SCSC: Fine Arts Conference

Over 300 student, parents, chaperones, teachers, presenters, performers, volunteers and staff gathered to experience a variety of art forms at their finest for the 5^th Annual South Central Service Cooperative Fine Arts Conference hosted by Bethany Lutheran College. Schools in attendance included Blue Earth, Winnebago, Jordan, United South Central, Belle Plaine, St. Peter, New Ulm, Nicollet, numerous Mankato schools and home schooled students.

From the conventional perspective, the students learned acting techniques, were informed about art history, experienced the mathematical and physical nature of different musical instruments, performed traditional ballet, painted with watercolor, expressed their reaction to classical music, and learned about music composition. Some alternative art forms included origami, graphic art, choreography, floral design, jewelry, card making, graffiti, and a living, breathing human chess game was played. There were twenty-one sessions filled with a variety of fine arts education and activities. All were appreciated by the students, parents, and chaperones.

“Miranda’s Amazing Adventure,” by playwright Amy Seham, Gustavus Adolphus Associate Professor, was professionally performed by St. Peter Arts Center and Three Penny Productions. Students not only experienced fine theatre but learned the dangers and evils of cyber space as well. Three student-chosen sessions filled with hands-on activities followed. Praise for the sessions was reflected in their evaluation forms.

The finale left all in awe. “Jaw dropping,” “amazing,” “unbelievable,” and “ I loved it,” were among the countless raving comments left by the students, other presenters, visiting adults, volunteers, and staff. Lydia Heldner, a 9-year-old from Mankato began with her rendition of “Breathe (2 AM)” by pop artist Anna Nalick. With an appealing folk rock vocal sound, she performed confidently with poise. Aaron Smith, St. Peter High School sophomore picked up the beat with his incredible self-composed drum solo and was an instant hit. Finally, 13-year-old Katherine Kjeer, an accomplished violinist from Mankato, closed the day with a mesmerizing performance of Wieniaswki’s Violin Concerto #2 in D minor, 1^st movement. The objective of the finale was to motivate students to perfect their own art forms by listening to their peers. The applause of the crowd assured South Central Service Cooperative staff their goals were met!

Thank you to more than 30 area artists who shared their talents along with several volunteers from Bethany Lutheran College who directed traffic, lent helping hands in sessions, and interacted positively with youth. Bethany Lutheran College staff deserves a hearty thank you also for their dedication to educational enrichment programs and their generous use of their beautiful facilities.

To read the Mankato Free Press’ coverage of this event, please click here (Acrobat PDF).

Photos from our 2008 event (click on each photo for a larger view)
Miranda’s Amazing Adventure	Adrian Lo	Ballet
Chinese Watercolor	Choreography & Dance	Bring a Book to Life
Graffiti Rules	Floral Design	Crafty Cards
Human Chess	Jewelry Design	Origami
Katherine Kjeer	Lydia Heldner	Aaron Smith