We hear a song on the radio, watch a great movie or talk to our friends about a book we are reading, but we usually don’t take the time (or have the time) to pause and appreciate the effort it takes to bring those works of art to the masses. This edition features stories about East Cobbers that are working hard to improve our quality of life through the arts–locally, statewide and nationally! The PTA’s article focuses on the Reflections Program that encourages arts in our schools (page 12) and to its students. On page 6 you’ll read about East Cobb’s very own Jeffrey Stepakoff, who was appointed to head the brand-new Georgia Film Academy. In 2015, films and television shows produced in Georgia generated an economic impact of $6 billion. He’ll be developing curriculum to improve the talent pool for “Hollywood of the South.” Then, on page 14, be sure to read about Walton Grad Morgan Greenwald who went to Hollywood to pursue a career in the entertainment field.
This February issue also spotlights how the performing arts touch our lives right here in East Cobb! Find out which Walton student was selected to perform at Carnegie Hall (page 10), read about the Smokey Robinson fan who got to sing with the Motown legend on stage (page 15), the teen that acted in a TV movie (page 18), and the local barbershop chorus that offers Singing Valentines (page 17)!
Dance, music, theatre, and visual arts activities enhance us personally, and in our communities through museums, theatres, concert halls, and galleries. Private lessons and instruction, school plays, and marching bands celebrate the artistic interests, strengths, talents, and skills of eager learners. Art teachers, teaching artists, arts enthusiasts, and volunteers, provide instructional and learning opportunities for all ages, all day, every day.
I hope these “ART”icles not only encourage you to appreciate our fellow East Cobbers but also, like art, inspire you to create, innovate, transform, and evolve. Each day is a new painting, a new song, a new play, and a new dance. I believe a primary purpose of our life here is to leave something of our “art” behind, that hopefully, benefits others. What work of art have you created? Feel free to share your “artistic” endeavors by emailing cynthia@eastcobber.com. and tell me about your good works (of art)!
Cynthia M. Rozzo
Founder | Publisher
Reprinted from EAST COBBER’s February 2016 Issue