LETTER: Arts Enter Co-Directors Speak Out

March 10, 2014

DEAR EDITOR,

We are writing to provide an update on some changes within the Stage Door Gallery, the visual arts facet of Arts Enter Cape Charles. From our humble beginning on Strawberry Street 14 years ago, to our growth into the beautifully renovated space on Mason Avenue in 2007, the gallery continues to shine thanks to our dedicated patrons, artists, and volunteers.

However, it is with sadness that Arts Enter has accepted the resignation of gallery manager Ellen Moore. Both she and her predecessor, Ebba TinWin, were instrumental to supporting the gallery’s role in the community.

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In 2011, Arts Enter was pleased to honor Ellen with the first Living the Arts Award. The wording on her plaque read: “In appreciation for her unwavering commitment to keep the visual arts alive as Chairman of the Stage Door Gallery, where she has invested her dynamic talents to ensure high quality, an elegant ambiance, and continuing success.”

Our gratitude for Ellen’s five years of volunteerism remains, and we sincerely wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Arts Enter would also like to express our thanks to the many artists who give their time to the Gallery. For those continuing to volunteer—Anne Bois, Michael Flanagan, Marilyn Tapscott, Vera Miller, Evy Chapman, Gertraud Fendler, Eden Ertle, Victor Abrahamian, Keith Fox, and Vanessa Cox — we thank you. For those who have stepped down to pursue other endeavors — Mary Anne Clark and Marty Burgess — we thank you. We treasure and respect the generous and talented people who have helped shape this volunteer-driven organization.

Nothing brings us more joy than seeing the arts take root in Cape Charles. We applaud and support initiatives such as the Eastern Shore Artisan Trail and encourage artists to utilize all opportunities and venues to showcase their work.

The Harbor for the Arts Festival, now in its second year, represents all that we could have hoped for when Arts Enter first opened its doors in the old Cape Charles School back in 1997. Together with local and global partners, we are forging a new identity for Cape Charles as an unparalleled place to create and appreciate art. Music, dance, theater, and the visual arts are no longer contained within our community gem, the Historic Palace Theatre — the arts are spilling out into the streets.

Perhaps it is safe to say that the arts have officially entered Cape Charles.

Our next gallery exhibition is called “Big.” Large canvases and brave brushstrokes signify our expanding opportunities in Cape Charles. We hope you’ll join us and art critic Frederick Bayersdorfer at the opening March 21. Linger in the lobby and you might find yourself laughing until you cry as Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple comes alive on the stage.

Amidst the changes that we have experienced over the past 17 years, a few constants endure: our deep appreciation to Arts Enters’ volunteers and supporters, our collaborative spirit, and our commitment to building community through the arts.

CLELIA SHEPPARD
MARY ANN ROEHM
Arts Enter Co-Directors

Letters to the Editor are welcome, and a diversity of opinions is encouraged. Send submissions to [email protected].