Monthly Archives: June 2021

UnEditioned at Manhattan Graphics Center

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Summer 2021-officially!  We may (here’s hoping) safely resuming non-pandemic life.  It’s time to go outside, reconnect with others, and resume some activities.  Keeping that advice in mind, The Art Caravan posts will be brief this summer.

I will quickly draw your attention to the Manhattan Graphics Center.  MGC, a professional printmaking studio,  opened in 1986.   It provides space, equipment and opportunities for artists to learn printmaking, and to produce and show their artworks in New York City.

Elizabeth McAlpin, Manhattan Graphics Center, image courtesy of the artist

What great news (sigh of relief) to read of its reopening. Not only has it managed to survive  the shutdowns of the last 15 months but MGC is offering expanded membership opportunities, and a collaboration with Center for the Book Arts.

The Center for the Book Arts, NYC, T. Vatrt image

The Center for the Book Arts, NYC, T. Vatrt image

The Center for the Book Arts, NYC, T. Vatrt image

Both Centers offer workshops and courses, virtually and (soon!) in the studios.  Until July 31,  MGC has a virtual exhibition UnEditioned, juried by Katie Michel of The Planthouse Gallery. I am honoured to have a print included in the show.  You might want to take a quick look at this link before heading outside…

more to explore 3, Terry Vatrt, UnEditioned virtual exhibition at Manhattan Graphics Center

more to explore 3, Terry Vatrt, intaglio, chine collé, ink, coloured pencil

 

 

Taking Shakespeare

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I planned to write a different post this week.  Seeing the online version of the play Taking Shakespeare a couple of days ago changed my mind (or course, if you want to follow the cheesy caravan pun.)

I am growing increasingly weary of all things on a screen. Perhaps you are, too?  (Oh, I admit  there are many advantages to using  Zoom and new horizons to explore via YouTube, but, as in all things, a balance is necessary. Acknowledging the irony,  I sincerely thank you for reading this post – on a screen.)  I have a subscription to the Belfry Theatre and almost reluctantly tuned in to the final production of their spring season.

Belfry Theatre, belfry.bc.ca image

My reluctance was short lived.  Taking Shakespeare by John Murrell is an extremely well written play. An award winning writer, Murrell also translated plays, and wrote librettos.  He received a Governor General’s Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement  in 2008.  The Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia provides a brief  summary of his prolific works, as well as his interesting life.

The realistic dialogue, and the authentic characterizations are brought to life by excellent actors.  Patti Allan and Austin Eckert are both experienced stage and screen performers.  Allan, as the professor, gave a particularly nuanced performance of a cynical professional woman of a certain age tutoring the seemingly apathetic, directionless student.

As with other visual performing arts, the success of the online presentation also depends significantly on the skills of the the videographer.  Candelario Andrade presents a simple, but very effective delivery of the play.  I was able to concentrate on the characters’ relationship, as well as focus on them as individuals.  (You may want to watch his Video Editor demo reel .)

The good news is that you can watch the play, too.  It’s available until Sunday, June 13.  Tickets are available from the Belfry Theatre.  I highly recommend it.

Taking Shakespeare, Belfry Theatre, belfry.bc.ca image