SPRING THEATRE PRESENTS: THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE JR!

"WINSTON-SALEM, NC. Spring Theatre proudly presents the classic musical Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr!  Filled with fun flappers, dashing leading men and a dragon-lady of a villainess audiences will love to hate, Thoroughly Modern Millie JR. is a perfectly-constructed evening of madcap merriment. Based on the popular movie, the stage version of includes a full score of new songs and bright dance numbers.

The show is directed by Edwin Martinat of Winston-Salem who says he is extremely excited to take on a production of this scale in the downtown area.  The show will be choreographed by Erinn Diaz, founder and artistic director of Spring Theatre and music directed by Charlie Kluttz.

Spring Theatre was founded in 2013, and produces 7 productions a year, plus holds year-round acting classes, glee performance groups, and has a full dance studio.

Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Shows are November 13^th & 14^th at 7pm and November 15^th at 2pm.

Performances will be at The HanesBrands Theatre located at 200 North Spruce Street in Winston-Salem, NC.  Tickets: $10 online in advanced, $15/person.  Springtheatreorg.ticketleap.com

If you would like more information about this show, please contact Spring Theatre at 336.283.8688 or email at info@springtheatre.org."

- A Press Release

Theatre Alliance to perform Nunsense II – The Second Coming

"Nunsense II: The Second Coming could easily be subtitled “the rest of the story.” This sequel to the international hit musical Nunsense takes place approximately six weeks after the first “benefit performance.”

The same five nuns are back on stage at Mt. Saint Helen’s School for what is billed as a “Thank You Program” for their supporters. Since their first time out was such a success, they have decided that they should stick to their successful variety show formula. However, this time they are forced to work around the set dressing of The Mikado which is being presented the following week by the Hoboken Music Society on the Mt. Saint Helen’s stage.

Nunsense II features some of your favorite male cast members from Theatre Alliance’s 2011 showstopper Nunsense A-Men! and the 2013 Theatre Alliance hit Nunset Boulevard! Traditionally, men are only allowed in Nunsense A-Men!, but Theatre Alliance has special rights to stage all-male versions of all of the Nunsense canon. 

With songs like “The Padre Polka” and “What Would Elvis Do?”, TA’s take on the Little Sisters of Hoboken is just the thing for an end-of-the-summer treat.

John C. Wilson is returning to the habit for the third time. Says Wilson, “I love these characters and what each of them brings to the show. They each have their own relatable wackiness. There are lots of laughs in store!”

“This is the third time Theatre Alliance has staged one of the Nunsense shows,” says director Jamie Lawson. “Our audiences love them because they can bring the family to them and enjoy an evening of silly humor. The interaction with the audience makes every show different and simply hysterical! You never know what is going to happen on the stage at Mount Saint Helens! Upbeat numbers, nonstop pacing, and tongue-in-cheek ribald humor make for the perfect summer show! The best part is you forget these are men in nun's habits."

The Theatre Alliance production is directed by Jamie Lawson and musically directed by Dennis Raley. The cast features returning nuns Gray Smith, John C. Wilson, and Justin Hall, and newcomers to the habit, but still familiar TA faces, Troy Hurst and Seph Schonekas.

PERFORMANCE DATES:

Friday, August 14, 2015 at 8 pm

Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 8 pm

Sunday, August 16, 2015 at 2 pm

Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at 8 pm

Thursday, August 20, 2015 at 8 pm

Friday, August 21, 2015 at 8 pm

Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 8 pm

Sunday, August 23, 2015 at 2 pm

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 8 pm

Thursday, August 27, 2015 at 8 pm

Friday, August 28, 2015 at 8 pm

Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 8 pm

Sunday, August 30, 2015 at 2 pm

*The Saturday, August 22 performance will be audio described for the visually impaired. 

PHYSICAL ADDRESS: Theatre Alliance, 1047 Northwest Blvd; Winston-Salem, NC

WEBSITE: http://www.wstheatrealliance.org

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/wstalliance

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/WSTheatreAlliance

MILD INNUENDO (PG)

Tickets to Nunsense are priced at $18 for Adults and $16 for students/seniors.  There is also a $2 per ticket discount available for groups of 10 or more.  Tickets to Nunsense may be purchased in person at the Theatre Alliance Box Office (Fridays from 12:30-3:00 p.m.), online at www.wstheatrealliance.org or by calling Brown Paper Tickets at (800) 838-3006.  Please call Theatre Alliance at (336) 723-7777 with any questions about this or future shows.

