Spring Newsletter

The Arts at the Alpine Board of Directors for the 2009 season:
Jeremiah Gregorich- President
Suzette Lowe- Vice President
Linda Dickirson- Secretary
Faye Milhoan- Treasurer
Board Members: Christina Bright, Paul Freshwater, Susanna Holstein, Suzy McGinley, Twilia Miller, Andrea Parkins, Odie Parkins, and Sally Rowe.

New President
By: Jeremiah Gregorich

At our annual meeting in November I was elected President. Having first joined Arts at the Alpine in early 2006 and serving as Vice President for two years, I am delighted to have a chance to take the reigns. In early January my new role finally began to permeate through my brain. There is much work to be done, and I intend to meet the coming year’s challenges head on.

Our former President, Christina Bright, left big shoes for me to fill. Over the last three months I have leaned on her for support and will continue to seek her advice. I would like to personally thank her for all the work she has done. It has always been my belief that every good President should have a list of goals, and I would like to share some of mine. Growing up I have always immersed myself in the arts; studying, creating, and enjoying. As President I want to give members of this community, no matter what their age, the same opportunity to observe, partake, and appreciate the arts. The arts, in all mediums, are so very important especially in times like we face today. The foundation of art is the ability to express emotion and can be thought provoking, educational, and entertaining. We will be balancing a wide variety of events this coming year with local artists and some from abroad.

I want to build on events and partnerships Arts at the Alpine has had since its conception, while at the same time showcasing new artists for the public and developing more partnerships. I see those as key elements for our continued success. For example our next event, aimed at children and their families, would not be possible without help from ADK and a generous monetary contribution from Read Aloud. Not only are we having an evening performance for the public, but we were able to get the Canyons into three schools in Jackson County just for the students.

Another goal is to get more people involved with Arts at the Alpine. Even if you are not an artist there are many roles you can take part in. We welcome any help with everything we do from the early stages of discussions, to coordinating the preparation, and then executing an event. With input and support from all board members and sponsors, organizations like ours will carry on for years to come.

In closing I would like to sincerely thank all those currently and previously involved with Arts at the Alpine.

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Former President’s Thoughts
By: Christina Bright

Serving as president of Arts at the Alpine last year was a great experience. I learned so much about this organization and just how much hard work is required to make it operate. Believe me, it was quite a bit more difficult than I had anticipated. But it was worth it.

To discuss an event, plan it through, and then see it brought to life on the stage (or on the sidewalks of downtown) is truly fulfilling.

I urge each of you to consider ways you can contribute to Arts at the Alpine. Even if you are only able to show up to help sell tickets, or make some contacts to radio stations to get our announcement out to the public, there is no task too small. But the rewards you will receive for seeing a nice crowd gathered at an event are great. Jeremiah has some great ideas, but we need help to make them all come to fruition. We meet monthly on the second Monday. Please try to attend sometime and share your thoughts and ideas with us. We want to know what you’d like to see us bring to the community. And we’d like to have you be a part of it.

Please come to our first event this year – Christopher and Jeanette Canyon on April 6th. I think you will really enjoy it. Having such renowned artists here is quite an accomplishment, and Linda Dickirson has worked tirelessly to make it happen.

And don’t forget to place your bids on the original autographed print (pictured below) from “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” It is on display at the Library. This would be a wonderful addition to any home or business. It is truly a beautiful work of art!

Updates
Arts at the Alpine has created a new email address to help everyone stay in touch with upcoming events, fund raising, programming, and meetings. If you have any questions or would like to be included in our email mailing list please write to: artsatthealpine@yahoo.com

In addition to the new email address, Arts at the Alpine is now on Facebook. Our Facebook page includes the most current information on future events and pictures from previous ones. If you are a member of Facebook just do a search for Arts at the Alpine.

Upcoming Events
This September will we be hosting an Art Walk in Ripley. The Art Walk held in 2008 was such a success we have decided to make it an annual event. We hope to include more artisans and businesses this year.

On October 3rd we are pleased to welcome Karen Vuranch back to Jackson County through a partnership with Jackson County Players. This time around Karen will perform an interactive Mystery Dinner Theater tentatively set for Cedar Lakes.

This Fall Arts at the Alpine will present a night of music with WVU alumna Annie Hancock. Having grown up in Ravenswood and returned home in 2008 to teacher music in the Jackson County School system, Ms. Hancock will be showcasing her vocal talents in a special one night only event. Selections will include a wide range of songs from old standards, Broadway show tunes, comedic and dramatic pieces, along with a little bit of jazz.


2008 Recap
* Rebel Without a Cause movie night
*Latin Music Concert
*Writers Workshop
*Story Tellers at the Arts and Crafts Fair
*Art Walk in downtown Ripley
*West Virginia Dance Company
*Ghost Stories at the Alpine
*Art Auction