Painting – Green Street Blog

Warm Up with Green Street

January 10, 2011 by Rachel Roccoberton Griffin

After the rush of the holidays and the start of the New Year, January settles down to be a nice, quiet month, right?

Not at Green Street!

This month is filled with classes, events, and workshops that are sure to bring you out of hibernation and warm you up. The bright lights of Green Street will shine into the night beginning January 18^th when the After School Program and Winter Session classes begin. And then the days and nights are filled with workshops in Flamenco and Social Media, a Salsa Social and Family Fun Day, classes of all kinds, and more. Check it all out below.

Winter Registration
Ongoing
Register online here or by calling 860-685-7871 for one of our
great winter classes. Here is a sampling of our offerings to tempt you:

Salsa Dance with Cori Presutti
Mondays | 7:30-8:30pm

Figure Drawing Open Studio with Elena Grossman
Tuesdays | 6:30-8:30pm

Writing in Motion with Christine Woodside
Tuesdays | 6:30-7:30pm

So You Got a Digital Camera with Shawn Hill
Wednesdays | 6:30-7:30pm

Yoga with Gia Khalsa
Thursdays | 6:15-7:15pm

Writer’s Out Loud with hosts Cocomo Rock & Al Bower
Thursday, January 20 | 6:30 pm – 8:45 pm
Regular: $5; Member: $3

Prose writers are invited to share works-in-progress, socialize, and seek out constructive comments. Presentations are limited to prose short stories or excerpts under 10 minutes. Sign-up begins at 6:30pm, readings begin at 7pm.

Salsa Social
Saturday, January 22 | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Regular: $8; Member/Student/Senior: $5

Overcome the sub-zero temperatures with one of Green Street’s acclaimed Salsa Socials. Salsero Jason Pepin hosts an evening of hot music, open floor, and the best dance crowd in Connecticut. Admission includes refreshments and free instruction from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

¡Viva Flamenco! A Demonstration and Workshop with Marta Torres
Friday, January 28 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Regular: $8; Member/Student/Senior: $5

Marta Torres of Madrid will a demonstrate flamenco dance, and explain its history, concluding with a question and answer session. The final half hour will allow audience members to try flamenco for themselves – participation encouraged, but not required.

Using Social Media – A Two-Part Workshop
Instructor: Eric Lopkin
Saturday, January 29 | Part 1: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and Part 2: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Regular: $30 per session; $50 for the day | Member: $25 per session; $40 for the day

Part 1 covers the basics, including the different social media platforms (Facebook, Linked In, Blogs, etc.,) and how to get started with the right settings to protect yourself. Part 2 explores more advanced functions of all forms of social media, and prepares you to launch or enhance your home business, creative writing or political action.

Family Festival at Green Street – Come in from the Cold!
Saturday, January 29 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm | FREE

Join us at Green Street for a day of family activities for all! Activities include Community Music Initiative, Creative Arts Workshop, Storytelling, Early Childhood music for parents with children aged 9 months to 5 years, Hip Hop and Breakdance for kids aged 7-13, and more! All ages are welcome; children must attend with a parent or caretaker. This event is free, but your donation of $8 per family will help us hold future events.

With all these activities, why stay at home? Call us at 860-685-7871 for more information or to join one of these events. We hope to see you soon at Green Street!

After School Students Shine at Winter Solstice

December 9, 2010December 8, 2010 by Rachel Roccoberton Griffin

My name is Camille Martin and for the past few months I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing Green Street Arts Center’s After School Arts and Science Program. I started at Green Street as an intern through Middlesex Community College. I would come and work with the After School students as a support staff member, assisting several classrooms, participating in dance classes, and greeting students when they arrived.

After a month I became part of the staff working Monday through Friday taking care of attendance and dismissal, visiting class rooms, and tutoring kids during our Academic Enrichment hour. I’ve watched the children flourish into mature, talented individuals thanks to the support of dedicated staff.

Just last week one of our students showed me her detailed watercolor painting, something she wouldn’t have been able to do four months ago. The teaching artists and support staff have worked very hard over these months to empower the students to do their very best in the classroom and in life. Each child has grown dramatically in character, as well as in talent, in their selected fields. Helping kids develop skills in their young life that will carry them into their adult life has been such a rewarding experience. From breakdancing to arts and science, our kids truly shine. It has been an immense pleasure to be a part of the After School Arts and Science Program.

