Fall 2017 Film Festival @ PVCC

The Film Festival at PVCC is a series of films screened at the Center For Performing Arts over course of the fall semester. This year, the festival theme is Director's Choice, highlighting films from international directors across a variety of genres. Admission to the Film Festival at PVCC is free and open to the public. 

Film Festival at PVCC Presents: Monsieur Hire

August 30th ‧ 6:30 p.m.

PG-13 1989 ‧ Crime film/Drama film ‧ 1h 21m
Monsieur Hire, a misanthropic and voyeuristic tailor, spies on his gorgeous neighbour Alice from across the street. The development of their relationship takes place against the backdrop of another plot, the unsolved murder of a local young woman. Monsieur Hire is hounded by a detective investigating the murder and is also eventually noticed by Alice. Hire propositions Alice to ditch her boyfriend Emile and run off with him to his little home in Switzerland, where he promises to take care of her.

Free Admission ‧ Center for Performing Arts

Film Festival at PVCC Presents: Cautiva

September 13th ‧ 6:30 p.m.

2005 ‧ Indie film/Drama ‧ 1h 55m
In 1994 Argentina, Cristina Quadri (Bárbara Lombardo), a teen from a well-to-do family, leads a charmed life. But when she's summoned in front of a judge one day, she learns the shocking truth of her real parents' disappearance during Argentina's "Dirty War" of the 1970s. Her actual name is Sofía Lombardi, and now she must live with her real grandmother (Susana Campos), a total stranger. With her life forever changed, Cristina works to uncover the deceit that for years kept her from the truth.

Free Admission ‧ Center for Performing Arts

Film Festival at PVCC Presents: The Lunchbox

September 27th ‧ 6:30 p.m.

PG 2013 ‧ Drama film/Romance ‧ 1h 45m
Lonely housewife Ila (Nimrat Kaur) decides to try adding some spice to her stale marriage by preparing a special lunch for her neglectful husband. Unfortunately, the delivery goes astray and winds up in the hands of Saajan (Irrfan Khan), an irritable widower. Curious about her husband's lack of response, Ila adds a note to the next day's lunchbox, and thus begins an unusual friendship in which Saajan and Ila can talk about their joys and sorrows without ever meeting in person.

Free Admission ‧ Center for Performing Arts

Film Festival at PVCC Presents: The Farewell Party

October 11th ‧ 6:30 p.m.

2014 ‧ Drama film/Romance ‧ 1h 35m

Levana and Yehezkel, a married couple in a retirement home, love being together until a pair of devastating challenges suddenly threatens to divide them.

Fall 2017 Jazz Ensembles at PVCC

The Music Department at PVCC is excited to offer several new and unique music-making opportunities focused on JAZZ MUSIC for Fall 2017. Courses are for students of all ages and abilities. Ensemble classes begin September 4th. 

UNION JAZZ INSTITUTE COMBO · Wednesday 5-6pm

JAZZ COMBO · Monday 4-6pm

BIG BAND · Monday 7-9pm

COMMUNITY JAZZ COMBO · Monday 7-850pm

THE PVCC NONET · Wednesday 7-950pm

LATIN JAZZ COMBO · Thursday 7-850pm

See course descriptions + register at classes.sis.maricopa.edu · Search for MUP (Music Performance)

Summer 2017 Flute Choir Concert at PVCC

The Paradise Valley Community College Summer Flute Choir presents its 24th annual concert this summer! The program started in 1994, and the choir is composed of folks from all walks of life: students to doctors, retirees to parents of young families, founding members to those who just started playing with the group this year.

An exciting addition this summer: Catherine McMichael, the composer of one of the pieces the group is playing will be coming in to work with the group on the piece, and share insights into the work's composition.

This work, as well as several others, will be performed on Thursday evening, July 27, at 7:30 pm in the Center for the Performing Arts. Admission to the concert is free of charge to the public. Come up and say hello to someone - we look forward to meeting you then!

Lee Chivers,
Flute Choir Director

The above photos show the variety of flutes in the choir: Contrabass (the BIG one), to bass and alto, regular flute and piccolo.

PVCC's Singer-Songwriter Tribute: Meet the Singers

PVCC is proud to present A Musical Tribute to SINGER-SONGWRITERS on Friday, June 2nd at 7:30pm. Performed by the Union32 All-Star Band with dynamic singer-songwriters Ciara Cisneros, Cameron DeGurski, Janae Dunn, Micah Lukas, Alex Mullins, Ally Owens, and Callie Young.

Featuring music from some of greatest singer-songwriters from the 1970s through today, including James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Billy Joel, Stevie Nicks, Ryan Adams, George Ezra, Vance Joy and much more!

