Chair Pat McMahon, Southwick Cultural Council, announced the recipients for the grants funded for year 2010. With an annual allocation of approximately $4,000 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the local council was able to fund several new activities to be enjoyed by the local community.
Teen Manga Workshop – Professional artists Andy Fish and Veronica Hebard will conduct a hands-on workshop on the Japanese manga style. The workshop will offer figure drawing, body language, expression, setting backgrounds, and storytelling devices used by manga graphic novelists. The workshop is tentatively scheduled for July 22 at the Southwick Public Library.
Secret World of Bubbles – Explore solids, liquids, films, tension and pressure. Using inventive tools and techniques, Keith Michael Johnson, makes bubbles like you’ve never seen. The demonstration is scheduled for August 5 at the Southwick Public Library.
Wingmasters: North American Birds – North American Birds of Prey Falconer Julie Anne Colier will introduce the audience to five birds of prey – golden eagle, screech owl, red tailed hawk, barn owl and the American kestrel falcon. The demonstration is scheduled for July 13 at the Southwick Public Library.
Fanfare Brass Choir – A varied program of classical and light popular music performed by a ten-part group including four trumpets, a French horn, four trombones and a tuba. The Fanfare Brass Choir is composed of the best and brightest musicians in Western New England with an average experience of 30 years each. David Neill of West Springfield is the contact person for the group. The concert is tentatively scheduled for October 3 at the Southwick Town Hall auditorium.
Southwick Rotary BBQ and Chili Cook-off Challenge – The event now in its third year is a competition for the best barbecue and chili. This community-based event is family oriented. The SCC grant will be used to provide music or performance entertainment during the event. The event is scheduled for July 25 at the Southwick Recreation Center.
Southwick Rotary Steak Roast – The steak roast is an event whereby everyone cooks their steaks or burgers and enjoy fellowship over a large grilling pit. The grant will provide live music for the event, which is scheduled for September at the Southwick American Legion Pavilion.
Southwick Firemen’s Carnival – The carnival will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2010. The grant will be used to fund different types of live music over the two-day event, and is tentatively scheduled for September.
Storytelling by Monica Bleasius – A story telling presentation of approximately 1.25 hours which includes children’s participation and opportunities for singing and acting. The event will be scheduled at the Southwick Town Hall auditorium. Details to follow.
Life, Language and the Pursuit of Happiness – Ernest Hemingway Alive! Richard Clark presents a theatrical experience of the life and literature of Ernest Hemingway. The play features readings from most of his famous works, and a nuanced illumination of his complex and ultimately tragic personal life. Details to follow.
The Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, supports the Southwick Cultural Council, a local agency. The Council meets the third Thursday of each month at the Southwick Town Hall at 7:00 p.m.
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