Oklahoma Native America Company to Perform at WCAF

The FREE Waco Cultural Arts Fest 2011 starts in just 13 days at Indian Spring Park.

 One of the headliner groups for the WCAF is Mahenwahdose, Native American performers of song, dance, and story from Tulsa, Oklahoma.  The company features a full-blood Muscogee Indian storyteller Nagonagogee OniYah, also known as Will Hill.  Hill learned the traditions and ancestry of his tribe by the tribal elders.  He uses language, traditional flute, drum, and humor to share his stories.  Hill is joined by native American Jehnean Washington, a professional performer who graduated from AMDA (American Music and Dance Academy) in New York City.

Mahenwahdose was the first company to perform at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian before it opened in Washington, D.C. in 2004.  They have performed at Disney’s Epcot Center and throughout the United States.  Their original song, The Trail of Tears was nominated for a Grammy in 2008.

Mahhenwahdose will perform two shows at South Waco Elementary School on Fri. Sept. 16.  On Sat. Sept. 17 the group will perform at Indian Spring Park at 6 pm and again at Indian Spring Park on Sun. Sept. 18 at 4 pm.

More information about the WCAF can be found at:

www.wacoartsfest.org

Unique Baylor Percussion Group Performs Sun. Sept. 18, 2011 at WCAF

The FREE Waco Cultural Arts Fest 2011 starts in just 14 days at Indian Spring Park.

A unique percussion ensemble composed of 12 Baylor music students will present a composition written in 2009 by Alaskan composer John Luther Adams entitled Inuksuit on Sun. Sept. 18, 2011 at the WCAF.    The percussionists will not perform on the stage. They will be dispersed throughout the park playing for about an hour starting at 12:30 pm.  It is an interactive performance.

Inuksuit is intended to be played outdoors, designed to heighten our awareness of the sights and sounds that surround us every day and to energize our experience of our own environment. It is written for an incredible array of percussion instruments—conch shells, airhorns, sirens, gongs, maracas, drums, cymbals, and glockenspiels— and may use 9-99 musicians in its performance.

This summer the Baylor Percussion Group traveled to New York to
participate in a 99-person performance  ensemble of Inuksuit in Morningside Park in Manhattan.

Inuksuit was first performed in the forests of Banff, Canada and has only been performed a handful of times in the United States. The title Inuksuit refers to a type of stone marker used by Inuit and other native peoples to orient themselves in Arctic spaces.  In a program note, the composer writes, "This work is haunted by the vision of the melting of the polar ice, the rising of the seas, and what may remain of humanity's presence after the waters recede."

Baylor Percussion Professor Todd Meehan,D.M.A., is the director of the Baylor Percussion Group. He tells us more about what to expect at the performance in Waco.

“Listeners should be ready to hear an ever-evolving piece of music. Starting with barely audible sounds of wind, the piece slowly develops through different 'stages' of sound, reaching a climactic peak in the middle of the piece and then receding into the audible distance. The stages are as follows: 'Breathing/Wind' (rubbed stones, maracas, whirly tubes), 'Calls' (conch and trumpet blasts), 'Waves' (blaring sirens, thunderous drums, and soaring cymbal sounds), 'Clangs' (bell tones), and finally another stage of 'Wind/Birdsongs' (triangles, cymbals, glockenspiels, toy piano). The work ends with sporadic birdsongs played by four of the performers. Because the piece has been performed once before in Texas, the composer was able to provide us with specific musical notation for Central Texas birds. Audiences will hear the songs of the Cardinal, the Purple Martin, and the Tufted Titmouse, in this particular performance.

The percussionists 'travel' during the piece, moving to different stations set up throughout the park. The audience should feel absolutely free to walk around the performance area and experience the sounds from different vantage points. As the composer states, there is no 'best seat in the house'. Walk amongst the musicians and take in the music you are hearing as you would take in the sounds of nature.”

More information about the WCAF can be found at:

www.wacoartsfest.org/artists.html

Classie Ballou and the Family Band Return Sept. 17, 2011

The FREE Waco Cultural Arts Fest 2011 starts in just 15 days at Indian Spring Park.

Waco musician Classie Ballou and the Family Band will entertain us again this year at the WCAF on Sat. Sept. 17 from 7-8 pm. Classie is not only well known in Waco but throughout the US and around the world.  He is well received every time he plays at the New Orleans Heritage Jazz Festival.  Fans in Holland and France love his shows, too.

Classie’s music is a unique blend of swamp blues, zydeco, swamp pop, R & B, mambo, rock ‘n roll, and a little Latin flavor from over 50 years of performances.  He plays with passion, style, and lots of talent.  His music will warm your soul.

