Middletown Arts Center Open House a Full House of Fun

The scene outside of the Middletown Arts Center on Sunday afternoon could not have been more different than what was going on inside. In spite of the dreary sky and persistent rain, parents and children alike were moving through the corridors, taking in the variety of programs the center will offer throughout 2011.

Deputy Mayor Pamela Brightbill, at Monday's Township Committee Workshop, called the event, in so many words, exhaustingly fun for the family.

Around every corner and in every center nook, there was something artfully instructive to experience ...

Directly in the lobby, balloon-art and face-painting was happening, lending a carnival atmosphere to the proceedings. Art Kaney, the “Doodle Dude,” presented an energetic crash course in cartooning. In the adjoining theater space, a production of Alice in Wonderland presented by Lisa Buono and her drama students was finishing up. Four other presentations were scheduled for the room.

Maggie O’Brien, Executive Director of the Middletown Arts Center, noted that last year’s open house, the facility’s first was, “well received, but this year, we have a few more.”

Robin J. Powell, Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council, Inc. (MTCAC) Secretary and Coordinator for the Volunteer Corps, manned a table with applications for the upcoming Talent Show. The auditions will be held on March 25 and 26, and the show takes place on May 20 and 21. Registration requires a $10 fee for entry.

Powell described the open house as a fun, but fast-paced, overview of the Arts Center. “It’s a demonstration of all the things that go on in the building, and all the activities across all areas of the arts, both in the visual and the performing arts.”

Through the hallways, the Center’s ongoing Puzzle Piece exhibit expands along the walls. Artist Laurie Ruggieri provided blank pieces and instruction to those who chose to participate. The pieces were provided for a $10 donation to the Middletown Arts Center.

In the hallway, Donna Cummins provided an all-ages sewing demonstration while, inside the gallery room, Will Hutton and Caitlin Martin explained their respective programs, Camp KID Comedian and Theater for Kids.

Mary Pearson, President of the Board of Trustees for the MTCAC, provided a tour of the facility first with the top floor performance spaces and gallery, and then downstairs with classes ranging from computer game and video production, watercolor painting, fashion design, and a dance rehearsal room.

The computer lab is a cooperative effort with Black Rocket Productions which provides users with an array of tools including game-making software, video production and editing and summer camp programs that will span a range of the company’s offerings.

Pearson and O’Brien agreed that, while the facility is the Middletown Arts Center, all are welcome to experience what the building has to offer.

The entire range of the Arts Center’s offerings, as well as courses and events for adults, can be found at their website: www.middletownarts.org

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