Evening with the Swenneses Postponed

Because of the snow/weather, tonight's MECAC Evening of Art is postponed to a later date.  More news coming as events unfold....

A Journey Through Christmas Canceled

MECAC regrets to announce

that we have been forced to cancel

this December's production of A Journey Through Christmas.

MECAC will be planning something to do with the upcoming holiday season.

We are kicking around ideas and invite anyone and everyone interested to join us at

our next board meeting,

this Thursday, November 5,

starting at 1:00 PM

in the Community Room of the Pine Valley Library.

Some ideas we are considering are:

a Holiday Arts Fair

Wine & Cheese Party and Art Exhibition

an Arts Auction

If you're interested, bring along your thinking cap

and the willingness to "make it work"

and we'll see you at the November 5 Board Meeting!

Open Auditions for "A Journey Through Christmas"

Actors? Singers? This is your chance!!!!!

Open Auditions for Acting and Choir Parts for
A Journey Through Christmas

(children and adults needed!)

on Wednesday, October 21 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM

at the Pine Valley Community Clubhouse
on Old Highway 80 in Pine Valley

Performance will be Saturday, December 12 at 7:00 PM

For questions, contact Dianne Holly at 473-8760

Rehearsal Schedule for A Journey Through Christmas:
(All rehearsals from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM)
Monday, October 26
Thursday, October 29
Friday, November 6
Monday, November 9
Thursday, November 12
Monday, November 16
Thursday, November 19
Monday, November 23
Monday, November 30

Technical Rehearsals (times will vary)
Sunday, December 6, 2:00-6:00 PM (putting up sets, lights, sound)
Monday, December 7, 3:00-6:00 PM (putting up sets, lights, sound)
Tuesday, December 8, 2:00-9:00 PM (finish lights and sound; Tech Rehearsal 6:00 PM)
Wednesday, December 9, 6:00-10:00 (Tech Rehearsal)
Thursday, December 10, 6:00-10:00 (Tech Rehearsal)
Friday, December 11, 6:00-10:00 (Tech Rehearsal)
Saturday, December 12, 6:00-11:00 (Performance; strike sets, lights, sound)

MECAC's "A Taste of Art" Kids' Summer Classes!

Don't miss out on MECAC's Third Annual "A Taste of Art"

Summer Art Classes for Kids!

Monday, July 20 through Thursday, July 23

1:00 to 4:00 PM

Pine Valley Clubhouse, Old Highway 80

*****

To register children ages 6-11,

contact Myrna at 473-1037

or Mary at markplus5@yahoo.com

Cast List for "I Sing America"

This weekend Dianne Holly and Judith Dupree posted the Cast List for the June 26 readers' theatre production of Judith's Deem Dupree's I Sing America.

(For more information regarding the production, see the post immediately following this one.)

I Sing America Cast

NARRATOR: DeBee Trant

AMERIGO: Duane Mason

Actor #1 Christine Siders

Actor # 2 Teri Carpentier-Annti

Actor # 3 Margaret Bourdette

Actor # 4 Shontel Grivno

Actor # 5 Mike Trant

Actor # 6 Johnnie Jones

If you are cast, please check with Dianne Holly for the rehearsal schedule.

Don't miss this wonderful production at the Pine Valley Clubhouse on June 26 at 7:00 PM!!!!

For Our Photographers:

Amateur and professional photographers:
CALL FOR ENTRIES
Best of Nature Photography Show International Juried Photography Competition at the San Diego Natural History Museum

Last day to enter is March 15, 2009
Show dates: June 27 to September 13, 2009
Opening reception: Saturday, June 27, 11 AM–1 PM
Grand Prize:$1000
First Place: $500
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $150
Six Honorable Mentions: $100 each
People's Choice Award: $100

More information

The Ordover Gallery at the San Diego Natural History Museum is inviting amateur as well as professional photographers to submit nature photography for the jurying process. Landscape, wildlife, and nature-based abstract/impressionistic images will be considered.

Calling All Writers!

We have a real treat for all Mountain Empire writers and those interested in learning more about the craft of writing. Dean Nelson, Director of the Journalism Program at Point Loma Nazarene University, will make the trek up the hill to lead us through a special writing workshop. You can read more about Dean and his work by clicking right here.