All proceeds from this concert will benefit the Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock to PVCC Pathway Scholarship Fund. Held at the Center for Performing Arts, Admission is $6-$10.  

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Ciara Cisneros

Inspired by:

Heart, Kaki King, Pink, Led Zeppelin, Prince, Hosier, Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters

I got my first taste of performing as a singer in a 6th grade talent show and have loved it ever since. Two years later I found another passion: playing guitar. I'm currently writing my own music and performing at local venues around the valley. I hope to release my first EP by the end of the year or in early 2018. I am beyond excited to be playing with the faculty musicians. I was very fortunate to perform at PVCC during the Alice Cooper Proof in the Pudding contest and at the Festival of Tales, which both took place last year. Both experiences were fabulous, from the beautiful venue to the amazing people at PVCC. I can't wait to see everyone at this show and all for a GREAT cause!

There is nothing like jamming with other musicians who also love music and then connecting with an audience. It blows my mind every time!

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Cameron DeGurski

Inspired by:

Ryan Adams, Chris Cornell, Eddie Vedder, Emily King, D'Angelo, Bill Withers, Justin Pierre

"I'm not going to play anything I can't pour my heart into." 

Straightforward, honest, and un-apologetically raw, Arizona-native Cameron DeGurski (say it with me - "dee" "grr" "ski") doesn't mind baring his soul behind the microphone. He's a self-proclaimed "purveyor of sounds and feels." 

With a style that incorporates elements of folk, soul, grunge, and even alt-country, a genre-specific definition is hard to come by for DeGurski, something he takes pride in. Listeners can find shades of Ryan Adams, Chris Cornell, David Gray, and Bill Withers peeking through in his performances. One word that everyone can agree on? Emotion. 

"I'd rather play something that exudes emotion, and make an audience feel something, ANYTHING, than regurgitate the tunes you can play in any jukebox, at any bar in town. If you want the jukebox, I'll give you a quarter. If you want to share some energy, and leave feeling a little more human, 'I'm your Huckleberry.'"

 I've been a student at ASU, GCC, and I even did a small stint in culinary school - but I've never felt as involved or as much a part of a community as I do here at PVCC. I truly enjoy coming to class and interacting with the other students and faculty. PVCC has really cultivated something special, and I'm glad to be a part of it.

Connect

www.camerondegurski.com

Janae Dunn

Inspired by:

Sara Bareilles, Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Birdy

Janae Dunn is an independent singer-songwriter, and actress in the valley. She has been singing since she could talk, and begun making up my own little ditties shortly after that, and it all blossomed from there. She creates music about promoting self-love, mending heartbreak, and how to navigate the surprises of this rollar-coaster we all call life. Music is much like therapy in some ways for Janae, for it always works as a vessel to unlocking and understanding the emotions and complexities lying within her heart. She thanks God everyday for the creation of music, its incredible power, and the abilities to do it and pursue it. 

I am all about lyrics to a song first: the metaphors and painting pictures and feelings with words. I am super excited to get to perform with a live band; I always love seeing other passionate artists living out their love for music. It's a perfect example of the beautiful power music has in the world and in bringing people together.

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Alex Mullins

Inspired by:

U2, Coldplay, Imagine Dragons, The Killers, Queen, The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen

Alex Mullins is a 23-year-old singer/songwriter from Phoenix Arizona. Alex has been playing around Arizona as well as the greater southwest for the past 4 years both solo and with his former band, Alex Mullins and The Royal. After the disbanding of Alex Mullins and The Royal in 2017, Alex resumed his solo career with a folk, funk, soul and pop flare that stays true to his roots from growing up with the ubiquity of Bruce Springsteen, U2 and countless others. He also continues to compose and write for other artists around the country. His debut EP is set to release in the fall of 2017.

It is humbling to play alongside such talented musicians with savant qualities. All the essentials to recording, performing and live sound were instilled in me at PVCC. Performing here is like a small college reunion every time.

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Ally Owens

Inspired by:

Ann Wilson, Joan Jett, Tracey Chapman, Michael Jackson, Guns N Roses, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin

18 year old Ally Owens performs a wide range of music throughout the Valley as a soloist as well as with her band, Second Soulstice. She was the 2013 Prescott Idol winner, 2015 Miss Tempe’s Outstanding Teen and made it to the semi finals of both the 2014 and 2016 Alice Cooper’s Proof is in the Pudding Talent Competition as a soloist. Ally also enjoys community service including performing at the St. Vincent de Paul Hearts and Hands monthly event, the Annual Arthritis Walk and Juvenile Arthritis Convention as well as creating a fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation called Mocha for Moola - musical event geared to raise funds. She was selected to be a part of the Arizona Ambassadors Choir and this June she will be traveling to Europe performing with the group.

