The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

The Big Sandy Cultural Fund will sponsor free summer workshops in the arts, drama, performance and creative writing for all ages. The informal sessions will begin June 5th in the former S&J grocery store, now being converted into a community cultural center and after-school program.

Join Big Sandy art teacher Jessie Jaramillo for lively art sessions, Monday through Thursday from 9 to 11 and from 2 to 4 for some fantastic new art classes. According to Ms. Jaramillo, each session will be limited to 15 people. There will be guided lessons for young students and older students and adults will be encouraged to work on individual, independent projects. One planned project will be the creation of an 80 foot long mural on the inside west wall. The art workshops will end on June 29th, and throughout the summer, the creative work will be on display in the building.

Those who want to sign up for art sessions or have questions about them may contact Ms. Jaramillo by Email: jjaramillo@bigsandy.k12.mt.us

Throughout the summer, Doug Giebel, who envisioned using the old grocery store as a cultural and educational addition to the community, will work with participants on performing skills of acting and singing.

Students of all ages can get involved. Giebel made his mark as a theater director, actor, teacher and creative writing instructor in San Francisco and New York City. He hopes to share his experience with any who want to practice performing or hone their creative writing skills.

According to Giebel, if funding becomes available, they will bring in guest presenters, show classic movies and exhibit the art work of professional and amateur artists. “We need a place in this area for creative people to show their work to the public.”

For those interested in the entire cultural center project, Giebel will hold a short public meeting on Thursday, June 8 and 7:30 in the former S&J store. Giebel is seeking photographs of Big Sandy area people who served in World War Two and recordings of music made by Big Sandy musicians. Contact him at bscf@itstriangle.com or by calling 378-2430.

The free summer programs are being sponsored by the Art4Moore Foundation of San Francisco, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation with additional assistance from many others including Independence Bank, Lippard-Clawiter Foundation, The Washington Foundation, Roberta Edwards. Donations to support the Big Sandy Cultural Fund are tax-deductible.