Date: Saturday, February 21, 2009
Time: 9:00 AM to approximately 5:00 PM
Place: Pine Valley Bible Conference Center
Cost: $40, including lunch (A limited number of scholarships are available if cost is prohibitive)

Both Judith Dupree and Susanne Barrett of MECAC have known Dean for years and promise that he will lead a wonderful workshop, helping us to learn a great deal about the art of storytelling and the craft of writing. And his dry wit makes Dean a great deal of fun to listen to as well. If you have even a smidge of an interest in writing, this workshop is for YOU! And don't feel as though you must be a "writer" in order to come; beginning writers are welcome, even encouraged, to attend.

So please make reservations with Susanne by calling her at 473-0085 or e-mailing at booklovingbunch@aol.com. Space is limited, so make reservations soon!

Christmas Ornament Challenge!

Holiday Greetings to all Artist, Artisans, and Crafters in the Mountain Empire Area:

The Mountain Empire Creative Arts Council (MECAC) is producing a Christmas play called "A Journey Through Christmas" on December 13, 2008. IN conjunction with the show, we are challenging all artists, artisans, and crafters to create a Christmas Ornament for a silent auction to benefit MECAC, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization to help underwrite art projects for the Mountain Empire community such as this holiday program.

Before the show and during intermission, theatregoers can bid (in a silent auction) on the artwork. Ornaments will be hung on a Christmas tree, and all other non-ornament items such as jewelry, paintings, carvings, poems, etc., will be displayed on tables for viewing. Following the show, auction winners will be awarded.

We welcome and encourage all artists and craft people to participate. This is a wonderful opportunity to show off your best work in making an "Object de Arte." Let your creative juices flow!

In addition, we will have space on several tables for you to display, advertise, and make connections with those who are interested in your work. However, due to legal constraints, no private sales are allowed during this evening.

If you wish to participate, please contact Marshall Chapman, Treasurer of MECAC, at (619) 473-9720 by December 1 so MECAC can plan the auction accordingly. You may also leave a comment here on the blog, and it will get to Marshall.

Thank you in advance for contributing to the continuation of arts in our backcountry. We have many plans in the works that will engage both children and adults in the arts, and your participation will help us greatly in these endeavors.

Writers' Workshop

The Mountain Empire Creative Arts Council's Writers' Workshop meets the SECOND TUESDAY of each month in the Community Room of the Pine Valley Library at 7:00 PM.

Our next meeting is Tuesday, November 11 at 7:00 PM.

We welcome everyone interested in learning more about writing, from beginning writers to more experienced practitioners. We especially welcome those who perhaps have not written much, but would like to learn more about putting ideas on paper.

Those interested may bring along a piece of original writing to share with the group. And others are welcome to just sit back and listen. We encourage helpful feedback as we all work together to improve our writing and support one another. We may even work on a writing exercise together near the end of each meeting.

Come share your ideas and thoughts about the writing process. We enjoy supporting and learning from each other -- that's what our writers' workshop is all about. Don't be intimidated -- we're just here to help and encourage each other.

We are also looking forward to a Saturday workshop in February with the Director of MECAC, Judith Deem Dupree, who is a published author. More details will be forthcoming.

For questions or information, call Susanne at 473-0085 or leave a comment here.

Updated Rehearsal Calendar for A Journey Through Christmas

REHEARSALS @ Pine Valley Clubhouse, 6:30-8:00PM
PLEASE BE PUNCTUAL

Tues. OCT 28 Entire Cast (read through script)
Thurs. OCT 30 Nativity and Narrator

Tues. NOV 4 Mexican Candlelight and Victorian (Worthington Hall)
Thurs. NOV 6 Soldiers and 1930s (Worthington Hall)

Tues. NOV 11 Narrator and Mexican Candlelight
Thurs. NOV 13 Nativity and 1930s

Tues. NOV 18 Narrator and Mexican Candlelight
Thurs. NOV 20 Nativity, Soldiers, and 1930s

Tues. NOV 25 Mexican Candlelight and Victorian

Tues. DEC 2 Entire Cast and Narrator @ Worthington Hall, Pine Valley Bible Camp
Thurs. DEC 4 Entire Cast and Narrator @ Worthington Hall, Pine Valley Bible Camp

DRESS AND TECHNICAL REHEARSALS @ Worthington Hall, Pine Valley Bible Camp, 6:00 - 9:00PM
ARRIVE BY 6:00 PM!
Mon. DEC 8 Entire Cast and Narrator
Tues. DEC 9 Entire Cast and Narrator
Wed. DEC 10 Entire Cast and Narrator

AFTERNOON PICK UP REHEARSAL @ Worthington Hall, Pine Valley Bible Camp
Sat. DEC 13 Entire Cast and Narrator and Santa Claus