It's always great to work with new musicians and having new learning experiences. I performed at the Festival of Tales at PVCC and it was fun to interact with the kids and help them see how great music is. Performing on the PVCC stage for Proof is in the Pudding was a great experience!

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Callie Young

Inspired by:

Stevie Nicks, Lana Del Rey, Heart

Callie Young is a sixteen-year-old singer/songwriter from Phoenix, Arizona. She plays guitar, ukulele, piano, and has been performing since she was ten. She was a two time finalist in Alice Cooper's Proof is in the Pudding Competition and has been featured on Alice's Taste of Christmas Pudding CD. Callie had the privilege of being able to perform at the 2017 NAMM Show at the Anaheim Convention Center- the biggest music trade show in the nation. She plays all over the valley at concert venues, restaurants, coffee shops, festivals, and so much more! Callie will be recording and EP this summer.

Playing with a band is always such a fun experience. Don't get me wrong, I love playing with my guitar. But having the chance to dance around and use your whole body when you perform is amazing. 

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Student Feature: David Warner, Visual Arts

We recently sat down with David Warner, PVCC student and visual artist to discuss his work, his experience at PVCC and his creative process. David's colorful, symbolic paintings explore themes of loss and gain, perseverance, and the search for one’s own integrity and truth. He expresses these ideas through a combination of abstract and surreal elements. 

"Rebirth"

"Rebirth"

"Taking the Dark to Light"

"Taking the Dark to Light"

When did you know you were an artist?

I started drawing when I was about 3 years old. At the time it was something that I really enjoyed and lost myself in. At one point when I was about 5 or 6 I remember vividly experiencing this physical and spiritual rush of excitement. It was around this point that I realized I loved drawing.  Around the same age I was drawing Biblical stories, scenes from Moby Dick, whales and scenes from movies such as “Jaws”, “Indiana Jones” and others. I was also interested in acting and directing for a long time and that deep passion has stayed with me as I’ve gotten older. 

How did you begin painting?

I first started painting seriously about 4 or 5 years ago. From a very early age I was very invested in drawing with pen and graphite before people started continuously encouraging me to use color in my work (something I was initially resistant to). I first tried oil painting when I was a senior in High School: there one was one night when I decided to bring a canvas and paints home and I painted for about 4 or 5 hours. It was that night that I realized oil painting was my passion. For some reason, the blending, the application and feel of the paint made so much sense to me and I was able to pick up the process very quickly.

"The Plants Never Worry About Blooming"

"The Plants Never Worry About Blooming"

"The Thing That Makes Me Slow Is The Thing that Makes Me Drive"

"The Thing That Makes Me Slow Is The Thing that Makes Me Drive"

Are you attracted to any other visual forms of art?

Yes. Around the same time that I picked up drawing at a young age, movies were another thing that I absolutely loved and obsessed over. To this day, I am a very committed and passionate film-watcher. 

How do you decide what you will paint?

Currently it is something that just comes to me. These days I just sit down in front of the canvas and let it loose. Right now I am invested in bringing several ways of painting something (aesthetically and technically) into a singular painting. Creativity is something that is always there, but on some days I feel it strongly and on other days I struggle to really tap into it. When I first started oil painting around 2012-2013 I would draw and sketch out the idea a few times before I would finally commit it to canvas. For the past year I have been working on a process where I start painting an image that is planned out and I destroy it (usually out of frustration) by painting over it with an abstract field. Once the painting dries, I got to it again and fully flesh out my idea. Sometimes it’ll take a couple of months to fully finish a painting, so I try to have a few going during the same time. My process is always evolving and changing and I try my best to go with it.

"Speaking To You is Like Breathing"

"Speaking To You is Like Breathing"

"Watcher of Thought"

"Watcher of Thought"

What are your influences?

My influences span from movies, music and painting to psychology, spirituality and day-to-day experiences. My earlier influences came from film, but at around the same time I was exposed to painters such as Salvador Dali and Renee Magritte whose work had a tremendous impact on me. For about 3 or 4 years I would hole up in my room and study works by Vincent Van Gogh, Wassily Kandinsky, Jean Michel-Basquiat, Henri Matisse, Caravaggio, Pablo Picasso, Milton Avery and Jackson Pollock among many others. Recently, musicians such as Aphex Twin and John Frusciante have profoundly impacted and spurred on the way I express myself. Film directors such as Paul Thomas Anderson, Michael Mann, John Carpenter and Danny Boyle have always had a special place in my heart. My art professor, Adria Pecora has had a tremendous impact on me during my stay at Paradise Valley Community College. Her versatility, talent and insight as an artist really helped me improve as an artist. She has a way of approaching the creative process and articulating the ideas behind the process that I really admire and look up to.

