Mandy Miller is “excited to get started.” Creative Court House is her idea. It is really very simple and yet very creative, and could be a stepping stone to helping revitalize the downtown.
Creative Court House will bring people with skills in the arts together with people who want to learn those skills. Want to learn about photography? Want to know how to crochet? How do you make a pop-up card? How do you get involved in community theatre?
If Miller can pull everything together, we all may have access to what we would like to know more about right in our own downtown.
Miller is currently working with the City of Washington Court House to complete incorporation papers and in searching for a building that will meet the needs and the budget.
The list of courses that could be offered is mind boggling and Miller, in her excitement, recites them like a child would the alphabet. All ages will be considered when planning courses and some of the courses could rival first year college classes.
While all the necessary background work is going on, Miller has organized two courses for the summer. There is a photography class taught by Katie Kasberg that started on July 14 and is running for four weeks. The cost for the course is $35 and you must bring your own camera. This class is primarily for digital cameras, however, according to Kasberg, 35 mm camera owners will still gain valuable information. The class meets from 6 to 7 p.m. in a classroom in the Center for Economic Opportunity, 101 East East St.
Ever wanted to learn to crochet? A course started Thursday and is running for three weeks. The cost for this course is $30 and includes all supplies. The instructor is Kathy Mayer and the end product will be an infinity scarf. This class will meet from 3 to 4 p.m. in a classroom in the Center for Economic Opportunity, 101 East East St.
There will be a variety show in August to raise funds for a community theatre. August 29 will be for individuals 18 and older. August 30 will be for those who are 17 and younger. There are applications for the show at the Carnegie Library and at Street Side 62. Completed applications may be dropped off at the city offices, 105 North Main St. The deadline for consideration in both shows is Aug. 1. If you are chosen for the Variety show you will be notified by phone.
Miller is planning a self defense course, a calligraphy course and a cookie decorating course (“the holidays are right around the corner”) before summer ends.
According to Miller, “There is an extensive group of individuals behind this project. We are all interested in doing something to bring the town together. The arts speak to everyone. We need some life back in the downtown and we hope this endeavor will spark others to invest in downtown Washington Court House.”
If you have questions about Creative Court House, any of the courses or the variety show, you may contact Mandy Miller by e-mailing her at [email protected] or by calling 740-601-3901.
