Tag Archives: SCA

Everybody fist pump: Angela Peavey, Saugatuck Center for the Arts bring an Emmy win to West Michigan

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Angela Peavey

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

There definitely are certain times when a fist pump is appropriate like when you just won your first Emmy.

 

“I was siting there, literally on the edge of my seat, and all I heard was ‘Saug’ and I immediately jumped up and went ‘yes!’” said Saugatuck Center for the Arts Marketing Manager Angela Peavey while demonstrating the jump with a fist pump. “It definitely was an exciting night for the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.”

 

It was a commercial for the SCA, designed to promote the theatrical programming the arts center does year-round, that won the top award for the “Best Commercial – Single Spot” at the 39th annual Emmy Awards, Michigan Chapter, earlier this month. The category had some stiff competition with the highest number of nominees – five total – for any specific category at this year’s Emmy Awards, Michigan Chapter, event which was at the MotorCity Sound Board Theater in Detroit.

 

“Of course, when it was nominated, I immediately stalked the other nominees and I was blown away by the talent and creativity. I am truly humbled to have won among such amazing entries.”

 

It was such award shows as the Emmys and the Oscars that inspired Peavey to pursue film. That and the support of her parents, who were the first people she called right after the win.

 

“Everything was such a whirlwind after the announcement,” Peavey said. “My mom had been watching it on a live feed at home along with other friends and as soon as the announcement was made, my phone started blowing up.

 

“That call though to my parents was a call full of joy, of parents who were incredibly proud of their daughter for all of the years of hard work.”

 

Peavey credits a number of stakeholders for the creation of the commercial including SCA Executive Director Kristin Armstrong, SCA Artistic Director Kurt Stamm, and Jeff Zika of Z-Drones. “I have to thank the staff and the board of directors at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts for all their support.”

 

Another organization Peavey thanked was WKTV, which with Peavey’s nomination and win, marks three WKTV supported projects that have been nominated for an Emmy and two wins. The entire commercial, which took three weeks from start to completion, was edited at WKTV because Peavey said she knew the facility would have everything she needed to compete the task in a timely matter.

 

Peavey has served as the marketing manager for SCA for three and half years. She works with about 10 interns a year, striving to giving them the “internship I wished I would have had.” With the aid of WKTV, she educates her interns on film production and the students, with the assistance of SCA staff, produce a number of videos for the center throughout the year.

 

As for SCA, Peavey said it is an amazing facility offering a number of programs such as education, film, exhibits and theater. “We don’t compete with any local organization, but rather compliment each other,” she said.

Film ‘Life, Animated’ offers possibility, chance of stimulus

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square-life-animated-jpgFrom Academy Award-winning director Roger Ross Williams, Life, Animated is the inspirational story of a young man who used Disney animated films to communicate with his friends and family. This coming-of-age film will be shown at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (SCA) (400 Culver Street) on Nov. 17 at 7 pm. General admission $5/Members and $7/Future Members.

 

For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit sc4a.org or call 269.857.2399.

 

Rolling Stone says about Life, Animated, “Instead of false hope, it offers possibility, the chance of a stimulus that might get past the blocks of developmental disorder.”

 

This refreshing film begins when Owen Suskind is a thriving three-year-old who suddenly and inexplicably goes silent — and for years has remained unable to connect with other people or to convey his thoughts, feelings or desires. Over time, through repeated viewings of Disney classics like The Little Mermaid and The Lion King, Owen found useful tools to help him to understand complex social cues and to re-connect with the world around him.

 

about-roger-ross-williams
Roger Ross Williams

Prior to moving into independent filmmaking, Roger Ross Williams was an acclaimed television journalist and producer for over 15 years for outlets including: TV Nation, ABC News, NBC News, CNN, PBS, Comedy Central, and Sundance Channel. Williams serves on the Alumni Advisory Board of the Sundance Institute. He frequently mentors filmmakers from the developing world and under-represented communities on how to channel personal adversity into their art.

 

“Deeply moving. A warm testament to a family’s love and resistance.” –Variety

 

Real to Reel is sponsored by Great Lakes Manor and Cottages and Clark Hill Entertainment Industry Team, Hidden Garden Cottages & Suites, and Saugatuck-Douglas Antique Market.

