Kent County Arts Council -- Artsake

October 2002

DAY OF THE DEAD
Years ago, on trips to Mexico, we were astonished to learn of the tradition of celebrating the Day of the Dead. Leading up to the 2nd of November, all sorts of fanciful figurines appeared in the street markets: skeletons dressed up in Mexican costume finery such as sombreros, feathered hats, and little robozos, each enjoying life (or death) with tiny bottles of tequila and miniature baskets of fruit. Throughout Latin America, The Day of the Dead represents a time when families gather at the cemeteries and sweep off the graves of their ancestors, hold vigils or have picnics. It is a time to celebrate and communicate, somehow, with those who have gone before us.

This time of year when our world is turning away from the warmth and safety of the summer sun, towards long dark nights and wintery weather is, in many cultures, the time to evoke the essence of the dead ancestors, the other worlds. The ancient belief is that the veils separating the worlds of the hereafter, and our present world, becomes thin enough to let the spirits pass through. The Celts called this time Samhain (pronounced “sow-an” and meaning “end of summer”). We do Halloween, with costumes and candy. But it all reaches back in time, connecting our nonchalant nibbling of candy corn with primitive beliefs of the mysterious nether worlds of the dead, and the desire to offer our ghostly visitors a bite to eat.

The November art show at the Kent County Arts Council will exhibit some of the themes of this ancient festival. Jane and Gordon Chapman, currently working on a book called “Surviving the Labyrinth,” will construct a maze in the Art Gallery, and exhibit art work which will eventually illustrate their book. Dantë’s Divine Comedy and James Joyce’s Ulysses, Joseph Campbell’s Journey of the Hero, Emily Dickinson’s poetry, and other influences permeate this interpretation of the Labyrinth.

A workshop to learn the techniques for making sugar-skulls and other crafts from the Latin American tradition, will be held at the Arts Council on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. The opening reception for the show will be held Saturday, November 2, 4:00 to 7:00 pm

AUTUMN ARTS
The fall in Kent County has been the scene of some wonderful celebrations.
Rock Hall’s Fall Fest was a huge success, with folks visiting from all around the state and beyond. The Wildlife Festival with artwork and exhibits, collaborated with the Chester River Association’s Great Pumpkin Party, both raising awareness of our precious natural resources here on the Eastern Shore.

Classical and popular music performances and theatre presentations abound. The Prince Theatre is producing a classic film series, in addition to a full slate of live performances and other events. Chester River Art Works continues to offer classes in a variety crafts and painting. Chestertown Arts League is busy with exhibits and classes. Imagination Alley has numerous opportunities for children. Visitors and residents are pleased with the availability of meaningful and enriching events in our county.

Among the many upcoming events is a workshop given by Sihn Ja An, Seiko Behr, and Linda Richards, artists featured in the current exhibit at the Carla Massoni Gallery, 203 High Street, Chestertown. These artists will discuss and demonstrate their individual techniques of painting and ikebana arrangement on October 31 from 10 to 2. Call 410-778-7330.

Walkin’ Jim Stoltz, a folk singer and environmentalist, will present his stories, songs and pictures at the Prince Theatre. Tom McHugh has arranged for school children from around the region to enjoy his performances at a special matinee. The regular performance is Friday, November 1 at 8 pm. Call 410-810-2060.

Michael Strauss’s Mariner String Quartet will perform at Norman James Theatre, Washington College Tuesday, November 5 at 8:00 pm. This event is free and sponsored by Washington College Friends of the Arts, and Kent County Arts Council. Music by Schubert, Beethoven and Debussy will be performed.

DELIGHTFUL DESSERTS
Imagination Alley, a center for children’s arts, will host a dessert party to celebrate the debut of the new video-film produced by Lotte Bowie, which highlights the many activities provided by the children’s arts center. Everyone is invited to attend the event which starts at 7:00 pm Saturday, November 2 at 337 High Street. Call 410-778-9678.

For more information about any of the items mentioned here, contact me at 410-778-3831, email: kcac@friend.ly.net, or www. kcarts.org

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