Michelle Fedder, Editor Manistee News Advocate
'Mentorship can be life changing': Brethren pays tribute to James Earl Jones, Donald Crouch'
Oct 14th, 2023
More than two and half years ago the Arts & Culture Alliance of Manistee County set out to commission a bronze sculpture in honor of James Earl Jones and his teacher and mentor, Donald Crouch.
On Saturday, that project reached it’s culmination as the members of the nonprofit group, along with Kaleva Norman Dickson Schools administration, hosted a dedication ceremony for the James Earl Jones and Donald Crouch “Mentorship can be life changing” sculpture project.
Best known as the man behind the voice of Darth Vader, Jones
Scott Fraley Manistee News Advocate
Children's theater performs 'Fractured Fairy tales'.
Aug 11th, 2023
Over 40 young thespians took to the stage on Friday to showcase what they learned at the 2023 Children's Theater Workshop.
Now in its 8th year, the theme of this year's workshop was fractured fairy tales, and every young talent that enrolled in the workshop was given a role to perform. Skits included takes on "The Pied Piper," "Jack and the Giant" and "The Boy Who Cried Wolf."
During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to learn something about every aspect of a theater production, including the...
Scott Fraley Manistee News Advocate
James Earl Jones statue nears completion.
July 18th, 2023
The monument features statues of the county’s most famous former resident, actor James Earl Jones, and his mentor and former teacher, Donald Crouch.
Members of the Arts and Culture Alliance of Manistee County, which is spearheading the project, expect an unveiling to occur later this fall outside of Kaleva Norman Dickson Schools in Brethren
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Chandra Fleming, Detroit Free Press
Michigan community raising funds for statue honoring James Earl Jones and his teacher
May 17th, 2023
He was the voice of Mufasa in "The Lion King," Darth Vader in "Stars Wars" and a pioneer of success to the small town in Manistee County where he grew up. Now, the Arts and Culture Alliance of Manistee County is raising funds to erect a bronze statue of hometown hero James Earl Jones — and the man who helped him get to the top...
Scott Fraley, Staff writer, Midland Daily News
James Earl Jones statue nears completion
Nov 6, 2022
A statue depicting James Earl Jones is nearing completion, but more money is needed before an accompanying statue of his mentor moves beyond the drawing board....Click to read more.
Ken Grabowski, For the News Advocate
Sculpture featuring James Earl Jones and mentor brings $110,000 goal
Dec 6th, 2021
When the Manistee County Arts and Cultural Alliance embarked upon a project to create bronze sculptures of actor James Earl Jones and his Dickson School English teacher and mentor Donald Crouch, the purpose was to show that mentorships can be life changing....
KEN GRABOWSKI: Winter solstice, Finnish heritage combine in Kaleva this weekend
December 17, 2022
The ceremony is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, and it involves more than 1,000 luminaries that are to be placed on grave sites in the Maple Grove Township Cemetery.
The Finnish tradition has been celebrated on the shortest day of the year when the solstice occurs...
SCOTT FRALEY: Sisu! Kaleva Art Gallery to host 25th anniversary celebration.
December 7, 2022
For a quarter century, the Kaleva Art Gallery has been a prominent feature in the village’s downtown. And while Kaleva has seen some changes over the past two decades — the art center continues to provide a venue for local artists and crafters.
Cynthia Asiala, member of the Kaleva Art Gallery cooperative, attributes its longevity to the character of the historically Finnish community...
BILL FROEHLICH & JOSH MONROE - 9&10 News: James Earl Jones to be honored with Life Size statue in Manistee County.
November 10,2022
One Northern Michigan community has found a unique way to highlight the value of mentoring, and they’re doing it by paying tribute to two former residents. Now their likenesses will be cast in bronze statues in Manistee County. And no doubt you’ll know at least one of them.
Famed actor James Earl Jones...
SCOTT FRALEY: Work on James Earl jones, Donald Crouch statues progressing.
November 3,2022
BRETHREN — A statue depicting James Earl Jones is nearing completion, but more money is needed before an accompanying statue of his mentor moves beyond the drawing board. Sculptor Bernadette Zachara-Marcos has finished her clay reproduction of the actor and former
Manistee County resident, and is ready to have the sculpture sent to a foundry...
