Ashtabula Arts Center News

Campers need to bring a packed lunch every day and a white t-shirt for decorating on the first day of camp.

This camp is an integrated experience for children who are
interested in exploring the world of the arts. Each day will include
instruction in dance, music, art and theater--all as part of a rehearsal for the musical theater production

“Stone Soup”
We will learn songs and dances, rehearse lines and make our own costumes! Our production will be performed free of charge for family and friends at 10 a.m. on the final day of camp.

Space is limited and fills quickly!
Register today! (440) 964-3396

It’s been a very busy and exciting spring for us at the Ashtabula Arts Center as CDC funding enabled us to make some much needed improvements. Visitors to the Arts Center this summer will be greeted with a beautiful new concession stand/box office/storage building, low voltage lighted walkways and a large concrete patio outside of Straw Hat Theatre. The project was completed at the end of May just in time for the opening of our summer season. Since 1959, the Civic Development Corp. (CDC) has made a major impact on the quality of life in Ashtabula County. CDC’s 2010 campaign is entitled "Building on our Strengths: Living and Playing in Ashtabula County." Anyone wanting to contribute to this worthy cause or to learn more about CDC and their numerous projects can visithttp://www.civicdevelopmentcorp.org/.

Opening just in time for the July 4th holiday weekend is "Disney's 101 Dalmatians Kids.” This favorite tale performed by children for children is directed by Linda Fundis. The show will play two weekends only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 2, 3, 4 and Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 8, 9, and 10. Shows begin at 8 p.m.

Pups fill the stage to tell the exciting tale of Dalmatian parents, Pongo and Perdita, who find themselves happily raising a brood of little Dalmatians in the city of London. Happily, that is, until the monstrous Cruella De Vil steals them for her new fur coat! Watch all the dogs of London as they come out to daringly rescue the puppies from Cruella and her bumbling henchmen. With a delightfully fun score, lovable characters, and one of the most deliciously evil villains in the Disney canon, this stage adaptation is certain to charm and delight your entire family.

Music by Mel Leven, Randy Rogel, Richard Gibbs, Brian Smith, Martin Lee Fuller and Dan Root. Lyrics by Mel Leven, Randy Rogel , Richard Gibbs, Brian Smith, Martin Lee Fuller and Dan Root Book adapted by Marcy Heisler. Additional lyrics by Marcy Heisler. Music adapted and arranged by Bryan Louiselle. Produced by special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI).

Summer will be in full swing when Bye Bye Birdie hits the stage. Playing for three weekends, this rockin’ hit will be performed on July 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30 and 31. All shows begin at 8 p.m.

Bye Bye Birdie is one of the most captivating musical shows of our time. In this exuberant rock n' roll musical comedy, it's 1960 and hip-swingin' teen idol superstar Conrad Birdie has been drafted into the army. Birdie's manager and his secretary Rosie have cooked up a plan to send him off with a swell new song and one last kiss from a lucky teenage fan... on The Ed Sullivan Show!

Bye Bye Birdie received the 1961 Tony Award for Best Musical and features such beloved songs as “An English Teacher,” “What Did I Ever See in Him?,” “Put on a Happy Face,” “Kids,” “Rosie” and “Spanish Rose.”

Directed by Kim Godfrey, this show promises a fun and fabulous mid-summer evening for all!
The final show of the summer season is an enchanting classic of children's literature based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett and reimagined in brilliant musical style by Lucy Simon and Marsha Norman.

Book by Michael Stewart. Music by Charles Strouse. Lyrics by Lee Adams. Originally Produced by Edward Padula. Directed by Kim Godfrey. Produced by special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI).

Directed by Stephen Rhodes, The Secret Garden tells the story of 11 year-old Mary Lennox, orphaned in India. Mary returns to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald and his invalid son Colin. The estate's many wonders include a magic garden which beckons the children with haunting melodies and the "Dreamers," spirits from Mary's past who guide her through her new life, dramatizing The Secret Garden's compelling tale of forgiveness and renewal. Time Magazine called it "The best American musical of the Broadway season" and you can bet our Straw Hat Theatre production will delight and enchant your entire family! "The Secret Garden" will play for three weekends on August 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15,19, 20, and 21. All Straw Hat shows begin at 8:00 p.m.

Music by Lucy Simon. Book and Lyrics by Marsha Norman. Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Directed by Stephen Rhodes. Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

Come out to Straw Hat Theatre this summer, enjoy our new surroundings and catch our shows. You’ll be glad you did!

June Exhibit
“Photographs”
by Christabel Devadoss
On display June 4 - 29th
An opening reception will be held Friday, June 11
from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Receiving her first real camera, a Nikon FM10, at the age of 16, Christabel Devadoss soon became excited about the world of photography. A cross country trip out west when she was 18, gave her the idea that she wanted to become a photo journalist. In 2009 she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in visual journalism from Kent State University. She now works for New Image Photography located in Eton on Chagrin Boulevard. Though just starting out on her own, she is no stranger to the photography world. Frequent traveling is a part of her passion. Journeying across the United States, she is very passionate about her desire to branch out into other countries. Her life long dream is to fully embrace her heritage by traveling to India and photographing its beauty in her own visual style. The exhibit will be on display through the month of June. Stop in to see these amazing photos!

