Corning, NY, March 26, 2018 – The Rockwell Museum is pleased to once again partner with Corning Community College Humanities and Social Sciences Department for a dramatic, student-directed interpretation of Rick Bartow’s painting, Dog, Deer and Me. The performance is scheduled for the upcoming Urban Arts Crawl, held Friday, March 30; the performance is free, open to the public, and will take place twice during the evening; at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Visitors will have another opportunity to view the performance at next month’s Urban Arts Crawl and kick-off to Bare Bones Cafe on April 27, 2018.
“Dog and Deer, stricken by their master’s sadness, anger, and disappointment, wants nothing more than to help him see how he is suffering in the grasp of the Bottle. This story is based on the real struggle of Rick Bartow,” says student writer/director Katie DonDero.
Katie DonDero is in her final semester of Corning Community College and wishes to pursue writing in both theatrical and non-theatrical spaces. She has participated in numerous shows at Muse of Fire Theatre, and wrote “Silent Things,” which premiered last fall. Katie is joined for this performance by actors, Camden Ayers, Rebecca Bower, Lee Charlier and Alan Caum, and stage manager Tess Islam.
Corning Community College and The Rockwell Museum are partners in a Student-Artist-in-Residence program that leverages the power of applied learning. Professor Mary Guzzy teamed up with The Rockwell Museum’s Education Department, and in particular Director of Education Gigi Alvaré, to create a course that relies heavily on experiential learning, which has been shown to improve retention of material, improve the likelihood of students persisting in their chosen field. The three credit course is the first in a series of collaborations that will expand applied learning opportunities beyond traditional internships.
“It is a delight to work with such talented students, and to see how Bartow’s work in The Rockwell collection has inspired students to research the artist and symbolism of the artwork, bringing the painting to life,” says Gigi Alvaré, Director of Education for The Rockwell Museum.
"This is our third student dramatic work inspired by a painting in the Rockwell collection, and I am especially excited by what Katie DonDero and her cast have created. It is very powerful, insightful writing, and brings this abstract visual work to life theatrically and poignantly. I have truly enjoyed my work with Gigi and with the Rockwell Museum, and look forward to many more opportunities to grow our educational partnership,” says Mary Guzzy, Associate Professor, Humanities and Social Studies.
About Urban Arts Crawl
Urban Arts Crawl celebrates the burgeoning, unique art scene in historic Downtown Corning on the final Friday of each month – 5 p.m.to 8 p.m. and presents distinct artists, exhibitions, and cultural experiences, free and open to the public. A self-guided, art-centric trail, The Crawl includes stops at internationally acclaimed museums, community art centers and independent galleries alike. Whether you’re a seasoned art collector or just out to see something different, the Urban Arts Crawl in Corning will delight your creative side. Learn more about each month’s schedule at urbancorning.com/urban-arts-crawl.
About The Rockwell Museum: A Smithsonian Affiliate
The Rockwell Museum, in association with the Smithsonian Institution, collection tells the story of the American experience through a display of stunning art about America. Founded in 1976, The Rockwell is an evolving community center which showcases the best of America through compelling exhibitions and imaginative programs. The diverse collection includes a mix of contemporary Native American art with traditional bronze sculptures, landscape paintings and other works that embody America. Housed in the beautifully restored 19th century Old City Hall building, The Rockwell is active in the local community and holds special events and educational programming with area public schools. The Rockwell provokes curiosity, engagement and reflection about art and the American experience.
The Rockwell Museum is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed New Years’ Day, Thanksgiving Day, December 24 and December 25. Kids/teens 17 and under are always free.
