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Abdullah Match Comes to Kenan Arena March 20

Lockport's Amer Abdullah will get his first opportunity to reclaim his World Kickboxing Assocaition East Coast Light Heavyweight title in a competition set for March 20 at the Kenan Center Arena. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.; opening bell at 7:00 p.m. For information, call 439-5232. Read more at Lockport Union Sun & Journal online.

Jurors for Kenan Center’s 40th Anniversary 100 American Craftsmen Announced

Four established craft artisans from the Western New York area have been selected to jury submissions for this year's 100 American Craftsmen show of contemporary craft art which takes place the Kenan Center, Lockport, June 4 through 6. The show celebrates its 40th year presenting quality craft art in leather, metal, glass, clay, basketry, paper, wood, fiber, and mixed media produced by craft artisans from across the country.

Jurors selected are Ginny O'Brien Lohr, fiber artist and Education Curator for the UB Anderson Gallery; Thomas Stender, Buffalo furniture designer; Shirley Rosenthal, enamel artist; and Lori Mills, ceramic artist and Associate Professor of Art at SUNY Brockport.

100 American Craftsmen traditionally takes place the first weekend after Memorial Day and includes live music, a wine tent, on-site café, gourmet food vendors, an herbal plant sale, and fine art exhibit. Admission is $6.00 with pre-sale and 3-Day passes being available. The indoor event attracts more than 5,000 visitors and takes place at the Kenan Center Arena located on the 25-acre campus of the Kenan Center at 433 Locust Street, Lockport. For more information, go to www.kenancenter.org.

Praises for Puppeteer Matthias Kuchta

"It's easy to fall in love with Matthias' puppets," is one writer's take on German puppeteer, Matthias Kuchta, who visits Lockport's Kenan Center Taylor Theater Saturday, February 13, to present the children's classic, "Rumpelstilskin." The praise could sum up what everyone whos's ever enjoyed a Kuchta performance has to say. With his hand-crafted, nearly child-size puppets and effervescent storytelling style, Kuchta enchants young and old alike. The press agrees. "(Kuchta) succeeds..in putting a spell on even the smallest spectators"--Wilhelmshaven Gazette, Germany. "Kuchta fires his child-audience with enthusiasm all over the world."--Hamburg Evening News, Germany. Kuchta, himself, says that children everywhere react the same way to his performances. "They forget they're too big to see a puppet show."

Kuchta's one-night-only performance takes place at the Kenan Center Taylor Theater at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 adults, $9 seniors and members, and $8 children. Tickets can be charged by phone (716-433-2617), purchased at the Kenan Center business office Monday-Friday, or at the door if tickets remain available.

Kenan Arts Council Scholarship Applications Available

Applications for the Kenan Arts Council scholarships are now available in the guidance offices of Niagara County High Schools including Barker Central, Lockport High School, Newfane Central, Niagara-Wheatfield, Royalton-Hartland, Starpoint, and Wilson Central.

Three $600 scholarships will be awarded this year to high school seniors who will be attending college next year, majoring in art, design, theater or music. Applicants must meet high academic standards (a minimum high school grade average of 80%) and be actively involved in extracurricular and community activities. Completed applications must be sent to the Kenan Arts Council, Att: Scholarship Committee, 433 Locust St., Lockport, NY, 14094, by March 26, 2010.

The Kenan Arts Council is affiliated with the Kenan Center in Lockport. The Council raises funds throughout the year with various activities, such as its Holiday Gift Show and the annual plant sale, to support Kenan Center programs and to provide scholarships for area students.

For additional information, call the Kenan Center at 433-2617.

Kenan Center to Present German Master Puppeteer Matthias Kuchta February 13

January 11, 2010 – Unlike most puppeteers, Matthias Kuchta doesn’t stand silently in the background while his puppets do all the performing. In fact, Kuchta moves and maneuvers his almost life size figures as an onstage choreographer, giving them their unique personalities and voices, and fully involving the audience in the fun!

