The weather has been very cold lately, with a few doses of snow, sleet and freezing rain, but some of our favorite arts organizations are heating things up virtually! You can participate in the comfort of your own home and enjoy your favorite beverage.
Altoona Community Theatre
ACT and the Blair County Arts Foundation are proud to present Dr. Michael G. Farrow as he talks about his 2016 book, “Altoona’s Historic Mishler Theatre” Thursday, January 28 at 6pm on Zoom.
Michael G. Farrow, Ph.D. is a 1957 graduate of Altoona High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Juniata College, a master’s degree in genetics from West Virginia University and a doctoral degree in human genetics from West Virginia University Medical School in 1971.
Dr. Farrow has had a lifelong interest in local history and preservation and wrote a comprehensive book on the history of 175 theatres in Altoona and Blair County prior to his Mishler book. He is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Blair County Historical Society where he has taken an active part in the restoration of Baker Mansion. He has written numerous articles of local, historical interest, lectured to many local civic organizations and has conducted annual bus tours on the architecture and history of Altoona and Hollidaysburg. He has been a very good friend to ArtsAltoona over the years, too.
The beautiful hardcover Mishler book is available for purchase for $40 from BCAF by calling (814) 949-2787. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the Blair County Arts Foundation for the support of the Mishler Theatre.
This presentation will last about 1.5 hours and will be held by Zoom. Proceeds from ticket sales will be split between ACT and BCAF. Registration is just $7. You’ll receive an email with log in instructions after your ticket is purchased. Follow the link at www.altoonacommunitytheatre.com to get your ticket today!
ACT Again – Postcards from a Dead Dog
Postcards is a short play with a humorous look at the dysfunctional yet devoted relationship between a mother and son. Of course, everyone has a mother, but Clay’s mom, Nell, is unlike any other mother you’ve ever known. After the loss of the family pet, Nell (Kate Wolf) discovers an unusual way to communicate with Clay (Stephen Guice) …. and Clay returns the favor. Sweet, sad, and funny – all at the same time.
Postcards is a half hour, two-person comedy/drama written by award-winning local playwright FJ Hartland. This staged reading of the play will be recorded and streamed from the historic Mishler Theatre in downtown Altoona highlighting this jewel of a theatre that we all miss so much. Get your tickets at www.altoonacommunitytheatre.com.
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art Altoona
SAMA Altoona is continuing their Virtual Lecture series Mondays February 1 and 8 at 12:30 p.m. The lectures are tied in with the current exhibit at the museum, Implications of the Camera.
These conversations will explore the medium of photography through its history, contemporary uses, and its possible future. Register for each week’s lecture on the website event page at www.sama-art.org/event-list. While you are on the page, check out some of the other events like the SAMA Virtual Art Camps for youth, private dining in the Museum and more. Be sure to follow their Facebook and website for all the latest.
Thanks for supporting the Arts,
Donna Gority
President, ArtsAltoona Board