 

About the Saugatuck Center for the Arts

The Saugatuck Center for the Arts, located at 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a more vibrant lakeshore community in West Michigan and beyond. For more information about the SCA and upcoming events, visit www.sc4a.org or call 269.857.2399.

Exhibition explores the question: Who is a hero?

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‘Cost of Social Justice’ by Donna St. John

Artist and art educator Donna St John explores the provocative question, “Who do we consider worthy of the title ‘hero?’” in her assemblage exhibition at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (400 Culver Street). She asks the viewer to consider whether we truly honor the people who have made extraordinary contributions in our society.

 

 

Tributes of Authentic Heroism: Investigation of Grace, Vision, Clarity, and Purpose highlights nine men and women from around the globe, who have been labeled as heroes. This exhibition will be available for viewing from Nov. 11- Jan. 14, Mon.–Fri. during business hours. There will be an opening reception for the exhibition on Nov. 11 from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm. For more information please visit sc4a.org or call 269.857.2399. 

 

Some of the “heroes” in St. John’s exhibition have been internationally recognized and some are unknown to the average American. Each subject is blemished with doubts, imperfections, frustrations and the very same human qualities that are balanced within their own lives. Yet each individual was capable of seeing beyond their personal existence and was determined to improve the human condition.

 

As our world continues to blur the lines between simulated and authentic realities, St. John poses questions about the value and perceptions of honor and heroism in our contemporary society, as we struggle to cultivate social justice and recognize interconnectivity.

 

Donna St. John is currently an Associate Professor for Art Education at Kendall College of Art and Design. Before becoming a professor she taught in the K – 12 setting for 27 years. She has been named ‘Teacher of the Year’ by two separate districts and has been named ‘Most Inspirational Teacher’ nine times by Coopersville Public Schools.

 

St. John’s pieces will be on display in the gallery until December 15. Then half of her exhibit will be removed to make room for student-created pieces. After working with St. John, students from Hope College, Black River and Saugatuck High School will create assemblages based on their own “heroes” or social justice issues searching for champions to elevate awareness.

 

This exhibition is sponsored by Allegan County Community Foundation & Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs.

 

About the Saugatuck Center for the Arts

The Saugatuck Center for the Arts, located at 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a more vibrant lakeshore community in West Michigan and beyond. For more information about the SCA and upcoming events, visit www.sc4a.org or call 269.857.2399.

SCA’s ‘arts|in’ open house Nov. 16 highlights student-business partnerships

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artsin-open-house-1-jpgThe senior class of Saugatuck High School will present a special evening Nov. 16 as they conclude their 13-week Senior Seminar course in partnership with the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (SCA).
The open house on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the SCA, 400 Culver Street, showcases the work the 70 students have accomplished during their arts|in Senior Seminar course. The event, which is free to the public, runs from 6:30–8:30 pm. Attendees will enjoy listening to live music, nibbling on hors d’oeuvres and engaging in an energetic evening with some of the community’s most creative young people.
During the Open House, students will introduce their partner businesses and preview the solutions they created. Participating area businesses include Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates of Holland, Pathways, Special Olympics, twisthink, Saugatuck Community Recreation, Critter Barn, Disability Network of Lakeshore, Felt Mansion, Grace of Douglas, Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity, United Way of Allegan and more. A special exhibition of artwork by Hamilton, Saugatuck and Fennville students, created in response to the Senior Seminar projects, will open the same evening in the SCA’s conference room.

Designed as an arts|in project-based learning class, the students spent the last trimester paired up with area businesses, helping solve real world problems. This project-based learning model created by the SCA — arts|in — gives students crucial “real world” opportunities to work with professionals, tackle current problems, and produce credible solutions. The result is deeper, more complex learning opportunities for students and valuable outcomes for the businesses.

SCA Executive Director Kristin Armstrong said the art center is very excited for students to have this opportunity to connect with community members. “For the past three years we’ve been working with the Saugatuck Schools to better prepare students for jobs in today’s innovative economy,” Armstrong said.

Project-based learning (PBL) enables students to develop deeper learning competencies required for success in college, career, and civic life. Through PBL projects, students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time investigating and responding to complex questions, problems, or challenges. Arts|in takes project-based learning to a higher level by injecting design thinking and community engagement into the process.