Kuchta, who is currently on an international tour, will present the classic children’s story, RUMPELSTILSKIN, at the Kenan Center Taylor Theater, Saturday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. Kuchta first visited the Kenan Center in 2005, mesmerizing the sold out audience with his special brand of hands-on storytelling. Tickets are $10 adults; $9 members and seniors, and $8 children. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 433-2617 or in person at the Kenan Center Business Office, 433 Locust Street, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The performance is sponsored by Walmart, with additional support provided by the New York State Council on the Arts, Target, Lockport Union Sun & Journal, Lockport Inn & Suites and the Kenan Arts Council.

Kuchta Puppet-Making Workshop
Kuchta will also offer a workshop on the techniques of making puppets from found materials on Saturday, February 13 at 1:00 p.m. in the Kenan Center’s Taylor Theater Meeting Room. The workshop is designed for both parents and children, but also appeal to artists and educators. Fee for the workshop is $12 adults and $6 children. Children age 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets for the performance must be purchased separately.

About Matthias Kuchta
Matthia Kuchta was born in Germany in 1949. He studied history, education and Slavic languages and art history and the University of Hamburg. After teaching for several years he entered the German Institute of Puppetry in Bochem where he “learned” the skills during three years from 1979 to 1982.

The “Bremen Musicians” in 1982 was his first performance followed by the “Emperor’s New Clothes,” and “The Wolf and the Seven Billy Goats Gruff,” followed by adaptations of Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen stories followed year after year.

Matthias Kuchta is a story teller/puppeteer who adapts classic tales that resonate with today's children and families....in fact the parents almost forget to even look at their own children as they themselves are taken into the tale. Matthias becomes the conductor of the orchestra of our emotions.

Almost life size cloth puppets, inspired by Matthias' neighbours in northern Germany...and perhaps some of Fellini's film characters... are far from the Disney/Barbie images of the televised world that our children seem to live in. His puppets’ realism touches their imagination and brings them closer to the essence of the tales.

Matthias Kuchta speaks directly to the children. Playing to them and with them, he asks them not to pay attention to his German accent and has them participating in the performance by giving out certain objects to a delighted child...or surprised adult... that will be used later on in the show or by having them come on stage to perform with the puppets themselves. Matthias knows how to use each outburst of energy in a theatre filled with children to compliment his story telling without loosing the smallest detail.

Matthias has performed around the world with the Goethe Institute. His performances are interpreted in many languages: English, French, Russian, Polish as well as German. Venues around the world include: Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Yugoslavia, Portugal, Denmark, Italy, France, Albania, Eastern Europe, Canada, and the United States.

Matthias is currently working with the radio station in Hamburg to develop a series of CD’s for children with Grimm and Andersen tales in German accompanied by a musician. This past year he starred in a big band special called “The Jazz Monster” where he created a whole new cast of characters.

He has done programs for both the television and the radio in Zagreb and Tirana as well as an educational film for the Goethe Institute. The French-German television channel ARTE will host a special program about Matthias’ work next season.

For more information, visit the Kenan Center website at www.kenancenter.org

Joseph Whalen Exhibit Opens January 10

A solo exhibit of paintings by Lockport’s Joseph Whalen will take place at the Kenan Center House Gallery, January 10 through February 21. The show will open with a free public reception, Sunday, January 10 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The gallery is open Monday-Friday, noon to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00-5:00 p.m. The gallery will be closed January 18.

A former art teacher, Whalen is most noted for his paintings of Lockport scenes which are highly collected. Whalen studied at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Buffalo State College and the Albright Art School. In addition, he completed graduate work at the University of Buffalo and Niagara University.

A special “Tea & Tour” will be offered on Saturday, January 23 starting at 2:00 p.m. in the gallery. Guests will enjoy a “simple” tea that includes a variety of hot teas and sweet treats, followed by a tour of the exhibit with artist Joseph Whalen. Each guest will also receive an entry to win an artist-made piece of craft art and two tickets to the 40th Anniversary 100 American Craftsmen show, June 4-6, 2010. The Tea & Tour is $15 per person and reservations must be made in advance by calling 433-2617 or in person at the Kenan Center, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Seating is limited. Snow date for the event is January 30.