Student Rush: $14 before any performance.  Tickets will go on sale five minutes before show time. MUST show current, valid student ID.  Attendees must wait in a standby line until 5 minutes to show time, at which point, available seating is released.  Tickets may not be reserved for Student Rush, under no circumstances; they must be purchased at the Box Office, 5 minutes prior to that day's performance. Limit one ticket per student.  All seats subject to availability."

- A Press Release

Winston's Downtown Jazz offers Jeanete Harris July 24

"Downtown Jazz, presented by the Winston-Salem Federal Credit Union is proud to have saxophone artist Jeanete Harris performing on July 24^th as our headline performer.  Downtown Jazz takes place from 6pm to 9pm in Corpening Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem at 237 W. First Street.  Link to Jeanette Harris Website - http://www.jeanetteharrisband.com/

Jeanette Harris Bio

Jeanette Harris is the scintillating saxtress of smooth jazz. This lady understands that energetic and captivating performances matched with uplifting and inspiring vibrations in the music are the solid platinum recipe for success. Fans already recognize her for her wonderful cover of Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do,” which hit Billboard’s smooth jazz singles chart from her previous album, Saxified. Classically trained in both sax and piano, a graduate of Boston’s famed Berklee College of Music, and the saxophonist for the late, great Teena Marie’s final year of touring, Jeanette has weathered the fiercest challenges to bring the world her own brand of soulful healing vibes. That baptism awaits in her fourth CD, Summer Rain, on which Jeanette had a hand in writing all of the selections except her lovely cover of the Luther Vandross classic “Here and Now.” Its 11 sunny songs wrap the listener in the glow of fun love grooves and sweet romance.

“The music of Summer Rain is all about a positive vibe,” Jeanette states. “It’s about staying in love…never falling out of love, feeling good, being faithful and always following a positive route. Great things have happened for me in the last year. I’ve learned what’s really important in life – my family and my music.”

The most special person to come along in the course of Ms. Harris’ career thus far was singer/songwriter Marie, who hired her unheard/unseen in a destiny-streaked leap of faith totally befitting Jeanette’s life and beliefs.

Opening Act

The opening act will be local performer, Vincent Crenshaw - https://www.facebook.com/vincent.crenshaw.18

About Downtown Jazz

Downtown Jazz is free to the public.  Beer, wine, food and other vendors are on-site.  No outside alcohol is allowed.  We encourage people to bring their own chair. 

In 1998, the Summer Music Series program was created by the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership in an effort to support revitalization efforts in Downtown Winston-Salem. This is the 18th season. This effort has been instrumental in the resurgence of our downtown. The popular free concerts bring live music to downtown on Friday and Saturday nights from June through August. They have become a vital part of the fabric of the city, last year bringing people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds together in a spirit of celebration. Setting the concerts in the streets and parks of downtown has provided a relaxed and safe atmosphere, and the locations also serve to showcase the architecture, shops, restaurants and galleries that are unique to Downtown Winston-Salem.

Please visit the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership website for more information on Downtown Winston-Salem."

- A Press Release

Second Sundays on 4th on June 14th

"May 14^th, 2015 – On June 14^th, 4th Street in downtown Winston-Salem will host another monthly Second Sundays on 4^th event. This FREE family-friendly outdoor event series, every second Sunday of the month from May to October from 3-6 pm, is presented by Flow Automotive and supported by a number of other local sponsors. Each event includes two free bands, as well as a kids’ zone (sponsored by Summit School) with free bounce houses, crafts and games. We also feature different local non-profits at each event. The events are on 4^th Street between Cherry and Marshall Streets, and thanks to First Presbyterian Church there will be free parking during each of the SSO4 events in any of the nearby First Presbyterian parking lots. In conjunction with Second Sundays, a/perture cinemas will be showing a special series of vintage cartoons at 2pm on those dates (movies $5).   

On stage, our June 14^th SSO4 opens at 3pm with The Percussion Ensemble, a group of handicapped adults from The Enrichment Center in Winston-Salem who challenge expectations by producing mind-blowing music with driving beats and magnetic hooks. Bio Ritmo, our June headliner, was recently featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series. A hot salsa band based out of Richmond Virginia, but with members from all over Latin America and the United States, Bio Ritmo keeps bodies on the dance floor with their nitty-gritty, vintage salsa grooves while turning heads with their experimental synth tones, innovative harmonies and thought-provoking lyrics.