PERFORMANCE @ Worthington Hall, Pine Valley Bible Camp, 7:30 PM Curtain
Sat. DEC 13 Entire Cast and Narrator and Santa Claus

Contact Dianne Holly with questions at 473-8760

Cast List for A Journey Through Christmas

The Cast List for the Pine Valley Players production of A Journey Through Christmas

MEN:
#31 NORM GRAHAM (OLD SHEPHERD/SANTA)
#36 MIKE TRANT (MELCHOR/VICTORIAN FATHER/WWII. SOLDIER).
#23 DUANE MASON (BALTHAZAR/1930’S FATHER / MODERN SOLDIER.)
#?? CANNON LAROCQUE (JOSEPH./CIVIL WAR SOLDIER)
#21 JACK ARNOLD (CASPAR/REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIER / MEXICAN FARMER)

WOMEN:
#24 CHRISTINE SIDERS (NARRATOR)
#35 KIM BLACK (1930’S MOTHER/MEXICAN WOMAN #3)
#1 ELIZABETH BARRETT (VICTORIAN MOTHER)
#32 MADISON BURGESS (SENORA DELGADO/REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIER’S WIFE,)
#11 MARGARET BOURDETTE (MEXICAN MOTHER Juan's Mother)
#18 JESSIE CARPENTIER (MARY/CIVIL WAR SOLDIER’S WIFE)
#13 KATIE MAGIERA (MODERN SOLD. WIFE/MEXICAN WOMAN #4)
#16 MORIAH ARAGON (MEXICAN WOMAN #5 )
#12 TERI CARPENTIER-ANTTI (WWII SOLDIER’S WIFE/UNDERSTUDY FOR NARRATOR)

BOYS:
#3 JACK MASON (SHEPHERD BOY #5/1930’S CHILD David)
#40 JONATHAN BARRETT (VICTORIAN BOY Michael/CIVIL WAR SOLDIER’S CHILD)
#6 MATTHEW ARAGON (SHEPHERD BOY #1/MEXICAN CHILD #5 )
#2 MORGAN ARAGON (SHEPHERD BOY #4/MEXICAN CHILD #6)
#37 DEVON HANDY (SHEPHERD BOY #2)
#17 COLLIN LAROCQUE (MEXICAN BOY Juan/WWII SOLDIER’S CHILD)

GIRLS:
#4 HANNAH MASON (1930 ‘S GIRL Ruth/ MODERN SOLDIER’S CHILD)
#38 BRIANNA BLACK (SHEPHERD GIRL #3 / MEX. CHILD #3)
#39 ALICIA PHILO (VICTORIAN GIRL Sarah/MEXICAN CHILD #4/CIVIL WAR SOLDIER’S CHILD)
#14 AUBRIANNA (VICTORIAN GIRL Meg/MEXICAN CHILD #2/REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIER’S CHILD)

2008 East County Performing Arts Festival

Fellow Artist and Art Lovers --

Do NOT miss the East County Performing Arts Festival!!!

Presented by the Southern California Center for Youth, Nature, & the Arts

***

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25

1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Alpine Community Center Park

(1830 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine)

***

Share in a GREAT day of fine art, handmade gifts, children's activities, and entertaining performances in dance, music, and mime!

***

MECAC will be hosting a booth selling the amazing art of Dianne Holly and will also be peddling baked good to support MECAC's Pine Valley Players as they prepare their 1st annual Christmas Program. (Details forthcoming -- stay tuned to this web site!)

***

SEE YOU THERE!

Tuesday Monthly Meeting: Pine Valley Art Docent Program

The Mountain Empire Creative Arts Council

(MECAC)

invites you to our monthly meeting:

Tuesday, October 21

Pine Valley Library

7:00 PM -- 8:15 PM

This month it is our pleasure to offer you a "slice of the creative life" at Pine Valley Elementary School. Pam Villalobos, parent in charge of the Art Docent Program, and Myrna Mora, one of the faithful Docents, will present an overview of this very valuable program.

Therefore, this month's Guest Artists will be your children -- some of our Pine Valley kids -- as representatives of the various classes and their art experiences. You will have a chance to see Art-in-Action!

We particularly invite the parents of elementary children, both from the local school as well as those educated elsewhere. This is a truly community-oriented program, and you will appreciate knowing what out caring volunteers are doing to encourage the creative life of our youngsters! Come join the party!

Refreshments will be served. (If your children have an early bed time, grab a few cookies and slip out; we will understand!)

SEE YOU AT THE LIBRARY!

