BWR event aims to prove home is where the art is

special to the vindicator

For some arts organizations, their building is more than just a shell in which to operate. Instead, it is the structure that sets the tone for what they do.

That is the relationship between Ballet Western Reserve and Oakland Center for the Arts, and their downtown Youngstown home, the Morley Arts Building.

For this reason, BWR will host an evening to showcase the building.

Called Building Art, the event will be March 6 at the Morley building, 220 W. Boardman St.

“This is a true celebration of what has become one of the Mahoning Valley’s most nurturing and most productive creative locations,” said Richard Dickinson, BWR’s artistic director. “This building’s original renovation was a gift and it’s time for us to show what a worthwhile investment this was for the community.”

The Morley building, the former Elks Building, was renovated and dedicated in 1997 primarily with funds donated by Boardman real- estate developer Michael Morley. It was named to honor his parents, Judge Charles and M. Kathleen Morley, lifelong Mahoning Valley residents and patrons of the arts. The three- story building has five studios, a board room and a theater.

All proceeds from the Building Art event will go toward renovation of the building, especially the restoration of the east wall, which was exposed after the State Theater was demolished two years ago.

The event will include samplings of the traditional arts: dance, theater, music, song and painting. Attendees can choose from a variety of participatory and lecture-style workshops, including:

U“A Historical Look at the Role of the Morley Arts Building,” by Bill Lawson of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society.

UBallroom dance lessons, taught by Travis Manero, Fred Astaire Studios.

UA discussion on the artistic process of choreography, by Richard Dickinson

UPainted portraits by local artist Gary Taneri ($100; reservations requested)

UA performance of classical cello and violin sonatas by Michael Gelfand, Youngstown Symphony principal cellist, and his son, Nate.

U A voice recital by classical/opera singer Amanda Beagle and several of her vocal students, accompanied by pianist Anthony Ruggiero.

U A sneak preview of “Dinner with Friends” by the Oakland Center for the Arts.

U Original choreography by BWR students in different genres, including ballet, modern dance, tap and swing.

“I was given the opportunity to choreograph at age 15 years for the Pasadena Dance Theater in California,” said Dickinson. “I want to give a similar opportunity to my dancers.”

One of the student choreographers — Rich Livesay, 26, of Boardman — is not your average BWR student. He was paralyzed on the left side of the body as a result of a brain injury in 1984. He began daily dance classes in 2006 as part of his recuperative therapy, and has been working with BWR’s faculty as a way of improving his condition. This will be his first attempt at choreography.

The other students who will choreograph dance pieces are: Emma Rumberg, Charis Kasler, Helen Hines, Patsy Montana Maxim, Gaia Dusz, Jena Styka, Mira Mikan, Dorie Chevlen and Tamara Chevlen.

if you go

What: Building Art, a showcase event of Ballet Western Reserve and the Morley Arts Building

When: 7 p.m. March 6

Where: The Morley Arts Building, 220 W. Boardman St., downtown Youngstown

Tickets: $25 ($15 for seniors and students); call (330) 744-1934. A reception will include hors d’oeuvres catered by Michael Alberini’s Restaurant and Wine Shop, with beverages donated by Rulli Brothers. A “Dinner for a Year” basket with gift certificates from numerous dining establishments will be raffled.