More Than The Movies: Dietrich buzzing with activity

As I arrive at the Dietrich this morning to write this column, the theater is bursting with activity: Simply Yoga class is just starting in the Evans Theater, artists of the Kitson Arts Alliance are arriving with their artwork to be in the next exhibit in our galleries, and there is a meeting of all the key people to decide what should be featured on an updated sign featuring key places to visit in Tunkhannock. This is a happenin’ place, indeed.

Before we know it over 30 local artists will be featured in our display cases and our gallery walls, including the paintings by Tunkhannock artists Terry Proctor, Lavonna Daniels, Charlotte Dickinson, Ryan Bogedin, and Darlene King; photography by Ariana Lizza; jewelry by Launa Boner; pottery by Megan Kobbe; and resin and dried flowers by Kona Taylor. Mark your calendar for a reception celebrating all of these artists on April 21 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thank you, Kitson Arts Alliance for all you do to introduce us to all of the wonderful artwork created in our very own community.

Last weekend’s reception for artist Ryan Bogedin brought many appreciators to the Dietrich and I was one of them. He explained to me how his images were conceived and the materials that he used. Friends and family gathered to encourage him to keep exploring and experimenting. We love to support young artists, and Ryan has discovered new forms of abstract expressionism.

I was able to pick up some marigold, cosmos, and sunflower seeds at the Penn State Master Gardeners Seed Exchange last weekend, my peat pots are just waiting to be planted. It is a perfect time to get a head start on annuals and an exciting time to see seedlings start to sprout in the sun coming into my kitchen windows. Have you planted your seeds yet? Now is the time. Thank you, Master Gardeners, for helping us celebrate spring by bringing us information to make us better gardeners.

Do you have your Spring Film Festival brochure yet? It is in print and on our website at www.dietrichtheater.com or you can pick one up at the ticket booth. If you wish to receive a brochure in the mail call us at 570-836-1022 x3. We can put you on our mailing list.

My friends and I are so happy that each season brings a new film festival to the Dietrich. I told you about the Open Night films on Friday, April 19, “The Taste of Things” and “Driving Madeleine,” and that you can call us for reservations at the number above, but I did not tell your about some of the other films in the three-week festival, ending on May 9.

I have heard wonderful reviews of “The Zone of Interest,” nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is the story of Rudolf Hoss, commandant of Auschwitz, and his wife, who build their dream house next door to the concentration camp. Only a wall separates them from the horrors of the camp. It is nominated for Best Sound, also, and I am wondering what it must sound like to be next door to the atrocities of Auschwitz, including the ovens.

Finally, tune into WBRE’s PA Live on Tuesday, April 2 at 3:00 p.m. Our amazing Executive Director, Erica Rogler, is a finalist for WBRE’s Remarkable Woman Award and she will be live on the program that day. She so deserves the honor. She is a remarkable leader, gifted in organizing, promoting, educating, and including all of us in Dietrich programming. We celebrate her in so many ways. She credits her team, a team she has created and appreciates so much.

And, regarding Spring Fest, she is looking forward to “One Life,” starring Anthony Hopkins as the incredible Nicholas Winton, a London broker who rescued hundreds of Jewish children from the Nazi holocaust. Sounds like a remarkable film, recommended by our remarkable Erica Rogler.