September 7, 2017 Volume 8 Issue 5

LOOK! ART IS EVERYWHERE!

AKRON AREA ARTS LEAGUE

September 7, 2017 Volume 8 Issue 5

LOOK! ART IS EVERYWHERE!

AKRON AREA ARTS LEAGUE

Swan Song

My goodness how time flies.  Just over 10 years ago the

moving van pulled into Akron. My family consisted of

a husband, Don, who was at that time on a cane, and

two old cats, Kitty Kat and Mr. Tail. What an exciting

adventure this has been. We moved from Decatur, IL, a

city of 90,000; but, Akron had everything we needed

except an art group.  So, in 2008 the Akron Fourth of

July Celebration had an ART SHOW. That group of art-

ists’ began the Akron Area Arts League. 

Rhoda asked me to tell about some of the most exciting

accomplishments. First, we helped organize a communi-

ty wide festival celebrating the Hispanic culture. One of the things I liked about Ak-

ron was its diversity. That was the first time I experience corn on the cob served the

Hispanic way.  Yummy!  Another was seeing the beautiful downtown park come

alive with people and music for listening and…dancing!  The July 4th Art Show has

gotten bigger and better. I remember one of our first judges exclaiming how he was

so surprised because he wasn’t expecting to see such quality works!  And, working

with the Fulton County Library, Rochester branch to finally have a gallery wall

where these talented artists could display. Introducing Murder Mystery Dinners to

the area was a realized vision.  Plus, all the memories of children creating and being

pleased with what they had produce. Oh, and honoring the “Artist of the Year”, rec-

ognizing talented people for their work in helping to make this area a better place in

which to live has been a real joy.  All in all it has been an exciting and fulfilling way

to spend 10 years!

I’ve lost my family and so it is time to move on to other adventures. Sarasota, FL

called my name.  My only child, Nathan and his family live there. Plus, the area is

alive with the arts and all I have to do is go and enjoy!  I have already joined the

Jazz club!  The church I will attend is alive with wonderful music as well as good

solid preaching.  It has many outreach programs so I’m sure I’ll

get involved somewhere. 

To all of you, thanks for the memories of good times, new

friends and all the while CELEBRATING THE ARTS!! 

What a joy to have been a part of all this. I know the seeds that

have been planted will grow and multiply thanks to the

enthusiasm of the new leadership.

Page 2 AKRON AREA ARTS LEAGUE

Writer’s Group:

Honor’s Reception:

September 27th, 2017 will be our Honor’s reception and AAAL

has chosen to honor Maria Kelsay as the artist of the year.

Maria is a retired English and Drama teacher from Rochester

High School. She is very active in our arts community as she is

serving on the Rochester Times theatre board to bring

restoration to the building and eventually live theatre to the

area. She has also been teaching Improvisational workshops at

the HeARTy in Kewanna. Maria is a member of the AAAL

Writers’ Group and is busy writing a Murder Mystery play based

on an actual 1875 murder case in Rochester.  This play will

be produced October 24th-26th in the Fulton County Court House

and will benefit the Fulton County Library. Whenever someone

needs an actress Maria’s name comes to the forefront. She was recently involved in the

Genealogy Group’s presentation in the IOOF Cemetery. It will be an honor to have such

a talented woman as the artist of the year!

We will also be honoring Karen Camp for founding the AAAL and faithfully

serving as the director for 10 years. Please bring a card for Karen to show your

appreciation and wish her luck on her new endeavors. Also come and celebrate as

we welcome our new director, Rhoda Kiesow. The celebration starts at 6:00pm at

the beautiful Akron community center. Hors d’ oeuvres will be served, so in order

to prepare adequately, please RSVP with Rhoda Kiesow by Monday, September

25, 2017. Her number is 316-312-3774 (text or call) or send an email to

akronareaarts@gmail.com. You may also RSVP on our Facebook page, Akron

Area Arts League under events. Members and non-members are welcome to come

and enjoy the evening!

Writers’ Group meets every second Thursday of the month.

The next scheduled meeting is for September 12th at the

Akron Library. The writing prompt this month is:

“Days of September” or anything else you wish. 

Page 3 VOLUME 8 ISSUE 5

The Friday evening (September 15th) before the annual

Trail of Courage on Saturday, September 16th and Sun-

day, September 17th , there will be a very special free program at 7:30 pm inside the

museum. You will see the featured works of photographer Sharon Hoogstraten in an ex-

hibit like none you’ve never seen before.  Sharon is a member of the Citizen Potawato-

mi Nation and has photographed many Potawatomi in full regalia.   This exhibit will

feature many of these beautiful, colorful scenes as transparent images. They will be

hung from the ceiling and measure 8’ tall by 18’ long. You will be able to walk

through them but still see the image.  Most unusual!    Plus, she will have others on can-

vas that are 4 x 7.  Sharon lives in Chicago and has been named the honored Potawato-

mi for the Trail of Courage.  Don’t miss this truly amazing program.

Kewanna Fall Festival is September 29th, 30th and October 1st. This annual free festival

will feature the “Great American Family Circus” daily, “The Carla Wallenda Family

Aerial Show and much more. The AAAL is cosponsoring the Johnny Bergin blues band

from the Chicago area at the park pavilion, if you want to check them out.

Area Festivals:

Do you want to take

an epic adventure? If

you are going to be in

the Elkhart, Goshen

and Middlebury area,

check out the incredi-

ble life-size sculptures

by Seward Johnson.

You can find them along the Heritage Trail

now until October 20th, 2017. A map and more information can be

found on the website at epicartadventures.com or

amishcountry.org.