Our Non-Profits of the Month are Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center, whose mission is to provide quality, professional equine assisted activities for both children and adults with special needs, and The Centers for Exceptional Children, whose mission is to educate, nurture and support children with special needs to reach their highest potential intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically. Riverwood is bringing their Mobile Education Outreach, which features a horse trailer renovated to look like the inside of a barn, with children’s activities, video presentations, and most important, their 2 live miniature ponies!

For more information, check out our website, www.sso4.com, or find us on Facebook under Second Sundays on Fourth. "

- A Press Release

Arts Council, Coffee Park Downtown and WSNC 90.5 FM Sponsoring Noon Gatherings Downtown

“B/eats” with food trucks, jazz each Wednesday

in May at Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts

"Winston-Salem NC  (April 27, 2015) -- The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, Coffee Park Downtown and WSNC 90.5 FM radio are sponsoring noon gatherings each Wednesday in May at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts.  Dubbed “B/eats,” it is a lunchtime experience for people looking for good food, good music, good company and a midday break from office routines.

B/eats is from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each Wednesday in May.  Katherine Bowman,  Arts Council marketing director, said, “B/eats and our co-sponsors, Coffee Park Downtown  and  WSNC 90.5 FM, will bring you some of the hottest food trucks and coolest jazz imaginable!”  Foothills Brewing will be on hand with free samples of some of their favorite warm weather brews.

Participating food trucks include Camel City Grill, Food Freaks, Gunny Smitty's Hot Dogs, Taquiero Luciano's and Mike and Mike's Italian Ice.  Coffee Park Downtown is now firmly established in the Milton Rhodes Center, offering a variety of beverages, snacks and prepared sandwiches and salads. Tommy Priest, owner, said, “Our patio, overlooking the Milton Rhodes Center entrance and the B/eats site, is now open each day during the summer, and we extend an especially warm welcome to lunchtime B/eats diners each Wednesday in May.”

“WSNC public radio welcomed the opportunity to partner with the Arts Council for this event,” said Elvin Jenkins, general manager of the jazz music station at Winston Salem State University. “This is a great opportunity for us to share the music we love and to promote some of the marvelous jazz musicians in our community.”

Live performances by other area musicians are being scheduled, including Winston-Salem jazz icon Matt Kendrick and Matt Kosma from the Camel City Jazz Orchestra.

Winston-Salem, known at a “City of Arts and Innovation,” has a  robust arts community that enriches the lives of area residents every day and accounts in large part for the recognition it continues to receive as a great place to live, learn, work and play.  It raises funds and advocates for the arts, sponsors events in conjunction with other arts organizations, promotes and funds arts education, creates cultural and learning opportunities, develops social capital and aids economic development.  The Arts Council has made 76 grants totaling $1,845,000 for 2015."

- A Press Release 

Arts Council Welcomes Public Library Program to Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts

Carolyn Lowery, left, Children’s Room staff member

who developed the  Music and Movement program at

the Forsyth County Public Library,  and Nan

LaRosee, Children’s Services Director at the

Library, prepare children for a period of

animated activity at the program’s new

home in the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts.

“Music and Movement“ livening up this downtown venue during library construction

"You might compare it to the difference between shopping at one large grocery store, like Harris Teeter or Fresh Market, or stocking the larder each week by visiting Ronnie’s Country Store, the city’s two farmer’s markets, a local bakery, Trader Joe’s and a shop that specializes in olive oil. What are we talking about?  Availing oneself of library services during the two-year construction period when the Forsyth County Central Library is no longer “central” but still the sum of its parts that are scattered about the city.

The treasured North Carolina Collection, for instance, has a new home in the Forsyth County administration building. Other programs have found suitable homes. The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County welcomed with open arms  “Music and Movement,” the Children’s Room signature program for kids from infants to kindergartners and their caregivers.

Chris Jones, The Arts Council’s Chief Operating Officer, tells us why.  “We are looking for ways to make the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts Center more welcoming and vibrant, from top to bottom and throughout the entire day and evening. A morning program like Music and Movement certainly fits the bill.  Caregivers, usually mothers, come in pushing strollers – some with two or three kids in tow – and head for our newly up fitted Mountcastle Forum.  Now also a performance space, as well a venue for meetings and receptions, it has a new floor that scores of boisterous kids cannot harm a bit.  There is a lot of music and movement, to be sure, but that’s just fine with us,” Jones said. “and we already had addressed noise considerations while prepping the room for music and theatrical performances.”

