will be combined with tours of local churches. Comforting Contradictions, September 26 – November 3 Featured will be blacksmith artist, Doug Thayer; and oil painter Carol Basso, who uses the style of the old masters. First Sunday, Oct. 7, 1:00 – 3:45 pm Open House and Artists Reception for Comforting Contradictions. A Harvest Gathering will be held October 13 at the Depot in conjunction with the Pumpkin Festival. There will be teepees, food and entertainment. PAINTING CLASSES Saturdays, 1– 4 pm, 6-week sessions The teacher is Elaine Twichell, CCAC Creative Director and practicing artist. Classes are going so well that we are ready to add a second 6-week session during the week. To register for the Saturday classes or discuss day/time of the weekday classes, please call Elaine at 989.593.2072. KIDS ARE ARTISTS TOO CARTOONING CLASSES Making dream catchers in an Indian Teepee was one of the many artistic experiences students were offered in Save Some Summer for Art, June 12 – 28.
Other classes were held in an historic train car and in the Depot classroom. Participation in Save Some Summer for Art was up 50% over 2006! THANKS A MILLION CCAC relies tremendously on its many volunteers, such as board members, gallery docents, and the railroad crew. We give thanks to each and every one for all they do to keep us going.
Some of the major contributions by volunteers over the past few months include: · Larry Twichell, Chris Cook, Ken Osentoski, Doug Weir and Bill Irrer worked very hard in the hot sun the weekend of June 30 to put a vinyl roof on the Sault Ste. Marie rail car. · Bill Tennant did his usual outstanding job of coordinating a full schedule of free concerts in the park, Wednesday evenings throughout the summer. Bill schedules the performers and raises the funds to pay for them. Keith Mino and Jim Gunther serve as MCs.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?? *Renew your membership to CCAC, or become a member if you aren’t already. *Encourage friends to become members – the annual membership starts at $25.00. *Call 989.224.2429 to discover how you can use your interests and talents to help support the arts in Clinton County. PAINTING CLASSES Painting classes for people over 18 will resume in September. Call Elaine Twichell for more information: 989.593.2072
The mission of the Clinton County Arts Council (CCAC) is to promote, encourage and economically support the arts, artists and the cultural heritage of Clinton County.
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The
CCAC newsletter usually features one artist in this column, but it is
appropriate to feature all of the artists yet to perform in the 2007
Concert in the Park Series held in the St. Johns City Park. The series
includes a good variety of musical styles for the enjoyment of listeners
of all ages. Sitting on the lawn in front of the Performance Shell,
listening to music, is an especially enjoyable way to spend a summer
evening. All concerts start at 7:00 on Wednesday nights – bring a lawn
chair, sit back and ENJOY! 
