Stamford Center for the Arts Announces Summer 2012 Arts Education Programs

Arts Education returns to the Stamford Center for the Arts for the third straight year with a focus on music, dance, acting, musical theater and puppetry. With the generous support of presenting sponsors RFR Stamford and Purdue Pharma, SCA will present four unique experiences for the area's youth: SummerJazz, (generously supported by Pitney Bowes, Purdue Pharma, RFR Stamford and the Italian Center;) the Triple Threat Performer Intensive; Lumina String Quartet's Chamber Music Institute for Young Musicians and Jim West's "Dinosaurs."

"SCA's dedication to providing arts education programs to our community continues to be a major component of our operation," said SCA Executive Director Elissa O. Getto. "We are so pleased to have Lumina String Quartet back for their 15th year at The Palace, a program that has grown with us. SummerJazz Stamford returns to The Palace for their second year, and our Triple Threat Performer Intensive is back by popular demand. These are excellent programs which are designed to help young artists refine their craft."

"SCA's education programs serve as a resource to ignite the imagination, knowledge, appreciation and creativity of our youth, our future audience members. Our summer programs are a result of the cultivation of new relationships and the continuation of established relationships within the community," said SCA Director of Education and DanceFest Producer, Carol Bryan. "Phil Bashor and Asya Meshberg of Lumina String Quartet have been a mainstay at the Palace for fifteen years. Rick Petrone and Joe Corsello have been conducting their jazz program for eight years and return to the Palace for their second year. David Robertson's directorship will bring energy, talent and passion to the Triple Threat Performer Intensive and the return of Emmy award-winning puppeteer Jim West will excite the younger ones with his giant puppets; Stegosaurus and Tyrannosaurus Rex in both puppet-making workshops and a performance on the main stage."

Now through July 6th at the Sacker Gallery is "The Heart of Mixed Media," an exhibit, free of charge, by Jo-Ann Thompson-Claybourne. This artist is drawn to materials and uses feathers, fabric, wood, dried flowers and more, but the sheer joy of creating is what comes through in her work. The combination of vibrant colors and mixed media lures you in on a visual tour. Claybourne embraces her heritage and explores her creativity through the art-making process, giving each piece of work a life of its own. Her desire is to endure this creative journey and originate unique and imaginative pieces of art to be shared with the world. The Sackler Gallery is at 61 Atlantic Street on the second floor of the Palace Theatre. Admission to the exhibit is free. Gallery hours are 10am-6pm, Monday through Friday and during show times. Please call ahead to the SCA box office to let them know you are coming at 203-325-4466. For more information about artist Jo-Ann Thompson-Claybourne please call 203-354-4091 or visit www.creativeartworkbyjo-ann.com.

More Articles by This Author...