Nan LaRosee, Children’s Room Director at the Central Library, says Music and Movement is offered every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 11 to 11:30 a.m. The program is free and open to the public.

“It takes a lot of imagination to keep preschoolers engaged for even 30 minutes,” she said, “but our staff members have pretty well mastered that. They incorporate elements of storytelling, rhythm instruments and movement into our carefully chosen song list. Everyone is an active performer in this high-energy activity.”

“The Central Library has been offering the program for about three and a half years. The Walkertown Branch was first and started offering it a year or so earlier. It replaced the traditional story time at the Central Library that was fading in popularity, and the very first week, 25 showed up, 30 the next and it kept growing,” said LaRosee.

Average attendance now is 70-80 with the number sometimes going over 150 during the Library’s summer reading program.  Walk into the Mountcastle Forum and you will  see kids marching, dancing, singing and keeping rhythm with sticks, maracas, rhythm eggs, and jingle bells and then, on cue, falling down and feigning nap time for a few seconds as the music suggests. Library staff use a variety of children's music by such performers as Jim Gill, Greg & Steve, Bari Koral and Ralph's World, along with updated folk songs, a capella, and rock and roll classics. They look for music that requires listening skills in order to interact with the song at the correct time and in the correct order, and encourages movement and rhythmic response.

Music and Movement is high-energy, but controlled. Stories are generally light and humorous and often incorporate puppets and responses from the audience. Staff have found that participants like to be fully engaged and actively contributing to all of the activities. Caregivers are free to join in or visit among themselves, making new friends and swapping parenting tips.  It is obvious they welcome the morning divertissement and value the friendships that are being developed.

Music and Movement programs are popular in many libraries, but the Forsyth County Library staff have formatted the local program based on what they have found to be effective with library patrons.  They are constantly tweaking “Music and Movement” to make it more engaging.

Convenient, modestly priced parking is located just across the street from the Milton Rhodes Center. The Center now has a branch of Coffee Park, which has the signature Air Stream trailer on Reynolda Road near the Children’s home.  Krankie’s coffee; cookies, breads and muffins from Camino Bakery; pastries from Atelier on Trade; sandwiches from West End Café, as well as other beverages and snacks are available for caregivers and kids.

Inquiries about “Music and Movement” can be made by contacting Nan LaRosee, Children's Room Director, Forsyth County Public Library (336) 703-3041, laroseal@forsyth.cc."

- A Press Release

Twin City Stage Presents Pride and Prejudice

"Twin City Stage will present Pride and Prejudice, opening on Friday, February 6, at the Arts Council Theatre, 610 Coliseum Drive in Winston-Salem.  Additional performances will be held February 7-8 & 12-15.  Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 pm, and Sunday matinees are at 2 pm.  Tickets are $25 for adults and $22 for seniors and students.  Group discounts are available.  The box office opens to the public on Monday, January 26 at 12 noon and is open Monday through Friday from noon-5:30 pm.  Call (336) 725-4001 for tickets.

Finding a husband is hardly Elizabeth Bennet’s most urgent priority.  But with four sisters, an overzealous match-making mother, and a string of unsuitable suitors, it’s difficult to escape the subject.  When the independent-minded Elizabeth meets the handsome but enigmatic Mr. Darcy, one question prevails: can they possibly look beyond his pride and her prejudice to make the best match of all?  Jane Austen’s classic 1813 novel comes to life in this refreshingly fast-paced and engaging new adaptation by Jon Jory. 

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, LLP will sponsor the run of Pride and Prejudice. 

