DCCA News: The season of giving

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The arts embody the essence of giving. Artists generously give of themselves to produce their art, a gift that communicates to others in diverse ways ranging from frivolous to profound.

Likewise, those receiving the artistic output are often moved to a wide variety of responses—joy, solace, hope, inspiration, and more. A gift of the arts can provide an experience that will brighten a few hours or last throughout a lifetime, impact a life or happily affect an afternoon or evening. No two people will experience such a gift in the exact same way; so why not share the arts with someone you love this Christmas?

Upcoming presentations by Darke County Center for the Arts provide an amazing variety of possibilities to please almost everyone. Youngsters of all ages will enjoy ArtsPower National Touring Theater’s Laura Ingalls Wilder, a musical based on the life of the beloved author of the Little House on the Prairie books that will take the stage at Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall in Greenville on Jan. 29. The pioneering Ingalls family faces many challenges, maintaining their strong devotion to each other while courageously overcoming hardship and danger in this retelling of a classic American tale, part of DCCA’s Family Theatre Series.

Young children and their families will be entranced by another Family Theatre production on Sunday, April 23; Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Other Treasured Stories imaginatively blends innovative puppetry, whimsical music, and striking scenic effects to recreate three delightful stories by award-winning author Eric Carle, also including Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Family Theatre tickets are only $5, and great stocking stuffers.

Tickets to DCCA’s eclectic Coffeehouse Series, which offers entertainment plus food, drink, and camaraderie, would make good stocking stuffers for grown-ups. Charismatic singer/guitarist John Latini brings his rootsy blend of rock, standards, and blues plus his wit and humor to Arcanum Historical Society’s Wayne Trail House on Feb. 9; innovative keyboardist and composer Jason Farnham will blend classical melodies with modern techno-beats at The Coffee Pot in Greenville on March 2. Scott Ainslie will bring to life the richness of American history through his music and stories on April 20, at Union City’s Arts Depot. Two favorite performers from past Coffeehouse seasons will combine their talents on May 11 when Cleveland-based blues artists Kristine Jackson and Walkin’ Cane perform at The Bistro Off Broadway. Tickets for these uptown events with a laid-back feel are just $10.

DCCA’s Artists Series will present We Banjo Three on Feb. 4 at St. Clair Memorial Hall; these celebrated musicians will charm traditional Irish music lovers and thrill fans of modern Celtic bands with their bold, beautiful musical statements featuring banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, percussion, and vocals. The Toledo Symphony Orchestra’s “I’ve Got Rhythm,” featuring guest pianist Michael Chertock and showcasing the music of George Gershwin and other sounds of the Jazz Age, will close out the Artists Series on April 29. Tickets to these concerts cost $20 and $30 respectively, and could provide a tasteful and elegant gift for an eagerly anticipated event to be savored and then fondly remembered, stretching the joyous experience through time and space.

Not sure which of the above would be the best choice? Well, then, contact DCCA about purchasing a gift certificate which can be redeemed by the recipient for any of DCCA’s offerings through December, 2017; you can reach DCCA at 937-547-0908 or [email protected]. The arts are a gift to humankind; sharing their magnificence with others expands the reach of their bounty, making the world a better place, a gift wholly in keeping with the spirit of this holiday season.

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By Marilyn Delk

DCCA News

Marilyn Delk is a director of the Darke County Center for the Arts and can be reached at [email protected]. Viewpoints expressed in the article are the work of the author. The Daily Advocate does not endorse these viewpoints or the independent activities of the author.

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