Young “It was such a joyous occasion - a true celebration of the talents of our local artists,” said Erica with pride.
So many came out to the Meet the Artists reception at the Dietrich last Sunday to see the work of 42 artists, including paintings, sculptures, pottery, photography and more.
Thank you, Patrick Robinson, Dan Tompkins and Betsy Green for your effort to introduce us to the many kinds of artistic expression that are produced here in our midst. Betsy Green also deserves kudos for her installation of the artworks, always showing them so we can look at them in new ways.
I told you last week that my friend Sarah has hopes of seeing all of the 21 foreign and independent films in SpringFest, and I have joined her for four of them so far. On Opening Night we saw “The Taste of Things,” a period love story, set in France in 1889. It is a true love story, showing how cooking can be an act of love. It is so beautifully filmed, telling that a kitchen can be seen as a work of art. I loved it when the camera panned the kitchen that produced so many culinary delights, making us look at the kitchen in a new light. I love my funky kitchen, the scene of so many special culinary efforts with friends and family, so when I got home, I took out my cell phone and filmed it, panning it slowly, resulting in a new appreciation of its quirky charm. Come see the movie and see if it gives you a new perspective about the act of producing a special meal.
The next day we saw “The Zone of Interest,” a film that is so hard to watch, but a film that tells a story that is so important to tell. It is a German production, the story of the Commandant of Auschwitz and his family who live an idyllic life on the other side of the wall that separates them from the concentration camp and its ovens. Family members and the household staff even have their choice of clothing of those who lost their lives. It is so hard to believe the horror of this film, the fact that it is true to what actually happened. But this is a German movie. The Germans want their history to be told. I have read that in Berlin you are reminded of the history of the Nazis in many ways as you walk the city’s streets with plaques and signs. They do not want history to repeat itself. I think this is a film like Oppenheimer, an important film for all of us.
In total contrast, our next film was “Perfect Days,” the film about the Tokyo Toilet cleaner. It is all about finding the best in everything: waking up in celebration of a new day; taking pride in doing the best you can in every job; and treating everyone with love and respect. I understand why it was nominated for Best International Feature at the Academy Awards.
Ronnie told us on Preview Day that “A Cat’s Life” is a film festival film for the whole family. It was the next film we saw, a charming peak into the world of a cat in urban and country settings. A very sweet story, lovingly filmed. Even if you don’t love cats, you will fall in love with this adventure.
Our next free movie event is the one Wyoming County Children and Youth is hosting on Wednesday, May 8, at 1 and 6 p.m., sponsored by Coterra Energy, including free small popcorn and small sodas for all who attend. It is called “Instant Family – Foster Recruitment Movie Event.” “Instant Family” is the name of the movie starring Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne. The 6:00 p.m. showing will include a pizza dinner and discussion groups to share information about the difference you can make in a child’s life. For information call the Dietrich at 570-836-1022 x3. You are invited to come and find out how you can help.
We are in the process of rewriting our mission statement for the Wyoming County Cultural Center. Central to it will be our effort to include everyone in our goal to bring arts, entertainment, and education to our community and surrounding communities. Stay tuned for the final mission statement that will guide us into the future to serve you – all of you. In the meantime, we hope we see you come through our doors soon. We do it all for you.
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