The West Nebraska Arts Center with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council, is pleased to present Fragments Found: 2005-2009, a collection of original silver gelatin photographs by Philip V. Augustin of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Downey’s Fine Photography sponsors this gallery exhibit which will be on display March 5 - April 2, 2010. An opening reception will be held Friday, March 5th from 6 to 8 p.m. at West Nebraska Arts Center. The gallery exhibit and opening reception are free and open to the public.
Augustin writes in his artist statement, “The challenge of photography is to capture the spirit of a subject in an instant, to convey the essence of a location through a single still image. Capturing an image that transcends the literal, that triggers in the viewer an emotional response, or deeper understanding of an element of their soul, is a challenge I relish. Images of this sort don’t happen on demand, the photographer has to patiently watch and listen for opportunities. These magical moments happen spontaneously and can’t be rushed or forced.
For over twenty years I have worked with the large format view camera in sizes ranging from 4x5 – 4x10. I love the image quality and crisp detail that is possible with the large negative. Recently I have begun introducing the medium format camera to my creative palette in an effort to capture a more spontaneous feeling in some of my images. This coupled with my move just over a year ago from the Pacific Northwest to New Mexico has opened a new and exciting direction in my work. (read more of this article on WNAC's gallery page)
Welcome to NebraskARTS.com your portal to the arts in Western Nebraska!
We invite you to experience programming that is compelling, provacative and diverse! Uniquely individual, each arts organization will provide you with information about their history, location and upcoming events. For more information about events on our calendar, click on the highlighted dates. Visit our site often to stay up to date on what’s happening in our area. If you haven’t yet visited The West Nebraska Arts Center, The Historic Midwest Theater or Theater West, we encourage you to discover us!
NebraskARTS
In Pursuit of a Dream
March 11
The North Platte Valley Museum, Gering Convention & Visitors Bureau and Scotts Bluff National Monument are pleased to announce special showing of the documentary film, In Pursuit Of A Dream, on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 7:15pm
The film chronicles the journey of twenty-four students who in 2008 left their homes in the United States, exchanged their shorts and sandals for long dresses and pioneer pants, and set off for a two-week journey on the Oregon and California Trails traveling by wagon train in Wyoming and Oregon.
In Pursuit Of A Dream was chosen to premier at the Historic Midwest Theater on the same day it will premier at the International Film Festival in Hollywood, California. The movie was written and produced by the Oregon-California Trails Association whose members were in Gering in 2007 for their 25th Annual Convention. Admission for the evening showing will be a $2.00 free will donation with proceeds to the Oregon-California Trails Association.
In Pursuit Of A Dream cast included students from Massachusetts, Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, Oregon and California and the students were guided in their travels by three award-winning teachers. Two of the teachers, Kim Merchants and Janet Wragge of Casper, will attend the Scottsbluff premier and will take the stage immediately prior to the evening screening to set-up the film’s once-in-a-life journey that challenged even the toughest in the group of students.
“Our Gering community remains inspired by the OCTA members and “rut nuts” who were our guests in 2007 for their knowledge and passion for historic trails. This documentary film echoes that spirit and is a testament to an extraordinary group of new pioneers who experienced all that made us a great nation in the westward migration” stated Karla Niedan-Streeks, Executive Director of the Gering Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The Scottsbluff premier of In Pursuit Of A Dream is sponsored by the North Platte Valley Museum, Scotts Bluff National Monument, the Gering Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Hampton Inn & Suites.
Oscar Nominee: The Princess and the Frog
March 12
Midwest Theater
March 12-14
Fri & Sat @ 7:30 Sun @ 1:30
Rated:G Running time: 1h35min
Synopsis: Walt Disney Animation Studios presents the musical THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG, an animated comedy set in the great city of New Orleans. From the creators of "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin" comes a modern twist on a classic tale, featuring a beautiful girl named Tiana, a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG marks the return to hand-drawn animation from the revered team of John Musker and Ron Clements, with music by Oscar®-winning composer Randy Newman.
2010 Oscar Nominee for
Best Animated Feature
Best Original Song
The Ant and the Grasshopper
March 17
West Nebraska Arts Center presents a Monument Children's Theater production of The Ant and the Grasshopper co-directed by Julie Meister and Christi Weis. Please call the West Nebraska Arts Center for tickets: 308-632-2226.
Public performance: Friday, March 19th, 7:00 p.m.
School matinee dates (school groups only, must submit reservation form on or before Tuesday, March 16, 2010):
Synopsis: The classic tale updated with contemporary language and themes. A super industrious ant has opened a branch ant hole when a "hippy type" grasshopper moves in next door. Ant resists grasshopper's offers to join him and his friends. For his diligence Ant is promoted. With his two assistants Ant prepares for winter. Grasshopper, naturally, doesn't believe in winter or the warnings of Ant and even the attack of hungry Spider fails to daunt his optimism. But winter comes; and Grasshopper, who has no food or shelter and Ant, who has no friends and never had any fun, discover there is more to life than they thought.
CENTER STAGE
March 21
West Nebraska Arts Center proudly presents Center Stage, featuring live performances by top local artists including Lindsay Jackson, Los Guadalupanos Dancers, Ron Charles, Drivin' Dynamics, Martin Gilmore, and the Valley Arts Piano Ensemble. Center Stage is sponsored by Flowers on Broadway; Michael C. Schaff, D.D.S.; WM Eric Vath, Clothier; Sorensen, Mickey & Hahn; Music & More; RE/MAX Sandstone Real Estate.
Date: Sunday, March 21st, 3:00 p.m.
Location: Midwest Theater
Tickets are available at Eric Vath Clothier and West Nebraska Arts Center. $7.00 for WNAC Members, seniors and youth. $10.00 non-members.
The North Platte Valley Museum, Gering Convention & Visitors Bureau and Scotts Bluff National Monument are pleased to announce special showing of the documentary film, In Pursuit Of A Dream, on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 7:15pm 
