The arts are an integral part of PBUUC. We try to support all arts interests and are always open to forming new groups when the interest arises.
The Arts Council oversees arts interests at Paint Branch and consists of the Music Director and representatives from the following groups: the Choir, the Chalice Dancers, Poetry Out Loud, the Visual Arts, and the Writer's Group. The council promotes programs in the arts for the enjoyment of our senses, the education of our minds, and the enrichment of our spirits. We hope to encourage creativity through increased participation, appreciation, and understanding of the arts and to provide a welcoming environment for artists. We meet throughout the year on an ad hoc basis. Among other responsibilities, members help select and set up the exhibits in the Meeting House and facilitate the Music at Paint Branch concert series. Contact Julie Dahmer for more information.
The Choir is a warm, sharing and caring group of about 35 regular members, augmented on special occasions by singers who cannot attend regularly. The choir sings at the Sunday services about twice a month during the church year and occasionally at memorial services or other events. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings from 7:25 to 9:30, and before the Sunday service on the mornings we sing. No auditions are held. Interested singers are invited to contact Music Director David Chapman.
The Chalice Dancers are a friendly group of lifelong dancers and those who just love to move to music. The Chalice Dancers have a wonderful and talented artistic director, Sharon Werth, who has a wealth of knowledge about Liturgical Dance from her many years' experience, which she shares this with us through her original choreography and through teaching us Erika Thimey choreographed dances. We dance for the Sunday service at various times during the year. Rehearsals are held on Saturday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 and before the Sunday service on the mornings we dance. All are welcome regardless of experience. Interested dancers are invited to contact Jennifer Grant or Sharon Werth.
Poetry Out Loud is a group of Paint Branchers who meet the fourth Sunday of every month during the Enrichment Hour in the Hospitality Room of the RE Building to read poetry out loud. The meetings are open and free, and anyone is welcome to attend. All you need to bring are some poems you would like to read aloud. They may be your own or someone else's. You are welcome to attend even if you would merely like to listen to others read but do not wish to read yourself. Contact: Barbara Fairfield.
Visual Arts: Members of the Arts Council seek out artists to exhibit their works in the Sanctuary. We have continuous exhibits--six to eight on display per year--which include paintings, drawings, collage, and photography. Members as well as outside artists exhibit their work. Arts Council members schedule the exhibits and help hang them. For further information about these exhibits or if you are interested in exhibiting your own work, please contact Jane Trout or the church office (301-937-3666).
The Writer's Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Meeting House kitchen to review and critique each other's writing. It is an excellent, supportive forum for new and long-time writers. For more information, contact Marj Donn.
The Music at Paint Branch Concert Series features concerts and recitals throughout the year. Artists include vocalists, pianists, a capella groups, chamber orchestras, and other ensembles. A reception usually follows. The concerts are free, and donations go to the artist and to continue the Concert Series.
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