Submitted by Camille Martin, After School Support Staff

Come see all our students shine in our annual winter show.

After School Stars: Winter Solstice
Friday, December 10 | 6-8pm | Free

Join us for our annual evening of performances, art exhibits, and multi-media presentations by the After School program. Enjoy performances by Breakdancing, Ballet, African Drumming, Songwriting, Storytelling, ThoroEnergy Hip Hop, and Videography classes, as well as exhibitions from Art and Science, Comic Book Drawing, and Creative Writing classes. Your support of local arts begins with our young artists—stop by and be amazed by the talent that surrounds you!

“It’s only half way through our After School Program year, but it is truly astonishing at how far our students have come and how much they have to share. Between the Cave Art and Dinosaur Sculpture exhibit from the Art and Science classes to the Beginning Breakdance Battle, our Winter Solstice event is a don’t-miss-opportunity for family, friends and neighbors to come and support Middletown’s youngest most creative minds.”— Sarah-Jane Ripa, Artistic and Education Coordinator

Curiosity & Lifelong Learning

November 5, 2010November 3, 2010 by Rachel Roccoberton Griffin

Having been part of the Green Street family for 5 years, and focusing primarily on the financial end, I have learned quite a bit about the offerings from a registrar’s point of view. After working closely with the Teaching Artists, I was curious to see what attending their classes would be like. This curiosity led me to take Edeltraud Huller’s Beginning Drawing class in the Summer 2009.

As the first class drew near, I was nervous with anticipation, as my previous drawings reflected the skills of a pre-schooler. On the day of the class, I showed up armed with a few pencils, some paper, and sheer determination; my goal was to learn how to sketch fashion design. Beginning Drawing consisted of two 16 year-olds and 3 adults who could easily have been their parents (or grandparents)- what a mix! In these 5 weeks, we managed to sketch everything from our fellow students to the flowers in Green Street’s garden. This experience, and the serenity of drawing outside, reminded me of what great inspiration lies in nature. Additionally, the talents and different styles of each student were really fascinating and acted as encouragement for us to think about our subjects from a different point-of-view.

In one class, Edeltraud encouraged us to bring in works by our favorite artists for inspiration and to learn about their work through imitation. I chose works by Austrian painter, Gustav Klimt and Spanish surrealist Joan Miró. I was able to examine their different styles of painting as well as their uses of composition and color. Klimt’s obsession with the female anatomy, and Miró’s use of shapes made it easy for me to draw inspiration and sketch multiple drawings.

After completing the course, I was left with four drawings that showed my progress. Thanks to this class, I realized that I was actually a decent artist. I have kept the nature sketches not only because I enjoy them, but also as a reminder that I should continue challenging myself. Looking back on the experience, I realized that it was much more than a drawing class, but rather a time when I could forget about the stresses of the day and completely lose myself in the art.

Submitted by Claudia Foerstel, Financial Coordinator & Registrar and Green Street student

Are you interested in Claudia’s experience or do you want to take Edeltraud’s drawing class yourself? Session II of Green Street’s Fall classes are beginning this week and registration is open now! Click here to view all of Green Street’s offerings for lifelong learning. Call 860-685-7871 or email gsac@wesleyan.edu to register or click here to register online.

From Cosby to Hawai’i and Back

November 1, 2010October 27, 2010 by Lisa Bruno

Wesleyan University’s Green Street Arts Center’s Homecoming/Family Weekend events were an enormous success. The building was bustling with community members and Wesleyan families, thank you to all who participated during this weekend of wonderful events.

On Friday, the entire neighborhood hummed with excitement, as jazz wafted from Green Street’s entry way out into the cool, Fall night. The space at 51 Green St. was transformed to a warm and inviting autumn oasis of rich browns and crisp oranges for a night with the one and only Dr. Bill Cosby. With the arrival of Dr. Cosby, a line quickly formed of people waiting to meet, shake hands, and take pictures with the famous comedian, actor, author, and educator. Guests were treated to delicious food, marvelous entertainment, and fine art as they enjoyed the event. After the reception, guests were treated to Dr. Cosby’s on-campus performance at the Center for the Arts.