Ann McKnight, who is working with a group on teen mental health issues, says of students in the arts|in process, “I have witnessed the students working cohesively, brainstorming, and delegating responsibilities with ease, all the while showing respect for each other and being engaged in the project. Their communications with me have been clear and consistent.  All this to say I am very impressed with these students, and with the vision for learning that teaches soft skills as well as strengthens the community.”

Dr. Tim Travis, Saugatuck Middle School & High School Principal, says he was impressed by the students’ preparation for an “Intriguing Conversation” program they presented at the SCA in October. “I was even more impressed with their compassion, empathy, passion and commitment to making a difference in their school and community. Arts|in is providing great teaching, real world learning, and local impact from a very talented young adult workforce.”

The student exhibition of works responding to arts|in projects is open Monday-Friday, 9 am–5 pm, free of charge, through December.

 

Award-winning African Guitar Summit at the SCA Nov. 19

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african-guitar-summitHeat up before the holidays with the award-winning African Guitar Summit as they bring their fresh, lively sounds to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (400 Culver Street) on Saturday, November 19 at 8 pm.

 

Think: Ladysmith Black Mambazo meets the Buena Vista Social Club. That describes the African Guitar Summit’s upbeat, toe-tapping melodies and vocals.

 

“A collection of outstanding guitarists from across the African continent, African Guitar Summit is a joyful, danceable celebration of contemporary African Music,” said the Good Times Newspaper.

 

Hailing from multiple African countries, including Ghana, Guinea and Madagascar, each member is an award-winning musician in their own right and bring their own fusion of styles and instruments. The Guitar Summit was formed in 2004, recorded their first album in just three days, and went on to win the 2005 Juno Award (Canadian Grammy) for World Music Album of the year.

 

Their second album, African Guitar Summit II, was also nominated for a Juno. National Public Radio said, “Drums may be the heartbeat of African music, but the African Guitar Summit makes a powerful case for the guitar as the signature instrument of modern Africa.”

 

Tickets are $37 in advance and $39 at the door. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit sc4a.org or call 269.857.2399.

 

SCA announces top 10 finalists for 2016 Saugatuck Shorts Film Festival

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sc4a

 

Marking its fourth year spotlighting Michigan film with the help of filmmakers and industry professionals, Saugatuck Center for the Arts (SCA) has announced the top 10 finalists of the 2016 Saugatuck Shorts Film Competition.

 

Hand-selected by a group of five film industry professionals, the finalists (in no particular order) are:

 

In the ADULT category

  • Hold On – Andrew Behm
  • Summer – Paul Yergin
  • Buying Happiness – Paul Chittland
  • Conrad – Brittany Dunn
  • The Craftsman – Chris Mac

In the STUDENT category

  • Oh the Voices – Carson Tate
  • A Lake Michigan Sunset – Brennan Huizinga
  • A Taste of Michigan – Dario Lirio and Brennan Huizinga
  • October in Michigan – Holly Parker
  • The Pencil – Jillian Parker

The panel of judges has also decided who will be taking home the cash prizes of $2,500 for both the student and adult categories: $500 judges’ award for best student film, $1,000 judges award for best adult film, and $1,000 for “Fan Favorite.” Audience members will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite after all the films have been screened. All of the films for the competition were challenged to use their interpretation of “Michigan Flavor.”

 

The judges for this year’s competition were chosen based on their familiarity with the entertainment industry and their ability to provide credible, constructive feedback.

 

“We couldn’t ask for a greater group of people,” said SCA Marketing and Sales Director, Angela Peavey. ”Film is one of my passions, and to see these professionals willing to offer their time and talents is absolutely amazing. We’re very lucky to have them.”

 

The first industry professional taking the judge’s seat is Shane Carson. In 2014, Carson joined the prestigious SAG/AFTRA union and just returned from California where he represented the State of Michigan at their regional conference. Carson is most known for his role in the film, Pirate’s Code: The Adventures of Mickey Matson, where he portrayed the character Gunner Team Leader. Shane has also acted in 40+ lead roles in films. Follow him on social media @WowShane.

 

Co-founder of the Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival and owner of UnSAFE Film Office, Anthony Griffin also judged this year’s competition. UnSAFE Film Office has produced and shot multiple documentaries, short films, music videos and commercials over the last decade. Griffin has served on the board for the West Michigan Video and Film Alliance and the Grand Rapids Community Media Center and was named Michigan’s Top Filmmaker in 2010.

