The first quilt in the first showcase as you walk into the Dietrich Theater’s Earnshaw Gallery has a story that needs to be told.
Way back in 2003, artist-in-residence Gail Jones, came here to teach the art of batik. Gail’s final group project was for the class to form four groups, each one creating a design for one of the four seasons. The lovely designs hung on our office walls until Ingrid Rogler asked if she could make them into a quilt. The resulting work of art is now exhibited to all to see through Nov. 15. Batik and quilting merge to create a truly original wall hanging, lovingly quilting by hand and adorned with embellishments. Also on display are many completed quilt projects from classes through the years.
The art of quilting is alive and well at the Dietrich Theater. Starting in 2003, we have offered quilting classes for children and adults, thanks to volunteer instructors Ingrid Rogler, Peggy Lane and Terry Keller. Traditional early American quilting is taught in the Quilting for Everyone intergenerational class on Wednesdays through Dec. 11 (excluding Nov. 27) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Ingrid loves the intergenerational aspect to the class, relating that one grandmother has come through the years, introducing all of her grandchildren to the art and craft of quilting.
And. just recently, we were the grateful benefactors of “The Church Has Left the Building,” thanks to the volunteers of the Tunkhannock United Methodist Church. When the rest of us were busy with our lives, they slipped in and thoroughly cleaned the theater seats and cup holders in all four theaters. What a wonderful service to the community!
Our longest continuously offered class at the Dietrich is the one we offer twice a year, taught by the education staff at the Everhart Museum. This fall, Michael is back as the instructor, already covering color fields in oil pastel inspired by Victoria Lowe. Two more classes in the series Color, Line, Texture, and Form with the Everhart Museum are offered on Tuesdays, Oct. 15 and 22 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Dietrich for ages 5 to 12. To register, call 570-996-1500. Each class is independent of the others.
Are you a Jim Henson fan? Or do you just like to come to free movies at the Dietrich? You are in luck because Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 1 and 7 p.m. the free movie of the month Labyrinth, sponsored in loving memory by the family of Aaron Pote. It is not the Muppets, but it is full of puppet magic, a true work of art. Free tickets are available at the ticket booth or just show up.
About 25 of us took a bus trip to Broadway to see “Kinky Boots” a few years ago. Now the show can be seen on our big screen on Sundays, Oct. 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. Just $14 for general admission, $12 for members or seniors and $10 for children or students. Tickets are available online at www.dietrichtheater.com or at the ticket booth.
There are so many reasons to visit the Dietrich Theater in the beautiful season of autumn in the Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. What will bring you here? Quilting? An art class? A free movie? A filmed Broadway show? Or one of the blockbusters in our four movie theaters? We hope to see you. We do it all just for you.
A team of volunteers from the Tunkhannock United Methodist Church cleaned the Dietrich Theater as part of their “The Church Has Left the Building” day. From left, are Beckie Zaleppa, Renee Jones, Gregory Jones and Rich Jones.
