At the recent Rustic Nature Meet the Artist Reception at the Dietrich Theater are, from left: Rich Griffith, Stacy Kelley, Betsy Green, Frank Wengen and Patrick Robinson.
Submitted Photo
A steady stream of art lovers came through the Dietrich’s Earnshaw and Sherwood galleries to see the Rustic Nature art exhibit, featuring three local painters who remind us of the beauty of nature that is all around us.
Farm landscapes are some of my favorites, especially barns, because I have an historic barn with 1867 carved into the eave. Frank Wengen, one of the featured artists, told me that “almost all of my paintings are of scenes I discover within 5 miles of my home.” And he lives in the nearby Dallas area. His watercolor paintings invite us to appreciate the beauty that is all around us, even the foundation of old barns like mine.
Thank you, Patrick Robinson and Betsy Green and the Kitson Arts Alliance for bringing this exhibit to the Dietrich Theater galleries.
I love February for so many reasons, but the first reason is that we can say “Next month is spring!” We have almost forgotten what winter is like, but this year January reminded us. And I also love February because our Winter Fest begins and we have the prospect of seeing 21 foreign and independent movies. Winter Fest 2025 begins on Friday, Feb. 21 and goes through Thursday, March 13. One of the films that I will definitely see is Nickel Boys, nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture, based on the novel by Colson Whitehead. It is the story of two boys in the Jim Crow South who end up at a brutal reformatory. The civil rights movement seems far away and out of sight for these two teens.
Another Winter Fest Film that is nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture, is Anora, a modern-day Cinderella story, not your remembered tale at all. In this version, Ani is a sex worker who impulsively marries a Russian billionaire, which sets off a wild chase through the streets of New York when his parents send henchmen to annul the marriage. It is in English and Russian. Come and see a new take on an old story. A very new take.
To see previews of Nickel Boys and Anora and 19 other films in Winter Fest, come to Preview Day on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 1 and 6 p.m., a free event and a chance to pick up a brochure and mark all the movies you want to see. I always arrange to meet friends and make it a fun day.
Valentine’s Day is not forgotten at the Dietrich. On Friday, Feb. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m., Sacha Hoff, owner of Cookies that Care invites you to bring your own snacks and wine to come and learn from a master decorator how to decorate your own cookies. You will go home with 8 decorated cookies, recipes, and all the skills you need to make your own at home. It’s $45 per person. Registrants must be 21 years old and up. Call the Dietrich at 570-836-1022 x3 to make your reservations.
How about Wine and Wheel, the potters wheel, that is — a wine and pottery evening with Steve Colley in the Sheldon Art Studio? Bring your own wine and snacks. To save your spot call the number above for an evening of creating your own pottery on Saturday, February 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. $25 per person. Call the number above to save your spot. Again participants must be 21+.
Additionally, we are planning something fun and exciting involving the classics you love in preparation for the romantic holiday. Films and showtimes are quick to follow so make sure to keep checking back on our website and/or Facebook page for more information and how to get tickets.
Are you a military veteran looking for a way to meet up with other veterans? You are invited to attend the Dietrich’s Veterans Meetup once a month. This month it will be held on Friday, Feb. 7 from 7 to 9 p.m., facilitated by Larry White. As Larry says, “Our goal is to leave no one behind.” You are invited to come and grow with other veterans. For information call the number above.
So we got through January! A reminder of what winter feels like. But now there is so much to look forward to like our Winter Fest film festival, beginning with a chance to see all the previews on Preview Day, and all kinds of classes and fun opportunities.
As our exhibit artists remind us, we can notice the beauty of our little corner of the world in northeast Pennsylvania. For me it is the mountains at different times of the day or the 7 pairs of cardinals at my bird feeder or the color of sunrise or sunset. I try to collect images to remember before I go to sleep at night. Come and browse our exhibits and see if you get inspired to do the same. We are open 365 days of the year. And you are invited.