 

Doug Remtema owner of Sonlight Films also served as a judge at this year’s competition. Remtema started Sonlight Films in 2003 and works on producing films and television shows that revolve around positive and uplifting material.

 

Another judge, Kristin Mellian, has performed professionally in film, television, Off-Broadway and regional theatre. As a vocalist Mellian has headlined on Celebrity and Oceania Cruiselines traveling to North America, Central America, South America, Europe and Africa. Mellian is currently working in the acting department at the Compass College of Cinematic Arts.

 

Producer with Alarm 25 Studios and Media Director at Resurrection Life Church, Sean Silvia is another judge for this year’s competition. With a strong education and experience in theatre, film, live event production and graphic design, Silvia has a passion for creative storytelling and innovative media. Silvia prides himself on understanding the art in the details and pushes the design to it’s fullest.

 

The Saugatuck Shorts Film Competition will be held on November 5 at 400 Culver Street. The doors to the event will open at 6:30 pm, and those attending will have the chance to meet with the finalists and enjoy a cash bar. The screening of the films will begin at 7:15 pm.

 

Tickets are $10/Students and $20/adults and can be purchased online here or by at  phone at 269.857.2399.

 

Saugatuck Center for the Arts puts the call out for submissions to its annual film competition

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shorts-logo-largeFilmmakers have until Oct. 14 to submit entries to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ fourth annual Saugatuck Shorts Film Competition.

 

This year marks the fourth year of the Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ (SCA) film competition, which is Nov. 5. Professional and student filmmakers will compete for $2,500 worth of cash prizes for their short films — five minutes or less — that feature some sort of Michigan flavor. Student submissions (age 18 and under) are free, and adults (age 19 and up) are $20 per entry. Video projects by schools, clubs, and religious organizations are encouraged to enter. Registration for Saugatuck Shorts is open now until Oct 14, and can be completed at sc4a.org.

 

“Over the past four years, the SCA’s Saugatuck Shorts competition has brought in filmmakers from across the state for a wonderful night of engaging entertainment on the big screen,” said SCA Executive Director Kristin Armstrong. “The competition is a great way for students and professionals alike to get their work in front of the community. We are very excited to bring this special competition back!”

 

Saugatuck Shorts is the only film competition in West Michigan that offers a cash prize for film submissions in a juried category and an audience favorite. Similar to ArtPrize, a panel of judges will choose the top tens shorts to be shown on screening night. Of those top ten, a winner from the student and from the adult category will be chosen. The Student Winner will be awarded $500 and the Adult Winner, $1,000. On screening night, after the audience has viewed all ten shorts, they will cast their votes for the “Audience Favorite” which will be awarded another $1,000.

 

This year’s competition also marks the second year that the SCA will partner with Wyoming- Kentwood Television (WKTV) to promote Saugatuck Shorts. In addition to the station coming to the event to broadcast it live on Nov. 5, WKTV will also feature the top ten juried films on the station.

 

WKTV is a community television station located at 5261 Clyde Park Avenue in Wyoming, Michigan. WKTV is one of the oldest community television stations in the country that is still in operation, celebrating 40 years in 2014. More information about WKTV can be found at www.wktv.org.

 

For more information and registration details for Saugatuck Shorts can be found at sc4a.org or by calling 269-857-2399. Saugatuck Center for the Arts is located at 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck.

 

New York Times bestselling author Wade Rouse reads excerpts from ‘The Charm Bracelet’

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Wage Rouse, author of "The Charm Bracelet" and a resident of the Saugatuck area.
Wade Rouse (pen name, Viola Shipman), author of “The Charm Bracelet” and a resident of the Saugatuck area.

New York Times bestselling author Wade Rouse will appear at a private cocktail fundraiser hosted by the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver, Thursday, Sept. 8 from 6-8 pm.

 

Limited tickets, which are $100 per person, are available for the event; to reserve call 269.857.2399 or go to www.sc4a.org.

 

Guests will enjoy heavy appetizers, drinks, and conversation with Rouse. The author will also read from his newest bestselling novel, The Charm Bracelet, and guests will receive a signed copy to take home.

 

The Charm Bracelet has been chosen three times by the nation’s independent booksellers as an Indie Next Pick and has been called a “Must-Read” by NBC’s Today Show. The novel was inspired by Rouse’s grandmother and he chose his grandmother’s name — Viola Shipman — as a pen name to honor her.

