Out like a lion?

Posted 8/21/12

Waking up to three fresh inches of snow the other day, I shook my head and turned on the computer, positive that I had mixed up the words to Lorie Hill’s old poem in my head. “March roars in like …

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Out like a lion?

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Waking up to three fresh inches of snow the other day, I shook my head and turned on the computer, positive that I had mixed up the words to Lorie Hill’s old poem in my head. “March roars in like a lion so fierce, the wind so cold, it seems to pierce,” I read. “The month rolls on and spring draws near, and March goes out like a lamb so dear.” Still confused, I rubbed my eyes and checked the thermometer. Sure enough, the “dear lamb” had provided us with 18 frosty degrees to welcome spring. (Sigh.)

Shaking my head, I checked the calendar to be sure I was on the right page and noted that I had a few events earmarked for the weekend, so I bundled up and headed out with my freshly shorn, shivering pup in tow. Each year, the Catskill Art Society (CAS) and Sullivan County BOCES team up to present a county-wide art show featuring the impressive work of high school students representing Eldred, Fallsburg, Liberty, Livingston Manor, Monticello, Roscoe, Sullivan West, Tri-Valley and BOCES. The show encompasses more than 300 pieces in 10 media categories, and I am always blown away by the incredible talents that these students possess.

Prior to the “official opening,” the students and their families gather at the gallery (www.catskillartsociety.org) for a party of their own and presentation of awards, which are given in media categories including black-and-white drawing and photography, ceramics, digital art, mixed media, painting, color photography and drawing and sculpture. First- and second-prize winners are selected by a juried panel of experts, and the kids themselves choose the Student Choice awards, honoring their peers.

CAS Executive Director Bradley Diuguid took a moment out of his hectic schedule to tell me, “I’ve seen a lot of growth in the quality of the young artists’ work over the last few years. It’s great to see how the student-awarded prizes line up [or don’t] with the juried selections. This show is so good for the community as a whole.”

First-place winner (black-and-white photography) Sierra Thomas was on hand with her folks and toured me around for a few minutes, discussing her work and the exhibit in general. Echoing Diuguid’s sentiments, she expressed how much she admired the growth process of her fellow artists and tracked her own progression as a photographer. When asked if she was influenced by her father (lighting designer Jon Jon Thomas), Sierra nodded enthusiastically. “My parents have been very supportive and influential, as well as my teachers,” she said. “I’m looking at colleges now and thinking about majoring in history, with a minor in art.”

Tri-Valley’s Emma Pompeii was thrilled to win a prize as well, and has set her sights on attending the Fashion Institute of Technology (www.fitnyc.edu) in New York after high school. “My interest lies in textile design,” she shared, while showing me some of her work on display, “so this experience is invaluable for my future. But what impresses me the most is the work of my classmates and those in the other districts. They’re amazing!” Well said. The high school art show runs through April 19 and is (IMHO) well worth the trip to Livingston Manor.

The word “amazing” springs to mind whenever I hear that a local guy makes good. So even with the lamb-like temps dipping into the single digits, when I heard that blues legend Slam Allen (www.slamallen.com) was in town, I hauled out the winter coat and warmed up the truck (for her majesty) for a trip to Kauneonga Lake (www.facebook.com/sorellapizza.com), to see Allen and check out his newest CD, “Feel These Blues.” Allen packs the house wherever he appears, but being born and raised in Monticello, NY doesn’t hurt attendance either. “It makes me feel so good to see folks on their feet dancing,” he told the crowd of fans, while wailing on the guitar with his incredible band, as they performed favorites like “Just My Imagination,” “Ain’t That a Shame,” and a smokin’-hot rendition of “Proud Mary” that electrified the entire room, causing us to forget the lion roaring outside and focus on the one indoors. Taking time to greet fans in between sets, Allen stopped for a moment to shake paws with the Wonder Dog and take my hand. “Hey man, thanks for stopping by, it’s always good to see you,” he grinned. “Right back atcha, Slam,” I responded. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Hearing him singin’, the blues never felt so good.

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