Armstrong County Arts Council - Blog News
Cheyenne Filous, Secretary
November 12, 2023
In collaboration with Maria Caruso’s Bodiography Contemporary Ballet Company, Armstrong County Arts Council held its first public event as part of M-Train’s Outer-Burgh Tour on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Armstrong Junior-Senior High School. Approximately 400 attendees from the region gathered to experience “Tapestry in Motion,” a ballet inspired by and in celebration of the work of eleven local creatives.
The performance put movement to the artistic work of musician Brian K. Shaffer, artist Guiseppe Mammano, painter Sean Westlake, fiber artist Jodi Horgan, artist and quilter Cathy Strate, artist and educator Robin Lemmon, thespian and seamstress Hannah Walleck Risch, artist and potter Maria Postanogova, author Jolene McIlwain, photographer Donna Weckerly, and pianist Dmitri Koval. The event began with an inspirational message from Maria Caruso on her experience in the arts as a young girl from Rural Valley and where her journey has taken her, reminding attendees that we are all creatives in some capacity. Youth from the audience were then invited on stage to learn and perform a choreographed dance by Maria.
“Last night's performance was both magical and inspirational. Having the opportunity to not only share the artistic expression of local artists with professional dancers, but to inspire and engage children from my hometown community, warmed my heart,” says Maria Caruso, Founding Director of Bodiography Contemporary Ballet Company. “Our children are our future, and if we have a platform to showcase our community’s talent, we WILL offer a pathway for the freedom of self-expression and creativity. Last night was a dream come true for me. But, this is just the beginning as I continue to passionately work towards filling every seat in the house for the next showcase in partnership with the Armstrong County Arts Council.”
Once the event was underway, Maria and Bodiography dancers Evelyn Aldrich, Trista Armstrong, Mia Ciuffoletti, Elektra Davis, Isaac Ray, and Renee Simeone brought movement to each artist’s work through a full-length ballet. Each dance was crafted to interpret and celebrate the artists, capturing their spirit, passion, and unique contributions to the world of art.
As a gift to Maria Caruso, Robin Lemmon worked with Kim Barnett and her students Allyson Tutak, Brooklyn Kotora, and Rosalie Harmon from West Shamokin High School and Angelique Claypool and her students from Lenape Elementary to create two large art pieces: “Life is a Dance” and “Life is a Patchwork Dance,” respectively.
“This collaboration has been an enlightening journey,” says Donna Weckerly, Armstrong County Arts Council Executive Director. “It quickly dawned on me how art is intricately intertwined with every action we take, creating a vivid tapestry of expression. I hope this art movement in our county continues to grow, helps to bridge our communities, and positively impacts our local economy.”
According to “Arts & Economic Prosperity 6,” an economic and social impact study of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry from Americans for the Arts, nonprofit arts and culture organizations generated $151.7 billion dollars in economic activity in 2022 and supported 2.6 million jobs.
“The energy experienced in the auditorium before, during, and after ‘Tapestry in Motion’ is a testament to the need for accessible creative opportunities,” says Cheyenne Filous, Secretary for the Armstrong County Arts Council. “Now more than ever, we are motivated to find ways to foster a sustainable arts and culture community in Armstrong County.”
If you are interested in learning more about the Armstrong County Arts Council and how you can get involved, peruse our website. Find upcoming performances from Maria Caruso’s Bodiography at www.bodiography.com.