The Kenan Center House Gallery is located in the Kenan House, 433 Locust Street, Lockport. An active exhibition space since 1966 when it featured the works of Charles Burchfield, the Kenan Center House Gallery averages eight exhibits annually of local, regional and national artists.

Situated on 25 beautiful acres in historic Lockport, New York, the Kenan Center is a regional community center for arts, education and recreation. For more information, call (716) 433-2617 or go to www.kenancenter.org.

Kenan Center Welcomes Visitors to Enjoy Holiday House Festival of Trees, Dec 7-18

Looking for something delightful to do with the family during the holiday season that’s also free and comes with the bonus of free tickets? Check out the Kenan Center in Lockport’s Holiday House Festival Trees, running December 7 to 18, Noon to 5:00 p.m.

Visitors not only get to see one of the area’s most stunning examples of late 19th century Italianate architecture, but can enjoy beautifully decorated theme rooms. The elegant Living Room, for instance, is lavishly decked out with a 17 foot tree covered in gold and white ornaments, while the Dining Room features a Colonial Williamsburg theme complete with wreaths and centerpieces designed with seasonal fruits.

As a special bonus, each visitor will receive a free ticket to the 40th Anniversary 100 American Craftsmen show taking place June 4-6, 2010. Says Kenan Center spokesperson and marketing director, Elaine Harrigan, “The Kenan Center is developing a wide range of special events and promotions to mark the 40th year celebration, and we’re anticipating that this year’s 100 American Craftsmen will be one that art lovers throughout Western New York won’t want to miss!” To claim your free ticket, simply sign in at the gallery desk when visiting Holiday House, and then stop in the Business Office. One ticket per visitor.

Numerous volunteers have been involved with the creation of Holiday House including Tracy Cain, owner of Interiors by Decorator’s Den, Bruce Ader of Bruce Ader Appraisals and Estate Liquidators, and interior designer Julie Muscato with invaluable assistance from her mother Jean Skop. In addition, the Kenan Quilters’ Guild has decorated a room with large and small quilts along with a variety of folksy pieces like teddy bears and dolls, and additional decoration has been provided by the Kenan Arts Council and Friends of the Kenan Herb Club.

For information, go to www.kenancenter.org or call 433-2617.

Kenan Center to Present Mike Randall's Solo Performance of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, November 14

November 2, 2009 --The Kenan Center is thrilled to begin the holiday season with a presentation of CHARLES DICKENS PRESENTS: A CHRISTMAS CAROL, A Solo Performance Starring Mike Randall, on Saturday, November 14, 7:00 p.m. at the Kenan Center Taylor Theater, 433 Locust Street Lockport. All seats are $12.

The classic holiday story comes to life as Randall transforms himself into the famed writer Charles Dickens, a role he has been playing since 2007. Critics have applauded Randall’s one-man show, saying “….…when Randall loses himself in those Dickensian bouts of rich description, he’s at the top of his game,” and called the performance “an exquisite moving performance of A Christmas Carol.” The performance is a co-production of MusicalFare, Randall Kramer Executive Producer.

Mike Randall has performed a variety of roles in theatres around the country and continues to perform his critically acclaimed, one-man portrayal of Mark Twain Live! Mike also spent time as the Marvelous Magical Burger King where he perfected his abilities as a magician & live family entertainer. Mike Randall is also a member of the Puppeteers of America. Randall can be seen regularly in his role as a meteorologist on WKBW-TV Channel 7.

Support for the Kenan Center’s 2009-2010 Performing Arts season is provided by the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency; Grigg Lewis Foundation, Target, Kenan Arts Council, Lockport Union Sun & Journal and Lockport Inn & Suites.

Tickets can be charged by phone by calling 433-2617, purchased Monday through Friday at the Kenan Center Business Office, or at the door. For more information, go online to www.kenancenter.org.