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Saturday afternoon, Green Street hosted an Open House and welcomed over 125 attendees. Popular Wesleyan band Buru Style filled the Performance Studio with fun and entertainment, while Jocelyn Pleasant and Lovette Caesar-Johnson lead guests in the sounds and rhythms of West African drumming and dance in the Dance Studio. Later on, Green Street’s resident salsero, Jason Pepin, introduced people to the sultry sounds of salsa dance and music. The community drum circle was also a popular choice for all ages as was the visual arts projects. This event was featured in an article in The Middletown Press.

Our Sunday Salon Series continued with Professor J. Kehaulani Kauanui’s “Hawaiian Nationhood & Indigenous Rights”. With 30 attendees, this intriguing event offered insight into the outstanding Hawaiian independence claim and persistent issue of sovereignty facing the Kanaka Maoli (indigenous Hawaiian) people. Said one participant, “This was a fascinating topic and a dynamic presentation. Kehaulani truly engaged the audience in an intellectual and passionate conversation void of pretension. I was riveted the entire time.”

Dine & Donate, Green Street’s delicious weekend-long fundraiser, provided Homecoming/Family Weekend attendees with a great excuse to sample many different Middletown restaurants. In a true show of community partnership, seven local restaurants (Esca, Fiore, Mikado, New England Emporium, Puerto Vallarta, Thai Gardens, and Typhoon) generously agreed to donate a portion of their weekend proceeds to Green Street Arts Center.

If you weren’t able to join us this weekend, don’t worry, we are already planning our next big benefit event. Be sure to mark your calendars for “A Feast for the Senses”, our second annual auction benefit, on Thursday, February 17.

Submitted by Lisa Bruno, Development Assistant

East Berlin to Essex

August 30, 2010 by Lisa Bruno

Internationally-Recognized Artist Shares Story and Talents with Green Street

Edeltraud Huller is not only a Green Street teaching artist, she is also an internationally-recognized artist and talented musician. Two years ago, in an effort to fill a void, Edeltraud walked into Green Street and said “I need to volunteer”. From there she was invited to teach drawing to our After School program and Evening & Weekend students.

Teaching has always been a passion of Huller’s, “to see the students’ completed work with such depth and technique that they basically went into the soul, to me that is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.” She also marvels at the natural instinct in the children she teaches, citing their spontaneity as one of their best artistic features.

Edeltraud Huller’s story is an inspirational one. As a young girl growing up in East Berlin, Germany Edeltraud was curious, devious, and artistic. Drawing from an early age, she remembers using the revolutionary image of Donald Duck as one of the first examples of graffiti in her neighborhood and on every blackboard in her school. For Huller, art has always been a way to transcend the problems of divided Berlin, and she recalls escaping to museums of Eastern Berlin to immerse herself in the art and culture.

Much of Edeltraud’s art reflects her surrounding, whether immediate or past. In her own words, “I am influenced by the converging environments around me, whether it be the richness of nature, the beauty created by endeavors of the human mind, or the architectural destruction and human wreckage of war.” A powerful piece titled “1945 – 9/11/2001” juxtaposes world history with recent American history (see left). The upper left depicts the war-torn Berlin in which the artist lived while the right side shows the events of September 11^th, a time when New York City experienced a concentrated war-zone. The hints of vibrant color in the center represent the hope that comes with rebuilding Ground Zero. Huller notes that, though this painting represents two specific time periods, it could depict any world or natural disaster.

Huller move to Old Lyme, CT in 1984 to live the life of an artist and this time also greatly influenced her art. After operating the Essex ferry for two years, she was inspired by the bulkheads between the low and high tides. Manipulating linen and using acrylic for depth, the artist was able to recreate her interpretation of the image of low tide (see painting below). Surely one thing that stands out about Edeltraud Huller is her vision. “It takes the gift of a child’s mind,” she says, laughing, “and I hope never to lose that.”

Submitted by Lisa Bruno, Development Assistant

If you are inspired by Edeltraud’s story and want to learn more, you can participate in her upcoming fall class:

Drawing for Adults
Wednesdays | 6:30-8:30 pm | Session 2
Regular: $150 | Family/Friends/Student/Seniors: $130 | Members: $120
Expand your drawing skills through close observation, using realistic and expressionistic drawing techniques. Explore dynamic compositions with three-dimensional objects, props, and lighting, and draw your own interpretations. Investigate and create the illusion of form, value, space, and texture with materials such as charcoal, pencil, pen, and ink. Materials are included in class cost.

