Submitted by Janel Stahr, WAA
PRESCHOOL GRADUATION:
Woodlawn Preschool Academy, a program of Woodlawn Arts Academy, hosted its annual graduation ceremony in early May. Ten students were promoted to kindergarten. Registration for the 2023-24 school year is now open. Call 815-626-4278 or stop in the Woodlawn office to register or for a tour of the DCFS-licensed preschool.
ART EXHIBIT:
Woodlawn Arts Academy recently opened its Summer Art Exhibit, “Through the Lens,” which is on display at Woodlawn through Aug. 11. There is no fee to view the exhibit. The exhibit features digital and film photography by area artists age 14-adult. During the opening reception, Woodlawn visual arts students also displayed their artwork from the school year.
MUSIC RECITAL:
Woodlawn Arts Academy music students performed more than 60 numbers in late May in two recitals at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling, and one at Woodlawn Arts Academy. The students take private lessons from Nadine Appel, Erin Hartman, Mardi Huffstutler, James Miller and Nicole Oberg. Woodlawn’s private music lesson program runs year-round and is open to children and adults. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Call 815-626-4278 or stop in the Woodlawn office to register or apply for financial assistance.
DANCE RECITAL:
Woodlawn Dance Academy hosted its annual dance recitals, “On Broadway,” at the beginning of June. The recitals are the annual conclusion of the Academy’s school-year dance program, and feature a wide variety of dance styles including creative movement, ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, pointe and musical theatre. Registration for the 2023-24 dance year opens with Dance Registration Day on July 29. Families may continue to register until the start of classes right after Labor Day, but classes fill quickly, so families are encouraged to register early to ensure openings in their preferred classes. Woodlawn Arts Academy’s fall program guide will hit mailboxes soon, and the program guide and class information can be viewed online at woodlawnartsacademy.com.
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG:
Woodlawn Arts Academy presented its summer musical theatre production, Ian Fleming’s “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” in late April at Sterling High School’s Centennial Auditorium. More than 40 fourth- through eighth-grade students from Sterling, Rock Falls, Dixon, Franklin Grove and Rochelle performed under the direction of Faith Morrison, Mardi Huffstutler, Dawn Arndt and Ashley Aurand. Woodlawn’s summer theatre production will feature fourth- through eighth-grade students in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.” The show runs the weekend of June 23 at Centennial Auditorium. Tickets go on sale June 12 at centennialauditorium.org.
Woodlawn Arts Academy is an agency of United Way of Whiteside and Lee counties, and financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Details on the Academy’s programming and financial assistance applications are available in the Academy office or on the website at www.woodlawnartsacademy.com. The Academy’s programs are partially funded by grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and The Chicago Community Foundation.