Pride and Prejudice will be directed by Sharon Andrews.  Mark Pirolo will design the set, with lighting by Dean Wilcox.  Justin Hall will design costumes.  Danny Alvarez will stage manage the production.  The cast is as follows:

                        Benedetta Agnoli – Mrs. Bennet

                        Johanna Beach – Elizabeth Bennet

                        Michael Burke – Mr. Bennet

                        Brit Cannino – Charlotte Lucas

                        Hayleigh Carroll – Mary Bennet

                        Eileen Dixon – Kitty Bennet

                        Annalisa Ebbink – Lydia Bennet/Georgiana

                        Jeremy Engel – Sir William Lucas/Colonel Fitzwilliam

                        Jonathan Furr – Mr. Collins

                        Sarah Jenkins – Miss Bingley

                        Paul Kaliser – Mr. Gardiner

                        Patrick Meehan – Mr. Darcy

                        Emily Nedvidek – Jane Bennet

                        Alexander Nifong – George Wickham

                        Becky Proie – Mrs. Gardiner

                        Robin Voiers – Lady Catherine De Bourgh/Housekeeper

                        Dave Wils – Mr. Bingley

An Opening Night Reception, with wine provided by Raffaldini Vineyards and hors d’oeuvres provided by Triad Community Kitchen, will begin at 7 pm on Friday, February 6, in the lobby. 

Twin City Stage will welcome volunteers of the Susan G. Komen Northwest NC Race for the Cure to the Sunday, February 8 matinee performance of Pride and Prejudice.  Everyone attending this show will be treated to an All-Things-Pink Reception during intermission to thank those who are helping in the fight against breast cancer.

Patrons attending the Saturday, February 14 performance are invited to a pre-show Valentine’s Day Champagne and Chocolates Reception, which will begin at 7:15 pm.

Audio description by Voice of Vision will be available for the visually impaired during the Sunday, February 15, matinee performance.  Patrons can request this service when they make their reservation (box office: 725-4001).

For further information, visit our website at www.twincitystage.org."

- A Press Release

Arts Council Invites Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Residents to Celebrate Its 65th Birthday Will kick off 2015 Arts Council Campaign

"The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County celebrates its 65th birthday this year and is inviting residents of the community to be a part of the festivities. “Join us as we raise a glass at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 22,” said Jim Sparrow, Arts Council President and CEO. “We are gathering at Hanesbrand Theatre at the Milton Rhodes Center for two reasons:  To celebrate this milestone and to kick off the 2015 Arts Council Campaign. It’s going to be fun and demonstrate the sort of imagination and energy that will make the campaign a success,” he said.  The reception and program are free and open to the public

. 

Two Winston-Salem businessmen and arts advocates, Anc Newman, Senior Vice President at AON Corporation, and Stuart Parks, Managing Principal at The Arden Group, are co-chairing the campaign.  The Arts Council has adopted a theme of “engagement” for the year, encouraging residents of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County and arts and cultural organizations to find new ways to team up and demonstrate that Winston-Salem is, in fact, a City of Arts and Innovation.  “We have a vision,” the co-chairs said, “and we invite you to come celebrate with us and see how you can invest in this vision in ways that will help drive progress and innovation in our city and county.”

“The arts have the unique ability to bring together disparate people or perspectives and focus them on a shared experience or common belief,” said Parks.  “Likewise, The Arts Council has the unique ability to create a forum for the exchange of ideas and unite our community in support of a common goal.” 

Throughout 2015, The Arts Council will host conversations that explore how Forsyth County’s arts community can serve as a catalyst for future prosperity and align to create efficiencies that are self-sustaining.  “Beyond giving people a voice in the process through these conversations, we are getting people directly involved through several hands-on engagement opportunities,” said Newman.  “It is more important than ever to connect people and get them personally involved in shaping the future of our community.”

The co-chairs will announce the 2015 campaign goal at the January 22 reception and some key members of their campaign cabinet. Winston-Salem’s robust arts community enriches the lives of area residents every day and accounts in large part for the recognition it continues to receive as a great place to live, learn, work and play.  It raises funds and advocates for the arts, sponsors events in conjunction with other arts organizations, promotes and funds arts education, creates cultural and learning opportunities, develops social capital and aids economic development.  The Arts Council has made a total of 76 grants totaling $1,845,000 for 2015.  Organizational Support Grants, $1,615,000; Wells Fargo Arts-In-Education Grants, $100,000; Duke Energy Regional Artist Grants, $30,000; Innovative Project Grants, $100,000."

- A Press Release

Twin City Stage Presents Play to Win: The Jackie Robinson Story

"In celebration of Black History Month, Twin City Stage will present Play to Win: The Jackie Robinson Story on Saturday, February 28 at the Arts Council Theatre, 610 Coliseum Drive in Winston-Salem.  The show begins at 11 am and runs approximately one hour.  All tickets are $12 for general admission and may be purchased at the box office window one hour prior to curtain, or online at www.childrenstheatrews.org.