To register for this or any of Green Street’s fall offerings click here or call (860) 685-7871.

Green Street’s New Mural Brings The Community Together

July 20, 2010 by Lisa Bruno

“It’s fun. It’s different. We’re starting with nothing and making something beautiful.” – Gary Cain, volunteer

Green Street is surrounded by revitalization this summer. More than 5 neighboring houses are being remodeled, gardens are being planted, and across the street at St. Vincent DePaul Place, the community is coming together to bring color and meaning to the North End.

In 2009, Green Street partnered with Citizen’s Bank to put a mural on the corner of Green and Main Street. With this success, Green Street and mural artist Marela Zacarias were eager to continue beautifying the community. When Ron Krum of St. Vincent DePaul Place expressed interest in the project, funding was secured from Lego’s Children Fund and the design process began.

In preparation for the project, Marela held four educational workshops for Green Street students in which she discussed the importance of murals. Ron then gave the kids the background of St. Vincent DePaul Place and its impact on the community. It was obvious that the students had been inspired; at the next mural meeting, there were dozens of design ideas. The final mural design is a culmination of Green Street student drawings, St. Vincent DePaul Place’s vision, and Marela’s artistic guidance.

It’s not just the familiar images of North End landmarks that make this mural a community collaboration; St. Vincent de Paul volunteers Gary, Bill, and John have been working tirelessly alongside Marela throughout the painting process. These three men, all with their own story, have come together to give something back to the community and, in doing so, have formed friendships. This dedication has inspired Marela to include their faces in the mural to give the community a stronger sense of ownership.

Marela sees the Community Mural Project as an act of kindness, something to show community support. “That corner is the corner where hardship lives,” she says, “and the fact that we’re making that corner, specifically, beautiful and colorful and full of hope, is bringing healing to the community.”

If you are interested in supporting and helping our community revitalization efforts please contact us at (860) 685-7871 or gsac@wesleyan.edu

Submitted by Lisa Bruno, Development Assistant

A Community Gathering Around Internationally Inspired Art

June 30, 2010 by Lisa Bruno

For those who love art and gathering with new friends, Green Street hosts A Trio of Solos, a community event featuring three local artists with amazing talents. You can enjoy live music from Ceol Go Maidin (formerly The O’Rourke’s Irish Session Band), fabulous food, and art on display and for purchase.

Meredith Arcari, Susan Aranoff, and Jennifer Theokary will fill three of Green Street’s spaces with their paintings, printings, and jewelry. We invite you to fill the rest of the space with other community members as we kick off our summer session in style.

These three dynamic artists are all friends of Green Street and the Middletown community. Meredith’s stunning paintings are based on photographs that she has taken during her travels around the world. In an expressionist style, she uses exaggerated colors and gravitates toward small, special moments such as the orchestra playing at 2am in her father’s town of Sepino, Italy.

Susan is a proud resident of Middletown’s North End. Much of her work features a linoleum block entitled “Sitting.” This block reflects the constancy of self and the reality of change and impermanence. Susan explained this saying “I can sit the same way, in the same place, everyday for a hundred years and the ‘I’ who is sitting is constantly changing and is never the same for very long. I have printed “Sitting” over 100 times and no two will ever be the same.”

Jennifer is a designer and Computer Aided Design artist who creates unique wearable objects (see picture above). Her recent work is inspired from her experience living and working in the Muslim country of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Jennifer’s work shows how cultural differences, religion, and Islamic architecture become inspiration for decoration and creation of wearable sculpture seen through a westerner’s eyes. All of her works will be available for sale at this event.

This combination of fascinating artists, great entertainment, and delicious food is sure to make A Trio of Solos an unforgettable event.

31103_1446527484265_1265517566_1263140_4504026_s — "Sitting" by Susan Aranoff

We hope to see you there!

A Trio of Solos
Thursday, July 8, 2010
7-9pm
Regular Price $8; Member Price $5

For tickets call (860) 685-7871 or email gsac@wesleyan.edu.

Submitted by Rachel Roccoberton Griffin, Administrative Assistant