September 25, 2021
An exhibit at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is highlighting decades of work by sculptor Bernadette Zachara-Marcos, but it is her latest project that is generating the most buzz in...
JEFF ZIDE - jeffrey.zide@pioneergroup.com: Gala for James Earl Jones mentor held at Ramsdell Theatre
October 7, 2021
A gala celebration, Mentorships Can Be Life Changing, was held Saturday at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts.
KEN GRABOWSKI: Jones, Crouch sculpture will remind us what is important in life
April 25, 2021
Many stories in the media today are negative due to the current state of the world, so it is always a great feeling to come across one that is positive.
Arts and Culture Alliance to commission sculpture of James Earl Jones
April 17, 2021
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Arts and Culture Alliance of Manistee County, and to celebrate, the organization has introduced its most ambitious public arts project to date.
Manistee County Museums Cope with Pandemic
January 31, 2021
Museums throughout Manistee County are hoping that 2021 will bring improvements in the fight against COVID-19 that will help ease restrictions to allow the public greater access to their buildings.
Eagle Statue Returns to Kaleva
December 9, 2020
From its massive metal grasshopper to a recently installed Finnish mosaic, the village of Kaleva is known for its many public art displays.
Kaleva Artist Makes Donation to Community
September 23, 2020
The Kaleva Historical Society has commissioned the creation and installation of the newest installment to the Kaleva Centennial Walkway, a lighted glass mosaic mural depicting scenes from the Kalevala — Finland's famous epic poem for which the village is named.
Arts and Culture Alliance meeting slated for Feb. 1
January 28, 2020
The Arts and Culture Alliance's (ACA) annual Ice Breaker is re-scheduled for 5 p.m. on Feb. 1 at the Brown Town hall. All supporters are invited to attend. The ACA is a nonprofit organization that promotes cultural events in Manistee County.
Ramsdell to auction lifetime art collection of Patricia Lottie
July 26, 2019
Patricia Lottie had a smile that would light up an entire room, and her passion for the arts enriched the lives of many. Pat was a founding member of the Arts and Culture Alliance of Manistee County and served as president of the Manistee Art Institute. Her home studio was her favorite place to create art. Glenn said she tried just about everything from fiber art to painting.
Marilla Church of the Brethren to celebrate 100 years
July 9, 2019
With new windows and restorations, the Marilla Church of the Brethren hardly looks a day of it’s 100 years. To commemorate the milestone anniversary, the Arts and Culture Alliance (ACA) of Manistee county has commissioned a quilt for the historic church and designated it as a stop along the Manistee county quilt trail.
Children’s Chorus to perform at Trinity Lutheran Church of Arcadia
May 1, 2019
The Manistee Benzie Area Children’s Chorus at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, will present a concert of folk and classical music at Trinity Lutheran Church of Arcadia.
ACA to honor Carol Voigts at Icebreaker Event
January 9, 2019
The Manistee Arts and Culture Alliance (ACA) will be honoring Carol Voigts during their annual icebreaker event at 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Brown Town Hall. Every year the Arts and Cultural Alliance hold this Icebreaker event and this year they are want to show Carol their appreciation for all she has done to enhance the community. She is one of the founding members of the Arts and Cultural Alliance.
Manistee Youth Chorus inviting singers to join
September 6, 2018
The Manistee Youth Chorus invites area singers age 8 to 18 to sing this fall.
Manistee Men Who Care donate to Manistee Arts and Culture Alliance
August 12, 2018
For the 2018 third quarterly meeting of Men Who Care (MWC) Manistee County donated $3,400 to the Manistee Arts and Culture Alliance.
Children’s Theatre workshop slated for August
July 9, 2018
The Children’s Theater Workshop will hold its fifth annual summertime week next month. The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Aug. 13 to 17 at Manistee High School. Free lunch will be provided Monday through Thursday.
Arts and Culture Alliance to hold annual Ice Breaker
January 9, 2018
The Arts and Culture Alliance will hold its annual Ice Breaker at 5pm on January 13 at the Brown Township Hall.