For further information, call Myrna Mora at 473-1037

OPEN AUDITIONS FOR CHRISTMAS PLAY

Open Auditions for the

Mountain Empire Creative Arts Council's

Pine Valley Players'

A Journey through Christmas

****

Pine Valley Community Clubhouse

Friday, October 17

Young People: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Adults: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

****

Call Backs

Pine Valley Community Clubhouse

Saturday, October 18

Young People: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Adults: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

****

Alternate Auditions for Young People

Pine Valley Clubhouse

Tuesday, October 21

6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

****

Questions? Contact Dianne Holly at 473-8760

September Board of Directors' Meeting

MECAC's next Board of Directors Meeting will be this Thursday, September 4 at 1:00 PM at the Pine Valley Library. Anyone in the Mountain Empire area who would like to help plan events or has ideas for supporting and/or promoting the arts in the backcountry is encouraged to attend.

We enjoy hearing from the community as to the needs of Mountain Empire artists, providing venues for their work to be shown, and helping the children in our area experience the joy of artistic expression. All interested people are welcome to come and see what makes MECAC "tick" as we encourage the development and sharing of the arts in the backcountry.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment here or contact the MECAC secretary, Dianne Holly at 473-8760.

August Board of Directors Meeting

MECAC's next Board of Directors Meeting will be this Thursday, August 7 at 1:00 PM at the Pine Valley Library. Anyone in the Mountain Empire area who would like to help plan events or has ideas for supporting and/or promoting the arts in the backcountry is encouraged to attend.

We enjoy hearing from the community as to the needs of Mountain Empire artists, providing venues for their work to be shown, and helping the children in our area experience the joy of artistic expression. All interested people are welcome to come and see what makes MECAC "tick" as we encourage the development and sharing of the arts in the backcountry.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment here or contact the MECAC secretary, Dianne Holly at 473-8760.

FREE Theater Classes in Pine Valley!

FREE THEATER CLASSES NOW AVAILABLE IN PINE VALLEY!!!!

Level I Theater Class

Thursday Evenings, 6:30-7:30 PM, starting August 21 and ending September 25

Pine Valley Community Clubhouse

Taught by Dianne Holly, Retired Drama Professor at SDSU and UC Santa Barbara

ALL MOUNTAIN EMPIRE AREA STUDENTS

GRADES 4 THROUGH 12 ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND!

Classes will cover: Voice, Stage Presence, Monologues, Dialogues, and Improvisation

Limit: 20 students

Contact Dianne Holly at 473-8760 for details and to reserve a place in the class

Check back on our Web site for upcoming theater auditions and performances for Mountain Empire students and adults

MECAC Directors Meeting Thursday, July 3

Our July Board of Directors Meeting will be held at the Pine Valley Library at 12:30 PM this Thursday, July 3. Please note the time change just for this meeting. All Mountain Empire residents who would like to help plan upcoming art outreach projects and monthly meetings are welcome to attend. We value the input of the community!

Summer Program Starts June 23!

Mountain Empire Creative Arts Council (MECAC)
Presents

“A Taste of Art”
Youth Summer Arts Program (Ages 8-14)
(Classes will be divided into 2 age groups if appropriate.)
Pine Valley Community Clubhouse
Dates: Monday, June 23—Thursday, June 26
1:00-4:00 p.m.



1:00: Pine Derby Race-Car construction
Marshall Chapman, wood craftsman
Race your car: Thursday and on PV Day

2:00: Sketching & Acrylic Painting
Pat Elliot, artist, specializing in animals
Two days of sketching,two days painting

3:00: Crafts with Myrna Mora
Everyone’s favorite craft person!
Every day something new!

Reserve a Spot NOW! Pre-Registration Deadline: June 20
Bargain Prices: $3 for one 3-day class, $10 whole session!!
(Several scholarships available; contact below)

For Pre-Registration Contact: Susanne Barrett -- 473-0085 -- Booklovingbunch@aol.com

UPDATE: AS OF WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, WE HAVE **NO** SPACES LEFT FOR "A TASTE OF ART"! YOU MAY LEAVE YOUR NAME ON THE WAITING LIST WITH SUSANNE IN CASE ANY OPENINGS COME UP.

Board of Directors Meeting

This Thursday, June 5, MECAC will be hosting our monthly open BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING at the Pine Valley Library @ 1:00 PM. All who interested in planning events and supporting the arts in the Mountain Empire region are invited to attend. The MECAC Board of Directors meet at the library on the first Thursday of each month if you'd like to put the date on your calendars.

If it's not too windy, we'll be meeting on the back deck; otherwise, we'll be in the Community Room. We hope to see you there!