WS Chronicle

By Scott Carpenter, Capture Public Relations

Here’s one arts event that features the work of seniors – but isn’t just for seniors! For a second year, people from Winston-Salem and Forsyth County who appreciate the creative spirit of local artists will have the opportunity to discover the talents of area seniors at this year’s Second Spring Arts festival.

Second Spring will feature a wide variety of art exhibits, demonstrations, musical and literary events will be featured with the intent of highlighting creativity by those who are 60 and older. The festival will take place on May 30 from 1 to 6 p.m. and May 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts and Hanesbrands Theater in Winston-Salem.

Friday, May 30
Among the highlights of the festival is the performance by the North Carolina Black Repertory Company, which will present excerpts from the musical “Crowns” on Friday, May 30 at
1 p.m. In conjunction with the performance, women attending the event are asked to wear hats. Prizes will be awarded for the most outlandish hat.

Additional Friday events include the presentation of the 2014 Second Spring Literary Anthology, which contains short stories, poems and essays from senior authors throughout the area. “Authoring Action,” a program that encourages young people to dialogue with older adults, also will take place Friday afternoon.

Art will be displayed during the festival; and a reception in honor of presenting artists will be held on Friday at 4 p.m., at which a jazz ensemble will be playing. Simultaneously adults may participate in a tasting of North Carolina wines.

Friday’s activities will conclude with demonstrations by local artists at the Sawtooth School from 4 to 6 p.m. Artists scheduled to participate include Linda Weaver, Mona Wu, Bill Gramley, Dempsey Essick, Mary Goslen and William Edwards.

Saturday, May 31
Saturday’s activities are centered largely on the joy of music with Zumba exercises, ballroom dances, vocalists and dance instruction. Among the luminaries present will be “The Morning Glories” from Maple Springs United Methodist Church, noted singer James Jarrell and instructor Randy Garner.

A number of noteworthy senior authors will be present Saturday to read from their books and sign copies for patrons. Ample parking around the Milton Rhodes center will be available both days.

“The primary mission of Second Spring is to showcase the creative accomplishments of senior adults in Forsyth County and throughout the area,” said Nancy Hall, president and chair of the festival organization. “It’s also our goal to encourage a renewal of creativity and discovery among those over 60. We believe the best way not only to stay healthy and active but to enjoy life is by continuing to grow in our artistic abilities.”

Second Spring Arts Festival, a non-profit corporation, promotes artistic creativity, diversity and confidence. The organization works closely with other area institutions and businesses to enhance the lives of older adults through the promotion of artistic creation. For more information about Second Spring, interested parties may call (336) 473-0305 or view the website arts60plus.org.