College and community come together for Jam Session
by Jackie Buckwalter
April 25, 2011
305
When James Levin walked through the empty Wayne County Fairgrounds some months ago his mind's eye did not see tractors, livestock, cotton candy and all the other things associated with the annual agrarian event.
He saw a grange that was acoustically and visually "crying out" for dance and music. He saw a grandstand full of booths that would be an ideal way to showcase various artistic talent and mediums. He noted buildings that were perfect for video and mural art. He had found the perfect location for his first "Jam Session."
He also found a way to bring the community to the College of Wooster and the college students to the community.
"This is what I love to do," said Levin, director for the college's Center for Entrepreneurship and associate professor of theatre and dance. "I love to bring events to non-traditional venues. What is more iconic than bringing art and culture to the fairgrounds?"
It's also a way of bringing people together. "There are college students who don't even know what's downtown and people who have lived in this community most of their lives who can't tell you where the music center is at the college. Events like this help to bridge the two," he said.
The two-day event showcased and fostered artistic expression for college students, alumni, staff and faculty and community members. From 4p.m. to midnight April 22 and 23, the event sought to "bring out the artist in each of us. I think we all have creative energy within us," said Levin.
And what exactly is art? To college student, Adriana Maxton, who manned the video barn Friday night, art was defined as student produced videos and larger than life murals where people from all walks of life were encouraged to pick up a paint brush and "express themselves."
The Wayne Artists Group Efforts manned a booth where anybody could participate by painting chairs and door panels. It's good to be part of the event, said Karen McCoy, "to let people know who we are. An artist is anybody who has a desire to create and it goes from there."
Local potter, Jim Spires, spent the night throwing pots and encouraging aspiring artists. "When people start asking me questions, the teacher in me comes out," he said. "I enjoy having the opportunity to help others benefit from my experience.
For local reporter, Bobby Warrren, art took the form of card tricks and other sleights of hand as he worked his "magic" on the crowd. "It's an opportunity to be connected to the College of Wooster," said Warren. "Who could turn this down?"
College employee, Dottie Sines, showcased her art of embellishing scarves. "It's great being a part of this," she said. "How great for all these people to have a chance to perform and get exposure."
The grange was turned into a dance/performing center where students and community members had the chance to experience everything from opera to clogging.
Throughout the event, participants were encouraged to paint, sing, dance, act, do chalk art, purchase art, or just appreciate the variety and abilities of the artists all around them.
While a cold rain damped the crowds Friday evening, Saturday's attendance was better but not quite the 1000 plus Levin was hoping for. "It's something I would like to build on," Levin said. "It's a great venue for the college to experience the town in a different way and for the town people to experience this place (fairgrounds) in a new way. Too often our creative energy is stomped on; this is an opportunity to explore that creative energy within."
The Thirsty Dog Brewery sponsored the event and beer sales benefited Viola Startzman Free Clinic and the Wayne County Fair. Donations were also accepted for the American Red Cross and to offset expenses.
