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LISBON, Ohio – Stage Left players present SPARK! An Evening of Stories on Saturday, June 11 at 7pm at the Trinity Playhouse, 234 E. Lincoln Way.
The event, funded with a $14,000 grant from the Ohio Arts Council, aims to promote the art of oral storytelling and share personal stories that reflect the community’s unique struggles and achievements.
Stage Left has hired renowned storyteller, author and teacher Kevin Cordi as a consultant for the Beginner Storyteller group. Regina Rees, professional storyteller and literacy advocate; and Will Flannigan, multimedia journalist for the Wall Street Journal, are also consultants.
For over 25 years, Cordi has been telling stories in North America and abroad. His work has been commissioned by the National Youth Storytelling Hall of Fame, Newsweek, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
SPARK (Storytelling to Promote Acceptance, Respect & Kindness) is an outreach initiative, says Kandy Cleland, Stage Left Artistic Director.
“A caring family. A caring community. Both begin when we share and listen to each other’s stories,” Cleland said.
The June SPARK cohort includes Connie Baer, Marci Burgett, Cleland, Gloria Matthews and Betsy Williams, who have prepared their stories to fit the theme of “home…or something like that”.
Admission is $10. Tickets are available in advance on StageLeftPlayers.org and at the box office.
SFA launches initiative for art in public space
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown State University’s Summer Festival of the Arts includes The Wishing Flag Project, a new public arts initiative.
Within the confines of a 12″ by 18″ blank vinyl banner that is provided, artists are invited to create artwork that expresses their specific desires on each subject.
Organizers, including Lit Youngstown, say the project as a whole will be a visual representation of the theme of what one desires, with finished works being exhibited at the YSU Summer Festival of the Arts on July 9-10 at Wean Park . Downtown.
Artists can be professionals or amateurs, and their work can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. All media can be used to decorate the banner and only family-friendly work will be accepted.
Entries are limited to one per person; Groups or organizations can work together to create multiple banners.
Banners can be picked up at Bliss Hall near the Ford Theater (first floor) until June 17th. Finished product must be returned to the local Lit Youngstown booth at Bliss Hall or at the Summer Festival of the Arts by July 1st.
For information, email [email protected] or call 330 941 2307.
Strawberry Festival at McKinley Concert Series
NILES — The Rotary Club of Niles is bringing back its Strawberry Festival tonight, June 9th. The event coincides with the start of the Summer Lawn Concert Series at the McKinley Memorial Library, 40 N. Main St. At the opening concert, which begins at 6:00 p.m., the Rotary is offering $5 strawberry shortcake; strawberry sundae, $4; ice cream, $3; and bottled water, $1. There will also be a 50/50 and basket draw. All proceeds benefit the club’s Niles McKinley High School Scholarship Program. The Girard Swing Band plays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m
Celebration of June 16th at Quinby Park
WARREN, Ohio — Warren’s annual June 16 Celebration will be held June 17-19 at Quinby Park, 525 Austin Ave.
Youth Day takes place on June 17th with climate justice activities, a film night and cultural games. On June 18, the event includes historical teachings and a traditional African dress show, as well as dancing with the Matrix band.
On the final day, June 19, all positive community members will be honored with singing, a fishing derby and a vigil to draw attention to local and national violence.
Juneteenth will also include vendors; free food, haircuts and gift cards; and prices.
Butler is accepting applications for summer art camps
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Butler Institute of American Art is still accepting applications for its two-week Summer Visual Arts Day Camp (SVADC) for children ages 8-13. Camp will be held July 19-22 and July 26-29 from 10am-2pm at the Butler, 524 Wick Ave.
Now in the 33approx year, the program teaches campers drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Campers must be between the ages of 8 and 13 by July 19th, submit the required registration forms, attend registration on the first day from 9am to 10am, and commit to attending all eight days of camp.
Parents or legal guardians can register their children by downloading and completing the registration form at ButlerArt.com/inspire/ or by requesting a registration form via email from Director of Education Joyce Mistovich [email protected] with the subject Summer Visual Arts Day Camp.
If you need assistance with registration, call camp coordinator Lisa Rohrbaugh at 330.743.1107 ext. 1155. A completed registration form and a fee of $135 per camper are required. Submit completed forms and fees to:
The Butler Institute of American Art, Attn: Lisa Rohrbaugh, 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502.
Families with more than one child in the camp receive a 10% discount. Free registration is possible to a limited extent.
The focus of this year’s camp is pop art.
Pictured above: Professional storyteller Kevin Cordi will be present at the Stage Left Players storytelling event.
Copyright 2022 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.