ECCOTA to host Author Talk with PJ Piccirillo
On Thursday, November 21 at 6:00pm, the Elk County Council on the Arts is thrilled to host Elk County’s own PJ Piccirillo as he brings his extensive research and storytelling prowess to discuss The Indigo Scarf, a historical novel that shines a light on an overlooked part of Pennsylvania's past.
Author PJ Piccirillo
Piccirillo spent four years meticulously researching the early 19th-century African American pioneer experience in northcentral Pennsylvania to bring authenticity and depth to The Indigo Scarf. This award-winning book is set amid Pennsylvania’s scenic but rugged Cameron, Clinton, and Lycoming counties. It has sparked thoughtful discussion about the slave experience in rural Appalachia and the resilience of African American pioneers following emancipation, alongside the unique struggles of Pennsylvania’s early settlers.
Based on the true story of two escaped slaves who fled into Pennsylvania’s wilderness with white women, The Indigo Scarf captures the complexities of a northern state grappling with the lingering shadow of slavery. Piccirillo’s research weaves together the perspectives of Quakers, a ruthless slave catcher, and a Revolutionary War veteran forced to confront his daughter’s love for an enslaved man. Piccirillo will share the journey he took to uncover this hidden history: working closely with Pennsylvania historians, early American slave law scholars, descendants of the fugitive settlement, and experts in folk traditions. Woven within this story is the narrator’s discovery of how her pioneering ancestor destined her to break the generational chains of oppression.
PJ Piccirillo is an acclaimed author, editor, and adjunct professor at Butler County Community College. His other works include Heartwood and Nunc Stans-A Ferry Tale, and he has twice won the Appalachian Writers Association Award for Short Fiction. As the founder of the WCoNA Writers Conference of Northern Appalachia® and editor-in-chief of the Northern Appalachia Review, he is a passionate advocate for the region’s literary voices. Piccirillo is also a seasoned humanities presenter, having worked for 19 years as a Literary Resident Artist for the PA Council on the Arts and as a literary scholar for the PA Humanities Council. He holds an MFA from the University of Southern Maine.
Don’t miss this chance to explore history and literature through the eyes of one of our region’s most dedicated storytellers.
Celebrating Arts in Education Week!
This week, we are celebrating Arts in Education Week, a time to recognize and highlight the transformative power of arts education in schools and communities. Arts in Education isn’t just about encouraging creativity; it’s about fostering a generation of critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and collaborative learners. It’s about celebrating the excitement of life-long learning. As we observe this important week, let's take a closer look at why arts education is essential and the benefits it brings to individuals and communities alike, with help from Americans for the Arts!
As we celebrate Arts in Education Week, we invite you to explore how the arts enrich our lives and strengthen our communities. Through programs like the Arts in Education Residency Program, we partner with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts to bring professional teaching artists into schools and community spaces, offering students hands-on opportunities to engage with various art forms. These resideencies last anywhere between 5 to 20 days and are a collaborative process between the artist, the students, and the host organization. These residencies foster a deeper understanding of both academic subjects and personal growth. Everyone leaves a residency learning something!
This week, let's take a moment to appreciate the lasting impact of arts education and continue advocating for its importance in every student’s life.
ECCOTA Summer Programs & Classes 2024
As school ends summer art programs begin at the Elk County Council on the Arts! ECCOTA’s summer interns Caroline Fitch and Katie DeCarli have planned a full schedule to appeal to all ages and artistic interests.
All activities are free with supplies included unless marked otherwise. Registration is appreciated for free activities so we know how many to prepare for. Registration is required in advance for paid activities. Space is limited!
Children under 10 years of age should be accompanied by an adult. Activities marked “all ages” are open to everyone from toddlers to adults.
Art After Hours
In addition to the activities above we are offering Art after Hours every Wednesday in front of the gallery from 5-8PM. Art After Hours programming is for all ages, does not require registration, and you can drop in anytime!
July 3 -Shrinky Dinks July 10 - Doodle Table
July 17 - Watercolor Table
July 24 - Stamp & Draw Bookmarks
July 31 - Rock Painting
August 7 - Tie Day *Bring your own cotton garment or buy something from us!
August 14 - Tissue Paper Flowers
August 21 - Chalk Walk
Questions about Elk County Council on the Arts activities?
Give us a call, 814-772-7051 or info@eccota.com.
Be Our Guest with Beauty and the Beast JR. at ECCOTA's Summer Theater Camp
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. will be performed by the Elk County Council on the Arts Summer Theater Camp students on Friday, June 28 at 7 PM. The approximately 60-minute musical, designed for youth performers, is based on the 1994 Broadway production and Disney’s 1991 animated feature film. The production will be directed by Mr. Adam Brooks and performed at the St. Marys Area High School Carpin Auditorium.
Beauty and the Beast JR. tells the story of Belle, an adventurous young girl, and the Beast, her hideous captor who is actually a young prince trapped under a spell. In order to break the spell, the Beast must learn to love another and earn her love in return – before time runs out. With the help of the castle’s enchanted staff, including a loving teapot, a charming candelabra, and a nervous mantel clock, Belle and the Beast find a beautiful friendship and love that neither knew was possible. Beauty and the Beast JR. features classic songs from the Academy Award®-winning film score such as “Be Our Guest” and “Belle,” as well as original songs from the 1994 Tony®-nominated Broadway musical.
There is no admission fee to attend the performance, and everyone is welcome. Donations are appreciated at the door but are not necessary. Due to construction at the St. Marys Area High School, please be aware that parking will be limited to the Middle School parking lot. Please see the diagram below for full parking and entrance information.
Summer Theater Camp is a weeklong experience for youth entering grade 3 in the fall of 2024, through this spring’s graduating seniors. Camp will be held Monday, June 24 through Friday, June 28 at the St. Marys Area High School.
🥀 Summer Theater Camp is FULL. Registration is now closed.🌹
FAQ
-When will auditions be held?
We will announce auditions very soon! Please register now so we know you’re fully committed and have your contact information so you don’t miss anything!
-What about the construction project?
We are so thankful that we have been permitted to use the SMAHS auditorium in the middle of their construction project. The only significant change will be to the drop-off and pick-up procedure, and parking area the day of the performance. Campers will be required to avoid the front of the building, and we will be checking doors and doing headcounts more frequently. Student safety is of the utmost importance. Please stress the importance of safety and following directions to your camp participant. We will not tolerate any disregard for safety.
-Can we participate in the Ridgway Firemen’s Carnival Parade this year?
YES! Because of the date of camp, we are going to participate in the parade again this year. We will send more information after registration is complete.
-How can we stay in touch?
We will send announcements through email, and through the Remind app. To join the Remind message thread text "@eccota24" to 81010.
