One of my favorite things about being involved with the Dietrich Theater has got to be meeting so many talented folks from our area. This region is filled with great musicians, artists, actors, writers, teachers, historians, naturalists and so many other gifted people. And not only are our local residents talented, but they are willing to share their abilities with others.

Through the end of February, the Dietrich will be featuring the artwork of three local artists in its gallery spaces. You definitely need to check out their work.

Let me give you a quick preview of our exhibits:

As you walk into the Dietrich, you are treated to Folk Art Adventures of Carol Moyer in the Earnshaw Gallery. This colorful, cheery, eclectic exhibit features a variety of functional, decorative art from whimsically painted tables to linoleum pieces to glassware to beaded wreaths and painted gourds. Moyer has the ability to take regular household items and turn them into something magical – just what you need to see when things look so dreary out in January.

After the Earnshaw Gallery, you will enter into the Dietrich’s Sherwood Gallery and experience American Neon, a photography exhibit by Kenny Ganz. This truly unique photography exhibit showcases neon signs that Ganz has captured in his travels across the United States over the past 35 years. His compositions really capture part of our nation’s advertisement history. Kenny has taught photography at the Dietrich for several years now and is the official photographer of the National Steamtown Historic Site.

Then if you walk past the Dietrich’s concession area (maybe order a popcorn on your way), you will be transported to the great outdoors as you view The Favorite Photographs of Tom Sheridan in our new gallery. He has incredible photos of wildlife as well as landscapes from this area as well as Canada including photos of the Kermode Bear, which are found in British Columbia. I have known Sheridan for over 10 years and never knew he was a photographer until this past year. He is self-taught and truly has given us a glimpse of the natural beauty that is all around us.

If you would like to meet these three artists, join us for a reception from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31 to celebrate their exhibits. It is one thing to view an artist’s work, but I feel that you learn so much more by meeting the artist and learning a little bit about their inspirations and techniques. Admission is free. We hope to see you there.

Another Wyoming County resident who has captured the natural beauty of the area while hiking is local hiking expert and Wyoming County District Attorney Jeff Mitchell. Come out to the theater at 11 a.m. this Saturday, Jan. 30 for Mitchell’s PowerPoint presentation on many of the great places to hike in Pennsylvania, especially right here in NEPA. He will share with us photos of hidden waterfalls, expansive vistas and isolated wild area. Admission is free and his book, “Hiking the Endless Mountains,” will be available for sale, with proceeds benefiting the Dietrich. To reserve tickets, call 570-996-1500. Tickets will also be available at the door while they last.

Oh, and one more reminder to local thespians, we encourage you to audition for a community theatre production of “Arsenic and Old Lace” this weekend. Directed by Hoyt Keiser, this comedic play will be presented at the Dietrich from April 29 through May 1. For more information or to make an audition appointment, call 570-466-9407.

As you can see the Dietrich is so much more than the movies!

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More Than Movies

Erica Rogler

Reach the Abington Journal newsroom at 570-587-1148 or by email at news@s24528.p831.sites.pressdns.com.