First Posted: 6/30/2014

What a perfect day. We could not have planned for better weather for Founder’s Day in Tunkhannock. And it was just wonderful to see the downtown bustling with entertainment, activity and great crowds. We would like to thank everyone who came out and supported children’s programming at the Dietrich by participating in our quilt raffle and basket raffle on Founder’s Day. From those who donated prizes to the volunteers who ran the booth to those who bought raffle chances, we are so appreciative.

On Founder’s Day night, to quote Bill Chapla, our community dramaturge, it felt like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in Lazybrook Park instead of the dark, rainy setting appropriate for “Macbeth”. Around 300 children and adults came out with their blankets and lawn chairs and joined us for a fantastic evening of Shakespeare in the Park. This was the seventh year the Gamut Theatre Group of Harrisburg has come to Tunkhannock to perform, and they wowed us again with the tragic story of “Macbeth”. It was also great to visit with the cast of five actors and director after the show to learn more about their craft, Shakespeare’s work, stage combat and more.

Turning from theatre arts to digital arts, last week was the first week of summer camps at the Dietrich. We always start the summer off with digital arts taught by Rand Whipple of Box of Light Studio. In the morning, campers transformed into LEGO masters as they created LEGOmation films using stop motion animation techniques, created LEGO cities and more.

In the afternoon classes, campers explored the world of fashion and created a fashion magazine. One day they designed and created jewelry, including earrings, bracelets and necklaces with the Dietrich’s own Sarah Sidorek. Another day they got their hair done and had a runway show. The kids also worked with green screen so they could film their fashion designs from exotic locales such as Paris and Disney World.

Next week, summer camps will continue at the Dietrich with our ever popular All About Pottery and Sculpture Camp. Students will work on our eight potter’s wheels and learn how to throw pots, vases and more. They will also learn the hand-building technique of making pottery. Campers will also be able to experiment with sculpture techniques. Classes will be held Monday- Friday, July 7 through 11 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Admission is $60 and all materials will be provided.

The following week, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts rostered artists Timothy Walker and David Driskell will be back with their Jammin’ in a Jugband Camp. During this week of classes, children ages six to 12 years old will be able to play and create homemade instruments such as the washboard, washtub bass, the spoons, jug, saw and more.

They will also learn about conventional instruments such as the guitar, saxophone and clarinet. They will also learn how to perform as a group. At the end of the week, they will be invited to perform with David and Timothy of Sadie Green Sales Jugband at River Day on Saturday, July 19 at 3 p.m. Classes will be held on July 14, 15, 16, and 18 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Dietrich. And did I mention that admission is free? It doesn’t get better than that.

As you can see, the Dietrich is so much more than the movies!