What is the most difficult aspect of your creative process?

I think that one of the more difficult things about the creative process is not over-thinking it. I have noticed that having expectations for my art is something that does not work for me at this point in my journey. If I approach the canvas with a specific idea that is already mapped out, I struggle to maintain interest. At this point, the creative process has a mind of its own and if I am fortunate enough to organize all of these things in my head without forcing it at the right time, I am truly satisfied. The old cliché “organized chaos” rings true for me. Part of the creative process is relaxing into the frame of mind where thoughts fade and you loosen your grip on control. When you reach that point, the creativity just pours out. So, the difficult part is relaxing and going with it, not against it.

"Past, PRESENT, Future"

"Past, PRESENT, Future"

What is the most rewarding aspect?

Drawing and painting is always something I have done to find a quiet place where everything makes sense to me. As I have gotten older, I have found that the creative process is inseparable from my spirituality and faith. Painting allows me to explore myself spiritually and connect with God. I feel that I can truly explore my thoughts and emotions and express these things through painting and drawing. It's my way of connecting and communicating to other people. At this point in my artistic journey, connecting with other people is the other most rewarding aspect. If I can communicate myself to people and have an emotional reaction and response, I feel that I have done my job as an artist.

"Sea of Frequency"

"Sea of Frequency"

What would you change about your talents if you could?

I still have that voice that comes up and says, “You can do this better, why can’t you do THAT? What is not working in this painting?” I find that that critical voice can really push me to improve as an artist, but I still have to remind myself to appreciate and love what I do paint. I think most artists are like this. I want to find that balance of being objective and improving my craft but also appreciating and loving what I am doing. On a lighter note I would love to be able to play and create music. It is something that I have absolutely no channel to. 

What has been your experience at PVCC?

I have had an absolutely incredible, life-changing experience at this school. For a while I was lost and not sure as to what path to take in my life. All of my classes at this institution have been excellent and I simply enjoy walking the campus and encountering the faculty and fellow students who make this whole experience unique and fulfilling.

"Nostalgic Sadness" 

"Nostalgic Sadness" 

Describe a positive interaction with a PVCC professor.

A couple of years ago I was finally convinced to return to school after years of shrugging it off. I attended SCC and was heading toward a degree in film before I dropped out. I had been lost for about 3 years prior to the decision to return to school. During my first semester at PVCC I attended a life-drawing class taught by Adria Pecora. I was initially terrified and very within myself; I hadn’t been to school in years and I was afraid. Adria from the first week was able to bring out my passion and my desire for learning. She basically opened my mind to all sorts of new possibilities creatively and gave me a support system that to this day I am absolutely grateful for. She has been incredibly helpful and committed to me as a PVCC student. I credit her as being an integral part of my transformation as an artist and as a person. She helped guide me to where I am now. I’ll be attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for my undergraduate degree and she encouraged me to take those steps to achieve that goal. She wrote an amazing letter of recommendation for me and I am very grateful for all of her support. She is an amazing artist, a supportive teacher and a good friend.

"Pain and Pleasure"

"Pain and Pleasure"

Describe the group/community/class environment in your art classes.

I have found that the art classes are THE place to really engage with fellow students. Art is communication. I think the art classes offered at PVCC provide an atmosphere where students can really engage and learn about each other through expression. The whole experience is very enjoyable, supportive and therapeutic. I would highly recommend that even people who are not headed toward a degree in the Art field attend at least one class. There are many opportunities here and the professors are excellent.

You were recently featured in a gallery show at the Center for Performing Arts, how did that feel? 

It felt great to represent my school. Most of my paintings if not all were gathering dust in my room and I was waiting to get them out there for people to see. The only people who were aware of them were my art professors, colleagues, friends and family. To have several of them displayed for a month was a great feeling. I was happy to be in the show alongside other PVCC student artists.

How did you select which pieces to enter?

I kind of knew immediately which pieces I wanted to put in the show, but there was some deliberation between pieces I wasn’t so sure about. I asked my family and friends to choose which pieces they liked best. I didn’t rely absolutely on their opinions, but I did take into account what they had to say. I still struggle sometimes with choosing the pieces for myself rather than relying on critiques and opinions from other people. I do consider art to belong to both the artist and the viewer, so I do take critiques objectively and I try to see how people respond to certain works. Granted, I will never change something in my work because of someone else’s opinion.

