photo - Julia Barstow

May 31, 2022
The Quarry Project Update

Here in the countryside of Vermont, we are surrounded by green, from the dark brown-green of Spruce to light green of Ash just leafing out and the new feathery Tamarack needles. Bird songs, flowers, gardens starting to produce. Such a season of bursting. 
 
With the run of The Quarry Project performances starting in 8 weeks (yikes!!) all of us are leaning into the details that will bring this piece to its finish. We just had our last indoor rehearsals of the two dances that involve everyone. These rehearsals were the first time the music and movement were overlaid. It was a bit rough but we knew we were in the right territory. Music and dance have such a long history and here was the living example of how each art form enhances the other. 
 
We will be together again in the quarry in July.
 
Your involvement is the other half of production - from purchasing tickets to volunteering to donating - ensures a successful performance. Please join us. 
 

TICKETS


You will also find all information about the performances here. Please don't dally. There are only 90 seats available each performance.

 
VOLUNTEERS
We are actively seeking a strong team of people in the “back and front of house.” There are various positions still to be filled:

  • June creating the “theatre”on the weekends - Construction crew

  • July dress rehearsals - 1st chance at your task; opportunity to see the work

  • August to assist ensemble - Prepare tents & backstage areas; Costume & clothing transport; Close down

  • August to assist audience - Prepare the site & seating; Parking & road crossing; Meet/greet & ticket processing; Ushering; Setting up for after-performance; Close down

  • Late August/Early September to disassemble and repurpose the “theatre” - Construction crew.

The commitment is for a minimum of two shifts in two performances and a maximum of as many as you want. Here is the link to the form to fill out to receive more details from Jan Tobias, the Volunteer coordinator.
 
DONATIONS
Please consider joining the many supporters of this project by donating either online or via check to Cradle to Grave Arts, Inc., PO Box 8, Chelsea VT 05038.

We have $16,000 still to raise. Every dollar goes to the making of this art work and the artists involved. Thank you to all who have helped us meet our financial obligations as the ticket price covers only a fraction of the full cost of making The Quarry Project.
 
FILM SHOWINGS
Lukas Huffman is putting together two outdoor showings of his Quarry Project films from 2020 and 2021. 

  • Thursday, June 16, 8:30pm - 10:00pm at the parking lot of our presenting partner The Media Factory, 208 Flynn Ave, Burlington (rain date: Friday, June 17th)

  • Friday, July 8th, 8:30pm - 10pm at the Christ Church courtyard, Main St, Montpelier (rain date: Saturday, July 9th).

The films last 30 minutes and there will be ample time to ask questions and have responses with Lukas and other ensemble who will be present. Keep an eye out for more information in the next two weeks.
 
LIBRARY EXHIBITS
Julia Barstow’s stunning photographs of The Quarry Project, curated by Susan Morse are not to be missed.  

  • May 6 - June 30 at the Chelsea Public Library http://www.chelsealibrary.com. On May 19th we had a lovely gathering of about 20 people during which we showed the 2021 film and had a lively conversation.

  • July 1 - 31 at the Kellogg Hubbard Library in Montpelier, upstairs in the Karen Kitzmiller Room https://www.kellogghubbard.org

SITE PREPARATION

We are in total production mode. Last Friday the crane from Rowland Enterprises came to put all the performer's stages into the water. It was quite a sight to see them fly and then float. I got a little teary. Leslie Anderson and Marcy Kass painted the Wall of Thanks on the metal shed we use for storage etc. Just under 300 names of people and businesses who have supported this project over the years.

Today, more lumber is delivered for the framing to the Audience Platform where you will eventually sit. If the weather is good, three of us will be out painting the performers stages to give them a final coat after many winters stored at the edge of the quarry.

Happy early summer,