Issue link: https://townofcary.uberflip.com/i/673033
Koka Booth Amphitheatre - 2016 Concert Season Eight national acts have been announced, including Willie Nelson, Flight of the Conchords, Russell Peters and Modest Mouse, among others. Planning was completed for the NC Symphony's Summerfest with additional festival performances added on several Friday nights. Country music artist, Chris Stapleton, was announced and sold-out in 58 minutes, the fastest in Amphitheatre history. A new General Manager, Liz McDonald, began work in January. Page-Walker Arts & History Center Page-Walker hosted a program in January, "Caring for Our Treasures: The Restoration of the Marcus Baxter Dry Portrait" by painting conservator, Janet Hessling. She discussed the conservation of the portrait of the long-time Cary High School principal, Dr. Marcus Dry and measures everyone can take at home to better preserve art work and family heirlooms. The portrait of Dr. Dry, painted by Mabel Pugh in 1948, had been damaged. In its new frame, it now hangs in a place of honor at the Cary Art Center. The restoration was made possible in part by a donation from the Friends of the Page-Walker in partnership with the Town of Cary. Page-Walker also hosted the "Fine Arts League of Cary's Annual Juried Show." The opening reception saw over 150 in attendance. A new hospitality feature was added to the Page-Walker in March - six new NC made rocking chairs with matching side tables, which now sit on the historic front porch. They were made possible by a donation from a valued volunteer who strongly supports Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources events and programs across the Town. DID YOU KNOW? Launched the Frame by Frame Cinema Studies Series, which includes six films screened over 12 weeks. The series is a collaboration with the Modern School of Film and they provide an instructor/presenter to lead audience members through a study of the film and its significance. The series is drawing over 50 attendees at each screening. The Theater also hosted the first African American Film Festival including a featured film maker, panel discussion on diversity and a wide range of curated films. Specialized Recreation A variety of art programs for persons of all ages with disabilities includes themes such as Family Art, Teen and Adult Art, as well as Good Vibrations - a therapeutic drumming class. At Herb Young Community Center, culinary classes are popular with participants making personalized pizzas, veggie lasagna and blueberry coconut muffins. Social gatherings have become popular with new offerings such as Pajama Party with Friends, Sports Night, and Dancing Like a Star.