Recommended for 2^nd-8^th grade audiences, Play to Win will be performed by Birmingham Children’s Theatre (www.bct123.org).

In this inspiring musical, Branch Rickey, the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, makes it very clear to a hopeful Jackie Robinson that in order to succeed in the major leagues, Robinson will have to endure racial hatred, insults, and abuse in silence, while still playing to win.  Through his determination, dignity and resolve, Robinson paved the way for ballplayers, athletes and countless other Americans to look past the color of their skin and to reach for the stars. Although this musical is aimed at young audiences, all ages will enjoy this portrayal of Jackie Robinson’s determination to be the best despite seemingly insurmountable odds.

In partnership with Bookmarks, Twin City Stage is pleased and very honored to welcome Sharon Robinson to this performance.  The daughter of Jackie Robinson, Sharon Robinson is the educational consultant for Major League Baseball. She manages Breaking Barriers: In Sports, In Life, a baseball-themed national character education curriculum that helps empower students to face obstacles in their lives. Robinson is also the author of many works of fiction and nonfiction. She has written several widely praised books about her father, including Jackie’s Nine: Jackie Robinson's Values to Live By, Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America and Jackie Robinson: American Hero (children's biography).  Bookmarks will have these books available for purchase in the lobby and Ms. Robinson will be signing books before and after the performance.

Twin City Stage is celebrating its 80^th Season in 2014-15.  Founded in 1935 as The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem, the company merged with The Children’s Theatre of Winston-Salem in 2011.  It provides exciting and innovative live theatre for people of all ages and offers acting classes and summer camps for children and teens.  www.twincitystage.org"