Classie has opened for many famous musicians over the years including Ike and Tina Turner, Lou Rawls, Diana Ross, BB King, Etta James. Chuck Berry, T-Bone Walker, and others.

Bring your lawn chair or blanket to Indian Spring Park Amphitheatre to enjoy Classie’s Family Band on the hillside in downtown Waco on Sept. 17, 2011.

More information about the WCAF can be found at:

www.wacoartsfest.org/artists.html

Youth Orchestras to Perform at WCAF Sept. 17, 2011

The FREE Waco Cultural Arts Fest 2011 starts in just 16 days at Indian Spring Park.

Several years ago when Mia Orosco was a young child, she heard the Central Texas String Academy (CTSA) perform at the Waco Cultural Arts Fest.  She was so impressed she asked her parents to let her learn to play the violin. She studied violin many years in Waco and now is a nationally known fiddle player.  Mia Orosco won the Junior Division of the National Old Time Fiddler’s Association contest in Weiser, Idaho.

The CTSA led by Julia Hardie will return to the WCAF again this year on Sat. Sept. 17 at 11 am.  Maybe more children in the audience will grow up to be great musicians due to the inspiration of the talented string players and  teachers they see at the WCAF.

Another youth orchestra, the Prelude Gloria Chamber Group, will make its first appearance at the WCAF in 2011.  They will be performing immediately after the CTSA. The Prelude Gloria musicians are led by Katie James.

Here is information about these wonderful organizations for youth in the Waco area sent to me by their leaders.

Central Texas String Academy

The Central Texas String Academy has served this region for over 25 years and has a national reputation for excellence in teaching. CTSA specializes in individual instruction on violin, viola, cello, double bass, and classical guitar. Students range in age from 3 years old through high school. In addition to private lessons, students also participate in Suzuki classes, string orchestra, and chamber music.

In all teaching CTSA incorporates the philosophies of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, who believed that every child has musical ability. Parents and teachers work together to develop the potential of each child. To learn more about the Suzuki approach visit suzukiassociation.org, the website for the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Prelude Gloria Chamber Group

Prelude Gloria is a week-long day camp for string players between 5 and 18 and is proud to celebrate its third year in operation in 2011. Each summer, Prelude students come together to learn to perform chamber music at a high level. Prelude students also have the opportunity to serve others by playing at local nursing homes, child care centers, and for the homeless. As an independent program of Mission Waco, Prelude was proud to host 30 campers this past June who learned to serve others with music. 

More information about the WCAF can be found at:

www.wacoartsfest.org/artists.html

Art for sale in the outdoor marketplace-Sept. 17-18, 2011

The FREE Waco Cultural Arts Fest 2011 starts in just 17 days at Indian Spring Park.

Juried artists who will be selling their art in the outdoor marketplace on Sat. Sept. 17 and Sun. Sept. 18, 2011 are listed below.  Photographic samples of their work can be found on the website www.wacoartsfest.org/artists.html

Acrylic/Oils/Watercolor

Cicely Miller, Waco, TX 

Cicely’s Jazzy Art

Cicely Miller is the artist and creator of Cicely’s Jazzy Art. She hails from New Orleans, LA., but has lived in the northwest and on the east coast and now in Waco, Texas.
Most of Cicely’s art is full of vibrant colors and emotion who loves to work with exciting colors because it really catches your attention and brings uplifting energy to the room. She is gifted in the pencil medium. Her black and white pieces evoke strong contrast and interest.
Cicely dreamed of one day owning her own art business and art gallery. One dream has come true. Cicely would like to thank everyone who appreciates her art and who has supported her over the years in starting a new business.

Rich “Spirit”  Borthwick, Cincinnati, Ohio

Grand Travelling is in his past as is kokopelli (travelling flute player depicted in pre-historic art).

Borthwick’s  work in watercolor are influenced by natures reflections, his  digitally enhanced   photography is created using sketch and oil is only part of the process  bringing a vibrant dimension to his work.

Ceramics

Sherri Jo Adams, Boerne, TX

MUDWORKS POTTERY- Ceramics

Mudworks Pottery is a small studio in Boerne, Texas.  Sherri Jo Adams uses shapes and forms inspired from American utilitarian folk pottery of the late 1800’s.  The pottery is one of a kind, wheeled thrown, high-fired stoneware that uses a variety of non-leaded clay bodies and glazes.  The majority of Mudworks pottery is functional and safe in the dishwasher, oven, and microwave.  Adams, the clay artist for Mudworks Pottery, loves being able to take a God given talent and create useful pots with her own hands.

