Connecting Communities:

Residency at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center

Residency, Outreach and Performance

January 27 - February 24, 2003

UMO and installation artist Pamela Keech will create collaboratively through improvisation to develop a multidisciplinary performance piece with approximately 80 teens and adults from a variety of constituencies with special needs. After a week of research in the community plus workshops with the introduction of core skills UMO uses for its innovative physical theatre, as well as exploratory workshops with Keech, participants will come together for 2.5 weeks of intense creation, utilizing masks, movement, music, aerial acrobatics, text, costumes, and an installation work. The residency will culminate in 4 performances at JMKAC and 4 outreach informances. The installation and other visual elements will remain on exhibit for approximately four weeks.

About the program:
The Connecting Communities program began in 1997 when it became clear to community organizations in Sheboygan that there was a separation between generations and cultures in the area. Because of JMKAC's reputation as an innovative, grassroots organization serving a variety of constituencies, it was approached by Sheboygan's ethnic communities about building partnerships and helping to bring the communities together. Since that time, JMKAC has had much success with interdisciplinary and visual arts community-based works that have been guided by outstanding artists.

About our collaborating partners:
Pamela Keech, Artist - Since earning an MFA at Ohio State in 1980, Keech has created major installations for 14 major solo exhibitions at The American Academy in Rome, Spaces in Cleveland, 16 storefronts on Manhattan's lower east side, Sushi in San Diego, etc. From 1980 to 1996 she also worked as a freelance costume designer for 25 operas, 5 films, and 60 plays at venues such as New York's Joyce Theatre, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. She has worked as an artist-in-residence at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum and several universities from the University of Connecticut to San Diego State.

John Michael Kohler Arts Center - A 35-year-old, nationally acclaimed visual and performing arts complex in downtown Sheboygan, WI. JMKAC is devoted to innovative explorations in contemporary American art. Its exhibitions focus on a wide range of art forms, with particular emphasis on sculpture, photography, crafts, new genres, installation art, ongoing folk traditions, and the work of self-taught artists. The performing arts emphasize dance, music, and theatre performances from around the world. Programming also includes a renowned Arts/Industry residency program, classes, special events, etc. For additional information visit the JMKAC website at www.jmkac.org.

Major funding for the project comes from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Residencies