- A Press Release

SECCA Bids Farewell to Innovative Executive Director

MARK LEACH "Mark Leach, executive director of the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) since 2008, will be stepping down from his position at the end of the year. Over his 7-year tenure, Leach led SECCA through an important transitional period that secured its spot as an international contributor in the contemporary art world, and has become an important strategic partner to the Winston-Salem community and North Carolina's colleges and universities. "Mark has been a valued colleague in shepherding SECCA through a multifaceted transition to a sustainable future," says Lawrence J. Wheeler, director of the North Carolina Museum of Art. "Improvements in the physical campus and innovations in exhibitions, programs, and education are admired throughout the community and across North Carolina." As executive director, Leach provided creative leadership and artistic vision, insuring that the museum's exhibits and programs advance SECCA's mission to bridge art, technology and engagement to enhance perspectives, inspire community and ignite new ideas. In order to replenish the art center's ailing infrastructure, Leach led a $1.8m State appropriated renovation of the art center, including critical systems, interior exhibit spaces and exterior campus, secured the funding for and led the art center's highly successful Pentagram-designed identity transformation and led a campaign to raise $250,000 to transform the McChesney Scott Dunn Auditorium into a state-of-the-art interactive environment. Because public engagement is a strategic cornerstone, he oversaw a $100,000 effort to develop SECCA's new high-tech Education and Exploration Overlook Gallery.  Strategic partnerships envisioned by Leach positioned SECCA as a North Carolina cultural resource.  Last year, he forged strategic alliances with North Carolina colleges and universities, businesses and North Carolina AIGA chapters to leverage the art center's exhibit Graphic Design: Now In Production's themes and learning resources for education and audience development objectives. Closer to home, Leach coordinated with the art center's staff, UNCSA faculty, administration and public radio station WFDD's personnel to launch Artist's Studio, a serialized partnership designed to showcase and explore the creative process. Artist's Studio premiered September 21, 2014 in the McChesney Scott Dunn Auditorium. "I want to commend Mark for all the great things he accomplished as head of SECCA for the last seven years," said F. Borden Hanes Jr., former trustee and president of the SECCA Board. "He leaves this important community cultural asset a better place. SECCA is certainly positioned to move forward positively in the future." Since Leach became the executive director, SECCA has undergone a visible transformation during a period of renovations and rebuilding, much of it during a challenging economic recession. In addition to the physical challenges that Leach encountered, he inspired his staff to reinvigorate the education and exhibitions programs at SECCA with great success. "We will miss Mark's expertise leading SECCA," said Susan Kluttz, secretary of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. "He has been such an asset to DCR and I applaud his accomplishments." During his time at SECCA, Leach also volunteered in the Winston-Salem community. He gave of his time as a mentor to the Winston-Salem Chamber's Graduate it Pays program at North Forsyth High School; he has contributed art works he created to such causes as Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center's Winterlark annual cancer fundraiser and to Forsyth County's Senior Services Meals-on-Wheels annual campaign. He has also been a member of Stratford Rotary and participated in its annual volunteer Christmas program at Kimberly Park Elementary School. "During my seven-year tenure as Executive Director, I've had the privilege of recruiting and working alongside many talented professionals as well as a host of supportive SECCA Foundation board members," said Leach. "Together and with the support of our community and citizens across North Carolina, we've realized many successes, not the least of which is a revitalized and steadily improving campus infrastructure.  It is there that our journey begins. Our talented staff have assembled some of the art center's most vital, innovative and memorable exhibits ever organized here.  SECCA is now well-positioned to begin its next exciting chapter." During his previous 17-year tenure at the Mint Museums, Leach was the Founding Director of the Mint Museum of Craft & Design. There he also held the post of Chief Curator. He is a graduate of the Getty Leadership Institute for Museum Management. Leach received a B.A. in studio ceramics from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and graduated from Harvard University Graduate School of Education with an Ed.M. degree, specializing in 20th century art and nonprofit administration. To his credit are numerous published texts, including Inside Out: Contemporary Japanese Photography, published by the Light Factory Photographic Arts Center and distributed by RAM USA; Leach also contributed to Moulthrop: A Legacy in Wood, published by Crescent Hill Books.  Also to his credit are Michael Lucero: Sculpture 1976-1995, co-published by Hudson Hills Press, New York and the Mint Museum of Art. In May 2000; Harry N. Abrams Inc. and the Mint Museum of Craft + Design co-published and released Turning Wood into Art: The Jane and Arthur Mason Collection, for which Leach served as curator and editor. Leach has authored texts for such publications as the American Alliance of Museums' Excellence and Equity Newsletter, the Journal of Arts Management, Law and Society as well as numerous magazine articles for Metalsmith Magazine, American Ceramics and FIBERARTS Magazine. "Mark's strength in getting the public to understand the arts and the importance of SECCA was highlighted during the year that SECCA was closed for renovations," said Milton Rhodes, former president and CEO of the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. "He reached out to the educational and arts communities to partner on collaborative projects that highlighted SECCA and raised its awareness throughout Winston-Salem. Mark cleverly brought people on site by hosting concerts, distinct shows, unique gallery exhibits, book signings and events that made SECCA a gathering place. An added challenge was that much of this happened during the recession, but Mark always had a positive attitude and we relied on his wisdom.  And it worked.  I think he is a terrific guy and a real pro." About SECCA The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art in Winston-Salem, N.C. seeks to enhance perspectives, inspire community and ignite new ideas at the intersection of art and its visitors. Located at 750 Marguerite Drive, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday. For hours, please visit www.secca.org. SECCA is an affiliate of the North Carolina Museum of Art, a division of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. SECCA receives operational funding from The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. Additional funding is provided by the James G. Hanes Memorial Fund. About the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources (NCDCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state's cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. Led by Secretary Susan Kluttz, NCDCR's mission is improve our state's quality of life by creating opportunities that promote economic development, stimulate learning, preserve the state's history and spark creativity to experience excellence in the arts, history and libraries in North Carolina. NCDCR was the first state organization in the nation to include all agencies for arts and culture under one umbrella. Through arts efforts led by the N.C. Arts Council, the N.C. Symphony and the N.C. Museum of Art, NCDCR offers the opportunity for enriching arts education for young and old alike and spurring the economic stimulus engine for our state's communities. NCDCR's Divisions of State Archives, Historical Resources, State Historic Sites and State History Museums preserve, document and interpret North Carolina's rich cultural heritage to offer experiences of learning and reflection. NCDCR's State Library of North Carolina is the principal library of state government and builds the capacity of all libraries in our state to develop and to offer access to educational resources through traditional and online collections including genealogy and resources for people who are blind and have physical disabilities.      NCDCR annually serves more than 19 million people through its 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, the nation's first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the N.C. Arts Council and the State Archives. NCDCR champions our state's creative industry that accounts for more than 300,000 jobs and generates nearly $18.5 billion in revenues. For more information, please call (919) 807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov." - A Press Release