The Galva Arts Council is starting the new year with several Saturday programs for young and old.
“We hope to beat the winter blues with a host of art-filled programs to educate and entertain, says Linda Getter, board president.” We have a variety of activities planned each month and are looking forward to seeing participation grow.”
On Saturday, Jan. 11, artist Draw Me Bill a/k/a Bill Douglas is returning to teach a workshop on caricature drawing skills.
Well-known in and around the Galva area, you can often find him at the Levitt AMP summer concerts and Bishop Hill festivals where he can make his customers anything they wish to be. By adding such things as superhero, movie star, or pirate costumes to his whimsical drawings, he creates many a crowd-pleaser.
The class is limited to 15 people and runs from 1 – 4 p.m.
Registration is required and there are only a few seats left. Email the Council at galvaarts@gmail.com for availability.
Saturday, Jan. 18 will feature Poetry Out Loud, billed as an “immersive celebration of the written word, where the beauty of language comes alive.” Audience members are encouraged to share original works or read the poetry of other authors. All ages are welcome, and registration is required by emailing galvaarts@gmail.com. The event runs from 7 – 9 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 25 begins a special two-part series for children. Part 1: Brian “Fox” Ellis will teach “the fundamentals of performance storytelling” from 1 – 3 p.m. Well-known in the area for bringing historical characters to life, he often performs in local schools and at reenactments.
Part 2: Saturday, Feb. 8 will offer a puppet-making class for children ages 7 – 14 from noon – 3 p.m. The puppets will be used for a puppet show, with a rehearsal on Feb. 15 and the show on Feb. 22 which will coincide with the Student Showcase Coffeehouse. The cost of the series is $8 for one workshop or $12 for both workshops. Registration forms will be distributed to Galva schools. Forms can also be requested by emailing galvaarts@gmail.com.
Saturday, Feb. 22 will feature the “Student Showcase Coffeehouse” where the Jr/Sr Drama Club will perform a selection from “Shrek the Musical.”
Students from the Storytelling and Puppet Making series will also perform. The event will run from 7 – 9 p.m.
All programs will be held at the Arts Council building located at 128 Exchange Street. According to Getter, there is no charge for performances. “However, donations are appreciated,” she said. “They help fund the Council’s many programs.”
More events are scheduled for March and April.
For more information on The Galva Arts Council, the public is encouraged to check their Facebook page.
