Young
“Art is a passion of mine. I love to feel the paint in my hands, and it brings me freedom is each brushstroke,” says Jean Maslany, the artist whose paintings are on exhibit at the Dietrich Theater through the end of March.
A self-taught artist who was inspired and mentored by her mother, she shares that painting helped her deal with childhood trauma. It is almost impossible to walk by the cases and walls where they are displayed without pausing and taking a few moments to ponder them. We are all invited to the Dietrich for the Jean Maslany: Retrospective II Meet the Artist Reception on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. We are so grateful to the Kitson Arts Alliance for discovering her and bringing and installing this exhibit to the Dietrich.
Photographers are artists, too, and I am so glad I saw Portrait of the Queen, a film featuring photographers who were invited to photograph Queen Elizabeth, the most photographed person in the world — for 90 years, from the time she was 6 years old. In this film, we hear from the photographers themselves about the challenges they faced and details, such as the story of how the photo of the Queen with Wellington boots behind her chair became the photo used for a Canadian postage stamp. She always seemed happiest and relaxed in country settings.
Speaking of country settings, Erica just told me that those who want to attend Jeff Mitchell’s presentation Appalachian Trail: A Journey Through the Beautiful Soul of America on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 10:30 a.m. should get their tickets in advance. This free event will share photos, videos and stories from Jeff’s own adventure in 2022 when he hiked the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. The first part of the presentation is about the trip. The second part will be for those who want to hear his advice for serious hikers who are dreaming or anticipating such a hike. Jeff’s books will be on sale, all proceeds benefitting the Dietrich. Erica encourages you to make a reservation by calling 570-836-1022 x3 to make sure you have a seat. Many have reserved their seats already.
Erica beams when she tells me that the films in Winter Fest have a combined 19 Oscar nominations! You have a chance to see the trailers of all 21 films in the festival on Preview Day on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Get your brochure at Preview Day and hear Ronnie Harvey tell you how he chose them and why they are coming to Winter Fest from Feb. 17 to March 9. Preview Day is always free. It takes about an hour to see the trailers, check the ones you must see, talk to others, and mark your calendars. So bring your friends and make your plans. That’s what I do. While you are at it, make plans combine it with lunch or dinner at one of Tunkhannock’s restaurants or cafes.
The very next Sunday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. National Theatre Live returns with Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing at the Dietrich with two more showings on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 1 and 7 p.m. What I love about National Theatre Live is the freshness of its interpretations. In Much Ado About Nothing the setting is modern day – a true romcom on the Italian Riviera with mistaken identity and scandalous deceptions. So much fun for Shakespeare enthusiasts and those who need a new interpretation of a classic comedy.
In preparation for Wyoming County Reads, I have read The Remains of the Day and I am in the middle of Never let Me Go, both by Kazuo Ishiguru. Wednesday, Feb, 1 at 7 p.m. is the first discussion of
The Remains of the Day at the Tunkhannock Public Library. I will be there to hear what others have to say about it. All are welcome to join us in celebrating amazing writing that takes us into a new world and a different way of life. All are welcome to join us for Wyoming County Reads and all of our programs. Learning something new is good for the brain and the soul – and it may hasten the winter. We hope to see you soon and often.
