Arts Center Benefit for Sarah Hanson March 31

On Saturday March 31, 7-9 p.m. there will be a benefit for Vermillion resident Sarah Hanson at the Vermillion Area Arts Council.  All proceeds will go towards paying Sarah's medical bills, which have accumulated over the past year due to several chronic illnesses.  Sarah Hanson’s illness started one week before major kidney surgery in November of 2010. Since that time she has been seen by 16 medical doctors in the pursuit of a diagnosis. After visiting three general practice physicians, one physician’s assistant, two gastroenterologists, one endocrinologist, one rheumatologist, one internal medicine doctor, two emergency room doctors, one surgeon, one neurologist, and one chiropractor, it was her urologist and a certified nurse practitioner who discovered that she was exhibiting the signs of mold exposure and battling a systemic fungal infection. It took fourteen months, sixteen doctors, and an indoor quality air sampling by GeoTek to secure the diagnosis.

Sarah began the treatment for fungal overgrowth seven weeks ago and will continue to work towards recovery which may take up to two years. The family is moving in June and will need to wash, destroy and/or replace all of their items due to mold spore contamination.

Sarah hopes that this benefit will also raise awareness about fungal overgrowth and mold exposure. 

The benefit will have original works of art and special music performances up for silent auction or raffle. Some of the artists and musicians who are donating include Mike Hill, John Banasiak, Michael Hook, Arian Sheets, Elaine Peacock, as well as several USD students.  Other items that will be in the auction include packages from local businesses.  The benefit is free to enter and will feature live music from Eli Show.  There will be a cash bar.    

If you are interested in making direct financial donations to Sarah, contributions may be sent to or deposited at Bank of the West, 15 East Main Street, Vermillion, SD, in care of Sarah Hanson.

For more information about the benefit, please email Alison Erazmus atalisonerazmus3@gmail.com." 

The Greening of the Arts

Norma C. Wilson, President, Vermillion Area Arts Council

            Put on your green and join us on Saturday, March 17 for our Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.  From 6-9 p.m. the Washington Street Arts Center, at the corner of Cedar and Washington, will Rock with Music by “The Good People” (Bruce Gray, Cindy Gehm ,Rebecca Gehm) and Irish balladeer, Chris Hoover. Grace Freeman and her Irish Dancers will inspire you. So bring your dancing shoes.  The evening will also feature “Ole Ni’s Taku he?” (What Do You See?), a multi-media exhibit by Mary Black Bonnet Artichoker.

            We’re preparing an Irish feast of Potato Soup, Beef Stew, soda bread, desserts, and a variety of beverages, including Irish brews, wine, and soda. Our culinary artists include Judy Zwolak, Pam Kadous, Kevin Kelley, Sandy and Clarence Pederson, Jerry and Carrie Prentice, Lora and Brian Hensel, John Jordre Martha Mullenberg and Virginia Johnson. You won’t find so much good food and entertainment anywhere for this great price:  Tickets at the door--Adult VAAC members $8, non-members $12; $5 for children ages 11-18, free for children 10 & under. There will also be door prize drawings for new and current members. We thank our members as well as Carey’s Bar, Jones Foods, Hy Vee and Wal-Mart for sponsoring this event!

            Calling all visual artists, classes will soon resume at the Arts Center. Michele Mechling and Hana Russell will teach painting classes for children and adults on Tuesdays, March 13, 20 and 27 and April 30 at Washington Street Arts Center.  “Let’s Paint,” the after-school (3:45-5 p.m.) class for kids (grades 2-5) explores basic painting techniques in watercolor and tempera.  Individual expression will be encouraged.  Art supplies and snacks will be provided. The fee is is $28 VAAC members / $32.00 non-members.  “Just Paint,” the evening (5:30-7 p.m.) class for youth 12 and older and adults, is for painting enthusiasts who just need some basic instruction on how to get started on a painting.  Participants are encouraged to bring sketchbooks and ideas. The instructors will demonstrate watercolor and acrylic techniques and how to prepare a variety of painting surfaces to create a work of art.  The fee is $32 VAAC members / $40.00 non-members.  Call 670-2945 for further information. You can become a VAAC member and apply for scholarships when registering for the class.                                                                                           

            Dance lessons at the Arts Center will begin on Sunday, March 18. Elaine and Paul Peacock, an experienced dance couple from Elk Point, will teach the basics of square dancing, the Virginia Reel, circle dancing, etc.  The six-week course is scheduled for Sunday evenings (except for Easter) through April 29, from 6:30-8 p.m.  The fee for the entire course is$12/dancer or $20/couple for VAAC members; $15/dancer or $25/couple for non-members. Children can join in and learn with their parents free.Call Elaine with any questions at 605-356-2069.

             USD Student Art Exhibits are scheduled for March 23 and March 30 at the Arts Center, from 7-9 p.m.  The first features the work of Zechariah Blasy.  The second is entitled “Amalgam.”

            Don’t miss out on these great opportunities. Take part in the arts!