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August 5: First Friday at Millersville University Lancaster

On August 5, as part of First Friday, Millersville University Lancaster is hosting several events that are free and open to the public.

On August 5, First Friday will include a unique array of talent and art forms at Millersville University Lancaster. Events include a performance by singer/songwriter and acoustic guitarist Amanda Wells, two art exhibits showcasing new and established talent, as well as a dance preview and a theater presentation.

Amanda Wells

Amanda Wells Concert – Wells is a long-time musician, retrieving her first guitar from a dumpster at a construction site where her dad was working, learning diligently anything she could from that point on. In 2004, her dad and true inspiration passed away, and she fell out of the music scene for a bit. She came back with a vengeance though, releasing a self-produced CD in 2005 and her first, full official album, Ebb and Flow, in October 2010.

“The album was a long time coming, and it took almost two years to complete,” said Wells. “It only seemed appropriate to title the collection Ebb and Flow because the songs are markers in my life, one song leading to the next. Hopefully they will linger somewhere as markings for the movement of moments in someone’s life.”

"Exploring Traditions" piece

“Exploring Traditions” Art ExhibitMillersville’s Four Corners Summer Festival presents a unique art show, entitled “Exploring Traditions,” which focuses on the beauty in traditions, showcasing more then 250 years of heritage.

Roughly 30 pieces have been on display since last month on Millersville’s campus in Dutcher Hall. This show has already been well-attended, and the winning pieces are unique three-dimensional artworks. Most of the artists will be present when the winners will be revealed at Millersville University Lancaster during First Friday on August 5.

Artist Honors Local Veteran Visual Artists – Bill Hoin, internationally honored artist, craftsman and author, will present several artists’ work including Lancaster favorite the late Charles X. Carlson, Congressmen Joseph Pitts, wood turner Ted Rasmussen and others. The multimedia artwork will include watercolors, pencil drawings, photography, sculpture, oil and acrylic paintings and hand weavings. Hoin’s own art will also be showcased.

The Veterans Art Project of Lancaster’s purpose is to recognize, support and promote the talents and skills of local veteran visual artists by offering opportunities to display their work including the work of two WWII and three female veterans.

“Exhilarating” and “Eye-Opening” Dance – Preview art, acrobatics, dance and theater all together behind the front windows of the Lyet Lobby in Millersville University Lancaster from 6-8 p.m. The Rev9 Dance Repertory gives a unique performance as a preview for their upcoming production, ’77, directed by Kristin Pontz and Heather Bare.

The show focuses on the music and events of New York City in 1977. The preview highlights a few selections from the show. The dancers will perform during the breaks of Wells’ concert.

Creative Works Dramatist Platform – All good plays have to start somewhere – why not here? According to director Chet Williamson, “If we want theater to continue to speak for all generations, be relevant to modern audiences and attract new patrons, there must be writers today writing about problems, issues and characters of the 21st century.

It is for this reason that the Platform exists: To provide opportunities for playwrights in Lancaster and the surrounding communities, to give them feedback for improving their art and to help find venues for getting their work before audiences.”

All First Friday events on August 5 are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Harvey Owen, director of Millersville University Lancaster, at 717-940-1181 Harvey.Owen@millersville.edu.

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