EngAGE Stories

Reader’s Theatre, a 10-member residents’ theatre troupe, recently produced a wonderful evening of four short comedies in their show called, “Laugh & Laugh Again.” Under the direction of Barbara Faye, the actors paired up and delivered a show that was received enthusiastically by the standing-room only audience. The actors took great care with their costumes and two of the ladies were unrecognizable as they played the parts of men. The troupe also prepared a heart-warming tribute to the founding member of the Reader’s Theatre, Tracy Tull, who passed away on January 1^st. Her family was in attendance and was very moved and appreciative.

The Art Workshop class is dedicated to exposing students to different forms of creative expression through sculpture, painting in oils and watercolors, and drawing.  The focus of the students’ new project is to learn color mixing; composition; and thicker, impressionistic application of paint by using Van Gogh as inspiration. Students are very excited to have specific techniques to focus on that will allow their fundamental skills to grow. The students are inspired by nature this semester, and their artwork is focused on that theme. Our next art show, scheduled for May 18th, will be called “A Stroke of Nature” and will showcase these emerging masterpieces.

The class also had a fun-filled send-off for their adored art instructor, Toni Ivashkov, who is leaving for a full-time job opportunity.

Intro to Ceramics, taught by Colette Brown, instructs residents on working with clay, from learning different techniques of building, through glazing and firing the work. Recently, the students were introduced to plaster, press molds, ceramic tiles, and “cookies” (for protecting kiln shelves). One resident remarked, “I’m just tickled pink that I could do something like that.”

~ Helene Weinberg, Creative Programs Director

EngAGE offers a variety of classes, workshops, and special programs at each of our communities. These posts highlight just a small sample.