Hundreds of people over the past two weekends were enthralled by the talent of community members who undertook staging Hamlet. From the spectacular costumes, weaponry and sets -- all created by local folks -- to the acting, producing and directing, Hamlet was a success. It should be the play that makes any who did not take the time to see it swear they will never miss another Ice House production. It is hard to describe the time and committment that went into that production. Hurrah! to all who worked on it.
While waiting for the show to start, many folks were wandering through the Ice House Gallery and halls looking for their child or grandchild's art hanging in the Youth Art exhibit.
It was another remarkable explosion of local creative talent on display.
Meanwhile, there were ongoing classes for children and in dance and a writing workshop and a new venture for mothers and small children. Weds and Thu, there are classes for working artists in what they need to know about their taxes and keeping their books because working artists need to be business people too and sometimes that is hard.
All this activity, all this creativity, all the administrative support that it requires to keep going -- all this is what it means to be a nationally recognized art town. Everyone is Morgan County should be proud to have this remarkable asset here, to be part of a community where literally thousands of volunteer hours every month go into making the art part of daily life to the enrichment of all. I can testify that the past 30 years of my life are richer because I have been given the chance to work with the Morgan Arts Council and the members of the local arts community.
Think I'm overstating the place or the organization or the activity -- try it. You'll see.