What do you hope viewers think or feel when they interact with your work?

As long as a viewer can be intrigued and interested with what I have painted, I am truly happy. I want my art to make people happy. I want people to experience a familiarity to my work that resonates with their own life. I want to connect with people on an emotional level and if I have done that I have done my job as an artist successfully.

"Memories of You"

"Memories of You"

Exciting Spring 2017 Events at PVCC

BIG BAND JAZZ AT THE NASH

Featuring PVCC's Wednesday Night Jazz Band and SCC's Jazz Big Band

Wednesday, March 29th at 7:30pm. $5 for MCCD students with ID.

Come out to see some great big band jazz featuring the PVCC Wednesday night ensemble presenting the music of Charles Mingus, directed by Adam Roberts and the SCC Jazz Big Band performing jazz favorites, directed by Eric Rasmussen.

The Nash is located at 110 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Click Here To Purchase Tickets Online

PVCC FACULTY JAZZ ENSEMBLE LIVE AT VALLEY BAR

Saturday, April 1st at 7:30pm.

A kaleidoscopic view of the great record, taking the audience to unexplored aspects of the songs from "Revolver" - the 1966 classic Beatles recording. Highlights include: a drum-and-bass version of 'Eleanor Rigby', an avant-garde jazz version of 'Yellow Submarine'; and a harmonically-dense ballad of 'And Your Bird Can Sing' reminiscent of the music Bill Evans.

Click Here To Purchase Tickets Online

JAZZ UNDER THE STARS

Featuring music by PVCC's Monday Night and Wednesday Night Jazz Bands

Wednesday, April 5th at 7:00pm. CPA Outdoor Stage. Free Admission. 

Audience is invited to bring folding chairs or blankets for lawn seating.

PVCC FACULTY JAZZ ENSEMBLE LIVE AT BLACK MOUNTAIN

Thursday, April 6th at 7:00pm. Aquila Hall Outdoor Stage. Free Admission. 

Audience is invited to bring folding chairs or blankets for lawn seating.

PVCC's Black Mountain Campus is located at  34250 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85266 (60th St and Carefree Highway).

ALL MY SONS by Arthur Miller. Directed by Joe Flowers.
April 14, 15, 21, 22 at 7:30pm and 22 & 23 at 2:00pm. Admission:  $6-$12.  

In 1947, Arthur Miller exploded onto Broadway with his first major work, All My Sons, winning both the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best New Play and the Tony for Best Author. The play introduced themes that would preoccupy Miller throughout his career: the relationships between fathers and sons and the conflict between business and personal ethics.  All My Sons is still a powerful show, a true classic of the Theatre. 

Click HERE to purchase tickets

Festival of Tales is a fun day of reading, literacy and cultural activities for children and families that includes storytelling, arts and crafts, games, face painting, live music, food trucks and much more! PVCC’s Art of Storytelling classes Program, Division of Fine & Performing Arts, and the Music Program, this free event for children in the community.

For information, visit us online at www.festivaloftales.com

 

 

2017 Juried Student Art Show: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

PVCC STUDENTS: Want your artwork showcased in the 2017 Juried Student Art Show? 

This is open to all students currently enrolled at PVCC (not just art students) during either Summer,/Fall, 2016, or Spring 2017 are eligible. 

Fee: $5 each, up to 3 works of art (2D & 3D media accepted)

Submit work: Friday, March 24, 1-5 pm, CPA Building. Artwork must be ready to display/hang in a professional manner.

Exhibit duration: April 3 - May 7, 2016

Reception: Wednesday, April 12, 5:30 pm

Emerging Artist Series 2017

Opening Reception - Wednesday, March 1st at 5:30pm - Center for the Performing Arts

Highlighting up-and-coming student artists Michael Moretti, David Warner, and Taylor Wilson.

The artwork will be on view from February 27, to March 23, 2017. 

Taylor Wilson: Mixed Media

Wilson’s work focuses on duality of internal and external views of divorces and the ways it affects the family. Her imagery and structure is meant to allow people to feel the impact of divorce that becomes so ingrained in the notion of what it brings about.

David Warner: Painting

Warner’s work explores themes of loss and gain, perseverance, and the search for one’s own integrity and truth: both conscious and subconscious progression through adversity and the search for inner truth. He expresses these ideas through a combination of abstract and surreal elements.

Michael Moretti: Photography

For Moretti, photography is often aside effect of venturing out into nature and absorbing the whole experience. Taking what’s before him and trying to convey the experience through a single photo. Much of his work and way of thinking is influenced by the many great photographers who have been featured in Arizona Highways magazine.