Barbara Francis, Waco, TX

Ceramics

Barbara Francis has been working in clay for 30 years. Francis’ work is mid-range stoneware, wheel-thrown pottery, as well as hand-building.  She uses leaves, old lace, and buttons, cardboard and hand-made stamps to embellish her work.  Frances also frequently uses graffito and sprigging techniques as decorative elements.   Pottery is her lifelong passion.

Calligraphy

Waco Calligraphy Guild

Featured Artist Ed Knipper

The Waco Calligraphy Guild will be focusing on Book-Mark-it –handlettered bookmarks with recipient’s name. The participate will rubber stamp an image and add ribbons and beads (provided). Also, beautiful works of Ed Knipper, one of the most accomplished calligraphers will be displayed in the Waco Calligraphy Guild.

3-D Media

Scott Wright, Denton, TX

Scott Wright Art

Wright grew up in an environment which encouraged imagination, yet was grounded by a strong-willed, crafty grandmother who instilled an appreciation and acknowledgment of history and family lineage. These early influences imprinted upon Wright a dichotomy of perspectives, which can be seen reflected in his sculptural assemblage panels. After completing his formal art instruction at the University of North Texas, he became free of the constraints of a contemporary art education, and threw himself into creating his imaginary storytelling panels. Utilizing rescued photographs & salvaged, found objects, his work captures remembrance and promise, balancing a forgotten moment of life against what fate ultimately had in store. His work is full of fact and fiction, life and loss, and all that is unique and ordinary about our lives, yet preserves the immortality of us all. "My work is about remembering. And although I take liberties in remembering a truth that may not have existed, I do so in an effort to immortalize and pay tribute to people I will never know, people who may well have been forgotten by everyone they ever knew. In so doing, I represent the eternal in each of us and the belief that the documentation of loss is the talisman that bears witness to our existence, shouting to the world - I was here, look what I did!"

Steve Hunsicker, Bulverde, TX

Steve Hunsicker Studios

All the components of my work: the centerpiece, box and frame are constructed entirely of wood. The centerpiece of the sculpture is usually a simple shape inspired by animal forms, nature, religious and/or spiritual symbolism. The centerpiece is carved wood finished with a number of different mediums. Usually I use acrylic paint, stains, powdered metals, coral, nails, stone, wire and other materials. Acids are combined with the powdered metals to create various finishes. Often the centerpiece is mounted in a shadow box or on a three dimensional display. The frame is usually finished using powdered metal that is then oxidized.

Sher Chappell, Lockhart, TX

ESSA – 2-D mixed media/acrylic/oils

I studied several years in Paris, France where my name Sher was considered an endearment, so I started signing my paintings "ESSA."

In my opinion, it is important to convey the subject matter to the viewer in a way that reflects love and compassion for others to share.

I live on a working cattle ranch and try to paint every day. My studio is located 3 miles away from the ranch in the Old Lytton Springs High School, which I have refurbished.

Isabel A. Torres, Waco, TX

The Sunshine Stop

Influenced by nature my work creates itself, as painting on a skulls creates its own dimension.

Kourtney Schopper Group – Waco, TX

Ideaphoria

Ceramics, glass, wood, sculpture, art fiber, acrylic watercolor, drawings, graphics/printmaking

Projects for the Ideaphoria group vary by using all kinds of paint and wet media.  Dry media is also used in the form of graphite and pastels.  Some paintings are rendered from field study and observation, while others are reinterpretations of classic styles with modern subjects.   The mixed media and fiber projects often spring from Dada concepts of the creativity within rebirth and repurposing.  Ideaphoria expresses a strong commitment to sustainable living through a creation of both functional and decorative art—handbags are repurposed fiber and 2D relief sculptures from recycled costume jewelry.

Drew Frye, Garland, TX

Art 4 the Face – hand painted eyewear

Mr. Frye’s eyewears are painted with layers of acrylic paints to create geometric and mosaic patters.  Every piece is finished with a protective varnish to seal the artwork.  Each pair of Art for the Face Eyewear compliments the unique personality of its owner as well as offering artistic functional eyewear.

Photography

Lucretia Darden, Waco, TX

Photography

Lucretia Darden’s work shows a finite eye for detail. Her photography shows the complexities of the natural world.

Bill Ravenscroft, Waco, TX

Photography

Bill Ravenscroft is an avid bird and landscape photographer that highlights species from the Central Texas area. The Central Texas Audubon Society regularly features his work.

Katie Croft, Waco, TX

Photography

Painter, photographer and owner of the Croft Art Gallery. Katie has shown in many juried art shows  and continues to expand her work.