 

charm_bracelet_lgThe Charm Bracelet touches on the importance of family as an elderly lady, Lolly, shares stories about her life with her daughter and granddaughter. She tells tales commemorated through a charm bracelet she received from her mother at a young age.

 

“We’re just delighted to work with Wade for this special event,” said Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ Executive Director Kristin Armstrong. “This is a wonderful opportunity for conversation with him in an intimate setting. Wade is so supportive of the educational work the SCA does with children in our West Michigan communities – we’re honored to host him for the evening.”

 

Proceeds from this event help fund free educational programs for Pre-K through 12th graders at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.

 

WKTV airs Saugatuck Short Film Festival in support of this year’s call for entries

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Last year's Saugatuck xxxxxxxx
Last year’s Saugatuck Short Film Festival will be aired on WKTV this week.

The Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck, is calling all filmmakers to submit their short films to the fourth annual Saugatuck Shorts Film Competition.

 

This year marks the fourth year of the Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ (SCA) film competition, where professional and student filmmakers will compete for $2,500 worth of cash prizes for their short films—five minutes or less—that feature some sort of Michigan flavor. Student submissions (high school students and younger) are free, and adults (college and up) are $20 per entry. Video projects by schools, clubs, and religious organizations are encouraged to enter. Registration for Saugatuck Shorts is open now until Oct, 9, and can be completed at sc4a.org.

 

“Over the past three years, the SCA’s Saugatuck Shorts competition has brought in filmmakers from across the state for a wonderful night of engaging entertainment on the big screen,” said SCA Executive Director Kristin Armstrong. “The competition is a great way for students and professionals alike to get their work in front of the community. We are very excited to bring this special competition back!”

 

Saugatuck Shorts is the only film competition in West Michigan that offers a cash prize for film submissions in a juried category and an audience favorite. Similar to ArtPrize, a panel of judges will choose the top ten shorts to be shown on screening night. Of those top ten, a winner from the student and from the adult category will be chosen. The student winner will be awarded $500 and the adult winner, $1,000. On screening night, after the audience has viewed all ten shorts, they will cast their votes for the “Audience Favorite” which will be awarded another $1,000.

 

This year’s competition also marks the second year that the SCA will partner with Wyoming-Kentwood Television (WKTV) to promote Saugatuck Shorts. In addition to the station coming to the event to broadcast it live, WKTV will also feature the top ten juried films on their station.

WKTV will be airing last year’s 3rd Annual Saugatuck Shorts Film Festival Tuesday, April 26, at 9 p.m. and again Saturday, April 30 at 10 p.m. on Comcast, channel 25.

 

WKTV is a community television station located at 5261 Clyde Park Ave. SW. WKTV is one of the oldest community television stations in the country that is still in operation, celebrating 40 years in 2014. More information about WKTV can be found here.

Sundance Favorite “Best of Enemies” next up in SCA’s Real to Reel Series

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R2R Best of EnemiesFeatured at the Sundance Film Festival and slated as a contender for the 2015 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, Best of Enemies is up next in the Real to Reel series at Saugatuck Center for the Arts (400 Culver Street) Thursday, November 19, 7:00 p.m.

The New York Post calls the film, “wickedly entertaining,” and Rolling Stone says, “modern television starts here.”

In the summer of 1968, television news changed forever. Dead last in the ratings, ABC hired two towering public intellectuals to debate each other during the Democratic and Republican national conventions. William F. Buckley, Jr. was a leading light of the new conservative movement. A Democrat and cousin to Jackie Onassis, Gore Vidal was a leftist novelist and polemicist.

Armed with deep-seated distrust and enmity, Vidal and Buckley believed each others political ideologies were dangerous for America. Like rounds in a heavyweight battle, they pummeled out policy and personal insult – cementing their opposing political positions. Their explosive exchanges devolved into vitriolic name-calling. It was unlike anything TV had ever broadcast, and all the more shocking because it was live and unscripted. Viewers were riveted. ABC News’ ratings skyrocketed. And a new era in public discourse was born – a highbrow blood sport that marked the dawn of pundit television as we know it today.

SCA-Logo-newClick here to see the official trailer.

General admission is $5/Members; $7/Future Members.

The Saugatuck Center for the Arts, located at 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a more vibrant lakeshore community in West Michigan and beyond. For more information visit www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.