Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Connections... by Lori Aylesworth


     Our current gallery show is absolutely stunning. Lori Aylesworth is by far one of our most talented Leavenworth-based painters. Her paintings really express a fabulous sense of light and almost dream-like representation of local scenes and animals. I've already sold many of her prints to visitors of the gallery, and am looking forward to hosting our "meet the artist" reception this Friday where Lori will have the chance to talk to our patrons about her lovely work. You can learn more about the artist at her website. For anyone that's in our area (or planning to be) Lori's work will be up through the end of February, I really hope you will come check it out!
-Anna James Percival, Managing Director

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Icicle Arts Festival Slideshow

Here are some photos from last year's festival!



This year's Icicle Arts Festival will be held the second weekend in September and feature music, art, and dance from around the world, including ABC-Tokyo ballet company and Trio Globo music group.  There will also be a number of different workshops in Leavenworth and Wenatchee.  Find out more on our website.

-Jennifer Hutzel

Friday, January 8, 2010

Happy Students

What fun to see our new after school arts program kicking off! We had a great time during our first week, and had a few last-minute signups which is also very encouraging. Kathryn Stevens from the Wenatchee World did an amazing article and video on the Wenatchee World website, we are so grateful for the publicity! Reed A. Carlson of Icicle Valley Photography was onsite shooting photos for us (shown below). I'm looking forward to seeing where our kids' creativity will take them next!

-Anna James Percival, Managing Director


Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Learning Through Art

Managing Director Anna James Percival, who joined Icicle Arts in April 2009, has been performing and teaching dance and working in the arts for over ten years.  After learning that the arts programs in local schools were being cut back, Ms. Percival wanted to find a way to provide an arts education to the affected students.  Now, with a new program underway, she is glad to be expanding Icicle Arts’ outreach efforts.
Icicle Arts’ new after school arts program (called A.S.A.P. for short) began this week in Leavenworth.  A.S.A.P. is designed to promote the arts through education and foster awareness and enjoyment for all forms of art.  Students will benefit from development of their imagination and judgment, as well as their ability to focus.  Arts education programs like A.S.A.P. have been shown to improve self-esteem, communication, and public speaking skills.  The program allows students to have a fulfilling after-school experience with hands-on arts education.  A.S.A.P. will provide high quality art classes taught by carefully screened local and guest artists. A wide variety of art forms will be included, such as dance, ceramics, music, drawing, collage, jewelry design, painting, sculpture, creative writing, photography, and theater.  During Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest, students will have the opportunity to present their work with a performance at Barn Beach Reserve and an art show at Icicle Arts Gallery.
A.S.A.P. Program Coordinator, Castilia Cava, has significant experience teaching children throughout the Wenatchee Valley.  She is fluent in Spanish and has worked as a Bilingual Para Educator, Daycare Assistant/Art Coordinator, and Art Teacher at Cashmere Middle and High Schools.  Ms. Cava has also worked for the Wenatchee After-School Daycare Program and as the Royal Family Kids Camp Arts & Crafts Coordinator.  She is pleased to be working with Icicle Arts to help create and facilitate the new program.
A.S.A.P. is being held in Leavenworth at Osborn School (in connection with their After School Program) and at Barn Beach Reserve, as well as in Cashmere at the United Methodist Church.  A.S.A.P takes place Monday and Tuesday afternoons every week.  The program will run from January to June, consisting of one 12-week session and one 10-week session.  The first level of the program is for Elementary students and the second level is for Middle and High School students. 
To learn more, or to register, visit iciclearts.org, or call Icicle Arts at (509) 668-4663.

-Jennifer G. Hutzel