Triptych Notes
The Eccles Center Turns 10
Since Bill Cosby headlined the grand opening of the newly minted George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Center for the Performing Arts in 1998, the theater has resonated with an ambitious marriage of entertainment and enlightenment. Part state-of-the-art center, part high school auditorium, part premiere hub for the Sundance Film Festival, this tall brick host has welcomed a parade of world-class entertainers and rising stars. Under the stewardship of the Park City Performing Arts Foundation (PCPAF), the center has introduced patrons and students to everyone from bluegrass prodigies Nickel Creek to tap sensation Savion Glover.
“We’re lucky that after 10 years, we’re still able to do what we originally set out to do: provide diverse programming and terrific student outreach,” says PCPAF executive director Teri Orr. And the show will go on … and on. Happy Birthday. ecclescenter.org.
Zoom in on Photography
The popular Sundance Photographic Workshop offers personal instruction from world-class photographers in three seasonal workshops in a picturesque setting including wide-open skies, 12,000-foot Mt. Timpanogos, and gently-flowing valley streams. The summer 2008 Workshops will be held on August 25-29, 2008 and will feature two classes: “Exploring Your Personal Vision” with nature photographer Tony Sweet, who conducts visual artistry workshops throughout the United States, and “Portraits On Location,” by award-winning commercial photographer Bobbi Lane. Classes are limited to 15 students and include an evening reception, instructor presentations and most meals. Come broaden your skills in this boundless natural studio. sundanceworkshop.com.
Reaching Kids Through Art
Arts-Kids is a 10-week youth development program that utilizes the arts to help children access positive self-expression and alternative learning skills. Children with more than average stressors and those underserved by other resources are prioritized within each balanced group. Professional artists present music, dance, visual arts and drama to stimulate creative thinking, problem solving and listening skills, which can transfer to academic settings and also increase adaptation as productive citizens in adult life, says founder Pat Sanger. In 2007, each Summit County elementary and middle school held at least one Arts-Kids or Arts-Teens group per semester, reaching over 400 children. artskids.org.
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