Delphi Opera House, 109 S. Washington Street, Delphi Indiana:

Nashville Songwriter’s Round III will be performing on September 16th . The show

starts at 7:30pm. This group plays rock, alternative, folk and country plus some story

telling. A fish fry is happening at the Union Center (1\2 a block away) that evening from

4 – 7pm if you want to arrive early for dinner.

On September 22nd, 2017, Mary Flower will perform. The show starts at 7:30pm. She

plays acoustic – blues, guitar and vocal style music.

Events Out of Our Area

Page 4 AKRON AREA ARTS LEAGUE Akron Area Arts League PO Box 702 Akron, IN 46910

Acoustic jam session is every third Friday of the month in the Akron

Community Center. The next scheduled jam is September 15th. You are

encouraged to bring your acoustic instrument to play. If you don’t play an instrument,

bring a friend and come listen! Coffee and punch will be served. If you would like,

bring a snack to share.

Jam:

The Midwest Museum of American Art,

Elkhart is calling for artists for the 39th Elkhart

Juried Regional all medium competition. Entries are accepted Sept. 9th-23rd.  The opening

reception is October 6th from 7-9pm and the show will run to Dec. 3rd.  For the prospectus

go to: www.midwestmuseum.us

Clark Gallery, Honeywell Center 2017 Photography Show, Sept. 30th - Nov. 8th. Entries

accepted Monday, Sept. 25th from 11 am-2 pm.  Go to: www.honeywellcenter.org or

call: 260 272 1410 for guidelines and entry forms. 

Opportunities to Exhibit:

Workshops:

Geneva Center, right outside of Rochester off of old 31:

Braxton Eikenberry will be leading a strained glass workshop. The classes start on Monday,

October 16th through Thursday, October 19th until noon.  It is 4 days and 3 nights with ten

meals included. Contact Cathy Adley for more information  

574-223-6915 or email:cathy@genevacenter.org  

AAAL member Diana Tesler has a one-woman

show “Passages” in Link Gallery, Winger Hall, and

Manchester University.

 

A reception is schedule for Sunday, September

17th from 2- 4pm.  The building is located right

across East Street from the Student Union

where Jim Scott has an exhibit in the second

floor Gallery.  

Member News:

Page 5 AKRON AREA ARTS LEAGUE

Akron Area Arts League PO Box 702 Akron, IN 46910

The photography group

meets every third Tuesday

of the month from

6 – 7:45pm at the Rochester library, in meeting room A. The next

scheduled meeting will be September 19th. This month the

suggested print topics are fruits\vegetables and hats. You may

also bring other prints to share.

Photography Group:

Gallery G, Switzer Union:

Jim Scott, “Remembrances” now through September 11th.

Honeywell Center, Clark Gallery:

Beginning August 30th-September 24th, “The Next Generation” is a display of art by

talented High School and College students.

Photo Show, September 30th through November 8th.

MoonTree Studios, Donaldson:

“Garden of Vessels: Exploration of Clay Art”, opening reception Saturday, August 26th,

1-3 pm through October 7th.

Area Visual Arts:

The Akron Library is currently showing

a Retrospective Photography Exhibit of the late

AAAL member Don Drone. Stop in during regular library hours.  The Fulton County

Public Library, Rochester will feature Peru artist J.O. Buffington and his Plein air painting

buddies beginning September 5th. 

Library Exhibits:

The Ole Olson Memorial Theater in Peru has announced its

2017-2018 season. 

“Nunsense II”, Dinner and show, Sept. 28th at 6 pm, Sept. 29th , 30th, Oct. 6th-7th at 7:30 pm

and Oct. 1st & 8th at 2 pm.

“A Christmas Carol”, Nov. 30th, Dec.1st -3rd & Dec 8th-10th.

“Five Women Wearing the Same Dress”, Feb. 22nd-25th, March 2nd-4th.

“Bleacher Bums”, April 26th-29th, May 4th-6th.  

Cost:  Still only $35 for all four shows! Get tickets by calling 765-472-3680.   

Ivy Tech Community College, 425 Main Street, Peru:

“Sherlock Holmes-In Love” will feature Ole Olsen alumni in this production written by Bob

Bryan. Sept. 15th & 16th at 7:30 pm and Sept. 17th at 2 pm. For more information call

765-472-3680.

Area Theater:

Page 6 AKRON AREA ARTS LEAGUE

Akron Area Arts League PO Box 702 Akron, IN 46910

Wild Rose Moon, 115 Main Street Plymouth:

Open Mic nights are scheduled from 7-9:30 pm the first and third Wednesdays of each

month. Musicians, singers, comedians poets and dramatic readings are all welcome. Open

acoustic jam sessions are held on the second Wednesday of each month and all music gen-

res and skill levels are welcome. These evenings are free of charge and refreshments are

served.

Mollie B. Moon and Riely O’Conner. Saturday, September 16th at 8pm.

Harpeth Rising – Wild Rose Moon radio hour. Friday, September 29th at 8pm.

Honeywell Center in Wabash: September:

8th - Larry Gatlin and the Blackwood Quartet. Tickets $20- $75.

9th - Paul Anka. Tickets $49-$100.

22nd, 23rd and 24th (this show 2pm)- The Addams Family

29th – Travis Tritt.

All shows 7:30pm unless specified. Prices vary. For more information visit the website

honeywellcenter.org then events & shows or call 260-563-1102

Area Music & Theaters:

Look! Art is Everywhere!

New Contact Info:

Rhoda Kiesow

P.O. Box 752 Rochester, IN. 46975

316-312-3774

Visit our website: www.AkronAreaArts.com

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