Gourds

Kathleen Martin, Rockwall, TX

MARTIN & MARTIN – Gourd art

Kathleen Martin is a developing gourd artist.  Martin’s gourd art focuses primarily on vessels, contemporary piece, and occasional mask.  Martin purchases gourds from local growers and she prefers to clean them herself in order to preserve some of the fascinating mold patterns.  Martin uses electrical micro-tools (saw, drill, sanders) as well as hand tools.  Martin cuts and carves gourds rather than paint or wood-burn them.  Martin uses natural accents such as hemp and pine needles and enjoys working extensively with a micro-torch.  Martin used both leather and ink dyes and the designs draw the most attention from the contemporary designs emphasizing negative spaces. Martin draws heavily on her background in mathematics for her designs.

Wood

Julian Watkins, Waco, TX

Julian’s Woodcarvings

Julian Watkins. Professor Emeritus – Biology has spent his life looking at the detail in nature now he creates the detail. Watkins, in retirement has created and hand painted woodcarvings  of birds, fish, mammals and more that bring to life extinct species and those we still have in our trust today.

Jewelry

Barry Perez, Elgin, TX

Jewelry

Barry Perez’s process of creating jewelry is the method of hand fabrication.  This process begins with cutting various shapes out of sheet metal, then reshaping the metal using files and hammers. Once the desired shape is reached, it is soldered to a base and polished.  Stones and other decorative items are then placed in the metal.  Perez’s jewelry is made of sterling sliver, 18K, 22K gold and a variety of stones and found objects.  Perez’s main emphasis is on textures, which are created using a rolling mill and several hammers.

Andrea Scott, San Antonio, TX

DESERT WILLOW DESIGNS – Jewelry

The question I'm asked the most is "What is a Desert Willow?"  A Desert Willow is a beautiful, fragrant flowering tree that grows in dry climates.  When I think of a beautiful Texas plant, I think of the Desert Willow.  I hope you come to think of my jewelry as a Texas beauty too!
I started my jewelry business as a way to combine my love of creating things with my love of jewelry.  I work primarily in sterling and semi precious gemstones, and dabble a little in PMC (fine silver clay).  I am constantly studying and taking classes to improve my techniques and knowledge and to advance my skills. 

Zeke & Marty Jewelry

Zeke & Marty Zewick, Edom, TX

Our one of a kind handmade jewelry is fabricated from precious metals combined with found objects, natural materials, and stones, precious and otherwise. Each piece of our wearable Art is constructed by one of us or, a collaboration between us. The combination of materials, the design and direction each piece takes allows us the joy and excitement of exploring unusual materials, shapes and colors.   

 Kim Whitney, Waco, TX

Whitney Ridge Art Glass

Kim Whitney works in fused glass forming works of intense, iridescence and vibrant beauty.

Cindi Hendrickson, Kingwood, TX

Creative Habits

As a jewelry designer Hendrickson works in cold connect, wire, silver, 14k gold filled, copper, specializing in custom-gemstone pendants, drusies, and top of the line pearls and gemstone beads with a limited amount of Steampunk work as well. From my earliest memories, I have always made things. After attending a fine arts high school, I found myself drawn into the bustle of college, family, and the world, leaving the creative part of me on the back burner. After a few years, the yearning to create drove me to designing jewelry. There is only one problem: there never seems to be enough time to produce all that I can imagine. I find that working with semiprecious stones and gleaming metals provides immense pleasure. The textures, colors, and varieties of stones are extremely exciting. The finished product is often surprising in its beauty.

Melissa  Almanza, Waco, TX

Beads and more Beads.  My work is one of a-kind hand strung natural stones created into pieces I enjoy making. I hope the new owner has joy in wearing the pieces I create.

EMERGING ARTISTS

Ashley Peden, Waco, TX

Drawing/pastels

Peden’s  main medium is traditional pencil and copic markers.  She also incorporates digital scans in her work. Ms. Peden is 15 years old an her art work is inspired by music, the world around her and her imagination. 

Meagan Carr, Waco, TX

Photography

Ms. Carr is an experimental photographer. She takes photos, loads them in her computer and adds creative aspects as well as light and contrast.

CRAFTED STONE

Buddy & Diane Roach, Robinson, TX

Made from various stones, such as Sandstone, Flagstone, Slate, Granite, and Honeycomb Calcite.  Two holes are drilled in the rock; 1 for the fiberglass wick and 1 for the glass bowl on the bottom.    The bowls hold 1 to 1 1/2 oz of oil and will burn 4-7 hours and can be refilled over and over. 

CRAFTED METALWORK

Blaine Bickley, McGregor, TX

Bickley, a welder by trade  uses his skills to create functional pieces