Manistee Children’s Workshop helps young thespians gain experience
August 18, 2017
Some future thespians got their first opportunity to perform on stage Friday during the The Manistee Children’s Theater Workshop at the Manistee High School Auditorium. Thirty-six area children took part in this year's workshop and they had the opportunity to sing, dance and act as a large group of parents and family members recorded the event with pictures and cameras.
Manistee Children’s Theatre Workshop to feature telling the tales
August 16, 2017
The Manistee Children's Theater Workshop will have a performance of their efforts 1 p.m. on Friday, at the Manistee High School Auditorium. The show will feature 36 children from around the county and beyond have worked all week on their skits each then fitting together in "Telling The Tales."
Arts & Culture Alliance to host annual "Ice-Breaker" January 28
January 20, 2017
The Arts & Culture Alliance of Manistee County will host its annual “Ice-Breaker” gathering at 5 p.m. on Jan. 28 at the Brown Township Hall.
Standing tall and proud: Manistee Arts and Culture Alliance honor migrant laborers with sculpture
October 2, 2016
On Saturday, the organization held a dedication ceremony for a sculpture commissioned by the ACA and created by sculptor Dewey Blocksma, to honor and recognize migrant agricultural workers who have had an impactful presence in Manistee County for 80 years.
Standing tall and proud: Manistee Arts and Culture Alliance honor migrant laborers with sculpture
September 23, 2016
The project is the brainchild of the Manistee Arts and Culture Alliance, who commissioned the talents of sculptor Dewey Blocksma to honor and recognize migrant agricultural workers, who have had an impactful presence in Manistee County, alone, for 80 years.
Arts and Culture Alliance holds annual members meeting
January 25, 2016
The Manistee Arts and Culture Alliance held its annual members meeting on Saturday at the Ramsdell Theatre to elect officers for the year, and to assess what was accomplished in promoting art and culture of Manistee County. Scholarships were given this year to Children’s Theater Workshop and Spring and All Music Fest, and ACA established the Manistee River Valley Museum Alliance with seven county museums cooperating.
100 Women Who Care donate to $5,900 to Manistee Arts and Culture Alliance
November 15, 2015
The 100 Women Who Care organization of Manistee County donated $5,900 to the Arts and Culture Alliance of Manistee County, its largest donation since its inception two years ago.
Members of the alliance were on hand Monday for their regular meeting on Nov. 9 at the Ramsdell Theatre and were presented with checks from 100 Women Who Care Manistee County.
100 Women Who Care donate to Manistee Arts and Culture Alliance
October 25, 2015
At the most recent meeting last week, the 100 Women Who Care gave a donation to the Manistee Arts and Culture Alliance. Over $4,000 was donated, however more donations are still being received, according to Jennie Naffie, co-founder of 100 Women Who Care.
Arts & Culture Alliance to host annual "Ice-Breaker" January 28
January 19, 2015
The Arts & Culture Alliance of Manistee County will host its annual “Ice-Breaker” gathering at 5 p.m. on Jan. 28 at the Brown Township Hall. This event is set aside during the darker days of winter to honor the the “light” that arts and culture individuals and groups provide to enrich each other's lives.
Arts and Culture Alliance to meet at Ramsdell Theater
January 18, 2015
The Arts and Culture Alliance of Manistee County meets at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Ramsdell Theatre. A potluck, performances and a short meeting will take place during the gathering.
Arts and Culture Alliance bestows grants
March 5, 2014
The Manistee Arts and Culture Alliance (ACA) presented grants to several groups at its annual membership meeting.Grant recipients were the newly formed Manistee Children's Choir.
ACA of Manistee county supports Area students
August 6, 2013
The Arts and Culture Alliance of Manistee County is generously supporting local art students with financial grants and scholarships presented in 2013. Funding was generated with funds proceeds from last year's third annual "Green Arts Fair" event held at Douglas Valley Vineyard.
Students perform at arts alliance 'Icebreaker'
January 21, 2013
On Saturday, Jan. 19 the Arts & Culture Alliance of Manistee County invited the students who had received 2012 scholarships to perform at the group's annual Ice Breaker held at Brown Town Hall.