Sandy's work is published in The Best of Contemporary Quilts 2005 by Lark Books and Uncommon Threads: Ohio's Art Quilt Revolution by Gayle Pritchard. She also has an art bra in the Way to Women's Wellness Art Bra Calendar for 2007. Two of her art bra creations were in touring exhibits across the country with the proceeds going to breast cancer research and treatment. In 2009, Sandy held an Open Studio Event to raise funds for the local Animal Protective League. She believes in supporting social causes and giving of her time.

Sandy serves on the board of Textile Art Alliance, an affiliate group of the Cleveland Museum of Art. She is also the Ohio Representative for Surface Design Association. Most recently, her artwork was published in 500 Art Quilts by Lark Books released in spring 2010. As well as being an artist, Sandy is also a registered nurse. She is married to husband, Jeff, her biggest supporter, and has two grown sons. She is passionate about the creative process and enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion with others.

“My work reflects my inner journey and the resistance to letting go; control versus release. I use various surface design techniques such as airbrushing, screenprinting, monoprinting and painting to create words and/or images that express my personal experiences. By sharing my artwork and teaching classes in the creative process, it is my vision to help others through art. As I change and evolve, I have become more confident in myself and my art.” ---Sandy Shelenberger

Ashtabula Series
Sponsored by The Star Beacon
North Park Gazebo, Downtown Ashtabula
Rain Site: First Presbyterian Church, Park Avenue

Wednesday, July 7 --Linda Fundis
Wednesday, July 14--Dennis Ford
Wednesday, July 21--5 Friends
Wednesday, July 28--Bev Newbold
Wednesday, Aug. 4--Martie Crombie
Wednesday, Aug. 11--The Godfreys

Jefferson Series
Sponsored by Gazette Publications
Village Park, East Jefferson Street, Jefferson
Rain Site: United Methodist Church (adjacent to the park)
Thursday, July 8-- Carol Linsenmeier and Friends
Thursday, July 15--Bev Newbold
Thursday, July 22--5 Friends
Thursday, July 29 --Dennis Ford
Thursday, Aug 5--Linda Fundis
Thursday, Aug. 12--The Godfreys

2010 Performers:

Linda Fundis: Linda lives in Austinburg with her husband Bob and she first appeared on stage in 1983, in Carl Reiner’s autobiographical comedy “Enter Laughing” at the Little Theatre of Romeoville, Ill. Since then, she has been involved in every aspect of theater, performing in innumerable productions and directing students and adults across Northeast Ohio. This summer, Linda will be directing “Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids” opening July 2 at Straw Hat Theatre at the Ashtabula Arts Center.

Dennis Ford: Dennis has been playing in bands since the age of 12 after his mother, who loved to hear him sing, encouraged him to make music a part of his life. Dennis has played in “Soul Expressions,” “Good Question” and “Qiana.” He has performed with top entertainers including Tommy James and the Shondells, Chubby Checker and many more. Dennis has a recording studio in his home where he wrote and recorded four patriotic songs, three of which have been published by Hilltop Records on CD. Dennis will be singing songs from the 1950’s to the present.

Bev Newbold: Bev was raised on Southern gospel and traditional music and as a child studied classical piano and voice and for several years was part of teen gospel ensemble. After moving to Northeast Ohio, Bev became part of a popular folk duo, “Patchwork.” She went on to team up with other performers and has also done many solo performances throughout the area. Bev has a rich expressive voice, a unique musical style and an outgoing personality that has made her a favorite with audiences throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

The Godfreys: Bob is a retired Director of Choral Activities where he directed Perry High School’s middle school choirs, high school choir and show choir. He has performed on stage all over Northeast Ohio for many years including a number of professional roles in Cleveland Opera productions at the State Theatre in Playhouse Square. He has also been a featured soloist in productions of Encore and the Disney/Stephen Schwartz Review and Handel’s Messiah. In addition he has recorded two Gilbert and Sullivan operettas on CD. Bob’s daughter, Kim, is a 2008 graduate of Baldwin Wallace Collage Conservatory of Music. After living in New York, Kim has moved back to Ohio where she teaches acting and has directed numerous musicals. Currently, she is directing “Bye Bye Birdie” at Straw Hat Theatre which will open July 16 and run for three weekends.

Carol Linsenmeier & Friends: Fiddlers Carol Linsenmeier and Bethany Anderson, assisted by Mikayla Carlson will play a selection of Irish and Scottish tunes. Carol teaches violin, viola and cello at the Ashtabula Arts Center and Willoughby Fine Arts. She has degrees in music education from the College of Wooster and the University of Georgia and a Ph. D.from Kent State University in Special Education. She received Suzuki teacher training from Ithaca College and teaches the Suzuki method, a method of teaching young children to play violin through a process that is modeled after the way children learn language, to children as young as age 3.

Martin Crombie: Martin was born and raised in Ashtabula and has been a practicing dentist for the past 20 years at the Healthy Smile Center. Picking up the guitar in high school, music has been a steady hobby since that time. In the last few years, that hobby has expanded into open mic and other local venue performances. These performances feature a variety of music including acoustic singer/songwriters from the 60’s through today together with a mix of acoustic rock and blues.