By Suzanne Riverin,
Huntsville Festival of the Arts director
Happy New Year from the Huntsville Festival of the Arts.
During this time of year, when the frenetic Christmas rush dies down and resolutions for the new year dominate the landscape, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HFA) is once again resolved to continue to support young people in the belief that mentoring today’s youth is an important step in ensuring future artistic excellence.
The HFA knows that providing mentorship opportunities through a variety of artists, venues and applications allows local students to embrace art and creativity, which in turn enriches their lives. In this regard, our educational outreach committee has been involved in programs at both the elementary and secondary level, which encompass all of the art forms.
Since September, students have been immersed in wonderful projects involving music, storytelling, drama, dance and an assortment of multimedia events focused on creativity and skill development. These kinds of projects will continue to be developed and enhanced into the new year.
In collaboration with local schools and the Trillium Lakelands District School Board, the HFA endeavours to ensure that students are exposed to the work of a variety of artists, have the opportunity to use the theatre for a multitude of events and presentations, are able to share their creativity with the general public, and are presented with scholarship opportunities for future educational pursuits.
In the new year, the HFA will provide its patrons with a chance to witness young people displaying their talent at the Algonquin Theatre through drama, film, song, music and displays of mural painting.
In order to hone their skills, students will also be involved in school workshops focused on poetry and the spoken word, music, art and film. Stay tuned for dates for upcoming events at the Algonquin Theatre, where you can support our local talent.
HFA director Suzanne Riverin chairs the festival's Education Outreach committee.
We invite all and any suggestions involving youth and educational outreach to help develop and mentor young talent.
As Pablo Picasso once said: “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
The Trumpeter column is intended as an informational forum for the Huntsville Festival of the Arts. Please visit www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca, or the HFA blog at www.trumpeterhfa.blogspot.com for more information.
