TBT - Symphonic Jubilation

Academy student Walker Konkle introduces his quartet while standing in front of the backdrop.  Photo credit: John Taylor

Close your eyes, and think back to your favorite concert of the summer.  Perhaps it was Lynette Wardle and her ethereal harp.  Maybe it was Zuill Bailey with his fiery cello.  Or, maybe it was a student group - inspiring to hear and watch.  

What they all had in common was the backdrop - a reproduction of an original work by Kendra Dawn Wadsworth, Fellow at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.  With vibrant colors, visual motion, and a landscape inspired by the view from atop Wintergreen mountain, this piece of art embodies everything we love about Wintergreen Performing Arts: it is colorful and vibrant; it celebrates a living artist; AND it represents a partnership with one of our favorite organizations: the VMFA.  According to Kendra, she even listened to some of the music we programmed while she was painting it!

The back drop was a whopping 8 feet by 20 feet.  The original is a "mere" 4 feet by 12 feet.  

Me, introducing the 2015 backdrop at the first orchestra concert. [ah...the joys of a tent in an outdoor location - wrinkles are unavoidable. They aren't in the poster or the original, however!] Photo credit: John Taylor.

If you're missing the summer, don't worry!  You have two opportunities to have "Symphonic Jubilation" as a reminder of WPA's exciting 20th anniversary season.

You could, of course, buy one of our posters.  [I did! It is framed in my dining room.  I have to admit, I repainted the entire dining room so it would highlight Kendra's work!] 

Click here to visit the online WPA gift shop

If you have a big enough wall, you can still purchase the original painting!  As of today, it is hanging in the brand new Quirk Hotel in Richmond. Head downtown on Broad Street, grab a bite to eat at the new Maple and Pine (or right nearby at GraffiatoRVA), and then go see the artwork in person.  

And, if you want to support Kendra in another campaign, consider voting for her 'door.'  Art Doors is a project that benefits Virginia Supportive Housing.  A simple click on the link below will allow you to show your love for Kendra's work.  Let's bring on the WPA encouragement to this marvelous artist who created a work just for OUR 2015 Wintergreen Summer Music Festival & Academy!

Vote now at http://findartdoorsrva.org/vote/

And, of course, visit the VMFA and tell them that WPA sent you.

Artist and VMFA Fellow Kendra Dawn Wadsworth in front of her original artwork: "Symphonic Jubilation."  Photo Credit: Paul Purpura.