Community Roundtable and Storyteller Series
Audience chats up writers and painters after the poetry and painting event .
Community Roundtable and Storyteller Series
Building community through the arts and culture is core to Riverworks ’ mission . Three times a year the Community Roundtable Project brings artists and the community together in “ sharing and conversation of important issues , topics and cultures through the medium of art .” In early June , Locals hosted the second project : Writers and Painters : A Conversation , The Earth that Sustains Us . Painters had several weeks to create a piece , prompted by a creative piece submitted by participating writers . Outside Locals was packed as one-by-one the writers read from their pieces . As each one finished , up came the artist revealing in paint their interpretation of the written piece . Oohs and ahhs and enthusiastic clapping underscored an inspiring weaving of poignant words and beautiful art honoring nature and the earth . Currently , a months-long roundtable project , Indigenous Peoples of the Potomac Piedmont , will culminate in another gathering December 2 .
Haunted Histories of the Ag Reserve , Harriet Tubman : A Journey to Freedom , Stories of Womanhood Told through Rhythm , Poetry and Song , were some of the topics in Riverworks Storytellers Series . Free to the public the series takes place on the third Thursdays of the Month from 6 - 8 pm at the Riverworks Studio at Alden Farms .
Calling All Musicians winter — open to anyone to play or just hang out at Locals — only a few
David recalls that when they people showed up . Brian Jamison , first started their Friday night a Riverworks board member , has jam sessions in the middle of last been the cheerleader , musician shepherd , and sound guy for the now popular weekly event . “ Word got out that something was happening . Now the place is packed and all the outside tables and chairs are full ,” David says . Sandy adds , “ One time a musician had to leave because there were too many people , and another time several people approached me in tears , so moved by what was
happening .” It ’ s a sweet scene right out of old time Americana gazebo concerts on the village green where families gathered . Burgers and other fare are available for purchase as well as beer and wine . Kids run around , parents sip wine joyfully clapping for young musician friends , many from the local high school who finally have a welcoming venue and an enthusiastic audience in a let ’ s-have-some-fun atmosphere . It ’ s more lively arts unleashed and it ’ s growing . On Sundays newly formed bands are performing a set , upping their game . “ Brian has been the moving force and he loves drawing young people out of their shells ,” according to Sandy .
New Energy for the Performing Arts
Riverworks recently brought on Tara Wise as their new Performing Arts Program and Events Director . “ Tara is a top quality artist in her own right as an accomplished singer-songwriter who can work professionally and easily with everybody . She ’ s a great fit for Riverworks as we build out our performing arts and education piece , and she enthusiastically understands and is excited about the mission ,” says David . She will be the “ driving force on the music and performing arts end of things going forward .”
Tara will be performing with jazz musicians at the upcoming Dinner for the Arts fundraising event , September 21 , at nearby Bally Cliff Farm . Last year ’ s fundraising event was a huge success with more than 150 people who came to support the Riverworks vision .
24 plenty I autumn Harvest 2023